Substance abuse
Substance abuse is also referred to as drug abuse. Substance abuse has been defined as the harmful use of both prescription and illicit drugs. Prescription drugs are also known as over the counter drugs. Illicit drugs are those drugs that have been banned by the government. The abuse of prescription drugs occurs when drugs prescribed by a physician are used for purposes other than the ones intended for (Miller & Carroll 2011). The most common drugs abused include alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Substance abuse exposes those taking the drugs to severe health conditions.
There has been a growing trend in the use of illicit drugs. For instance, recent research has shown that over 22 million Americans are abusing hard drugs. These drugs include cocaine and heroin. This is despite the fact that the use of these drugs has been banned by the government.
Socio-cultural determinants of substance abuse
Human beings are known to do things when they are motivated. There are some factors that encourage people to take drugs. The consequences of this are dire as constant abuse of drugs will lead to addiction. Drug addicts have to undergo counseling and drug therapy to help them stop using the drugs (Sussman & Ames 2008). Below are some of the social and cultural determinants of drug abuse.
Easy access
Drug abuse cases have been on the rise. Drugs like alcohol and tobacco are easy to come across. Drugs can be found anywhere. One might also get easy access to drugs if some of their friends and relatives use drugs. Although the sale of illicit drugs has been outlawed it is common to come across drug peddlers selling these drugs.
This has been attributed to be the main cause behind the rising cases of substance abuse (McDowell & Spitz 2006).
Peer pressure
Peer pressure to mostly influence young adults to take drugs. Teens will do anything to be accepted by their friends. If some of their friends are taking drugs, then they will be forced to take these drugs too in order to be accepted.
Stress
People who feel depressed or stressed are prone to take drugs. They feel lonely and are usually very anxious. They take drugs with the hope that the drugs will help them forget their problems (Miller & Carroll 2011). Common causes of stress include; divorce, retrenchment or death of a loved one.
Poor self esteem
These are people who don’t feel good about themselves. They take drugs hoping that they will feel good about themselves.
Wide spread use
Drug abuse affects all people regardless of their culture, age, race or gender. Research has shown that children over the age of 12 years have already been exposed to drugs (Miller & Carroll 2011). However, substance abuse is more rampant among youths, males and African Americans.
Indirect and direct financial costs
Drugs are known to be very expensive. Illicit drugs tend to be more expensive than prescription drugs. Drug addicts will also have to pay huge amounts of money for rehabilitation that will help them stop taking these drugs. If one is found guilty of being in possession of drugs they are liable to pay a large amount of money in terms of fines. Drugs also cause health problems that will require some money to treat and acquire drugs.
Impacts of addiction
Addicts will do anything to make sure they get their normal supply of drugs. This makes them engage in crime related activities (Sussman & Ames 2008). Most accidents are caused by drunk drivers.
Defense mechanisms
This can be defined as those strategies employed by the unconscious mind to help an individual not accept reality. They help an individual cope with anxiety (McDowell & Spitz 2006).
Denial
This is when an individual refuses to accept reality. This is because realty tends to be threatening. Denial gives hope to individuals that something’s do not exist. It is a form of self protection.
Fantasy
This is a defense mechanism that aids individuals to forget problems that they might be facing. Their minds wonder away and are filled with other thoughts. This helps addicts escape threatening emotions that cause anxiety.
Displacement
This is a defense mechanism where the mind of an addict will divert hostility to another individual or object. The other person or object in this case does not deserve to receive this kind of hostility.
Rationalization
This is a type of defense mechanism where the addict will try to justify his or her actions. The addict will come with up excuses to account for some the mistakes that he or she has done.
Repression
This is a defense mechanism in which an addict will try hide the problems that he or she is facing in the unconscious mind. However, whatever is pushed in the unconscious mind can never be forgotten. Research has shown that the more people try to forget things, the more the thoughts tend to remain in the brain (Sussman & Ames 2008).
References
McDowell, D. M., & Spitz, H. I. (2006). Substance abuse: from principles to practice. Philadelphia, PA: Brunner/Mazel.
Miller, W., & Carroll, K. (2011). Rethinking Substance Abuse What the Science Shows, and What We Should Do about It. New York: Guilford Publications.
Sussman, S. Y., & Ames, S. L. (2008). Drug abuse: concepts, prevention, and cessation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.