Introduction
Substance abuse entails using illicit drugs, prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, or alcohol for reasons besides those medically intended or at excessive levels. Social, physical, psychological, and professional problems can all be caused by substance abuse. Initiating and sustaining behavioral change can be difficult for many people. Patients may not be persuaded to start treatment for substance use disorders even when a primary care physician or another healthcare professional suggests (Yaemsiri et al., 2019). In some cases, patients may refuse therapy because they feel unprepared or unwilling. Treatment programs may consider an individual’s willingness to alter their behavior. The treatment system for substance use disorders, including individual and group therapy, outpatient and inpatient counseling, referral, medication, and extra services and programs, can be challenging for patients and providers. Relapse and treatment delays are expected in remote locations when treatment providers are scarce due to the difficulty of navigating the complicated treatment system.
Aspects of Substance Abuse and Healthy People 2020
Many medical issues have not been adequately addressed despite the health care sector’s efforts, skills, and partnerships. Numerous reasons have contributed to this, including a deficiency of resources, a shortage of hospital staff, a lack of awareness among patients, and an overabundance of individuals suffering from substance misuse. A person’s mental and physical health might be adversely affected by substances and drugs, which are either illegal or legal but not prescribed by a physician. Additionally, mental- and behavioral-altering substances are linked to several conditions that adversely affect one’s actions and health (Grim & Grim, 2019). Substance abuse is one of the most intricate public health concerns due to the social stances and the legal and political repercussions that follow. Substance abuse has been a scorching topic in the judicial system and conversations about social values, with individuals arguing whether it is an illness with biological and genetic roots or a question of personal choice.
Individuals, households, and communities are all affected by substance abuse. Drugs or alcohol abuse leads to a wide range of health issues, including physical and mental illness, as well as a host of other social and economic costs. These issues include teen pregnancy, homicide, HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, crime, family violence, child molestation, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, and physical conflicts. Healthy People 2020 seeks to reduce substance abuse and increase health, well-being, and social welfare, with a particular emphasis on children (Healthy People 2020, 2022). More than 30 million people in the US are battling drug or alcohol addiction. It is estimated that about 95% of people who have substance use disorders are oblivious to the fact that they are abusing drugs. About 275,000 of those aware of the issue have tried to get help but have been unsuccessful. The health sector should do more to prevent and treat substance abuse and related diseases.
Many countries have seen a significant rise in substance and alcohol usage recently. The past five years have seen increased prescription medication addiction among adolescents. Prescription painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin are commonly abused for reasons other than their intended medical purposes. Some of the reasons for the rise in abuse are peer influence and prescription pharmaceuticals being readily available from doctors, pharmacies, or family medicine cabinets (Yaemsiri et al., 2019). The second misconception is that prescribed medications are more secure than illicit substances for many teenagers. The federal government should prioritize mental health and drug use disorder treatment along with preventive programs for teens and adults as it begins to execute health care reform legislation.
Similarities between Gathered and Generated Data
Data acquired and generated are two ways of gathering information that can be utilized to get a complete picture of a population or sample. A single data point can be used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Evidence suggests that drug abuse affects people of all ages, from children to seniors. As a whole, drug and alcohol use is increasing in the US. Consistent with the National Center on Drug Abuse Statistics, methamphetamines, cannabis, and prescription stimulants are the most commonly used narcotics in the United States. More than 60 percent of the American population is currently engaged in substance abuse if alcohol and cigarette use are included (Grim & Grim, 2019). A person’s loved ones and community can be negatively impacted by drug consumption, especially if the person has an addiction problem. There are around $740 billion in lost wages, health care costs, and drug-related criminal activity per year because of the country’s drug addiction epidemic.
Differences between Gathered and Generated Data
Gathered data was used to collect information on the problem, the facts, and the sentiments. In contrast, generating data involved the investigators creating an accurate portrayal of the present scenario with the information at hand. When it comes to solving problems in generated data, the focus is on uncovering new insights rather than just collecting more. Generated data makes it necessary to seek answers rather than collect data to get insights. If the researcher needs further knowledge or data, they may have to go further in their research to get it. Females, the elderly, those born outside of the United States, veterans, and widows are less likely than alcohol-abusing adults aged eighteen and older to engage in drug addiction (Healthy People 2020, 2022).
