Drug abuse is a major problem that impacts society on many levels. It affects everyone and not just the abuser. Drug abuse can affect the individual, family and community as many social, economical and health problems relate directly to drug abuse.
Although it is not a diseases per se, Drug abuse shares many features with chronic diseases, including a tendency to run in families. Just like heart disease, cancers and diabetes, drug abuse is not a simple condition. Prolonged drug abuse can even lead to diseases like cardiovascular diseases.
The costs of drug abuse can even be compared to that of chronic conditions. Drug abuse and addiction costs the US more than $484 billion per year. That includes health care expenses, lost earnings and costs associated with crimes and accidents. Drug abuse causes a big burden that affects all of society, including illness, injuries and death. In the US, approximately 40 million debilitating diseases or injuries occur as the result of the use of tobacco, alcohol abuse or drug abuse.
However, the many similarities does not mean that drug abuse is a chronic disease. Unlike chronic diseases that may be inherited or be deemed terminal, people can put a voluntary end to drug abuse.
Many of the US’s top social issues also have a relation to drug abuse, including driving while under the influence of drugs, violence, stress and child abuse. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drug abuse is the cause of approximated 10 to 22 percent of drivers involved in crashes. As many as 60% of adults doing time in Federal prisons are there for drug-related crimes. Those who have been arrested for major crimes like homicide and assault are often seen with a history of drug abuse.
Drug abuse may also lead to homelessness. Did you know that 31% of America’s homeless people suffer from drug abuse or alcoholism?
Drug abuse not only affects adults but children as well. Children with prenatal exposure to drugs are more likely to need special education services in school. Special education costs cost approximately $23 million per year in the US.
Even the workplace isn’t safe from the consequences of drug abuse. In 1997, studies in the US show that drug users were more likely to have missed two or more days of work in a month and have worked for three or more employers in a year. Drug abuse can cause loss of earnings, not only for the abuser but also for the employers.
Having said all this, individuals suffering from drug abuse really must make changes in their lifestyles. Unfortunately, because of the nature of addiction, it is very difficult for a drug addict to change by themself and this is why the help of drug rehab centers is needed.
If you know someone with a history of drug abuse, urge them to seek help by informing them of all the consequences that drug abuse entails. Narconon is a drug rehab program that has been effectively helping drug addicts for over 40 years. You can talk to one of the Narconon Trois-Rivieres substance abuse counselors toll free: 1-877-782-7409.
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