Drug Abuse Research Paper

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Drug abuse is a raging issue in the United States. Drugs can be abused in a variety of different ways by people from every walk of life. Most of us have been affected by drug abuse either directly or indirectly. Abusing drugs not only affect the abusers but also their families and society. The cost of drug abuse on our society is substantial, not only financially but also personally, emotionally, socially and professionally. Individuals who are dependent upon or abuse substances do so for many reasons, but generally there is a strong need to relieve tension, to relax, to forget about their troubles, and to help them cope with the daily demands of society.
Nicotine is highly addictive in any form. Nicotine or tobacco is smoked or chewed. Even
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Cocaine is a strong stimulant to the central nervous system, and is used medically as an anesthetic. In surgery, it can deaden a local area and produce vasoconstriction to reduce bleeding at the site. When abused, cocaine is sniffed or snorted into the nose, rubbed on the mucous membranes, or injected. It creates a euphoria that lasts about 30 minutes, leaving an individual with a greater need each time to have more. It is quick and severe in its addiction and creates multiple side effects that can include cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, respiratory arrest, and death. Crack cocaine is smoked. Withdrawal symptoms include apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, and …show more content…
Most treatment plans will include a number of days of detoxification as an inpatient in a treatment facility, to begin to rid the body of the abused substance. This period may include the administration of medications. Following detoxification, treatment must continue with close and careful monitoring, counseling and support to enable individuals to remain free of substance abuse. Studies show the following factors are significant in the worsening health of individuals addicted to a substance: female gender, living alone, problem use of alcohol, having no medical insurance, older age, and clients who abuse multiple substances at the same time. Family also plays an important role in helping the clients stay away from substance abuse.
Drug abuse is a major problem for society as a whole, as well as for all health care. Health care professionals will be able to respond more quickly if they are well informed and stay up to date on the latest developments for substance dependence and abuse. It is important to be nonjudgmental and to provide as much support as possible. Support groups are there to help alleviate and share feelings. You can share your thoughts to help resolve your feelings, gain confidence in coping with your memories and symptoms and find comfort in knowing you’re not

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