Weaknesses and Strengths
Inadequate living conditions, easy access to illegal narcotics, a scarcity of work opportunities for residents, and lax legislation are some of this community’s problems. Young people who abuse substances regularly face a wide range of difficulties, including academic challenges, medical conditions (including psychological disorders), poor peer relationships, and involvement in the juvenile criminal system. Adolescent substance abuse is linked to a range of adverse outcomes, including academic decline, absence from extracurricular activities, and an increased risk of dropping out of school. Tobacco smoking among adolescents appears to be linked to a lack of educational dedication and increased truancy rates (Yaemsiri et al., 2019). Accidental injuries, physical deformities and illnesses, and the impacts of unintentional overdoses are just a few of the health repercussions of youthful substance abuse. Young people’s overconsumption of drugs and alcohol increases their chance of mortality by suicide, violence, accident, or sickness.
A strong point in substance abuse is that victims have a lot to gain by raising awareness about drug usage and finding solutions. The ability to compile statistics on drug users is an entirely other strength. Rehabilitation can help anyone battling an addiction to alcohol or other drugs. Addiction is difficult to overcome on one’s own, and those who have been through it know this. Recovery is made easier in treatment because of the caring environment and resources available (Healthy People 2020, 2022). To address the root causes of addiction, individuals in rehab receive tailored treatment plans. In addition to helping people overcome their addictions, treatment provides various other benefits. Addiction treatment provides the necessary tools for a fruitful, healthy, and fulfilled life, in addition to beating one’s obsessions.
Areas of Improvement
Patients who have been harmed by drug abuse require better treatment, rehabilitation, and medicine in the community. This problem can be mitigated by ensuring that drugs are not readily available to anyone who would abuse them. Education on drug and substance usage is particularly needed for teens that appear to be abusing them at a higher rate. Therapy sessions and daily practices are critical components of treatment programs because they assist patients in staying focused and avoiding becoming distracted (Grim & Grim, 2019). Doctors should plan ample rest periods between the actual activities so that patients can comprehend what they are learning. Since learning new coping skills and practicing them in a safe setting is important, patients should be allowed to sit, talk, and relax during rest periods and in the evening.
It is crucial to have many opportunities to socialize in rehabilitation through supportive activities and group therapy to build a network of support. Patients will back each other during their sessions and help one another overcome any obstacles (Healthy People 2020, 2022). What is most essential is that the participants will better understand what it is like to deal with addiction-related cravings, trauma, and the overwhelming weight of any related feelings of guilt and regret. Peer support groups not only offer motivation and encouragement but also allow members to lend a helping hand to those around them who are also trying to recover from addictions.
Having access to 24-hour medical and clinical care seven days a week for the duration of stay in an inpatient rehab center is one of the many advantages of this treatment method. In the case of those with severe addictions, this can be crucial in preventing relapse because those in recovery are prone to a range of health difficulties shortly after they stop using the substance to which they were hooked. It is conceivable that people will endure uncomfortable and even deadly side effects while their systems seek to acclimate to life without the drug (Yaemsiri et al., 2019). Remaining stress can lead to a wide range of other health problems even when withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Because of the close proximity of doctors and continual care, clients feel comfortable while they begin the journey of sobriety anew.
Conclusion
Substance abuse involves the use of illegal substances, prescription or over-the-counter medicines, or alcohol for objectives apart from those for which they were intended, or in excessive amounts, as opposed to healthy behavior. Therapeutic interventions may need to tackle the degree to which individuals are willing to change their conduct. Difficulty traversing the intensive treatment process for substance misuse can result in relapse and treatment delays, especially in rural locations with a shortage of treatment providers. The objective of Healthy People 2020 in terms of substance addiction is to reduce drug abuse while simultaneously improving health, personal well-being, and welfare, as well as raising the living standards of society, particularly children. Approximately 32 million people in the US contend with alcohol and other drug abuse issues. Treatment plans emphasize developing daily habits packed with beneficial activities and counseling to help patients stay engaged and evade distractions.
References
Grim, B. J., & Grim, M. E. (2019). Belief, behavior, and belonging: How faith is indispensable in preventing and recovering from substance abuse. Journal of Religion and Health, 58(5), 1713-1750.
Healthy People 2020. (2022). Substance abuse. Web.
Yaemsiri, S., Alfier, J. M., Moy, E., Rossen, L. M., Bastian, B., Bolin, J., Ferdinand, O., Callaghan, T., & Heron, M. (2019). Healthy People 2020: Rural areas lag in achieving targets for major causes of death. Health Affairs, 38(12), 2027-2031.