8 Othman Bajunaid ENGL 10 Loretta Kennedy 11/13/12021 Facing Alcohol and Drug Abuse in America. Alcohol and substance abuse can be defined as a chronic disease that involves the uncontrollable consumption of drugs and alcohol and is harmful to the user's health and community. Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, various cancers (e.g., breast cancer), mental disorders, newborn abstinence syndrome (NAS), driving under the influence (DUI), and other transportation-related traumas are all linked to alcohol and other drugs abuse. Sexual assault and rape, 10, 11 unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted illnesses, 12 deliberate and unintentional injuries,13 and property crimes are among the most common crimes.

Substance abuse is costly to our society, putting a strain on our workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities if left untreated. Many studies and reports have shown that substance misuse hurts corporate productivity and competitiveness and increases workplace injuries and absenteeism. Alcohol and drug abuse involve irrevocable indulgence in harmful substances such as marijuana, cocaine, tobacco, and heroin, leading to strained health, unemployment, and relationship breakups; this ought to be handled because it is a threat to prenatal development. Why we should care Every year many Americans lose their lives due to drug and alcohol abuse. One of the highest numbers of deaths caused by alcohol and drug abuse was recorded in 2014 when more than 43000 American citizens died from a drug overdose.

Yearly, alcohol misuse kills about 88,000 people in the United States each year, including 1 in 10 total deaths among working-age adults. A study has revealed that substance and alcohol abuse-related behavioral health problems, such as aggression, unsafe driving, mental health issues, and risky sexual activity, are the leading causes of death among individuals aged 15 to 24 (Yvonne Bonomo). The federal government and the business community are increasingly becoming aware of the harmful effects of substance misuse on the American economy and its workforce. In 2010, the annual economic impact of alcohol misuse and disorders was assessed to be 9 billion (

8othman Bajunaidengl 10loretta Kennedy111312021facing Alcohol And Dr

8 Othman Bajunaid ENGL 10 Loretta Kennedy 11/13/12021 Facing Alcohol and Drug Abuse in America. Alcohol and substance abuse can be defined as a chronic disease that involves the uncontrollable consumption of drugs and alcohol and is harmful to the user's health and community. Heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, various cancers (e.g., breast cancer), mental disorders, newborn abstinence syndrome (NAS), driving under the influence (DUI), and other transportation-related traumas are all linked to alcohol and other drugs abuse. Sexual assault and rape, 10, 11 unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted illnesses, 12 deliberate and unintentional injuries,13 and property crimes are among the most common crimes.

Substance abuse is costly to our society, putting a strain on our workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities if left untreated. Many studies and reports have shown that substance misuse hurts corporate productivity and competitiveness and increases workplace injuries and absenteeism. Alcohol and drug abuse involve irrevocable indulgence in harmful substances such as marijuana, cocaine, tobacco, and heroin, leading to strained health, unemployment, and relationship breakups; this ought to be handled because it is a threat to prenatal development. Why we should care Every year many Americans lose their lives due to drug and alcohol abuse. One of the highest numbers of deaths caused by alcohol and drug abuse was recorded in 2014 when more than 43000 American citizens died from a drug overdose.

Yearly, alcohol misuse kills about 88,000 people in the United States each year, including 1 in 10 total deaths among working-age adults. A study has revealed that substance and alcohol abuse-related behavioral health problems, such as aggression, unsafe driving, mental health issues, and risky sexual activity, are the leading causes of death among individuals aged 15 to 24 (Yvonne Bonomo). The federal government and the business community are increasingly becoming aware of the harmful effects of substance misuse on the American economy and its workforce. In 2010, the annual economic impact of alcohol misuse and disorders was assessed to be $249 billion ($2.05 per drink), while the impact of illegal drug use and conditions was estimated to be $193 billion, including both direct and indirect expenditures related to crime, health, and lost productivity.

Every year, taxpayers bear the cost of $45 billion for state jails and $144 million for federal prisons. It is known that drug-related incarcerations account for more than half of federal prison inmates and over a quarter of state prison inmates. Annual costs for state prison populations in 50 states average more than $32,000 per inmate, with federal stays costing more than $26,000 per person. The average drug-related felony results in jail sentences ranging from three to nine years. Therefore, the government must expand the research on drug and alcohol abuse to facilitate the development of alcohol and drug abuse treatment tailored for specific populations (Columbia Univ.).

Some of the adverse effects of alcohol, substance, and drug abuse in society include; · An increase in child custody losses · An increase in child abuse and neglect · An increase in the risk of addiction for children whose parents are addicted to drugs · An increase in domestic strife. · Increased homelessness and poverty rate. · The significant financial burden of healthcare costs. · Co-occurring mental problems are becoming more common. · Insurance premiums and taxes will rise. Though law enforcement measures work to reduce and stop alcohol and other drug abuse, prevention is the one critical strategy. These should join to work together to combat substance abuse in a variety of settings effectively.

Collaboration between law enforcement, health, and social service agencies can assist lower demand, which feeds drug trafficking activities. These are frequently violent and criminal—complementing law enforcement efforts to curb supply by treating addicts and avoiding the commencement of drug use. Effective preventative techniques are vital in the fight against substance misuse in the community. At some point in their lives, almost everyone is vulnerable to alcohol and other drug issues. However, some persons are more likely to develop a significant addiction due to personal, family, or environmental factors.

Substance misuse has a wide range of consequences that affect family members, friends, co-workers, and society as a whole (Publications). Drug addiction is a complex disorder with far-reaching effects for those who know, work with, or support addicted to drugs. Though you might not be directly affected, or if you don't presently know someone who is misusing drugs and alcohol, you are sure to be involved in some manner. Whether it's through taxation, higher insurance premiums or college tuition, or working longer hours. There are no limits to the effects of drug addiction.

The government's intervention and prevention or reducing early substance use initiation is the best chance to reduce drugs and alcohol abuse and the deaths caused. Given the impact of alcohol and other drug abuse on the country, preventing the abuse is vital. Therefore, it follows that the community in general and the government should formulate prevention strategies to attain this goal. It is imperative to focus on the young people and youth when developing preventive models as they are most at risk. Young people go through psychological, social, and developmental changes and are easily influenced at this point in their lives.

Preventive measures could be applied here to impact the youth positively. Numerous preventative techniques can significantly reduce drug use, especially among individuals who are at high risk. These strategies all have the same goal: to build "protective factors," including well-developed social skills, strong family relationships, school attachment, and active participation in community and religious organizations while minimizing "risk factors" that make people more vulnerable to drug misuse. A recent study reveals that resilience is also a key element; many people can resist drugs even in high-risk, unpleasant situations. Although it is impossible to make a specific prediction on who is prone to alcohol and drug abuse, a study has exposed a lot about the factors that put millions of youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 at risk.

School failure, living in a place where substance abuse and dealing is prevalent, associating with peers who partake in alcohol and other drugs, and school failure are substantial indicators of parent substance addiction, lack of parental guidance, or a turbulent abusive family. These factors are essential predictors, and the presence of multiple predictors leads to an increase in the chances of one falling victim to alcohol and substance abuse. However, eradicating these factors from a child will give the child a fighting chance and save them from the terrible fate of addiction. Preventive Programs and Policies. Though significant efforts to reduce and eradicate alcohol and substance abuse have been undertaken all across the United States, I feel that the government should put prevention and treatments first and center.

