...Substance Abuse is Serious Problem Substance abuse is on the rise amongst students not just in Fiji, but right around the world. Some common substances that student’s abuse is drugs, tobacco, white benzene and many more. Drugs can be inhaled, smoked, injected and taken as tablets. Glue and white benzene are sniffed whereas tobacco is smoked as cigarettes. This is the reason why “The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its zero tolerance stands against the possession consumption, promotion, distribution, or sale of sale of all drugs” (Cababenatabua, 2009). Students normally start abusing these substances due to peer pressure; stress accumulated in school and at home, curiosity to try out new things, and to overcome bad experiences that they have gone through. This essay mainly focuses on how substance abuse affects the health, social, academic and economical sphere of student’s lives. First and for most, ‘substance abuse’ drastically affects the health of those students who consume it. As is highlighted by NSAAC Pamphlet, substance abuse affects student’s mental and physical health. In terms of mental health, the use of drug leads to memory loss which also associates with lack of concentration and focus. Other side effects mentioned are the decrease in intelligence level and depression. In addition to that, students who take drugs find it difficult to recall what he or she have read, heard or seen. Secondly, the physical health is also drastically affected when students...
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...Substance abuse among Nurses: Impact on Nurses and their patients Anam Afaq Nursing 110-E Dr. Millenbach Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious health and social problem in the United States. Many people in the general population are unaware of how widespread drug addiction has become. Even fewer are aware of the number of healthcare professionals such as nurses that misuse drug and alcohol. The number of substance abuse nurses is believed to parallel the drug abuse in a general population (Talbert, 2009). Substance abuse among nurses is a problem that not only threatens the delivery of quality care to patients but also the impacts the professional standards of nursing. The healthcare profession is one of the most important professions in the world and nurses are the most trusted professionals in the world. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), “Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.” When I read this definition, the words “protection”, “prevention” and “advocacy” stand out to me the most. The registered nurses are the premier advocates for safety and quality of patient care and health and safety of other health care professionals and co-workers. How will the nurses that have problems with substance abuse continue to protect...
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...Substance Abuse By: Ashley Johnson Introduction People abuse different substance/drugs for many reasons. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergency departments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, use of other drugs such as heroin and "club drugs" has increased. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain is functioning. By this definition, some common substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and even caffeine are considered “drugs.” Drug abuse implies “willful, improper use due to an underlying disorder or quest for hedonistic or immoral please” (N. Miller, 1995). Substance abuse is “harmful use of one or more psychoactive substance” (Abadinsky, 2008). The term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use of any substance; it also known as a chemical or drug abuse. Drugs can have the wrong effects on people especially when used improperly. Not only does drug abuse harm you but it also breaks up families. Statement of the Problem According to www.medicinenet.com, the term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use in excess of any substances. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain...
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...Samantha Bedore 04/23/2016 The Dangers of Adderall Abuse Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common disorder that is usually diagnosed during childhood and continues throughout adulthood. ADHD is treatable through behavior modification therapy and medication. There have been various drugs manufactured for people that have been diagnosed with ADHD such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine. Adderall is used to help people diagnosed with ADHD have better concentration, memory, organization, and self-esteem by stimulating the production of dopamine (Moore, 2014). There is a rising trend among adolescents with abusing Adderall; which is the most prescribed ADHD medication. When taken correctly, Adderall can greatly benefit people with ADHD control their symptoms, but when abused can lead to substance abuse, cardiovascular problems, and sudden death. Prescription drugs should be taken responsibly and only by the person that they are prescribed to. Even though the trend among young people is to abuse Adderall, when taken incorrectly and by the wrong people, Adderall can lead to having substance abuse problems. According to Moore, The DEA labels Adderall as a Schedule-II substance because it has addictive qualities that lead to physical dependency, mental dependency, and abuse (Moore, 2014). Physical dependency is when a person is so addicted to a drug that if they do not have it then they cannot function. Mental dependency is when a person is so addicted to a drug...
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...HCA/250 University of Phoenix Psychology and Health Issues Substance abuse is a large problem, that can be found everywhere, and is does not only affect certain groups of individuals. When individual’s turn to substance abuse and become addicted, they will be dependent on whatever it is they are using to prevent from having physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, which creates a cycle many cannot break on their own. There are two main stages of addiction to substances, or addictions in general, which the first stages is dependence where the individual’s life is dominated by the search for the substance because they depend on it physically and psychologically (World Health Organization, 2013). The second stage is when the individual becomes tolerant to the substance, which causes the individual to start consuming larger amounts of the substance to reach the same effect they had when they first started using. As mentioned before, substance abuse is a very serious public health problem that affects individuals in all areas of their lives, and it does not matter what background they may be coming from. Substance abuse can bring along many problems for the individual that is addicted, as well as their immediate surroundings, including friends, family, and the work environment. There are many reasons as to why one may start using illegal substances or prescription medication, like having other psychological problems like anxiety, and depression for example. When one is already...
