Marijuana and alcohol is the most common problem drug for most college students. In fact, drug use is a significant problem for both college students and the general population. Ref. Here
It has been difficult to make headway in preventing drug related deaths or reducing the number of drug related hospital emergencies, probably because there is a group of hard core drug users whom it is difficult to reach with anti-drug abuse messages.
The statistics has been on the rising end from 2016 till date.
"Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is costly to our Nation, exacting more than $740 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care" Said the National Institute of Drug Abuse,
The use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other psychoactive drugs among young people and anyone can be tremendously disruptive to one's life, from tragic death to the loss of employment opportunities (most reputable companies uses preemployment drug testing) to the deterioration of personal relationships.
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Let us now consider how they got here!
Lifestyle theory organizes the behavioral transition points into four stages of drug lifestyle involvement. Perhaps the most famous synopsis on the progressive nature of drug use and abuse is the one offered by Jellinek (1960)in his now classic stage-base theory of alcoholism. The four stages are:
1:- Prealcoholic Stage:
This is characterized by the abuse of alcohol for the express purpose of alleviating stress or anxiety.
2:- Prodromal Stage:
This stage of alcohol abuse give rise to abnormal tolerance, blackout and surreptitious drinking, and formation of a denial.
3:- Crucial Stage:
This stage is characterized by lack of control over drinking behavior and appearance of physical addiction.
4:- Chronic Stage:
This forth stage stage is characterized by reverse tolerance, physical deterioration, memory problem etc.
However, the developmental stages of drug involvement proposed by lifestyle theory differ from Jellinek's model and propose Peer Influence, not stress, as the primary motivating force behind initial drug use.
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The personal and social issues related to drug abuse are very complex and drugs taken in various combinations and dosages can alter and perhaps intensify effects. Unless significant changes in society's response to drug use take place soon, the disastrous effects of virtually uncontrolled drug abuse will continue to be felt.
Are you looking to develop a drug free lifestyle? Below are helpful tips for you.
•Admit your drug use lifestyle is becoming a problem to you.
•Seek the help of a rehap counselor or a supportive friend or family member.
•Gradually reduce your association with friends who directly encourage and are involve in your drug using lifestyle.
•Avoid drinking when you are stressed, anxious, angry or depressed.
•Eat ample amount of food and drink lots of water before and during time of drinking.
•Do not participate in drinking games.
•Avoid inappropriate use of legal drugs.
•Avoid unprescribed medication or drug intake.
According to US Department of Health and Human Services (2010), under certain conditions, nearly anybody could wind up abusing a prescription drug, but there are particular groups of people who are at high risk for prescription drug abuse. They are; smokers, excessive drinkers and people with family history of depression.
There are countless benefits for living a drug-free lifestyle, some of which are:
1:- You reduce the risk of sudden death as many drug can lead to heart attack or cardiac arrest.
2:- You will live a longer and healthier life.
3:- You will be respected
4:- You will be a better role model.
5:- You will save money and save your career etc.
Drug use changes the functioning of a person's body and mind. And drug abuse has been a serious national health concern which should attract the attention of mental health professionals, media and members of the general public to understand the nature of the problem. Some people may deny the dangers of drug abuse which are already tremendous. For college students, it may lead to illegal activities, sexual assault and academic failure. And for the general population, drug use leads to jeopardy of personal and society's safety.
It is thus imperative to cultivate and encourage a drug free lifestyle and for all to learn how to enjoy life without excessive smoking, drinking of alcohol and the consumption of other illicit drugs. You will live healthier and happier staying drug-free.
References:
(1) Advanced data from vital and health statistics, no 202, Hyattsville, MD, 1991, National Center for Health Statistics.
(2) Encyclopedia of psychoactive drugs, New York, 1986, Chelsea House.
I do agree I have many friends who are medical marijuana patients and use responsibly but then I have those friends who let the herb control their life and their potential or path changes from that point on.
Marijuana consumption is often advises to be carefully considered. It produces mild effect like those of stimulant and depressants yet long term marijuana use is associated with damage of immune system and to the male and female reproductive system.
The question for those considering to start out taking marijuana is. Do you know when a little will become just too much? It is better not to try in the first place than die struggling to quit!
Sugar is a bigger problem in the US than drugs.
That is serious. I will read that up.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
drugs and alcohols are really bad for our health but thats the hardest part of lots of people to get rid to thier lives specially when they have that vices too long
There's this feeling, as in euphoria that drug users have after the initial use of drugs that encourage them to try it again and again.
This effect is what brings about escalation of the habit and then addiction.
It is usually more difficult to break a drug addict.
Very good post, informative and important for all that are affected. Thank you for your effort shearing this with others.
Hi @samaritanfriend, Nice username you have there. Thanks for visiting my blog.
The subject of drugs and drug abuse is a very broad topic. I made effort to keep it brief and still pass on the message. I trust you found it useful.
If you think any of your followers will need this, do well to resteem.
Cheers!
Drug abuse is really trending among youths. I only but feel sorry when I see poor guys taking drugs in my hood. These are people who cannot afford a daily balance diet.
Thanks for bringing this informative post to our desk @desmonddesk.
Thank you @onenecha for visiting my desk today. We are doing our best to sensitize the general public, especially our youths on the dangers of drugs.
It is our hope that the statistics of drug related death will reduces drastically soon.
Cheers!
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