Even though they might fight the gangs and traffickers, the government does not impact the demand for illicit alcohol and drugs. But by preventing potential markets might do the trick in winning the war against drugs. Evidence-based therapies for substance abuse can help individuals stay productive members of society while saving society money on medical costs (Zili Sloboda, Prevention of Substance Use). These programs can yield anywhere from a few cents to $65 for every dollar spent on prevention. Some of the federal government's initiatives on reducing substance abuse include; · The first preventive intervention is introducing educational initiatives in schools. · School-based and community-based educational activities (primary prevention · We are supporting the usage of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) regularly. · Overdose education and naloxone distribution initiatives should be implemented to provide naloxone to opioid users and possible bystanders. · Efforts by law enforcement to combat doctor shopping and pharmaceutical mills · Individuals with substance use disorders should be directed to Drug Courts. · Access to MAT should be expanded. · Formulations for opioid analgesics that are less likely to be abused · Expansion on the research of new approaches of treating pain.

Additionally, to prevent substance misuse and related criminality, communities must invest their often-limited resources in programs that have been demonstrated to be effective (Zili Sloboda). Conclusion Apart from the harmful effects of alcohol and substances abuse on the individual doing the abuse, other people and even the unborn children can feel substance abuse effects. Mothers can pass substances to their unborn babies or through breastmilk, detrimental to their proper psychological and physical development. The spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS is another harmful effect of substance abuse that others can feel. Alcohol inhibits the mind, and as a result, it leads to engagement in unprotected sex.

Further, under the influence of alcohol, it is difficult to resist the temptation to share needles, leading to exposure to HIV. Alcohol and drug abuse lead to poor decisions, and ultimately, these decisions cost the lives of the users and the people around them. Road carnage and motor vehicle accidents can also be blamed on alcohol and substance abuse due to poor judgment and estimation of distances and speeds. Every year, taxpayers bear the cost for federal prisons to rehabilitate drug users. Addiction is a serious health problem which is why there are strategies in place to combat it.

The measures are supported at the community level, the state, and the federal level. It is therefore imperative for increased surveillance of the second-hand repercussions of alcohol and drug use, such as assaults, sexual assaults, motor vehicle accidents, homicides, and suicides, as well as the effects of substance use on academic and professional performance, is required. Surveillance must be expanded beyond the national and state levels to include local groups. Prevention measures have begun yielding results as alcohol and substance abuse cases have started to subside, as it has been proven in research carried out in multiple states (Michael J. Stoil).

Works Cited Columbia Univ., New York, NY. Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Behind Bars II: Substance Abuse and America's Prison Population. ERIC Clearinghouse, 2010. Michael J.

Stoil, Gary Hill. Preventing Substance Abuse: Interventions that Work. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013. Publications, United Nations. World Drug Report 2018 (Set of 5 Booklets).

UN, 2018. Schuckit, Marc A. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013. Yvonne Bonomo, C.

J. M. Goos, John Howard (Ph. D.), Taisia Huckle, Nina Rehn Mendoza. Young People and Alcohol: A Resource Book.

World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region, 2015. Zili Sloboda, Hanno Petras, Elizabeth Robertson, Ralph Hingson. Prevention of Substance Use. Springer International Publishing, 2019. —. Prevention of Substance Use. Springer, 2019.

.05 per drink), while the impact of illegal drug use and conditions was estimated to be 3 billion, including both direct and indirect expenditures related to crime, health, and lost productivity.

Every year, taxpayers bear the cost of billion for state jails and 4 million for federal prisons. It is known that drug-related incarcerations account for more than half of federal prison inmates and over a quarter of state prison inmates. Annual costs for state prison populations in 50 states average more than ,000 per inmate, with federal stays costing more than ,000 per person. The average drug-related felony results in jail sentences ranging from three to nine years. Therefore, the government must expand the research on drug and alcohol abuse to facilitate the development of alcohol and drug abuse treatment tailored for specific populations (Columbia Univ.).

Some of the adverse effects of alcohol, substance, and drug abuse in society include; · An increase in child custody losses · An increase in child abuse and neglect · An increase in the risk of addiction for children whose parents are addicted to drugs · An increase in domestic strife. · Increased homelessness and poverty rate. · The significant financial burden of healthcare costs. · Co-occurring mental problems are becoming more common. · Insurance premiums and taxes will rise. Though law enforcement measures work to reduce and stop alcohol and other drug abuse, prevention is the one critical strategy. These should join to work together to combat substance abuse in a variety of settings effectively.