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...that they are incapable of controlling. Many of these drug-addicted people are not getting the right treatment the in order for them to keep their life. When we look at the drug addiction and how it could mess up many of the people who like to continue to use and abuse the drugs. Many people refuse to give up on the ability to get better and get the help that is needed to get off the drugs. These drug users like to keep the substance abuse going and they do not understand the complications that are in store for them when they continue to use. Why do they like to use all sorts of drugs? Why do they like to continue to use the drugs? Do they realize that it is hurting themselves and their families? All these questions are need to be found because if we don’t start helping these users they are going to suffer from serious problem. What can we do to start helping them understand that they need serious help before their health takes a serious toll on them, some could even lead to death. Parween, A. (2014, Jun 28). Drug Addiction affects all of us in our daily lives. It ruins families and destroys relationships. Drug addiction is a very serious problem that can lead to serious health problems. The health problems that occur will determine between for life and death. When we think of people with drug addiction do we realize how they first started? Many people experiment with illicit drugs. About 60% of Americans sample an illicit drug like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine...
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...Abstract Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem in society. There are many risk factors that can contribute to adolescent substance abuse. One of the main risk factors is peer pressure. When adolescents start at a young age there is an increase in health problems, addiction, and over all poor social outcomes. Parental influence has substantial effect on adolescents because the adolescent sees their parents and they learn by their example. Media plays a role in the use of drug and alcohol use among young people. Many school systems have implemented programs that teach adolescents about the problems of substance abuse that is funded by the government. The community health nurse helps provide education in the community. The cost for substance abuse can be astronomic. Emergency room visits, treatment programs and even court costs lead to billions of dollars annually. The key to prevention is education. Adolescent Substance Abuse In society today adolescent substance abuse is a growing problem. There are many risk factors that can lead to substance abuse. It is important to understand the reasons behind why the adolescent begins the experimentation of drugs and alcohol. Media plays a role in adolescent substance abuse. Many times advertisement and movies betray alcohol or drug use as fun and not addictive. Many times the people are happy and having a good time. This gives many young people the wrong idea about substance use. Substance abuse among young people between...
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...individual vulnerabilities and face a many of systematic barriers that impede accessing adequate housing and services. Current economic climate presents the chance for homelessness to remain high (Coalition for the Homeless, 2002a). According to research, a substantial reduction in the occurrence of chronic homelessness could be achieved by linking affordable housing with treatment and support services. Alcohol and substance abuse is known as both a precipitating factor and consequence of homelessness can effect an individual’s ability to retain housing or limit housing options offered by programs requiring sobriety, and mask underlying or related mental health issues undetected or untreated in addiction treatment programs (Zerger, 2002). Individuals who have co-occurring disorders (COD) are particularly vulnerable to homelessness caused by more severe psychiatric symptoms, self-medication with drugs and alcohol, and frequent contact with the criminal justice system. Typically, once homeless, individuals with COD will have greater problems, need more help and are more...
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... | |Substance Abuse | |Final Research Paper Substance abuse is characterized as a social problem in numerous parts of America. Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of harmful use of substances for mood-altering purposes (“Drug Abuse”). Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or abuse of prescription or over the counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in qualities other than directed (“Drug Abuse”). Many people believe that substance abusers, drugs abusers, and addicts should be able to stop taking these substances and drugs if they are willing to change their behavior. What many people do not understand is that substance and drug abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is not as easy as some people think to stop using these substances and drugs. There are several causes for substance abuse. Substance abuse ranges in many different ages from teenagers to elderly. This social problem can affect families and many different individuals. 50% of Americans have a beloved one who is suffering from a substance or drug abuse problem at any given time...
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...Executive Summary The American court system is overflowed with people that suffer from substance abuse. For example drug and/or alcohol related crimes have been implicated in violent crimes, instances of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect cases. Therefore, drug court has come in to offer people arrested for substances abuse related crimes and opportunity to receive community-based treatment with judicial supervision to avoid potential incarceration. For this reason drug court has changed people’s lives in a variety of ways, which are often overlooked, are the positive impact on families and society. Overall, substance abuse offenders have a recurring problem for the criminal justice system as a result drug courts are an important strategy to reduce incarceration, provide drug treatment and reduce recidivism among nonviolent offenders. Another key point is research study by the National Institute of Justice in 2009 called the Multi-Site Adult Drug Court Evaluation confirmed that Drug Courts reduced crime and substance abuse, improved family relationships, and also increasing employment and school enrollment. (Marlowe, 2010) Another key point is drug courts have affected the offender’s criminal behavior and substance use with mandated drug and alcohol treatment. Henceforth drug courts has been a popular diversion program for drug offenders since it’s began in Dade County Florida in 1989. Overview Drug courts represent the criminal justice approach to ensure public...
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...about theory of addiction in the disease model. The disease model basically states that substance addiction is similar to any other disease in that it is genetic, progressive, and often times fatal. The symptoms of substance abuse such as alcoholism are similar for everyone who suffers, and they are easily recognizable. One problem with the disease model is that it is not backed by any strong scientific research. You cannot give someone an X-ray or a CT scan to see if they suffer from drug addiction. Another problem is that if it was a disease then one would assume that some sort of medicinal or therapeutic device would have been developed that can help cure the disease. No such device has been created or is even close to being introduced. The disease model has had serious implications when it comes to treating substance abuse. Alcoholics Anonymous (commonly referred to as AA) was created by psychiatrists specifically to treat substance abuse as a disease. AA is a long process in which participants use self-help methods in order to battle the disease for their entire life. It was founded in the United States in 1935 and has since exploded worldwide and is as prevalent as ever. I believe that substance abuse as a disease makes sense because it seems to be so natural. Alcoholism is commonly passed down through generations and is very common, similar to many other diseases. Substance abusers are usually not able to stop cold turkey because the disease is intertwined with...
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...result of drug abuse among the African American society is embarrassing and degrades our race as a whole. Drug and alcohol addiction has continuously been one of our society’s most complex and ongoing problems, which targets mostly the black community. Substance abuse is not appealing especially to African American because they are more dependent for care and treatment. In the African American society today major problems that affect our community are increasing in rates because of drug abusers. However, the inferior impact on our race that it causes and the consequences it creates. Cultural biases and the constant emphasis on typical American values and lifestyles may contribute to drug abuse within the African American community. The psychological well being of African Americans today is consistently disagreeing with the constant reminder of their place in society. The inferior place is of course the place in which many African Americans allow themselves to be put in. Experts on drug abuse disorders agree that poverty and other socioeconomic factors have a great impact on the rise of drug abuse in the African American community (Britt 8). These common mistaken ideas by experts have a great impact on the way African Americans view themselves. Rather than suggesting to that, the several socioeconomic factors are the cause of drug abuse from an outsider point of view. Experts should do their research from within the black community. Research in substance abuse often does not...
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...Exam Paper The challenges faced in our most extreme healthcare facilities The Dialysis, Correctional, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse health care facilities are four very diverse settings in many ways. Yet in others they are similar. They represent many of the aspects of society that are orphaned, discarded, or swept under the rug, challenging both the caregiver and patient alike. Each represents an environment of extremes. Professionals must exercise the highest degree of vigilance in order to successfully provide patients with the care they need under the unique circumstances that each environment presents. In many ways each one of these facilities has a captive cliental with little or no choice but to be compliant or face dire consequences. In the dialysis setting compliance is enforced by the simple fact treatment is necessary to maintain their life. The correctional setting is harsh and restrictive with many imposed limitations, presenting the potential for serious health risk to inmate and care provider alike. The mental health facility is challenged by the lack of stability within the mind of the patient who is viewed as having “disordered thinking” presenting healthcare providers with the challenge of helping someone who is unable to follow orders or unwilling to even be treated. Substance abuse facilities have a patient base of substance dependent clients who present many of the same challenges of disordered thinking patients in the mental health facility and some...
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...Contents INTRODUCTION 1 EFFECTS OF THE DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES ON THE FETUS 2 Marijuana (also known as weed, pot or grass): 2 Cocaine: 2 Alcoholism 3 LAW AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE MOTHERS 4 THEORIES OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE 6 Biological Theories 6 Genetic Factors 6 Metabolic Imbalance 7 THEORECTICAL PERSPECTIVE 8 MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT 10 SOLUTION TO PROBLEM 11 EXPECTED RESULTS/TIMEFRAME 12 CONCLUSION 13 REFERENCES 14 PICTURES ILLUSTRATING PREGNANT SUBSTANCE ABUSE WOMEN AND FETUS 15 INTRODUCTION Social problems exist at the door step of every community it has been in existence decades ago and still lives on today. Social problems can be defined as an issue that relates to society’s perception of an individual’s personal life and their behaviour is considered to be out of the norm. Substance abuse has vast becoming an epidemic in today’s society and it is considered as a social problem. Substance abuse is one thing but to see pregnant women abusing these endangering substances is another issue. People use drugs for many different reasons but for a pregnant woman to use drugs she may be mentally ill or depressed. Substance abuse may not have a serious or long-lasting effect on you but the same is not always true for a foetus. Mothers that abuse substances give birth to "drug babies." These children have serious developmental problems. Researches show that using substances legal or illegal during pregnancy has a direct impact on the foetus, whether smoking...
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...Policies for Substance Abuse During Pregnancy Executive Summary 1. A statement of current policy 2. Reasons for initiation changes 3. Policy options to be considered 4. Pros and cons of each option 5. Recommended course of action 6. Reasoning for selecting that course of action Overview/Background * Statement of purpose – What is the significance of this issue, what is the history, scope – who is impacted by this issue, how is it relevant to social work The phenomenon of substance abuse during pregnancy is one that has stirred much controversy in the last three decades. The significance of this social problem is how to create policies that would address this issue and decrease future instances. The problem in writing a policy that attacks motherhood, health and reproduction rights is whether to respond to it as a criminal act or mental illness. The 1980’s began the widespread concern about substance abuse during pregnancy with the dramatic increase in newborns prenatally exposed to drugs, in particular, primarily crack cocaine. In response to the increased awareness of this problem many states developed policies to address the needs of these infants, however with the lack of federal policy there was no national uniformity or cohesion. This is certainly relevant to social work because of the increase in new cases of substance abusing parents, possible cases of neglect and child maltreatment as well as issues of health insurance and medical...
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