Substance abuse and addiction is an issue which has had a growing impact on society for decades. Millions in Canada each year suffer from addiction and even death with larger and larger percentages of the population finding it easier to gain access to illegal substances. Use of illegal substances will often lead to substance abuse and addiction. Addiction is very powerful as it can have strong adverse effects, rewiring the brain and destroying life in pursuit of a substance. Efforts have been made to combat this issue in Canada, with increased funding to law enforcement to combat illegal sale and possession of substances, however this problem continues and has no end in sight. Abuse of substances has ruined many lives, and many more to come …show more content…
Lives are dramatically impacted by this issue. Addiction to any substance is very powerful, with many ending up jobless, homeless, or in debt to pursue their addiction. Stronger addiction has the power to do this as the substance is of higher necessity than basic survival, such as food and shelter. It is extremely easy to gain access to drugs, with many prescription drugs often being sold for profit. The manufacturing of illegal drugs has also grown in recent decades. According to a recent study, “Around 284 million people aged 15-64 used drugs worldwide in 2020, a 26 per cent increase over the previous decade.” (Hansford, Brian. 2022). With this increase it has gotten particularly much easier for youth to gain access to these illegal substances. Youth are particularly vulnerable as their brains and bodies are still in the development phase. Altering this phase with the use of these dangerous substances will result in major health impacts on the brain and body, resulting in further, more drastic issues later in life. It is important we combat this issue to save and protect all generations suffering from substance abuse. By addressing the baseline of the issue, we can combat the sale and use of illegal substances. We can also help victims of addiction and abuse with rehabilitation centres and raise awareness about this …show more content…
In Canada ” approximately 21% of the population (about 6 million people) will experience a substance use disorder or addiction at some point in their lifetime. “. (Moore, Jim. 2022). With the increase of availability of illegal drugs on the street in Canada, larger percentages of the population are at risk for substance abuse and addiction. This number steadily grows as we let the issue continue, as the rise of drugs produces a snowball effect, endangering more lives at it grows. The government of Canada has made an official list on its website of illegal drugs. Including codeine, cocaine, mushrooms, LSD, MDMA, Fentanyl, etc. This increases awareness to the population of which substances are illegal and includes the risks of taking them. However, this is not enough, and more effort needs to be put into this
Lot of people who are drug addict have become homeless. All together leads to poverty and increase in the crime rate. As I have mentioned earlier that I used to visit my friend 's smoke shop, there is a medical shore near which sales marijuana. to reach my friend 's store I have to pass by this medical store. I have
This dependence on substances often leads to a dangerous cycle, where individuals feel they cannot function without them. As more and more people fall into this trap, we risk ending up like the society depicted in Brave New World, where happiness is manufactured and individuality is suppressed. Sadly, our own government seems to be following a similar path, with a lack of resources and support for those struggling with substance abuse, exemplified by the current opioid epidemic in America. If we continue down this path, our society may end up like the one in Brave New World, where the pursuit of happiness comes at the cost of individual
The objective of this paper is to compare both U.S drug laws and Canada’s drug laws to identify how they differ and present my insight on this matter. How the United States constructs, its drug laws are without a doubt contrastive to Canada. It begins with lawmakers distinguishing the difference between illegal drugs and legal drugs. For the most part, the legality of drugs highly depends on how it’s consumed. Meaning whether or not its doctor prescribed or under physician care,
BELENKO, S., & PEUGH, J. (1998). Fighting crime by treating substance abuse. Issues in Science and Technology, 15(1), 53-60. This article explains how the justice system addresses the issue of substance abuse and criminal offenders.
Drugs are chemical substances that can be used by many people to feel delighted, excited and relaxed. Those drugs may have a dangerous effect on individual’s lives. Ice is considered as one of the most destructive and powerful stimulant drug in Australia. Many Australians are addicted to this drug, which affects Australia socially and economically (Taylor, Brownstein, Mulcahy, Fernandes-Huessy, Woods & Hafford, 2011, p. 319). This essay will discuss the main problems of the drug ice in Australia and suggest possible solutions to decrease its effects socially and economically.