Collaboration between law enforcement, health, and social service agencies can assist lower demand, which feeds drug trafficking activities. These are frequently violent and criminal—complementing law enforcement efforts to curb supply by treating addicts and avoiding the commencement of drug use. Effective preventative techniques are vital in the fight against substance misuse in the community. At some point in their lives, almost everyone is vulnerable to alcohol and other drug issues. However, some persons are more likely to develop a significant addiction due to personal, family, or environmental factors.

Substance misuse has a wide range of consequences that affect family members, friends, co-workers, and society as a whole (Publications). Drug addiction is a complex disorder with far-reaching effects for those who know, work with, or support addicted to drugs. Though you might not be directly affected, or if you don't presently know someone who is misusing drugs and alcohol, you are sure to be involved in some manner. Whether it's through taxation, higher insurance premiums or college tuition, or working longer hours. There are no limits to the effects of drug addiction.

The government's intervention and prevention or reducing early substance use initiation is the best chance to reduce drugs and alcohol abuse and the deaths caused. Given the impact of alcohol and other drug abuse on the country, preventing the abuse is vital. Therefore, it follows that the community in general and the government should formulate prevention strategies to attain this goal. It is imperative to focus on the young people and youth when developing preventive models as they are most at risk. Young people go through psychological, social, and developmental changes and are easily influenced at this point in their lives.

Preventive measures could be applied here to impact the youth positively. Numerous preventative techniques can significantly reduce drug use, especially among individuals who are at high risk. These strategies all have the same goal: to build "protective factors," including well-developed social skills, strong family relationships, school attachment, and active participation in community and religious organizations while minimizing "risk factors" that make people more vulnerable to drug misuse. A recent study reveals that resilience is also a key element; many people can resist drugs even in high-risk, unpleasant situations. Although it is impossible to make a specific prediction on who is prone to alcohol and drug abuse, a study has exposed a lot about the factors that put millions of youngsters between the ages of 10 and 17 at risk.

School failure, living in a place where substance abuse and dealing is prevalent, associating with peers who partake in alcohol and other drugs, and school failure are substantial indicators of parent substance addiction, lack of parental guidance, or a turbulent abusive family. These factors are essential predictors, and the presence of multiple predictors leads to an increase in the chances of one falling victim to alcohol and substance abuse. However, eradicating these factors from a child will give the child a fighting chance and save them from the terrible fate of addiction. Preventive Programs and Policies. Though significant efforts to reduce and eradicate alcohol and substance abuse have been undertaken all across the United States, I feel that the government should put prevention and treatments first and center.

Even though they might fight the gangs and traffickers, the government does not impact the demand for illicit alcohol and drugs. But by preventing potential markets might do the trick in winning the war against drugs. Evidence-based therapies for substance abuse can help individuals stay productive members of society while saving society money on medical costs (Zili Sloboda, Prevention of Substance Use). These programs can yield anywhere from a few cents to for every dollar spent on prevention. Some of the federal government's initiatives on reducing substance abuse include; · The first preventive intervention is introducing educational initiatives in schools. · School-based and community-based educational activities (primary prevention · We are supporting the usage of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) regularly. · Overdose education and naloxone distribution initiatives should be implemented to provide naloxone to opioid users and possible bystanders. · Efforts by law enforcement to combat doctor shopping and pharmaceutical mills · Individuals with substance use disorders should be directed to Drug Courts. · Access to MAT should be expanded. · Formulations for opioid analgesics that are less likely to be abused · Expansion on the research of new approaches of treating pain.

Additionally, to prevent substance misuse and related criminality, communities must invest their often-limited resources in programs that have been demonstrated to be effective (Zili Sloboda). Conclusion Apart from the harmful effects of alcohol and substances abuse on the individual doing the abuse, other people and even the unborn children can feel substance abuse effects. Mothers can pass substances to their unborn babies or through breastmilk, detrimental to their proper psychological and physical development. The spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS is another harmful effect of substance abuse that others can feel. Alcohol inhibits the mind, and as a result, it leads to engagement in unprotected sex.

Further, under the influence of alcohol, it is difficult to resist the temptation to share needles, leading to exposure to HIV. Alcohol and drug abuse lead to poor decisions, and ultimately, these decisions cost the lives of the users and the people around them. Road carnage and motor vehicle accidents can also be blamed on alcohol and substance abuse due to poor judgment and estimation of distances and speeds. Every year, taxpayers bear the cost for federal prisons to rehabilitate drug users. Addiction is a serious health problem which is why there are strategies in place to combat it.

The measures are supported at the community level, the state, and the federal level. It is therefore imperative for increased surveillance of the second-hand repercussions of alcohol and drug use, such as assaults, sexual assaults, motor vehicle accidents, homicides, and suicides, as well as the effects of substance use on academic and professional performance, is required. Surveillance must be expanded beyond the national and state levels to include local groups. Prevention measures have begun yielding results as alcohol and substance abuse cases have started to subside, as it has been proven in research carried out in multiple states (Michael J. Stoil).

Works Cited Columbia Univ., New York, NY. Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Behind Bars II: Substance Abuse and America's Prison Population. ERIC Clearinghouse, 2010. Michael J.

Stoil, Gary Hill. Preventing Substance Abuse: Interventions that Work. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013. Publications, United Nations. World Drug Report 2018 (Set of 5 Booklets).

UN, 2018. Schuckit, Marc A. Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer Science & Business Media, 2013. Yvonne Bonomo, C.

J. M. Goos, John Howard (Ph. D.), Taisia Huckle, Nina Rehn Mendoza. Young People and Alcohol: A Resource Book.

World Health Organization, Western Pacific Region, 2015. Zili Sloboda, Hanno Petras, Elizabeth Robertson, Ralph Hingson. Prevention of Substance Use. Springer International Publishing, 2019. —. Prevention of Substance Use. Springer, 2019.

Paper for above instructions

Alcohol and substance abuse has escalated into a public health crisis in the United States, posing substantial socio-economic problems. Defined as a chronic disease marked by the compulsive consumption of harmful substances, this scourge applies not only to users but also profoundly affects families, communities, workplaces, and the healthcare system. The statistics are harrowing: approximately 88,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related causes, while drug overdose deaths have continued to rise, peaking at over 43,000 in 2014 (Bonomo et al., 2015; Schuckit, 2013). This paper aims to explore the impacts of alcohol and drug abuse in America and the main strategies employed for prevention and treatment.

The Scope of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug misuse has far-reaching consequences, leading to numerous health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, various cancers, and mental health disorders (United Nations, 2018). The economic burden is particularly notable; it has been estimated that alcohol misuse costs the U.S. economy approximately 9 billion annually, while illegal drug use costs an additional 3 billion (Columbia University, 2010). Public resources are drained as well: taxpayers shoulder a staggering billion annually for state incarceration related to drug offenses and criminal activities linked to substance misuse (Sloboda et al., 2019).
Another terrifying statistic is that nearly 1 in 10 death records for working-age adults can be attributed to substance abuse (Bonomo et al., 2015). This crisis compromises workplace productivity, exacerbates domestic violence, and spurs youth delinquency. Particularly concerning is the impact on future generations; children born to parents struggling with addiction face increased risks of neglect, physical abuse, and developing addiction themselves (Publications, 2018).

