Drug Abuse in the Community
Quote: "Drugs are the enemies of ambition and hope - and when we fight against drugs we are fighting for the future."
- Bob Riley
Drug abuse is a significant and serious social issue topic that needs to be acknowledged. Not only does it harm the people in society but also the people we know and care about. It is no laughing matter, many have struggled and have had great difficulty dealing with it. Drug abuse has serious consequences that one should be aware of. Over time we have witnessed the negative impacts and effects that drug abuse leaves. It was said that in 2018 more than 67,300 Americans died from drug involved overdose. It is a health, mental, physical, and social problem.
We may ask what causes drug abuse or why does it occur? It could occur due to the lack of attachment and attention by the caregivers and parents, the cause of ineffective parenting. It can be the influence that is brought by other people, economic and academic failure, the loss of a loved one, etc. There are many reasons why people turn to drugs and that lead to drug abuse. For example, curiosity, stress, anger, rejection, etc. In my community, one can see the misuse and mishandle of drugs and other substances. So it is important to bring the issue up so something can be done.
- According to The science of Drug Use and Addiction it is defined as chronic, relapse disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.
- The habitual taking of addictive or illegal drugs.
- What are the symptoms of Drug Abuse?
- Felling that you have to use drug regularly-daily or even several times a day
- Having intense urges for the drug that block out any negative thoughts
- Over time needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Spending money on the drug, even though you can not afford it
- Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug
- Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
-Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
- Confusion and disorientation
-Trouble staying focused on task at hand
-Obsession with unpleasant thought, including suicide
-Difficulty solving problems or making decisions
-Difficulty following conversations
- Classification and Type of drugs:
Drug classification based on Chemical Makeup:
1. Alcohol
-beer, wine, liquor
2. Opioids
-heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone
3. Cannabinoids
-marijuana, hashish
4. Benodiazepines
-ativan, valium, Xanax
5. Barbiturates -
amytal, luminal, pentobarbita
Drug classification based on Effect:
1. Depressants
-alcohol, opiates, barbiturates
2. Stimulants
-adderall, cocaine, meth
3. Hallucinogens
-LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, PCP
4. Inhalants
-paint thinner, nail polish remover, gasoline
Most commonly abused over the counter drugs:
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
--Delsym, Robitussin cough, vicks 44
- Loperamide
--Imodium
- Pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine
--Sudafed
- Acetaminophen
--Tylenol
Addiction vs Abuse:
"Addiction is characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences."
"Abuse is characterized by the use of illegal and legal substances in ways you shouldn't."
The Effects of Drug Addiction:
-Damaged immune system, which increase susceptibility to infection
-Seizures and strokes
-Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
-Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins
- Widespread brain damage that can interfere with memory, attention, and decision-making, brain damage
-Suicidal ideation
-Financial problems
-Depression
Effects in the Community Recent/Prior:
There has been a rise in drug use among High School students and adults. It is seen how more and more teens have been introduced to drugs. There have also been drug-related arrests as well as an increase in homelessness. People have lost their employment/jobs, which leads to their economic status going down. Not only does their economic status go down but also their relationship. As seen time and time again accidents have also occurred. The worst effect would be the behavior of the person who becomes more aggressive, distant, or controlling. Drug abuse has also caused people to be incarcerated either for selling the product or being caught using the substance. It has been affecting LA and also the US in today's time and years prior.
The Fentanyl Crisis in LA County (2019): The I-team found that it's not only dangerous but contributes to a frightening spike in deaths in LA County. DEA says that fentanyl is being combined with other drugs and abused because of how potent it is. In February several police officers from the bay area after exposure of fentanyl and the Drug Enforcement Administration made video for police to play at role call. It was stated that from 2015-2018 fentanyl deaths cause went from 13 to 225, a 1,631% jump.
Personal Story of 30 year old Nicole:
Local rehabilitation counselor went searching for Nicole and found her in bad a bad condition. She had been mixing fentanyl with other stuff. She had said that her downward spiral was due to her addiction to drugs. Nicole shared that she started taking prescribed pain pills after high school when she developed a bad case meningitis. When the pills had stopped the heroin started and then fentanyl. She had several needles in her car and purse. Her counselor then saw her struggles and decided to help her. Nicole stated that see has seen fentanyl more and more in California in the past year. Now she is fighting to stay clean so she can take care of her son.
Charts Recent/Prior yrs:
Personal:
This social issue directly affects me because I have family members who have struggled and are struggling with this. I remember asking my cousin the reason for using and him saying that at first, he did it to relieve stress. It made him feel relaxed and free but later on, he developed a habit of using every day. He became an addict, he wasted a lot of money, and had behavior issues. At one point he realized the damage it was doing to his relationship and himself and decided to quit and turn his life around. Its something that I see impacts my family so it really does become something that I would want to research.
The reason for picking this issue is because I wanted to further my knowledge on this topic. I wanted to know the signs and effects it could bring. The behavior changes it brought. Knowing this could help people deal with drug abuse.We need to be aware that this problems exist and that it is rapidly increasing not only in the U.S but in other places to. Something needs to be done to help those struggling with drug abuse.
References:
The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2020, from https://www.altamirarecovery.com/drug-addiction/causes-effects-drug-addiction/
Drug addiction (substance use disorder). (2017, October 26). Retrieved October 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
Drug Addiction Causes & Effects. (2017, September 28). Retrieved October 2020, from https://www.life-healing.com/addiction/causes-effects/
Drug Classifications. (2020, September 17). Retrieved October 2020, from https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/drug-classifications/
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, June 25). The Science of Drug Use and Addiction: The Basics. Retrieved October 2020, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-use-addiction-basics
“The Fentanyl Crisis in LA County | NBCLA.” Youtube, uploaded by NBCLA, 16 May 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XcJjWeXHZs&t=6s.
No comments:
Post a Comment