Introduction Substance use and abuse has far reaching implications for all of society, and has significant effects on the global burden of disease. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has indicated that substance use disorders (SUD) may have a formidable effect on the health of individuals, families, and communities (SAMSHA, 2016). Whiteford, Ferrari, Degenhardt, Feigin, and Vos (2015) stated, “Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are a leading cause of the disease burden worldwide, substantially contributing to health loss across the lifespan” (p. 8). Reasons for the prevalence of substance abuse are multi-factorial. Those who use, or abuse, frequently suffer from a multitude of other problems, such as physical diseases, mental disorders, and dysfunctional familial, social, and financial
A social problem of great concern to me is the growing drug abuse problem. With drug abuse being such a prominent problem in today’s society it is everywhere you look and so many families are affected by it.
In the United States and around the world there is an epidemic involving drug addiction. Also, we are facing a growing problem revolving around prison overcrowding, due to inmates that have committed drug related crimes, or offences while under the influence. There is a solution that would help society and lessen overcrowding, and that’s to help those that are committing crimes due to an addiction disorder. By providing treatment for offenders; we can help the growing population, reduce recidivism, and equip them with the skills they need for successful reentry and life of recovery.
To begin, educational initiatives need to be implemented to challenge misconceptions and bring empathy towards individuals that are struggling with substance disorders. Research has shown that education and awareness programs help to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and leads to an increase in support for treatment and recovery (Livingston et al., 2012). Second, expanding access to evidence-based treatment options such as medication-assisted treatments greatly improves treatment retention and reduces relapse rates among those struggling with substance abuse disorders (Luoma et al., 2007). A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that Narcan distribution programs are critical, but stigma creates reluctance in adopting these life-saving interventions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Third, advocation for policy reform will prioritize treatment over punishment and improve public health outcomes.
The continuous use of narcotics results in addiction, and financial struggles due to the costly upkeep. “Financial problems are one of the major side effects of drug and substance abuse” (Buaggett, 2015). Addicts cannot adequately take an active role in the economic activities, as the use of drugs inhibits the abilities of the users to earn a daily living. Due to the instability of finances, this would result in selling personal belongings to continue funding the substance of choice, and depending on the addicts living situation, this could lead to losing their house or being removed from their current housing. While being under the influence, an addicts voice of reason is jeopardized, resulting in criminal activities which raise the chances of being apprehended by the law enforcers, as well as, heavy fines are imposed.
Drug abuse is a major problem that impacts negatively on its users and the society at multiple levels. In one way or another, substance abuse affects members of the community taking a tremendous toll on the society at large. The cost incurred to reduce the effects of substance abuse and addiction in the US alone surpasses the cost of treating terminal illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. Substance abuse costs the nation at least $484 billion per year. This cost includes healthcare expenditures, costs associated with accidents and crime, and lost earnings.
Substance abuse is a major concern when it comes to the youth of America. The horrible effects which can occur from drug and alcohol abuse is horrendous. It destroys the lives of victims and can alter their way of thinking and acting. There are many causes which can influence the youth to try these new substances, and if not pulled out from it, can ruin their lives. America’s substance abuse problem in youth is caused by social factors, psychological factors, and biological factors.
With high drug trafficking and production in Canada, the opportunity for citizens to purchase these drugs and abuse them is extremely high. Black markets for drugs and under the table pharmaceutical drugs to be accessed is growing more and more. n Since Canada is extremely diverse this has shown to lead to higher demand for drugs that are not commonly used in north America, such as hash, opium and khat and the introduction of new exotic drugs to people can lead to abuse and overdosing at a higher rate then other
(Brick, 2004, para 3). When a substance enters a human body it affects more than just the stomach, liver, or brain, it affects the entire body. Every human body was designed with a purpose and plan by God. Depending on the person, there is a decision of whether to take care of the body and follow that plan. In summary, addiction and substance abuse can affect the entire quality of a person’s