Substance abuse afflicts more than 10 percent of our nation’s population. Defined as being the problematic usage of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, it is currently one of the nation’s top health problems. With thousands of deaths associated with the abuse of substances per year, this national problem can only be defeated with personal, as well as societal changes on the local level.
Substance abuse has been identified as being present in children as young as 5 years old. It affects people of all races, ages, and sizes. This abuse has an unambiguous face. It could be identified in those we consider to be least likely to abuse substances. It may be a police officer, a minister, an honor roll student, or the star of the basketball team. Anyone could be identified as a person that abuses substances. Failing to eliminate prospective abusers only allows our nation’s problem to flourish in the shadows.
This kind of abuse could lead to problems with school, in the workplace, at home, and in our communities. The innumerable amount of problems that could be incurred through this form of abuse creates a web of danger inside our society. In schools, it can affect the abuser’s performance level as well as the performance level of their class or teammates. Inside of the workplace, the abuse of substances occurs very often and can lead to accidents or poor performance on the job. While at home, it can lead to domestic violence, families being torn apart, and children becoming neglected. In our communities, it results in violent acts, crimes, unemployment, and other harmful realities.
This problem within our nation has become increasingly overlooked. With the diminishing amounts of public awareness, substance abuse has multiplied, spreading rampant like a wildfire through our communities. It is the responsibility of individuals to join together in order to put the dilemma of this abuse under control. By assessing the problem that is developing in or around our communities, we can begin to develop strategies that will reduce this problem. Forming community activism in fighting the problems associated with this abuse will help in the attack.
Education programs on substance abuse will help inform the community of the problems associated with abusing substances. These education workshops could be directed not specifically toward individuals who are abusing substances, but also toward the families, friends, neighbors, and those who are simply seeking information. Pointing out statistics, ratios, and real-life stories could emphasize and generate importance in the public’s awareness of this issue. Building treatment programs could combat these problems within individuals and among their families. Forming support groups and addressing the problem with the help of trained and licensed health professionals is the most appropriate treatment.
The abuse of substances is a treatable disorder. Do not allow for your problem to develop other problems with your health, social, or economic lifestyle. With the help of family, friends, and health professionals, you will be able to receive treatment that is tailored to your needs in order to achieve the best results possible.
By Danielle Spanner