Introduction:
Over the years, the amount of people died from drug overdoses increased in the United States. Also, “in 2009 drug-induced deaths overtook traffic accidents as the number one external cause of death, with 39,147 deaths” (Swensen, 2014). Substance abuse including alcohol and drugs is linked to different negative social conditions, such as family disruptions, financial issues, school failure, decrease or lost in productivity, crime, child abuse, and domestic violence. In addition, legal response and social attitudes to the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs make substance abuse one of the most complex public health issues because it affect the individual, his family, and the whole community. However, “estimates of the total …show more content…
The closest the relationship with the family member or a friend who is abusing the substance, the greatest chance you may try it and end up using it. In addition, your family lifestyle, media influence (, peer pressure, and if the person feels lonely he/she may start using drugs and get addicted.
Race/Ethnicity impact on substance abuse
Racial and Ethnic minorities are currently making a third of the American population and the amount is expected to increase in 2050. These communities are diverse and have different behavioral health needs and tend to deal differently with substance abuse due to decrease access to care services, inappropriate care, and economic, environmental, and social health factors.
African Americans
In the United States, they are 44.5 million African Americans and they have a higher rate of illicit drug use of 12.4% compared to 10.2% for the national average. Also, they have higher rates of death and HIV infection than other groups.
American Indian and Alaska …show more content…
East Boston had a rate (2010) of 20.8 per 1000 (Boston average for 2010 was 18.9 per 1000). The DPH also found that East Boston has an opioid mortality rate of 16.7 per 1000 (Boston average was 15.2 per 1000). The National institute of Drug Abuse states that the abuse of prescription drugs is most often the starting point to using intravenous drugs, especially for young people. With the seemingly ever present easy access to prescription drugs, and even easier access to heroin and fentanyl, IDUs and substance abusers remain at constant risk for hepatitis C and HIV infection. This is particularly true as many are simultaneously unaware of their status, and are less likely to be engaging in risk reduction measures and ongoing medical
Over the years, the amount of people died from drug overdoses increased in the United States. Also, “in 2009 drug-induced deaths overtook traffic accidents as the number one external cause of death, with 39,147 deaths” (Swensen, 2014). Substance abuse including alcohol and drugs is linked to different negative social conditions, such as family disruptions, financial issues, school failure, decrease or lost in productivity, crime, child abuse, and domestic violence. In addition, legal response and social attitudes to the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs make substance abuse one of the most complex public health issues because it affect the individual, his family, and the whole community. However, “estimates of the total …show more content…
The closest the relationship with the family member or a friend who is abusing the substance, the greatest chance you may try it and end up using it. In addition, your family lifestyle, media influence (, peer pressure, and if the person feels lonely he/she may start using drugs and get addicted.
Race/Ethnicity impact on substance abuse
Racial and Ethnic minorities are currently making a third of the American population and the amount is expected to increase in 2050. These communities are diverse and have different behavioral health needs and tend to deal differently with substance abuse due to decrease access to care services, inappropriate care, and economic, environmental, and social health factors.
African Americans
In the United States, they are 44.5 million African Americans and they have a higher rate of illicit drug use of 12.4% compared to 10.2% for the national average. Also, they have higher rates of death and HIV infection than other groups.
American Indian and Alaska …show more content…
East Boston had a rate (2010) of 20.8 per 1000 (Boston average for 2010 was 18.9 per 1000). The DPH also found that East Boston has an opioid mortality rate of 16.7 per 1000 (Boston average was 15.2 per 1000). The National institute of Drug Abuse states that the abuse of prescription drugs is most often the starting point to using intravenous drugs, especially for young people. With the seemingly ever present easy access to prescription drugs, and even easier access to heroin and fentanyl, IDUs and substance abusers remain at constant risk for hepatitis C and HIV infection. This is particularly true as many are simultaneously unaware of their status, and are less likely to be engaging in risk reduction measures and ongoing medical