Factors of Drug Use and Abuse, Essay Example

There is a very serious problem in the United States that surrounds the use and abuse of drugs by thousands of people every day.  Despite the use of much publicity against using drugs and showing the harmful effects of drug abuse, people continue to do so.  Therefore, it is important to examine the many varying factors associated with drug use and drug abuse to help devise a potential solution to the problem in the near future.

The bulk of the factors that cause drug use and abuse stem from individuals’ perceptions as they attempt cognitively realize the impact of drugs and the side effects.  According to the CRC Health Group (2007), “the primary factors that seem to affect increased or decreased drug use among teens are perceived risk, perceived social approval, and perceived availability” (par. 3).  In this scenario, research shows that young people’s perceptions of risk, social approval and the availability or easy access of drugs all factor into the drug use and drug abuse that exist today.  Many individuals believe that the side effects are caused by other people being unable to properly use the drugs.  The cognitive processes within the brain force people to believe they are immune to making such mistakes and are not going to become victims of the problems associated with drug abuse.  In other cases, people weigh the risk factors with social acceptance.  The need to be socially accepted is a driving force for many young people to engage in risky behaviors with drugs.

While many factors are involved with the use and abuse of drugs, many people are forced to continue to use drugs because of narcotic agents or dependence that results from the chemicals within the drugs.  This can make it very difficult for individuals to stop using drugs, and the body can often develop a physical need for the drugs in order to function correctly.  Removing these dangerous chemicals from the body can often lead to withdrawal and can cause many unwanted side-effects to the drug user.  Ultimately, most of the problem comes from the inability of people to believe that they can be vulnerable to the same problems and side effects that are being publicized each day through many different forms of media.

References

CRC Health Group. (2007). Adolescent substance abuse knowledge base – teenage drug abuse. Retrieved on October 28, 2009, from Web site: http://www.adolescent-substance-abuse.com/

Nyamathi, A., & Keenan, C. (1997). An Exploration of factors influencing drug use among homeless women. National Conference on Women & HIV, 185.

Saisan, J., & Segal, J. (2009, January). Drug abuse and addiction: signs, symptoms, and help for drug problems. Retrieved on October 28, 2009, from Web site: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm