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Essay on Drug Abuse

Here we have shared the Essay on Drug Abuse in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Drug Abuse in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams.

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth

Students are often asked to write an essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth

Introduction.

Drugs have a significant impact on youth, affecting their health, education, and social relationships.

Health Consequences

Drugs can damage a young person’s physical and mental health. They can lead to addiction, organ damage, and mental disorders.

Educational Impact

Drugs can impair a youth’s ability to concentrate and learn, leading to poor academic performance.

Social Effects

Drug use can lead to isolation from friends and family, and involvement in illegal activities.

250 Words Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth

The impact of drugs on youth is a topic of significant concern, affecting individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The youth, being the most vulnerable demographic, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of drug use.

The Allure of Drugs

The allure of drugs for young people often stems from a desire to fit in, escape reality, or experiment. Peer pressure, social media influence, and the thrill of rebellion can all contribute to the initiation of drug use. This early exposure can lead to addiction, impacting their physical, mental, and social health.

Physical Impact

Drugs can have devastating physical effects on young bodies. They can hinder growth, affect brain development, and lead to long-term health problems like heart disease and cancer. Moreover, drug use can lead to risky behaviors, increasing the likelihood of accidents, violence, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Mental Impact

On the mental front, drug use can exacerbate or trigger mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. It can also impair cognitive abilities, memory, and academic performance, limiting a young person’s potential for success.

Social Impact

Socially, drug use can lead to isolation, strained relationships, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It can also lead to legal issues, reducing opportunities for future employment and education.

500 Words Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth

The global landscape of drug abuse and addiction is a complex issue that has significant implications on the youth. The impact of drugs on youth is far-reaching, affecting not just their physical health, but also their mental well-being, academic performance, and future prospects.

The Physical Consequences

The first and most apparent impact of drugs on youth is the physical damage. Substance abuse can lead to a host of health problems, ranging from liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, to neurological issues. Furthermore, drugs can interfere with the normal growth and development processes, particularly during the critical adolescent years when the body undergoes significant changes.

Mental Health Implications

The social implications of drug use among youth are equally significant. Substance abuse can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness. It can also lead to delinquency, crime, and a general disregard for societal norms and values. This damage to their social fabric can have long-term consequences, affecting their ability to form meaningful relationships and contribute positively to society.

Educational and Career Impact

Substance abuse can severely impact a young person’s educational attainment and future career prospects. The cognitive impairments caused by drug use can lead to poor academic performance, lower grades, and increased likelihood of dropping out. This, in turn, can limit their career opportunities and earning potential, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and substance abuse.

Prevention and Intervention

In conclusion, the impact of drugs on youth is a multifaceted issue that extends beyond the individual to families, schools, and communities. It is a pressing problem that requires collective effort and commitment to address. By understanding the depth of its impact, we can better equip ourselves to combat this issue and pave the way for a healthier, more productive future for our youth.

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Essay on Addiction for Students and Children

500 words essay on addiction.

As we all know that excess of anything can be very dangerous, the same way, addiction of any kind can hamper the life quality of an individual. The phrase states that addiction is a family disease as one person uses and the whole family suffers. The above statement stands true in all its essence as the addict does not merely suffer but the people around him suffer greatly too. However, that does not mean they can’t be helped. Addiction is curable and we must not give up on the person who is addicted, rather help them out for a better life.

Cost of Addiction

Addiction comes at a great cost and we need to be able to recognize its harmful consequences to not let ourselves or anyone become an addict. Firstly, addiction has major health hazards. Intake of anything is bad for our body , and it does not matter what type of addiction it is, it will always impact the mental and physical health of a person.

For instance, if you are addicted to drugs or food, you will get various diseases and illnesses. Similarly, if you are addicted to video games, your mental health will also suffer along with physical health.

Moreover, people who are addicts usually face monetary issues. As they use that thing in excess, they spend loads of money on it. People become obsessed with spending all their fortunes on that one thing to satisfy their addiction. Thus, all these addictions of drugs , alcohol , gambling, and more drain the finances of a person and they usually end up in debt or even worse.

Furthermore, the personal and professional relationships of addicts suffer the most. They end up doing things or making decisions that do not work in their favor. This constraint the relationships of people and they drift apart.

Moreover, it also hampers their studies or work life. When you are spending all your money and time on your addiction, naturally your concentration levels in other things will drop. However, all this is not impossible to beat. There are many ways through which one can beat their addiction.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Beat Your Addiction

It is best to work towards beating your addiction rather than getting beat by it. One can try many ways to do so. Firstly, recognize and identify that you have an addiction problem. That is the first step to getting cured. You need to take some time and understand the symptoms in order to treat them. Motivate yourself to do better.

After that, understand that the journey will be long but worthwhile. Identify the triggers in your life and try to stay away from them as far as possible. There is no shame in asking for professional help. Always remember that professionals can always help you get better. Enroll yourself in rehabilitation programs and try to make the most out of them.

Most importantly, do not be hesitant in talking to your loved ones. Approach them and talk it out as they care most about you. They will surely help you get on the right path and help you in beating addiction for better health and life.

Q.1 What are the consequences of addiction?

A.1 Addiction has very severe consequences. Some of them are health hazards, monetary issues, relationship problems, adverse problems on studies and work of a person. It seriously hampers the quality of life of a person.

Q.2 How can one get rid of addiction?

A.2 A little help can go a long way. One can get rid of addiction by enrolling in rehabilitation programs and opening up about their struggle. Try to take professional help and talk with your close ones to become better.

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 and 500 Words in English for Students

Updated on
Apr 2, 2024

Drug abuse refers to the excessive and frequent consumption of drugs. Drug abuse can have several harmful effects on our mental and physical health. Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the USA, passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and initiated the War on Drugs . He said, ‘Let us not forget who we are. Drug abuse is a repudiation of everything America is.’

Consuming drugs not only harms the individual himself but also affects society as a whole. Studies have shown that people who consume drugs become addicted to it. This addiction turns into substance abuse, resulting in self-damage, behaviour changes, mood swings, unnecessary weight loss, and several other health problems. Let’s understand what drug abuse is and how to fight it.

Table of Contents

1 Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 Words
2.1 Why Do People Consume Drugs?
2.2 Why Is Drug Abuse Bad?
2.3 Laws in India Against Drug Consumption
2.4 Steps to Prevent Drug Addiction
2.5 Conclusion
3 10 Lines Essay on Drug Abuse

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 Words

‘When people consume drugs regularly and become addicted to it, it is known as drug abuse. In medical terminology, drugs means medicines. However, the consumption of drugs is for non-medical purposes. It involves the consumption of substances in illegal and harmful ways, such as swallowing, inhaling, or injecting. When drugs are consumed, they are mixed into our bloodstream, affecting our neural system and brain functioning.

The Indian government has taken significant steps to help reduce the consumption of drugs. In 1985, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act came into force. This act replaced the Opium Act of 1857, the Opium Act of 1878, and the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1930.

Drug abuse can lead to addiction, where a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using it.

Drug abuse can have serious consequences for the individual and society as a whole. On an individual level, drugs can damage physical health, including organ damage, infectious diseases, and overdose fatalities. Not only this, a person already suffering from mental health disorders will face more harmful aftereffects. Addiction disrupts our cognitive functioning and impairs our decision-making abilities.

To fight drug abuse, we need collective action from all sections of society. Medical professionals say that early intervention and screening programmes can identify individuals at risk of substance misuse and provide them with the necessary support services. Educating people, especially those who are at-risk, about drug abuse and its harmful effects can significantly help reduce their consumption.

Drug abuse is serious and it must be addressed. Drug abuse is killing youth and society. Therefore, it is an urgent topic to address, and only through sustainable and collective efforts can we address this problem.