Causes of Substance Abuse

Numerous factors contribute to substance abuse, many of which intertwine personal health, family history, and environmental circumstances. Children from families with a history of addiction are particularly vulnerable. Socioeconomic status, peer influences, and exposure to drugs at a young age amplify this vulnerability (Zili Sloboda et al., 2019).
Environmental risk factors include poor living conditions, lack of educational resources, and familial instability, which have been identified as strong predictors of an individual’s propensity toward substance misuse (Stoil & Hill, 2013). Resilience, or the ability to resist addiction despite risks, varies among individuals. Building resilience through strong social and family ties is critical in combating potential substance abuse.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Prevention is a cornerstone approach in combating alcohol and drug abuse. The focus should primarily be on educating and effectively influencing younger populations, as research shows that early intervention can significantly deter future substance misuse (Bonomo et al., 2015). Evidence-based prevention programs that aim to bolster protective factors, such as social skills and parental guidance, have proven effective (Columbia University, 2010).
Initiatives like school-based educational programs and community outreach can help to instill the importance of making healthy choices and resisting peer pressure. Providing education about the dangers of drug use, the realities of addiction, and developing healthy coping mechanisms can lay a solid foundation (Zili Sloboda et al., 2019).
Moreover, the implementation of public programs like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) aims to reduce misuse and curb prescription drug-related deaths (Schuckit, 2013). Law enforcement's role in controlling illegal trafficking complements these efforts, while the community needs to invest in programs that have demonstrated efficacy in improving public health outcomes (Publications, 2018).

Treatment Approaches

While prevention is essential, it is equally important to have effective treatment programs for those who suffer from substance use disorders. Various treatment modalities exist, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, therapy, and support groups. MAT combines behavioral therapies with medications, offering a comprehensive approach to treating addiction (Sloboda et al., 2019).
Access to mental healthcare services is also crucial, considering the high rates of co-occurring mental disorders among those who abuse substances (Schuckit, 2013). Notably, Drug Courts have emerged as an innovative intervention where individuals who are non-violent offenders are directed towards rehabilitation programs instead of serving time in prison, thus focusing on recovery rather than punitive measures (Columbia University, 2010).
Furthermore, educational initiatives aimed at reducing overdose deaths through the distribution of naloxone to opioid users and bystanders have shown to be an effective harm reduction strategy (Zili Sloboda et al., 2019).

Conclusion

The pervasive issue of alcohol and drug abuse in America necessitates a multifaceted approach that involves prevention, education, and comprehensive treatment solutions. Through the collaboration of law enforcement, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations, we can make significant strides in addressing this public health crisis.
As we move forward, it is imperative that the focus remains on prevention strategies to curtail future addiction trends, particularly among at-risk youth. The potential human costs of ignoring this crisis are too severe, as addiction has far-reaching consequences that do not merely affect the individual but the fabric of society as a whole.
References
1. Bonomo, Y., Goos, C. J. M., Howard, J., Huckle, T., & Mendoza, N. R. (2015). Young People and Alcohol: A Resource Book. World Health Organization.
2. Columbia University (2010). Behind Bars II: Substance Abuse and America’s Prison Population. Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
3. Publications, United Nations (2018). World Drug Report 2018 (Set of 5 Booklets).
4. Schuckit, M. A. (2013). Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Clinical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer Science & Business Media.
5. Sloboda, Z., Petras, H., Robertson, E., & Hingson, R. (2019). Prevention of Substance Use. Springer International Publishing.
6. Stoil, M. J., & Hill, G. (2013). Preventing Substance Abuse: Interventions that Work. Springer Science & Business Media.
7. Zili Sloboda, Hanno Petras, Elizabeth Robertson, Ralph Hingson (2019). Prevention of Substance Use. Springer.
8. United Nations (2018). World Drug Report 2018 (Set of 5 Booklets).
9. Columbia University (2010). Behind Bars II: Substance Abuse and America’s Prison Population.
10. Bonomo, Y. et al. (2015). Young People and Alcohol: A Resource Book.
In this paper, the inconvenience of substance abuse is highlighted with an emphasis on its prevention and treatment strategies. With focused efforts towards education, awareness, and supportive systems, a significant impact can be made to combat this ongoing challenge in America.