effects of drugs on society essay

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The Effects of Drugs on Society: Health Problems

• Categories: Drugs Society

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Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1471 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, drugs in history, effects of drugs on society: health issues, works cited.

• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2019). Drugs of abuse: a DEA resource guide. US Department of Justice.
• Green, L. W., Kreuter, M. W., Deeds, S. G., & Partridge, K. B. (1980). Health education planning: A diagnostic approach. Mayfield.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Commonly abused drugs. National Institutes of Health.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). DrugFacts: Understanding drug use and addiction. National Institutes of Health.
• Pinto, F. A., & Pinto, M. A. (2019). Health risks of addiction to illicit drugs. Advances in preventive medicine, 2019.
• Reuter, P., & Pollack, H. A. (2006). Drug war heresies: Learning from other vices, times, and places. Cambridge University Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2010). Addiction medicine: Closing the gap between science and practice. Columbia University.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Substance abuse: Key facts. WHO.

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Essay on Effects of Drugs on Society

Students are often asked to write an essay on Effects of Drugs on Society in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Effects of Drugs on Society

Introduction.

Drugs impact society in many ways. They affect individuals, families, and communities. The effects range from health issues to economic problems.

Health Consequences

Drug abuse can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and mental disorders. These health issues increase medical costs for society.

Impact on Families

Drug abuse can break families apart. It can lead to neglect, abuse, and even death. This creates emotional trauma and financial stress.

Economic Effects

Drugs burden the economy with increased healthcare costs, crime, and lost productivity. These costs are borne by all members of society.

The effects of drugs on society are far-reaching and devastating. It’s crucial to educate ourselves and others about these impacts.

250 Words Essay on Effects of Drugs on Society

Drugs, both legal and illegal, have a profound impact on society. Their effects are multifaceted, influencing individuals, families, and communities, and even shaping policy and law.

Individual Implications

The most immediate impact of drugs is on the individual user. Drugs can lead to health problems, mental disorders, and even death. They can also affect a person’s ability to function, leading to job loss, academic failure, and broken relationships.

Family and Community Disruption

The ripple effects of drug use extend to families and communities. Families can be torn apart by a member’s addiction, while communities may experience increased crime rates and decreased social cohesion as a result of widespread drug use.

Economic Consequences

The economic impact of drugs is also significant. The cost of addiction treatment, lost productivity, and law enforcement efforts related to drugs can strain public resources and impede economic growth.

Policy and Legal Ramifications

Drugs also influence policy and law. The “war on drugs” has led to a focus on punitive measures, contributing to mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal justice system. At the same time, the legalization of certain drugs in some regions has raised questions about public health, safety, and morality.

In conclusion, the effects of drugs on society are far-reaching and complex, influencing individuals, families, communities, the economy, and policy. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective strategies to address drug use and its consequences.

500 Words Essay on Effects of Drugs on Society

Drugs, both legal and illegal, have a significant impact on society. The effects are multifaceted, touching upon the individual, the family, and the community at large. The consequences can be both direct, such as health-related issues, and indirect, like social and economic repercussions.

Individual Health Consequences

Drugs can have profound effects on an individual’s health. They can lead to addiction, mental health problems, and even death. The addictive nature of many drugs can lead to a cycle of abuse that is difficult to break, leading to a decline in physical health and cognitive function. Mental health can also be affected, with many individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or psychosis as a result of drug use.

Social Impact

The social impact of drugs is far-reaching. They can lead to broken relationships, domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. The stigma associated with drug use can further isolate individuals, making it difficult for them to seek help or reintegrate into society. This isolation can lead to a cycle of poverty and crime, further exacerbating the social issues associated with drug use.

The economic consequences of drug use are also significant. The cost of healthcare for drug-related illnesses, lost productivity due to drug-related absenteeism, and the cost of law enforcement and incarceration for drug-related crimes all contribute to a substantial economic burden. Moreover, the illicit drug trade can fuel organized crime and violence, further destabilizing communities and economies.

Impact on Crime

Drug use and crime are often intertwined. Many individuals turn to crime to support their drug habit, leading to an increase in theft, violence, and other illegal activities. Furthermore, the illegal drug trade itself is a form of organized crime, leading to violence and corruption. This contributes to a sense of insecurity and fear in communities, impacting the quality of life for all residents.

The effects of drugs on society are complex and far-reaching, impacting individuals, families, communities, and economies. Addressing these effects requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment, and social support. Understanding these impacts is the first step towards developing effective strategies to mitigate the harm caused by drugs. As a society, it is crucial that we continue to work towards solutions that support individuals affected by drug use and create healthier, safer communities.

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Impacts of Drugs on the Society

Drug usage has been a crucial issue worldwide for many decades. It impacts not only the particular individuals addicted to illegal substances but also the surrounding around them, and eventually, it leads to massive social issues. This essay aims to identify drug addiction’s influence on society on the local, national, and global scale. Therefore, it will observe the reasons and causes of the addiction and the ways of preventing it.

The problems with drug addiction, first of all, begin in the local community and family in particular. When some family member becomes addicted, it launches the chain of consequences that affect other spheres of an individual’s life. If the parents face that problem, they start to neglect the child and disregard their parental duties, consequently leading to the worsening of the child’s physical and mental well-being. Often, they lack the necessary care, clothes, shelter, and unsafe living conditions (Alexis). In the worst cases, children eventually can appear in the orphanage.

Otherwise, when the younger member is affected by the illegal substances’ usage, parents struggle to gain their children’s trust while trying to lead them to the path of problem recognition and recovery. In addition to all the problems, children usually develop a co-dependent pattern of relationships. As they become adults, the victims of drug abuse in the family are more likely to get into destructive relationships. Therefore, people addicted to drugs risk sacrificing close relationships with their family, experience the loss of a family member, lower their chances of a successful future, quality education, and profession.

Evaluating the consequences of drug use on the national scale, the most demonstrative example is the overuse of opium among the citizens of the United States. Opium is one of the most common medications that people get addicted to accidentally or purposely use along with other substances. Although the financial expenses of opium overuse have peaked at $78.5 billion in 2013, those are not the only costs to the nation that brought the addiction (Umhau). Eventually, it increases crimes and violations, different kinds of abuse, deaths, and the spread of infections such as HIV/AIDS (Umhau). It results in the workplace’s overall productivity and performance for persons who struggle with addiction failing to fulfill their duties. Those who have any addiction develop an indifference to the significant spheres of life and decrease job involvement resulting in an economic state.

Assessing the impact of drugs addiction on the global scale, the first thing to mention is the massive amount of deaths. In 2019 the drug use caused the death of about half a million people, along with the social, health financial losses that the population has experienced. (World Drug Report 3). Moreover, it contributes to the spread and progression of multiple dangerous illnesses and diseases, for example, Hepatitis C. It becomes evident that this issue affects the population worldwide mainly with the same consequences and outcomes. Drug addiction stops the economy from developing because people are neglecting their education and jobs. At the same time, the governments spend a decent amount of money to fight the drug supply and the population’s addiction. Despite all the danger that illegal substances cause to humans, public perception is changing along with the legislation of cannabis. For instance, the other drugs start to seem less threatening and more socially acceptable.

To address the issue of the economic consequences, the case of heroin will serve as an example. In the past decades, the number of young adults using heroin has doubled, and now there are one million users in the united states. As the supplements cocaine and methamphetamine often come as supplements and induce the further over usage of the substances (Umhau). However, trying to measure the costs of the particular opiate heroin has one of the leading positions.

The heroin users themselves cost the government around $44,950, considering all the expenses of dealing with crime, health, and social issues caused by the addiction (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Although the person addicted to heroin gets to jail, the costs increase and result in $74,428 per person when part of it is due to the productivity loss (National Institute on Drug Abuse). The overall costs of heroin addiction take a significant amount of the government budget when the citizen’s taxes could be spent on dealing with critical health or social problems

Since there are many illegal substances and drugs with multiple effects and ways of supply, it takes an individual approach to each case. Considering the misuse of opioids is one of the most widespread issues connected to drug addiction, there are some methods to manage the problem. Firstly, it can be great to start with improving the system of healthcare, specifically – access to treatment and the process of healing. The department might develop more effective alternative ways of accessing medical help and recovering after the treatment so people will not need to use opioids that often. Secondly, the promotion of reverse medication that helps with overdoses would save many people’s lives and prevent multiple deaths.

In addition to the prevention methods, governments should work on better practices for dealing with pain (Thometz). When people have an alternative to medications and painkillers, it will eventually decrease opioid overuse. It is crucial to provide the population with various safe choices to help themselves without being at risk of getting an addiction.

