Substance abuse is a significant problem that affects communities across the United States. The negative impacts of drug and alcohol dependency can be felt in various public health and social concerns. In this essay, we will explore the effects of drugs and alcohol on my community in New Jersey, as well as potential solutions for these issues. Drawing on data from the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System and insights from the book Drugs and Society by Hanson, Venturelli, and Fleckenstein, we will discuss the multifaceted approach needed to address substance abuse, including prevention efforts, increased access to treatment options, and addressing the root causes of addiction.
There are many ways that drug misuse affects my community. According to statistics from the New Jersey Substance Abuse Monitoring System (NJSAMS), 3,698 admissions for drug addiction treatment were made in my county alone in 2020 (Department of Human Services, 2021). There are considerable societal and economic costs associated with addiction, in addition to adverse effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Abuse of substances can result in higher crime rates, lower productivity, and more expensive healthcare. Additionally, it can break up families and disrupt relationships. Preventative measures are one way to deal with drug misuse in my neighborhood. The NJSAMS report emphasizes the value of preventive initiatives, especially those that focus on kids (Department of Human Services, 2021). These initiatives can offer information and tools to aid in stopping substance misuse before it ever begins.
Increased access to therapeutic choices is another solution. According to the same study, NJSAMS, the criminal justice system recommended that more than half of those who live in my area have to undergo therapy (Department of Human Services, 2021). This shows that more voluntary treatment choices are required, as is improved access to therapy for individuals who need it. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that increasing access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction is a successful method for lowering overdose mortality and fostering recovery (Department of Human Services, 2021). Finally, it is critical to treat the underlying reasons for substance misuse, such as poverty and mental health problems. People can address underlying issues that may contribute to substance misuse with the aid of programs that offer access to affordable housing, job training, and mental health treatment.
The book Drugs and Society by Hanson, Venturelli, and Fleckenstein provides a detailed analysis of the impact of drugs and alcohol on society. The pharmacology of various drugs, the historical and social background of drug use, and the responses of law and policy to drug use are all covered by the authors. The need to comprehend the social and cultural elements that influence drug usage is one of the book’s central themes (Hanson et al., 2020). For instance, the authors draw attention to how peer pressure and social norms can affect adolescent drug usage. The impact of poverty and economic disadvantage on drug use and addiction is also covered. The significance of evidence-based strategies for combating substance misuse is also emphasized throughout the book (Hanson et al., 2020). The authors contend that harm reduction techniques, such as needle exchange programs and MAT for opioid addiction, should be prioritized and that policies and treatments should be founded on empirical data.
In conclusion, drug misuse is still a severe issue in many American cities, including New Jersey. Dependency on drugs or alcohol can have detrimental effects on people, families, and society as a whole. However, policymakers may attempt to lessen the harm brought on by substance usage by adopting a diversified strategy. Critical approaches to combating substance misuse include increased access to treatment alternatives, prevention initiatives, and addressing the underlying causes of addiction. It is crucial to keep putting an emphasis on evidence-based programs and regulations that support harm reduction and addiction sufferers’ recovery.
References
Department of Human Services. (2021). Substance abuse overview 2020 statewide. New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment. Web.
Hanson, G. R., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2020). Drugs & Society. Jones & Bartlett Learning.