“Substance abuse can be plainly defined as the repetitive harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Medline’s medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as “the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed.” In today’s society, substance abuse is not referring to merely drugs. There are plenty of substances which are not drugs that are used in excess to ultimately attain a high. Things such as household cleaning chemicals or certain school supply being used as inhalants and solvents fall under this category. From Undergraduate Substance Abuse,
Generally, when most people talk about substance abuse, they are referring to the use of illegal drugs. Most professionals in the field of drug abuse prevention argue that any use of illegal drugs is by definition abuse. Those drugs got to be illegal in the first place because they are potentially addictive or can cause severe negative health effects; therefore, any use of illegal substances is dangerous and abusive.
Drugs do not have to be illegal to be abused. Prescription and over-the-counter medication, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, solvents, and inhalants can be used in excess to cause a harmful mood alteration. Any substance that is abused does not have positive effects. Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. The effects of substance abuse significantly contribute to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems. For example, loss of productivity, homelessness, immune deficiency, diseases, violence, car crashes, and crime are all products of substance abuse.
The problem with substance abuse, especially among the youth is that it is idolized and looked at as something fun and awesome. If you were to turn on the radio you would hear things like pass the dutch, popping molly, the shrooms keep me up, hundred bottles, coke boys, sniffing paint, etc. All of this is used in a positive way saying oh do this and you will have fun, you will feel great, you can be like me. These music artists of today’s world are, instead of being good role models that kids can look up to, are promoting substance abuse on an everyday basis.
Some ways to prevent substance abuse would be to effectively deal with peer pressure, life pressure, seek help for mental and emotional illness, think about the effects and risks, and try to attain a well-balanced life. No one likes to be left out, and when your friends are doing it you want to fit in. It is hard to say no but once you have the courage to say no it becomes a lot easier to avoid tempting situations. When you feel overworked and overwhelmed, drugs seem like an easy way to relieve stress. Truth is drugs only make life more stressful. You have to find a different way to unwind like drawing, reading, or meditation. If you are depressed or have anxiety, drugs seem like another easy way to relieve the pain. Don’t do it, look for help before you turn to