Examining the factors that lead people to use substances, the role of the power dynamics has a significant contribution to it. Considering genders, men usually are more prone to different kinds of addiction, whether it is alcohol, drugs, nicotine, or video games. However, recent research supposes that the gap between male and female addiction is disappearing, particularly among young adults. (Footprints to recovery). While men more often experience overdoses, women are tended to get addicted more quickly and at a younger age. When adolescents start using drugs, their habit has a higher chance of growing into addiction when they become older.

Among the racial groups, the marginal parts of the society suffer from drug use often as well, still, there is no connection between the addiction and race or ethnicity. It can result in systematic racism and oppression (Footprints to recovery). Socioeconomic status is another factor that impacts the predisposition of substance use, especially among teenagers, for they have few material limits and more opportunities for experimentations. Thus, some aspects can cause the reasons and circumstances for drug use, but it still mostly depends on the environment that the person grows and exists.

In conclusion, the problem of drug addiction is still relevant nowadays, and it influences all the spheres of an individual’s life. Moreover, it affects society locally, nationally, and globally because the issue of drug addiction is still widespread all over the world. To prevent the population from addiction, the government should develop measures to prevent people from seeking additional measures of relieving pain or escaping reality with its problems. Despite all the researchers and policies implemented, drug addiction is a massive and challenging global issue that still requires a decent amount of work to reach some progress.

Works Cited

Alexis, Isaac. “How Does Drug Abuse Affect Society and You?” Vertava Health . 2019. Web.

Umhau, John C. “ How Drug Use Affects Our Society. ” Very well mind . 2020. Web.

World Drug Report 2021. United Nations publication , 2021. Web.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids. Web.

Thometz, Kristen. “ Heroin Use Costs Society $51.2 Billion, Says UIC Study ”. WTTW, 2017.

Footprints to recovery. Addiction by Race, Gender, and More: Who Does It Affect? Web.

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Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects Essay

Introduction.

One of the consequences of using drugs is, eventually, an individual becoming addicted. Addiction refers to a neuropsychological disorder that involves persistently feeling an urge to engage in particular behaviors despite the significant harm or negative effects. The psychology that explains addiction covers many areas, such as an illness or personal problem, an effect of someone’s lifestyle, family history, or socioeconomic demographics. This paper aims to highlight what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences.

Using drugs once does not necessarily mean someone will never consume them again. In most cases, the drugs contain elements that can cause a person to become addicted. From a psychological perspective, it is important to understand how people enter into addiction. At the root of addictive behavior is a level of emotional stress deeply hidden within someone’s subconscious mind, and addressing it becomes a challenge. To relieve stress, pleasure is discovered in excess (Bechara 100). An example is when people choose to drink alcohol to ease their pain and ultimately find fun.

Stopping the behavior is a danger to someone’s mental state as they fear returning thoughts of the initial source of emotional stress. When a person is addicted, it suggests they lack healthy coping methods for the problem. The only mechanisms are distracting as well as unhealthy such as substance usage. Individuals dealing with addiction do not care about what matters since what is important to them is the desire to do something when that stress appears (Bechara 101). Some can stop their behaviors as their emotional stress does not manifest as among the addictive behaviors. Meanwhile, for others, their drug usage indicates an issue they may not have known and needs treatment. This leads to associative learning, which refers to learning to do something according to a novel stimulus.

Associative Learning

It is regarded as associative learning when an individual finds and takes drugs and ultimately gets high. The concept can be further explained using Ivan Pavlov’s experiment, where he rang a bell to call a dog and then rewarded it with food (Fouyssac and David 3015). A specific part of the brain controls associative learning, which it does via a neurotransmitter named dopamine. Dopamine is produced naturally by the brain when an individual does something rewarding or pleasurable.

The dopamine effect is a survival mechanism whereby eating or drinking feels good. It ensures continuity of life, family, and species in general. The element’s production is among the key drivers behind sex since, as much as the act is rewarding and pleasurable simultaneously, it is needed for survival (Fouyssac and David 3015). The main effect is that it creates a memory of the experience, which pushes people to seek the feeling again. People forget about the negative effects of drugs due to the moments of pleasure. As mentioned earlier, it is most likely that someone who uses the drug once will consume it again. The feeling established, regardless of how long, is enough to convince a person to forget everything they know concerning the negative effects and pursue a minute or two of a great time.