Quick Read: Success in Life Speech

Essay on Drug Abuse in 500 Words

Drug abuse is known as frequent consumption. In time, these people become dependent on drugs for several reasons. Curiosity drives adolescents and teenagers, who are among the most susceptible groups in our society. Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. are some of the popular drugs consumed.

Why Do People Consume Drugs?

The very first question about drugs is: why do people consume drugs? Studies have shown that more than 50% of drug addicts consider drugs as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional or psychological distress. In the beginning, drugs temporarily relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma, providing a temporary escape from difficult emotions or life circumstances.

Some consume drugs out of curiosity, some under peer pressure, and some want to escape the painful experiences. Some people enjoy the effects drugs produce, such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered perceptions. Recreational drug use may occur in social settings or as a form of self-medication for stress relief or relaxation.

Why Is Drug Abuse Bad?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that drugs can worsen our eyesight and body movement, our physical growth, etc. Marijuana, one of the most popular drugs, can slow down our reaction time, affecting our time and distance judgement and decreasing coordination. Cocaine and Methamphetamine can make the consumer aggressive and careless.

Our brain is the first victim of drugs. Drugs can disorder our body in several ways, from damaging organs to messing with our brains. Drugs easily get mixed into our bloodstream, and affect our neural system. Prolonged and excessive consumption of drugs significantly harms our brain functioning.

The next target of drug abuse is our physical health and relationships. Drugs can damage our vital organs, such as the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. For example, heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, while cocaine use can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Laws in India Against Drug Consumption

Here is an interesting thing; the USA has the highest number of drug addicts and also has strict laws against drug consumption. According to a report by the Narcotics Control Bureau, around 9 million people in India consume different types of drugs. The Indian government has implemented certain laws against drug consumption and production.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), prohibits the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of narcotics and other illegal substances, except for scientific and medical purposes.

Also, Article 47 of the Indian Constitution states that ‘ The State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.’

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Steps to Prevent Drug Addiction

Several steps can be taken to prevent drug addiction. But before we start our ‘War on Drugs’ , it is crucial to understand the trigger point. Our social environment, mental health issues and sometimes genetic factors can play a role in drug abuse.

Education and awareness are the primary weapons in the fight against drugs.
Keeping distance from people and places addicted to drugs.
Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle and indulge in physical workouts.
Watch motivating videos and listen to sound music.
Self-motivate yourself to stop consuming drugs.
Talk to a medical professional or a psychiatrist, who will guide you to the right path.

Drug abuse is a serious problem. The excessive and frequent consumption of drugs not only harms the individual but also affects society as a whole. Only a collective approach from lawmakers, healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders, and individuals themselves can combat drug abuse effectively.

Quick Read: Speech About Life

10 Lines Essay on Drug Abuse

Here is a 10-line essay on drug abuse.

Drug abuse can significantly affect our physical growth
Drug abuse can affect our mental functioning.
Drug abuse may provide instant pleasure, but inside, it weakens our willpower and physical strength.
Educating people, especially those who are at-risk, about drug abuse and its harmful effects can significantly help reduce their consumption.
Drugs easily get mixed into our bloodstream, and affect our neural system.
Prolonged and excessive consumption of drugs significantly harms our brain functioning.
In 1985, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act came into force.
The USA has the highest number of drug addicts and also has strict laws against drug consumption.
Drug addicts consider drugs as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional or psychological distress.
Adolescents and teenagers are the most vulnerable section of our society and are driven by curiosity.

Ans: Drug abuse refers to the excessive and frequent consumption of drugs. Drug abuse can have several harmful effects on our mental and physical health.

Ans: ‘When people consume drugs regularly and become addicted to it, it is known as drug abuse. In medical terminology, drugs means medicines. However, the consumption of drugs is for non-medical purposes. It involves the consumption of substances in illegal and harmful ways, such as swallowing, inhaling, or injecting. When drugs are consumed, they are mixed into our bloodstream, affecting our neural system and brain functioning.

