Essay On Substance Use

Substance use is something that has become very common in America, and it’s use is affecting many people in various ways. Substance use is defined as the use of drugs or alcohol, and is abused when it becomes a daily intoxication, inability to reduce consumption, and if it impairs social functioning (dictionary, 2016). While using alcohol or drugs may not be considered substance abuse, it can sometimes lead to it if the user is not careful in monitoring his or herself. My paper will be covering both the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs, and then give examples or explain the situation. The psychological factors of substance use and abuse are not always well known, and could alter a person’s decision to begin partaking in such activities.

The limbic system is a neural system that includes the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. This system, associated with emotions and drive, is located below the cerebral hemispheres and holds a very valuable part of the brain. The hippocampus has the important role of processing explicit memories for storage. Losing this part of the brain is being depleted of the ability to form new memories, which significantly affects the lifestyle of a person in a …show more content…
The hippocampus can be affected, limiting learning abilities. Sensorineural hearing loss is another factor, permanently damaging a person’s hearing. Not only that, but the conscious can be altered and loosing brain matter can significantly change a person’s future of the worst. All these factors are proof that there are many side affects that can come from substance use and abuse, enough to create concern for a person’s health and wellbeing. Substance use is a choice, and can be controlled with responsible decisions and precautions. But failing to put such actions in place can endanger someone to begin overindulging, harming both their present state and the