Substance abuse is when somebody overindulges or becomes dependent on a substance which is usually addictive. These substances include drugs which are substances that affect how the body and mind function. Drugs are both legal (prescription and over the counter) and illegal. Prescription drugs are used to prevent as well as treat diseases and illnesses and over the counter drugs are used to relieve symptoms. Drugs can also be classified more specifically by hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, ketamine, PCP, and MDMA), inhalants (solvents, aerosols, nitrites, and anesthetics), opioids (heroin, opium, morphine, and oxycodone), depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, and GHB), and stimulants (amphetamine, cocaine, and
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In other words with these substances their has always been those who abuse them. However, the history of rehabilitation does not date back quite as far. This is because it used to be believed that substance abuse was a matter of choice and those who suffered from addiction were weak because they were unable to overcome their urges. Once it was learned that substance abuse was not a failure to avoid a substance it began to be acknowledged as an illness. With this realization that substance abuse is a disease came an increase in rehabilitation options. For example, “In 1864, the New York State Inebriate Asylum, the first hospital intended to solely treat alcoholism as a mental health condition, was founded”(Patterson). An increase in rehabilitation centers also led to a more individualized approach to treatment. There was also the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which was founded by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson and led to the formation of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA). This all leads to the substance abuse problems and solutions that face our society …show more content…
Abstinence from drugs can be more confusing than effective. Many of the examples and descriptions used in abstinence only curriculum isn’t consistent with real life experiences. For example, it is taught that alcohol is bad and should never be consumed but is drinken openly at many family events and on the menu at many restaurants. These mixed signals causes many young people to view adults in a negative way. Abstinence only approaches also tend to push people away who don’t comply with the what is socially accepted and necessary for abstinence to be effective. Those who consider trying these substance or have tried them can feel isolated and ashamed. Also these people who need guidance the most can’t receive the help they need because faculty is required to stick with the abstinence only path. Another reason why abstinence isn’t a good solution is because people learn from their mistakes. These people therefore need the chance to make mistakes in order to learn from them. This is supported by the media through their use of those who have already suffered from substance abuse to raise awareness for the cause. As you can see abstinence isn’t a very strong or effective solution for substance
In other words with these substances their has always been those who abuse them. However, the history of rehabilitation does not date back quite as far. This is because it used to be believed that substance abuse was a matter of choice and those who suffered from addiction were weak because they were unable to overcome their urges. Once it was learned that substance abuse was not a failure to avoid a substance it began to be acknowledged as an illness. With this realization that substance abuse is a disease came an increase in rehabilitation options. For example, “In 1864, the New York State Inebriate Asylum, the first hospital intended to solely treat alcoholism as a mental health condition, was founded”(Patterson). An increase in rehabilitation centers also led to a more individualized approach to treatment. There was also the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which was founded by Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson and led to the formation of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA). This all leads to the substance abuse problems and solutions that face our society …show more content…
Abstinence from drugs can be more confusing than effective. Many of the examples and descriptions used in abstinence only curriculum isn’t consistent with real life experiences. For example, it is taught that alcohol is bad and should never be consumed but is drinken openly at many family events and on the menu at many restaurants. These mixed signals causes many young people to view adults in a negative way. Abstinence only approaches also tend to push people away who don’t comply with the what is socially accepted and necessary for abstinence to be effective. Those who consider trying these substance or have tried them can feel isolated and ashamed. Also these people who need guidance the most can’t receive the help they need because faculty is required to stick with the abstinence only path. Another reason why abstinence isn’t a good solution is because people learn from their mistakes. These people therefore need the chance to make mistakes in order to learn from them. This is supported by the media through their use of those who have already suffered from substance abuse to raise awareness for the cause. As you can see abstinence isn’t a very strong or effective solution for substance