Ans: Drug abuse is known as frequent consumption. In time, these people become dependent on drugs for several reasons. Adolescents and teenagers are the most vulnerable section of our society who are driven by curiosity. Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. are some of the popular drugs consumed. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), prohibits the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of narcotics and other illegal substances, except for scientific and medical purposes.

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Substance Abuse: Adolescent Issues and Interventions Essay

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Introduction

The development of substance abuse, risk factors related to substance abuse, the influence of addiction on self-identity, interventions, reference list.

This paper has been aimed at discussing the problem of substance abuse among adolescents. In particular, it focuses on the factors that lead to dependence on drugs on alcohol, for instance, peer-pressure, low self-esteem, family problems, experiences of sexual abuse, and so forth. The proposed interventions include the following measures: 1) regular communication with both parents; 2) paying more attention to the friends of a teenager; 3) limiting the access to money; 4) organizing extra curriculum activities for teenagers.

Substance abuse among adolescents is the problem that requires the joint effort of parents, teachers, and social workers. It can affect families that have various social, racial, or economic characteristics and no one can say that he or she is insured against this risk. This paper is aimed at discussing the factors that contribute to substance abuse among teenagers. Moreover, it is necessary to propose interventions that can prevent adolescents from experimenting with drugs or drinking alcohol.

The development of substance abuse among adolescents can be explained in different ways. The researchers point out that more than 40 percent of teenagers begin to take drugs or drink alcohol in the company of their peers (Ahmad, Khalique, & Khan, 2009, p. 401). These people may believe that drug use is a sign of belonging to the group.

As a rule, they do not want to criticize the behavior of their peers who may believe that drugs and alcohol are acceptable. In their opinion, the rejection of group values can make them outcasts. An adolescent, who has a strong attachment to the group, can abuse substance either to acquire new experiences or in effort to impress his or her friends (Ramirez et al, 2012, p. 39).

Thus, peer pressure is one way to explain this problem. Certainly, peer pressure can also be a positive force, especially when a teenager’s friends lead a healthy lifestyle and do not approve of alcohol or drug abuse. This is the first issue that parents and teachers should take into account.

Secondly, one should remember that this behavior can be caused by some problems within the family. Chassin and Handley believe, teenagers can resort to alcohol and drugs when they do not feel the emotional support and encouragement of parents (2006, p. 136). For them, substance abuse becomes a substitute for normal family relations. Such behavior is more typical of teenagers suffering from domestic violence (Caple & Schub, 2012, p. 1).

Additionally, one should remember that remember that for many teenagers attempt to raise their perceived status and self-esteem by drinking alcoholic beverages or using substances (Ahmad, Khalique, & Khan, 2009, p. 401). In their opinion, this behavior signifies adulthood and independence.

Certainly, this assumption is false but this is how many of them believe. Thus, this problem can be related to the way in which adolescents perceive themselves. These examples suggest that there are different paths that lead to substance abuse problems and intervention should account for various possibilities.

Overall, researchers single out several characteristics of adolescents that may take drugs, namely, low self-esteem, psychological distress, lack of meaningful relations with parents, or contacts with people, usually peers who abuse drugs (Newcomb, 1986, p. 525). These teenagers believe that only peers can offer them help or encouragement. Usually, this belief is not justified, but it is very strong.

However, there are other important indicators that should not be overlooked. For example, statistical evidence suggests that teenagers, who suffered sexual or physical abuse, tend to drink alcohol or use drugs much earlier that their peers (Caple & Schub, 2012, p. 1). These adolescents cannot give vent to their feelings, and they view drugs or alcohol as the only solution available to them. Additionally, one should remember about such a factor as the structure of the family.

A teenager growing up in a two-family household is less likely to get addicted to alcohol or drugs (Caple & Schub, 2012, p. 1). Surely, one cannot assume that adolescents from single-parent families are always prone to drug abuse or alcohol consumption. However, it is easier for teenagers to cope with stress when they can communicate with both parents.

