Take a Stand

Take a Stand

Delilah Harris

BSHS/455

May 2, 2016

Monique Thompson

Take a Stand

Substance abuse and substance dependence is a serious problem faced by the United States and in other countries. According to "National Center for Biotechnology Information" (2016), Substance abuse and substance dependence are two types of substance use disorders and have distinct meanings. Substance abuse is a “maladaptive pattern of substance use manifested by recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to the repeated use of substance. Individuals who abuse substances may experience such harmful consequences of substance use as repeated failure to fulfill roles for which they are responsible, legal difficulties, or social and interpersonal problems. Substance dependence is more serious than abuse. This maladaptive pattern of substance use includes such features as increased tolerance for the substance, resulting in the need for ever-greater amounts of the substance to achieve the intended effect; an obsession with securing the substance and with its use; or persistence in using the substance in the face of serious physical or mental health problems” (Terms Related to Substance Use Disorders). Substance abuse and substance dependence not only have negative consequences for the abuser but also for the abuser family, friends, and the society in which they live and work. According to "The National Institute On Drug Abuse “(2016), "Substance abuse and dependence can put a lot of stress on the abuser’s parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and anyone who is part of the home ” (Drug Abuse Hurts Families). It can also cause the individual to lose their job, their home and any their worldly possessions. Substance abuse and substance dependence also can affect local, state and federal government resource. The making of certain drugs like methamphetamine can hurt other citizens and the environment in which we live.

Society has chosen to send drug abuser to jail or...