The paper has highlighted what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences. It has been established that, in most cases, individuals experience addiction due to the pursuit of stress relief. Using the logic of the dopamine effect, once someone experiences something pleasurable or rewarding to them, they are most likely to pursue that feeling again. Eventually, it becomes impossible to convince them against the drugs as their desire to end their problem is more than the need to remain healthy.

Works Cited

Bechara, Antoine, et al. “A Neurobehavioral Approach to Addiction: Implications for the Opioid Epidemic and the Psychology of Addiction.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 20, no. 2, 2019, p. 96–127.

Fouyssac, Maxime, and David Belin. “Beyond Drug‐Induced Alteration of Glutamate Homeostasis, Astrocytes May Contribute to Dopamine‐Dependent Intrastriatal Functional Shifts That Underlie the Development of Drug Addiction: A Working Hypothesis.” European Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 50, no. 6, 2019, p. 3014-3027.

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The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Signs of drug addiction, effects of drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between a person’s environment, brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences.

People with drug addictions continue to use drugs compulsively, despite the negative effects.

Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death. Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction

While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they're different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways. However, they ultimately have control over their substance use.

Someone with a drug addiction uses drugs in a way that affects many parts of their life and causes major disruptions. They can't stop using drugs, even if they want to.

The signs of drug abuse and addiction include changes in behavior, personality, and physical appearance. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, here are some of the red flags to watch out for:

• Changes in school or work performance
• Secretiveness 
• Relationship problems
• Risk-taking behavior
• Legal problems
• Aggression 
• Mood swings
• Changes in hobbies or friends
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Unexplained odors on the body or clothing

Drug Addiction in Men and Women

Men and women are equally likely to develop drug addictions. However, men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, die from a drug overdose, and visit an emergency room for addiction-related health reasons. Women are more susceptible to intense cravings and repeated relapses.

People can become addicted to any psychoactive ("mind-altering") substance. Common addictive substances include alcohol , tobacco ( nicotine ), stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids .

Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses. The following are some of the most common effects of drug addiction.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Body

Drug addiction can lead to a variety of physical consequences ranging in seriousness from drowsiness to organ damage and death:

• Shallow breathing
• Elevated body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Impaired coordination and slurred speech
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Tooth decay
• Skin damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage and cirrhosis
• Various forms of cancer
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung problems
• Overdose and death

If left untreated drug addiction can lead to serious, life-altering effects on the body.

Dependence and withdrawal also affect the body:

• Physical dependence : Refers to the reliance on a substance to function day to day. People can become physically dependent on a substance fairly quickly. Dependence does not always mean someone is addicted, but the longer someone uses drugs, the more likely their dependency is to become an addiction.
• Withdrawal : When someone with a dependence stops using a drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors, panic, difficulty breathing, fatigue , irritability, and flu-like symptoms.

Overdose Deaths in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in 2021.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain

All basic functions in the body are regulated by the brain. But, more than that, your brain is who you are. It controls how you interpret and respond to life experiences and the ways you behave as a result of undergoing those experiences.

Drugs alter important areas of the brain. When someone continues to use drugs, their health can deteriorate both psychologically and neurologically.

Some of the most common mental effects of drug addiction are:

• Cognitive decline
• Memory loss
• Mood changes and paranoia
• Poor self/impulse control
• Disruption to areas of the brain controlling basic functions (heart rate, breathing, sleep, etc.)

Effects of Drug Addiction on Behavior

Psychoactive substances affect the parts of the brain that involve reward, pleasure, and risk. They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain with dopamine .

This leads people to compulsively use drugs in search of another euphoric “high.” The consequences of these neurological changes can be either temporary or permanent. 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability 
• Angry outbursts
• Lack of inhibition 
• Decreased pleasure/enjoyment in daily life (e.g., eating, socializing, and sex)
• Hallucinations

Help Someone With Drug Addiction

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing drug addiction, address your concerns honestly, non-confrontationally, and without judgment. Focus on building trust and maintaining an open line of communication while setting healthy boundaries to keep yourself and others safe. If you need help, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Effects of Drug Addiction on an Unborn Child

Drug addiction during pregnancy can cause serious negative outcomes for both mother and child, including:

• Preterm birth
• Maternal mortality

Drug addiction during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) . Essentially, the baby goes into withdrawal after birth. Symptoms of NAS differ depending on which drug has been used but can include:

• Excessive crying
• Sleeping and feeding issues

Children exposed to drugs before birth may go on to develop issues with behavior, attention, and thinking. It's unclear whether prenatal drug exposure continues to affect behavior and the brain beyond adolescence.  

