Drug And Alcohol Abuse - Drug And Alcohol Abuse Is A Problem For Many Minorities

The over use of drugs or alcohol is known substance abuse or drug abuse or alcohol abuse. This is a very real problem of the present world and has serious medical outcomes. It not only taxes the abusers health but it is also very costly and leads into financial distress. There was once a time when drug abuse and alcoholism weren't considered diseases or treatable medical conditions, this in turn left many people struggling and eventually losing their lives to the substance abuse. The lives of friends and family members of these individuals became a tragic nightmare as they were helpless in saving their loved one. Recently though, more and more rehabilitation centres are opening and research into what causes alcoholism and it' possible cures has given new hope to the victims.

Drug and alcohol abuse is a major problem for many minority groups such as the homeless, the disabled as well as ethnic minorities. The reason that this problem is graver among this segment of the population is because their access to treatment and medical help is limited as compared to the major population segments.

Alcohol and drug abuse are life threatening problems. Not only do they destroy the life of the person who falls victim to the substance abuse, they also spread pain and hurt to those around the victim.

Drug Abuse:

Drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs—such as marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, or other "street drugs"—and the abuse of legal prescription and nonprescription drugs. Some people use drugs to get a "high" or to relieve stress and emotional problems. Most people practice drug abuse through legal medication because they are easy to get.

Then there are the ‘club drugs' like ecstasy (MDMA), ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, and LSD. These club drugs are now accounting for the majority cases of drug overdose and emergency room visits. For minorities, the danger of drug abuse is the same as that of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Abuse:

In the United States and Canada, every year over 100,000 deaths are caused each year. Alcohol is the one drug that is most abused by children ages 12-17. Among teenagers the leading cause of death due to alcohol abuse is car accidents. The consequences of alcohol abuse in daily life are also dangerous. Such individuals are more likely to exhibit dangerous and high risk sexual behavior. They also exhibit poor job performance and their academic careers suffer adversely.

So how can you know that you have an alcohol problem? If the use of alcohol interferes with you daily functioning and you can directly link your alcohol use to your underperformance, then you have an alcohol problem. If you find yourself depressed, chances are you may be unknowingly using alcohol to treat your depression. However, alcohol is not a treatment for depression and will well worsen your condition. Long-term use of alcohol can lead to damage to the heart, liver and nervous system. If you find yourself in-line with the symptoms of alcohol abuse or if you know of a family member/friend who may be suffering from it, make the effort to check into rehabilitation and fight your problem.

Substance abuse is not something you should practice and if you're already a victim of it, then you need to reach out and get help. There are many organizations that provide this service across the country.

• Emma Bullock
• 30/12/2008, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments