Why substance abuse is a social problem

Abuse of drugs below age 7 has been reported as well as initiation of alcohol and tobacco as early as age 7—10 and of heroin and cannabis at age 18— Evidence also supports the association of drugs and crime. Crimes include drug peddling, petty crimes, and road accidents committed under the influence of alcohol. A survey in India reported that two-fifths of addicts came in conflict with the law.

Drug addiction had an impact on work; almost three-fourths of addicts were unable to work, and students could not attend to their studies. Drug addiction was the reason for change of job in nearly half of workers changing jobs.

The societal cost of drug abuse is enormous and multifaceted. Conclusion: Research and surveys delineating the social-economic consequences of drug abuse are limited. Consideration of such aspects, therefore, becomes imperative in the treatment and prevention of addiction. National Institutes of Health. Drug Topics. NCADD provided the following facts about drugs and alcohol in the workplace:.

Cocaine is the second most commonly used drug. Prescription drug abuse in the workplace is on the rise. Employers can deal with this issue by putting a policy in place declaring their workplace, factory or job site drug-free.

There should be specific written guidelines in place for employees who are found to have a substance abuse issue, including keeping the matter confidential. Employers can help employees by putting an EAP Employee Assistance Plan in place or directing the employee to see treatment through their family doctor or other community resources.

Specific guidelines should be put in place for employees who refuse to seek help after a reasonable amount of time, including termination. Substance abuse is a serious social problem that should be treated as a public health issue instead of criminalized.

These changes will only take place if drug addiction starts to be treated more like a public health issue and less like something to be punished. When possible, people with substance abuse issues should be encouraged to seek treatment before their behavior crosses the line to illegal activities. If you are looking for help for substance abuse, contact 12 Keys Rehab today. All too often, addicts are recycled through drug rehab treatment facilities across the country, where they are given the basics of recovery, but little else.

Sent back out into the world, they lack the foundation in sobriety necessary to sustain long For the vast majority of people who are addicted to alcohol, the first big decision they must make is to become willing to seek treatment for their addiction.

The second decision is of vital importance as well—choosing the right alcohol rehab to se Oftentimes, drug addicts are completely unaware of the devastation they are causing in the lives of those around them, especially within their own families. Family members themselves will yell, scream, withdraw, cajole, rant, criticize, understand, n Is Drug Abuse a Social Problem?

Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction There is no single cause of drug addiction. Societal Problems Caused by Drug Addiction Drug addiction is responsible for a number of problems plaguing society. Crime and Violence The link between drug addiction and crime is not difficult to fathom. Drug abuse treatment could be offered in the prison system in a number of ways.

Dating Violence and Prescription Drugs The results of a study conducted by the University of Michigan Addiction Research Center found there is also a connection between dating violence and prescription drugs for young people.

Higher Health Care Costs Resulting From Drug Abuse The costs of drug and alcohol abuse — including tobacco — account for a significant percentage of health care costs. Problems in the Workplace Drug use in the workplace is a problem that can have a major impact. The Addiction Blog 12 Keys Recovery Center: Drug Rehab Treatment with Compassion and Empathy All too often, addicts are recycled through drug rehab treatment facilities across the country, where they are given the basics of recovery, but little else.

Entering alcohol rehab: Have I made the right choice? Can drug addiction rehabs help repair my family relationships? Testimonials This place saved my son and our family! Awesome counselors and staff. After 9 years of multiple facilities we found 12 Keys. One year later my son is clean and doing well. Thank you 12 Keys. Joanne P As an industry professional 12 Keys has become one of my most trusted resources. Patient care and engagement are always top notch, and I know that I can always trust that the patient and their families will be in the best position to recover.

Solid clinically, and more importantly these are good and genuinely caring people. I cannot recommend 12 Keys at the River enough for those struggling with addiction. Ben K This place saved my life. The team that helped me get in was very helpful and showed that they really care.

They made the detoxing portion 10x easier to deal with than trying cold turkey. The programming has an excellent balance of class and activities. I learned so much there. Just the ability to cope with life. One in 13 people, years-old and older, have experienced an addiction issue in the past 12 months. Overdoses from illicit and legal drugs exceeded 70, in — more than double the drug-related deaths in Drug overdoses are responsible for the third most preventable deaths in the United States.

Many individuals who abuse drugs do not end up homeless and destitute. Some do, but frequently, there is a family that carries the emotional and economic burden of the person who abuses drugs. As families do whatever is in their power to continue living a healthy life, economic issues are constant in families wracked by addiction.

Sometimes, money that was supposed to go to rent or food is spent on drugs, leading to food insecurity and higher rates of homelessness. There are many other adverse effects of drug abuse on families:. Alcoholism and addiction have been classified as a medical disease by the American Medical Association since the s. The distinction has done little to treat addiction as a disease instead of a moral failing or criminal issue. Since the War on Drugs began in the s, jails and prisons have been pushed beyond capacity.

More than 1 in 3 inmates are incarcerated for non-violent, drug-related offenses. Not only do arrests for possession make it more difficult for people to get a job, but it has also had a tremendous cost to society at large.