While there is no single “cure” for drug addiction, there are ways to treat it. Treatment can help you control your addiction and stay drug-free. The primary methods of treating drug addiction include:

• Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy , can help someone with a drug addiction develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
• Behavioral therapy : Common behavioral therapies for drug addiction include motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and contingency management (CM). These therapy approaches build coping skills and provide positive reinforcement.
• Medication : Certain prescribed medications help to ease withdrawal symptoms. Some examples are naltrexone (for alcohol), bupropion (for nicotine), and methadone (for opioids).
• Hospitalization : Some people with drug addiction might need to be hospitalized to detox from a substance before beginning long-term treatment.
• Support groups : Peer support and self-help groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, can help people with drug addictions find support, resources, and accountability.

A combination of medication and behavioral therapy has been found to have the highest success rates in preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Forming an individualized treatment plan with your healthcare provider's help is likely to be the most effective approach.

Drug addiction is a complex, chronic medical disease that causes someone to compulsively use psychoactive substances despite the negative consequences.

Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. More serious health issues such as cognitive decline, major organ damage, overdose, and death are also risks. Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child.

Treatment for drug addiction may involve psychotherapy , medication, hospitalization, support groups, or a combination.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction .

HelpGuide.org. Drug Abuse and Addiction .

Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Warning signs of drug abuse .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sex and gender differences in substance use .

Cleveland Clinic. Drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drugs and the Brain .

American Heart Association. Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease .

American Addiction Centers. Get the facts on substance abuse .

Szalavitz M, Rigg KK, Wakeman SE. Drug dependence is not addiction-and it matters . Ann Med . 2021;53(1):1989-1992. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.1995623

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually .

American Psychological Association. Cognition is central to drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts .

MedlinePlus. Neonatal abstinence syndrome .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and recovery .

Grella CE, Stein JA.  Remission from substance dependence: differences between individuals in a general population longitudinal survey who do and do not seek help . Drug and Alcohol Dependence.  2013;133(1):146-153. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.019

By Laura Dorwart Dr. Dorwart has a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and is a health journalist interested in mental health, pregnancy, and disability rights.

Get Help Now 100% confidential & free. (844) 616-3400

The Impact Of Substance Abuse On Society

• How Substance Abuse Has Affected Society

Economic Impact Of Substance Abuse

Impact of addiction on the family, impact of drug-related crime on society.

• Reverse The Impact Of Substance Abuse On Society

Prolonged drug and alcohol use alters brain function and can lead to harmful and destructive behaviors. The longer an addicted individual waits to seek treatment for their substance abuse issue, the more difficult it may be for them to recover from an addiction.

Substance abuse is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans and their families. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2013, more than 24.6 million Americans over the age of 12 have used an illegal drug within the past month.

In addition, more than 30 percent of men and 16 percent of women over the age of 12 reported binge drinking alcohol within the past month.

Ways That Substance Abuse Has Affected Society

The impact of substance abuse on society is far-reaching.

Some of the ways substance abuse has affected society include:

• exacerbating or worsening mental health issues
• leading to premature deaths
• increasing violent crimes
• destroying families
• preventing addicted individuals from living productive lives

Substance abuse affects many more people than just the addicted individual, including their family members, neighbors, employers, and friends.

The inability of the addicted individual to live a healthy, full life is one of the most unfortunate ways substance abuse has affected society.

Substance abuse creates a range of consequences beyond impairing the individual.

The impact of substance abuse on the economy is vast, but can include the following:

• loss of productivity in employees
• absenteeism for health complication
• financial distress to fund the addiction
• loss of employment due to legal consequences
• increased criminal activity
• unexpected expenses for related health issues

A long-term issue with drug or alcohol use can leave addicted individuals feeling desperate to cover up their addiction issues and pressed to afford more drugs or alcohol.

The individual stress of living with addiction can be crippling and feeds into the overall impact of substance abuse on the economy.

The impact of substance abuse on families can include financial distress, loss of relationships, legal problems, and emotional strain.

Addicted individuals may isolate themselves from their friends and family to avoid the stigma of their substance use.

