Drug Abuse: How Addiction Affects Individual's Life

Introduction

My topic is about drug abusers in which I will talk about how it causes problems within families and friends, and even to the individual’s health and well-being. Addiction is a disease, in which it destroys relationships and lives. An addict can lose their family, friends, jobs, and many other things. The reason I chose this article is because I personally have a long family history of drug abuse within my biological and extended adopted family. It breaks my heart to see the negative effects that it has on my family, and I want to talk about this issue so that I might be able to reach someone who is struggling with addiction so that it might make them want to get help before it’s too late. I believe if an addict has a wakeup call and see how their family is there to support them, they might realize they need help. They don’t always have the opportunity to change, but I believe in second chances at life. If you get a second chance, you should grab onto it and use the opportunity before your friends and family give up on you.

Drug Abuse: How Addiction Affects Individual's Life

Addiction is the use of any narcotic drugs, in which it can imperil the public morals, health, safety, or welfare of a person and are used for recreational or mood-altering purposes. These drugs can be illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and any other intoxicating substances; but the issue is that some drugs are legal, this is when some people abuse the use of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, driving, and financial or any other form of public resources and services. The most commonly abused and misused drugs in the United States include opioids and other painkillers such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, prescription stimulants and sedatives, marijuana, and alcohol (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). Additionally, addiction is characterized by individuals who are drawn to the use of drugs where they have lost the ability to use self-control in reference to his or her drug use. This is not a crime in itself, but that does not excuse the violation of related regulations. Drug abuse can break laws such as being under the influence of an illegal drug in a public place, even though being an addict is not illegal in itself. It has significant negative effects on individuals and families, it can change a user’s brain chemistry and cause major organ damage, and can also be associated with domestic violence, job loss, and arrests or imprisonment (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019).

Impact of Drug Abuse

My overview of the article I’ve used is that it’s about drug abuse, how it affects everything, and how it can change your whole life. It talks about different types of drugs that are abused, and how it is a “chronic, relapsing disorder with long-term consequences and long-lasting changes in the brain” and is also considered a brain disorder and mental illness (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It also includes what the risk factors and warning signs are, as well as the individual and social impact. The societal costs of drug abuse are enormous, affecting healthcare, productivity, and the legal system. Families often face tremendous stress as they try to cope with a loved one's addiction, and this can lead to cycles of trauma and dysfunction.

Social Work Values and Principles

The two NASW Value Principles I have chosen for this paper are Dignity and Worth of the Person and Importance of Human Relationships. Dignity and Worth of the Person is when, as a social worker, you don’t judge the person based off of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds, but I feel as if this can be extended to not judging them based off of their drug abuse background. If they have been in prison because of it, that does not matter. Additionally, if they have lost their job, family, friends, or morals that does not mean that they do not deserve help, because if you have an opportunity to help them you should do it. Do not discriminate against them because you have not been in their shoes, so you are “better than them.” Importance of Human Relationships is the understanding that their friends and family can be a vital part in their recovery process, so you should talk to them about reaching out to their friends and family to support him or her through the process of recovery. If the friends or family happen to come into a session with your client, you should discuss with the client the thought of possibly having them engage in one of the sessions so that they can learn how to help your recovery process or to even just be more equipped in ways to talk to the client about their issues and potentially help them when they are struggling.

Recommendations for Recovery

My recommendations for someone struggling with drug abuse would be to go to counseling or possibly even a rehab. Talk to a social worker about your addiction, and see if there are options that will work for you. There are many different treatment options including but not limited to Abstinence treatments as well as Maintenance approaches. Abstinence treatment is to eliminate his or her drug use whether that is abruptly or slowly reducing it over time. Maintenance is to minimize the dreaded withdrawal symptoms, usually by replacing the drug they typically use with a less harmful drug that is controlled and carefully monitored. Furthermore, support groups and therapy can play a crucial role in maintaining sobriety, offering a community of support and accountability. It's important to understand that recovery is a journey, and relapses can happen. However, seeking help promptly can make a significant difference in the recovery process.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2018-nsduh-annual-national-report