Drug Abuse 1

The Facts about Drug Abuse

Tina Plante
COM/220
November 15, 2009
REBECCA MC HATTON

The Facts about Drug Abuse

Would everyone know if their family member or friend had a drug addiction? Although many
people want to say yes to this question, the honest answer is no. Becoming a drug addict
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does not happen overnight. The road to becoming a drug addict starts with the act of trying
drugs. Many people think they know how to face drug addictions, but nobody knows how drugs
affect everyone through cost, health issues, and family breakdowns.
Many people cannot comprehend why so many people become addicted to either drugs or
alcohol. The availability and social learning in today’s children make the pressures for trying
drugs or alcohol immense. Many of the children today have friends who experiment with drugs

and alcohol; therefore, it is more likely the child will try it, too. Children are learning from others

the way drugs and alcohol will affect them, so more than likely they will not acquire the truth.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons people use to justify why they turned to drugs or alcohol.
According to Asenjo, (2002) the fact that there is low-priced or accessible tobacco, alcohol, or
drugs prove to be the source of obvious increases in rates of addiction. Studies have also reported
that individuals exposed to stress are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs or experience
relapse (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2008). Truth is a majority of individuals become
addicted because of the change in their brain chemistry caused by the use of drugs and alcohol.
Other causes of addictions also include family history, and untreated physical pain.
The drug chemistry and genetic factors cause many of the reasoning behind addictions.

Unfortunately, some people are more susceptible to addictions due to genetics, their

surroundings or both. Some people will use drugs just out of curiosity. They want to know what

it feels like. Others suffer unhappiness about their life and think drugs are the way to make them

sense happiness. When people need drugs to consider themselves normal, they are addicted.

Dudley (2002, ¶ 2) stated, “Drugs and alcohol addictions are not just phases or bad habits that

will go away.” Since nobody in actuality knows what is put in the drugs they do, and sometimes

even in the alcohol they drink, it could be putting them in more danger than anyone thought.

Being an addict can be just as dangerous and fatal as someone who is suicidal (Dudley, 2002).

These addicts need to think about what is more important the drugs and alcohol or their lives.

Many people have fears about confronting someone they know who has an addiction. They

are afraid if they confront this friend than they will lose their friendship. Ensure this person that

this is being done because their health and mental state is at risk and the friendship is more
 Drug Abuse 3

important than losing them to addiction. Be sure to speak to this friend in a private area so

they do not feel embarrassed. The addict may look at the family member or friend as

impertinent because they are implying they know better than the addict does. The addict most

likely will consider the effort an insult and show resentment for these actions.

Many people believe they have no justification to interfere and consider they would be

butting in. The fact is, it shows what is more important, their family member/friends life or being

told they are interfering. Even if this family member/friend shows anger, be persistent and show

the concern is about their health. Remember, the addict has a chemical imbalance and more than

likely is not thinking clearly.

Too many people today say they never saw the signs of a person being an addict. The signs

are usually out in the open but by not knowing what they are looking for, it can be over looked.

Look back and see if there was a change in behavior or social grouping. If this person was

normally well mannered and easy to communicate with may turn unpleasant. If they were

normally outgoing they may become inhibited. Most times when someone is using drugs they

tend to be antisocial with their regular friends, stop activities they previously enjoyed, and start

hanging around more people who also use drugs. Think about the normal daily things they use

to do such as eating habits, spending time with family, appearance, and how they are in school.

Eating habits can tend to increase or decrease depending on the drug being used. People who use

drugs tend to spend less time around family because they are afraid of them finding out. Most

drug users tend to fail to take much pride in their appearance, and have sudden weight loss or

weight gain. Look for blood shot eyes, needle marks, nosebleeds, and odors. School grades will

tend to drop, attendance tends to go down due to skipping school, and the student will tend to

pay less attention to their studies.

Look for drug paraphernalia, and listen for terms used. According to the 2008 National

Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 102 million Americans aged 12 or older

have tried marijuana at least once in their lifetimes, representing 41% of the U.S. population in
 Drug Abuse 4

that age group (Office of National Drug Control Policy, n.d.). According to the 2008 National

Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 36.8 million Americans aged 12 and older have

tried cocaine at least once in their lifetimes, representing 14.7% of the population aged 12 and

older (Office of National Drug Control Policy, n.d.). These are some scary numbers to look at

when they are discussing children. Children today are faced with a lot more peer pressure than

their parents were, and there are more dangerous drugs out there now. As most parents today,

they like to think they know what their child would do in this kind of situation. Does any parent

in fact know? Family and friends of these users probably saw signs but were not sure of the

cause. Parents and family members really should do research or talk to someone so they know

what to look for before the before the addiction goes on to long. As seen in figures 1.0 and 2.0

many addicts will use street terms for drugs with the hope that nobody else will know what they

are speaking of.

Figure 1.0

Marijuana Street Terms

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Term Definition Term Definition

420 Marijuana use Homegrown Marijuana
BC bud High-grade Hydro Marijuana
marijuana from grown in
Canada water
(hydroponic)
Bud Marijuana Indo Marijuana
term from
Northern CA
Chronic Marijuana Kind bud High quality
marijuana
Dope Marijuana Mary Jane Marijuana
Ganja Marijuana; term Shake Marijuana
from Jamaica
Herb Marijuana Sinsemilla Potent
Marijuana

Term Definition Term Definition

Blow Cocaine Bingers Crack addicts
Office of National Drug
Horn To inhale Oolies Marijuana laced
cocaine with crack Control
Nose Cocaine Tornado Crack
candy
Snowball Cocaine and Wicky PCP, marijuana, and
heroin stick crack
Figure 2.0
Common Terms Associated with Cocaine

Office of National Drug Control

The same can be said about drug paraphernalia. In some cases these items could be left out in

the open and nobody would have a clue to what they are. Any piece of equipment that is

used to manufacture, consume, or mask illicit drugs is classified as drug paraphernalia

(National Drug Intelligence Center, 2006). Drug paraphernalia is illegal, but just as with any

illegal items, it can be obtained very easily. In some cases these items are prepared by

individuals and used for their drug addictions. These items also can be bought online, gas
 Drug Abuse 6

stations and novelty stores. For this reason it is very important that parents, family, and friends

keep their eyes open for these items because once the addictions start it is even harder to stop.

Nobody has to be an expert on drug paraphernalia to find it, just look for things out of the

ordinary. If something is found inspect it. If it is being used for drugs, there is a good chance

there will be drug residue left on it. As seen in figure 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 drug paraphernalia can

sometimes be overlooked if people have no knowledge of what these items look like.

Figure 3.0
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www.accesskent.com/.../drug_paraphernalia.jpg

Figure 4.0 Figure 5.0

img.photobucket.com/.../wee03-vi.jpg farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/2360128814_40924
 Drug Abuse 8

The treatment for addictions varies based on what drug caused the addiction. People with

addictions to most drugs can not quit on their own, they need help. There is not just

one treatment to cure all addictions. The treatment that each individual receives must meet the

individual need for treatment. Substance addictions can call for both medical and social

treatments. Due to the withdrawal process, most addicts need to be hospitalized. Psychotherapy

is also very helpful, but it will only work if the substance use has stopped. Unfortunately, as

Leshner (2002) states,” Total abstinence for the rest of one's life is a relatively rare outcome from

a single treatment episode” (A Chronic, Relapsing Disorder, ¶ 1). In order for an addict to be

treated successfully they must stop using drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, change social

groups, and continue ongoing treatment. With the cost associated with drug and alcohol abuse

treatments publicly funded, the cost to the public is outrageous. Nobody asks the American

people if they want to support these treatment centers, it is just thrown in with their tax dollars.

Should the American people have a choice? Asenjo (2002) stated, “In 1995 the economic cost

of substance abuse in the United States exceeded $414 billion, with health care costs attributed to

substance abuse estimated at more than $114 billion” (¶ 2). The ages of the people in publicly

funded treatment centers start younger than 15 and goes up to senior citizens. These facts are

heart breaking too many parents, who have children and the thought this, could be their child.

The fact is a high percentage of high school seniors are abusing prescription drugs and over the

counter drugs (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2008). As shown in Figure 6.0 the number of

young adults in substance abuse treatment programs is alarming, to say the least.
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Figure 6.0

By Age Group: Admissions to Publicly Funded

Substance Abuse Treatment Programs, 2006

Percentage
Age Group
of Admissions

14.4 20 – 24

14.0 25 – 29

13.9 40 – 44

13.1 35 – 39

11.3 30 – 34

11.1 45 – 49

10.4 15 – 19

9.0 50 – 59

1.3 younger than 15

1.0 60 – 64

0.6 65 or older

Withdrawal from alcohol can be just as bad for the addict but is not as severe. When a person

that drank regularly suddenly stops they will have some physical symptoms. The amount of
 Drug Abuse 10

withdrawal symptoms would depend on the amount of alcohol the person drank on a regular

basis. Most people will require help to stop drinking because they find consuming another drink

is easier than going through withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms will usually include the

shakes, sweats, and sometimes they can become nauseous. In more severe cases the alcoholic

can have hallucinations, overwhelming confusion, and cardiovascular problems. Medical

treatment is unavailable to stop these symptoms and in the most severe cases can lead to death.

The most common treatment for alcoholics is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). When an alcoholic

attends AA it is vital that they be completely honest. As an AA member there is the opportunity

to obtain a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who is also an alcoholic and has been in recovery for

many years. When a sponsor is selected, they can be contacted at any time if there is threat of

relapse. In the extreme cases, going to rehabilitation center may be necessary, like the Betty

Ford Clinic.

Our job as friends and family is not to judge, but to help. Learn the reason behind the

addiction and discuss it. Don’t be afraid to confront the addict, and show the concern for their

well being. Look back at signs that might have been overlooked in the past and grasp a better

idea of how long this has been going on. Finally, suggest some treatment ideas such as

hospitalization, psychotherapy, meetings, and worst case scenario rehab. Although these are

difficult steps, they are steps that can save their lives.

References

Asenjo, B. (2002). Addictions. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 1, (2), 50-53

Dudley, W. (2002). What should you do if a friend has a drug or alcohol problem? Teen
 Drug Abuse 11

decisions: Drugs. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.

Leshner, A. (2002). Drug addiction is a disease. Current controversies: Drug abuse.

San Diego: Greenhaven Press.

National Drug Intelligence Center. (2006). Drug paraphernalia fast facts. Retrieved

from http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs6/6445/index.htm

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2008). High school and youth trends. Retrieved

from www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/hsyouthtrends.html

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2008). Stress and substance abuse. Retrieved

from http://www.nida.nih.gov/stressanddrugabuse.html

Office of National Drug Control Policy. (n.d.). Drug facts. Retrieved from

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/index.html

Appendix G

Peer Review Checklist*


What is the main point
of this paper?
What is the greatest
strength of this paper?
What material does not
seem to fit the main point
of the paper or does not
seem to be appropriate for
the audience?
Has the author sufficiently
addressed
counterarguments? Explain
your answer.
Where should the author
add more details or
examples? Explain your
answer.
Where is the writing
unclear or vague?
What is your favorite part
of this piece of writing?
What other comments can
you provide for the author?
Drug Abuse 12
I think that the main point is to try and help the
reader detect a user or someone that is addicted
to drugs. I think that it also tells us how to help
one in need.
I think the strength is how she gives us facts and
examples of users and how it affects the individual
I think that so far the paper is very well put together
and other information that she will put into the paper
will only make it better.
I think that she did a wonderful job addressing the
counterarguments
I think that she should add more details on how the
user is affected when it comes down to their actions.
She states that how their eating habits change, the way
they are with their family and also with school but what
kinds of things do they do.
I don’t really see anything vague; I think it is very clear.
I was done before I knew it.
I like how she shows all the household items that
people use to make and use drugs
I think that she should add a little bit more information
into how to detect a user.