They are more likely to spend time with others who are also addicted to drugs or alcohol so they do not have to explain their issues or confront any negative perceptions of their behavior.

Some individuals struggling with addiction become entirely consumed by funding their addiction and seeking out drugs or alcohol.

This can interfere with their ability to parent their children and may even result in them losing their parental rights, or severing other relationships, such as with parents, siblings, or partners.

Above all, the impact of substance abuse on families makes getting treatment for an addicted family member a top priority for their loved ones.

Drug addiction can drive an individual struggling with substance abuse to engage in dangerous behavior to facilitate their addiction.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 18 percent of state and federal prisoners reported that they committed a crime to obtain money to buy drugs.

Along with the criminal consequences for addicted individuals who turn to crime, the lives of crime victims are affected by the offenders’ drug use.

The National Crime Victimization Survey revealed that more than 26 percent of victims of violent crimes reported that they perceived the offender to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed the crime. Health Effects Of Substance Abuse

Long-term substance abuse can severely damage brain activity.

Alcohol abuse can result in such consequences as:

• serious liver damage
• loss of memory
• brain damage
• heart disease
• kidney failure
• infertility
• sexual dysfunction
• loss of coordination

Drug use can permanently alter the brain and negatively affect a person’s ability to make decisions and take care of themselves.

Drug use that involves needles (IV drug use) increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Also, drug use that involves smoking can lead to respiratory problems, including lung cancer.

How To Reverse The Impact Of Substance Abuse On Society

The numerous ways substance abuse has affected society show how important it is to seek treatment for those struggling with addiction.

The loved ones of addicted individuals also need to consider what treatment options exist so they can aid their struggling family members in seeking recovery.

Removing the stigma associated with seeking treatment is an important first step, and it is important to remember that substance abuse issues can affect any family in the U.S.

In sum, intervention and assistance for an addicted loved one should be attempted as soon as possible.

In the event that an addicted individual is resistant to treatment and has engaged in dangerous or illegal behavior due to drug or alcohol use, court-ordered addiction treatment may be a workable option.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, contact our addiction treatment specialists today for information on available addiction treatment options .

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

• National Survey on Drug Use and Health — Substance Abuse Trends https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends
• Bureau of Justice Statistics — Statistics on Substance Abuse and Crime https://www.bjs.gov/content/dcf/duc.cfm
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About Our Helpline

The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Ark Behavioral Health , an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio.

When you call our helpline, you’ll be connected with a representative who can assist you in finding mental health and addiction treatment resources at any of the Ark Behavioral Health addiction treatment facilities.

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Home / Essay Samples / Health / Drug Addiction / Effects of Drugs on Society Essay: Drug Abuse During the Pandemic

Effects of Drugs on Society Essay: Drug Abuse During the Pandemic

• Category: Health , Crime
• Topic: Covid 19 , Drug Addiction , Drug Trafficking

Pages: 4 (1760 words)

• Downloads: -->

Introduction

• Depressants (E.g. heroin, barbiturates)
• Stimulants (E.g. cocaine, crack ,amphetamines)
• Hallucinogens (E.g. marijuana, ecstasy, LSD)

Depressants

Hallucinogens, pattern of addiction, the relations between pandemic and drug use among people, reason for people using illegal drugs in pandemic, literature survey, principles of effective drug addiction treatment.

• Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior;
• No single treatment is appropriate for everyone;
• Treatment needs to be readily available;
• Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse;
• Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical;
• Behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of drug abuse treatment;
• Medications are an important element of treatment for many patients, especially when combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies;
• An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs;
• Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders;
• Medically assisted detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug abuse;
• Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective;
• Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously, as lapses during treatment do occur;
• Treatment programs should test patients for infectious diseases.
• Abramson, A. (2021, 3 1). apa.orgmonitor202103. 
• Carmita Abdo, E. P. (2020, 9 28). indianjpsychiatry.org. 
• Marrero, E. (2020, 9 10). baptist-health-news. 
• news, M. N. (2021, 6 26). timesnownews.com. 
• Rustam, M. A. (2009). Youth Drug Abuse. In M. A. Rustam, Youth Drug Abuse (p. 100). Melaka,Malaysia.: The World Assembly of Youth.
• Simona Zaami, Enrico Marinelli,Maria Rosaria Vari. (2020, 7 16). frontiersin.org. 

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