Several substance abusers have the perception that they can stop their drug utilization but majority of them fail. Studies have shown that drugs are responsible for changing the function of the brain and fortify cravings for drugs. Because of these persistent cravings, it is essential to seek medical treatment. Treating substance abuse is dependent on the patient and the drug which is being used (Stanley, 2009). A substance abuser should take behavioral treatment in order to control drug cravings and he or she may also take medications to control it.
As mentioned earlier, substance abuse can start in childhood or in teenage years. This abuse should be prevented by making efforts at all levels. Schools, organizations, legal bodies and communities should concentrate on programs which help to increase cooperation between parents and their children. This will enable them to teach resistance skills to their children and correct their perception about these detrimental substances. There are several strategies available which can control substance abuse. Implementing Programs that Work
The substance control strategy has been managed and tackled mainly by the government and law enforcing agencies. The government needs to treat substance abuse as health problem associated with social and economic implications (Amodeo & Litchfield, 1999). Public health approaches are the solutions to the substance abuse which can provide the abusers with social services. These social services can reduce the source pf the abuse, economic and affordable strategies to expand alternative markets and also control the drug market.
Drug Treatment should be Available Readily If drug treatment is widespread and commonly available, it can weaken the substance market and readily lessen the damages from substance abuse. Substance abuser should be provided with mental health treatment. Treatment should be friendly where the abusers should be given friendly atmosphere. Youth Programs The most effective method to stop teenage substance abuse is to introduce youth programs and create awareness among them so that they know the detrimental and hazardous effect of dangerous substances on their lives.
Empirical studies suggest that substance abuse is out of control event in educational institutes (Amodeo & Litchfield, 1999). Government should introduce after school programs, mentor programs, skill development and summer job programs. Drug Education programs should be correct and taught by qualified instructors and health professionals and not by police. The existence of such programs can significantly reduce incidents of substance abuse. Government Reforms and Law Enforcement Law enforcement agencies should not waste their limited resources on simple, non violent substance abusers.
Drug offenders who have a violent history should be the number one priority. Small time substance abusers should be given treatment instead of sending them to prison (Mcconnell, Hoffman, Quanbeck & Mccarty, 2009). They should be confined in less restrictive environment and their family visits should be allowed. Criminal justice policy makers should take positive and dynamic measures to guarantee that treatment of substance abuse is available for prisoners because this will assist them in reducing their unexpected and abnormal behavior.
If these offenders are provided with treatment, they are most likely to behave inside and outside the prison system (Mcconnell, Hoffman, Quanbeck & Mccarty, 2009). These modest modifications would motivate prisoners to show good behavior which will eventually lead them out of prison. The federal government should work with the regional government to introduce reforms which include the treatment of substance abusers instead of prison. Drugs which have legal status should be labeled illegal. Conclusion
Substance abuse is an uncontrolled and widespread phenomenon and can cause serious social, emotional and psychological issues. Substance abuse takes place when individuals suffer from low self esteem. It can create intoxication phenomenon which causes the individual to feel euphoria. However, it is detrimental for the human health. Substance abuse can cause high levels of stress, anxiety, depression and medical problems such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, lung cancer, etc. It can also lead to violent and criminal behavior.
Substance abuse can cause isolation and seclusion because the abuser isolates him or her self from society. It hampers daily life activities at home, school or workplace. The growing problem of substance abuse can be controlled with the introduction of programs which will work. Programs such as after school programs, mentor programs, skill development programs are beneficial for creating substance abuse awareness among students. Criminal justice policy makers should make sure that substance abusers get medical treatment.
The government should also introduce new reforms to combat substance abuse.
References
Amodeo, M. and Litchfield, L. (1999). Integrating substance abuse content into social work courses: Effects of intensive faculty training. Substance Abuse, 20(1):5-16. Mcconnell, J. K. , Hoffman, K. A. , Quanbeck, A. , and Mccarty, D. (2009). Management practices in substance abuse treatment programs. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Smith, D. C. , Boel-Studt, S. , and Cleeland, L. (2009). Parental consent in adolescent substance abuse treatment outcome studies. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment.