Drug addiction is a problem that has been exacerbating in the United States for decades and only seems to propagate as time passes and more drugs become known and available. Considering the obscene number of addiction cases due to drugs and alcohol, Americans have had to develop effective rehabilitation programs to combat the increasing drug problem in the country. For decades Americans have followed the twelve step model pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous to rehabilitate and prevent future drug or alcohol abuse. However, there is very little empirical evidence to indicate that the program is successful. The current state of the United States rehabilitation programs for drug addiction are quite incongruous with modern medical knowledge. A 2012
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“Drug User” is a label that is commonly used in our society that has become derogatory term that can be internalized by the individual and can lead to further drug use or perhaps even escalate the addiction. Being labeled as such can also affect a person’s employment opportunities and social interaction with others in a negative way. Programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and DARE, can carry powerful symbolic value in the political world. Politicians can associate themselves with these programs to appear tough and supportive of drug prevention and rehabilitation despite evidence that neither significantly prevent drug …show more content…
As society advances and easy access to drugs becomes a temporary relief from the growing stress of the modern world, it is an issue that will need to be addressed with modern medical knowledge and techniques. AA and the twelve step program can be great support groups for people suffering from addiction, but there needs to be more advanced programs that approach the issue from a biochemical and psychological perspective. Increasing access to programs that provide detoxification, behavioral therapy and medication will greatly reduce the number of abusers that relapse. Education on the effects and problems of substance abuse will also help prevent possible drug addiction. Drug addiction and the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from its affects is a nuanced issue that will take great effort to reduce, and will take the participation and help of representatives in both political parties to address the
“Drug User” is a label that is commonly used in our society that has become derogatory term that can be internalized by the individual and can lead to further drug use or perhaps even escalate the addiction. Being labeled as such can also affect a person’s employment opportunities and social interaction with others in a negative way. Programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and DARE, can carry powerful symbolic value in the political world. Politicians can associate themselves with these programs to appear tough and supportive of drug prevention and rehabilitation despite evidence that neither significantly prevent drug …show more content…
As society advances and easy access to drugs becomes a temporary relief from the growing stress of the modern world, it is an issue that will need to be addressed with modern medical knowledge and techniques. AA and the twelve step program can be great support groups for people suffering from addiction, but there needs to be more advanced programs that approach the issue from a biochemical and psychological perspective. Increasing access to programs that provide detoxification, behavioral therapy and medication will greatly reduce the number of abusers that relapse. Education on the effects and problems of substance abuse will also help prevent possible drug addiction. Drug addiction and the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from its affects is a nuanced issue that will take great effort to reduce, and will take the participation and help of representatives in both political parties to address the