Parenting style can either increase or decrease the likelihood of substance abuse among teenagers. Over-permissiveness is strongly correlated with alcohol consumption (Caple & Schub, 2012, p. 2). For example, adolescents are more likely to use drugs if their parents give them unlimited access to money (McCrystal, Percy, &Higgins, 2007, p. 26). Yet, authoritarian parenting can also lead to substance abuse.

So, parents should find a balance between control over their children and permissiveness. The risk factors that have been discussed cannot be applied to every case of substance abuse among adolescents; yet, they are very widespread. Therefore, educators should pay more attention to the needs of these teenagers, because they are more exposed to the risk of substance abuse.

Drug abuse and subsequent addiction affects the self-identity of teenagers. In part, this influence can be explained with the help of social learning theory developed by Albert Bandura. It postulates that an individual learns behavioral norms by observing those people who are close to him or her (Wodarski, 1990, 670). A teenager, who wants to appear stronger or more independent, may emulate the habits of older peers and these people may abuse drugs or alcohol (Wodarski, 1990, 670).

Moreover, one should not forget that mass media, especially television are full of images suggesting alcohol consumption is acceptable for adults. Thus, this person begins to think that substance is an attribute of adulthood. Such teenagers may believe that they are strong, self-sufficient, and independent of their parents. However, later they are not able to perceive themselves in this way. They understand that they have become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

They see that they do not have any control over the situation. The awareness of this fact can lead to low self-esteem and feeling of worthlessness. Thus, it is possible to argue that addiction distorts the self-identity of an individual. At first, it creates an illusion of power or independence, but eventually results into the feeling of helplessness. These are the main effects of addiction on the self-identity of a teenager.

There are several interventions that can reduce the risk of substance abuse among adolescent. First of all, parents should remember that regular communication with both parents reduces the risk of deviant behavior, including drug abuse (Caple & Schub, 2012, p. 1). Thus, parents should make sure that they can talk to a child at least once a day.

Divorced parents should not prevent one another from seeing a child. A teenager should know that he or she can rely on other members of the family. As a result, this person will not feel the need to use drugs and seek the support of peers.

Secondly, parents should learn more about the friends of their children. For example, they should know how they spend time, and what they are interested in. By doing so, parents can determine whether their children’s friends have a good or bad influence over them. This is why parents should not prohibit their children from inviting their friends to the house. Moreover, parents can even occasionally organize small parties for them. In this way, they learn much more about the friends of their children.

The third intervention that researchers recommend is to limit a teenager’s access to money (McCrystal, Percy, &Higgins, 2007, p. 26). The findings suggest that uncontrolled access to money at the age of 13 or 14 increases the probability of drug use (McCrystal, Percy, &Higgins, 2007, p. 26).

Thus, parents should be attentive to how their children spend money. Certainly, people cannot always know for what kind of purposes their children need money. However, they should be very careful when a child asks for extra cash because this cash can be needed for drugs or alcohol.

In turn, teachers should encourage children’s participation in school life when it is possible. Special attention should be paid to extra curriculum activities because a student, who has certain interests or goals, will be less attracted to alcohol and drugs. For example, schools can establish study groups for children who may be interested in different subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics, and so forth. In this way, they can divert adolescents’ attention from drugs.

Additionally, they should be very attentive to academic performance of students. The thing is that poor grades and continuous absence from school may indicate at some emotional problems or even substance abuse. At any rate, parents should be warned about these issues as soon as possible.

On the whole, drug abuse and alcohol consumption are the problems that can affect the life of almost any family irrespective of its income level, ethnic origins , or education background. The examples discussed in this paper suggest that teenagers are torn between their need for independence and the need for support.

The proposed intervention are premised on the idea that the child, who feels the support of parents and who has some interests, is less interested in alcohol or drugs because they create no value for him or her. Moreover, this adolescent will be more resistant to peer pressure.

Ahmad, A., Khalique, N., & Khan, Z. (2009). Analysis of Substance Abuse in Male Adolescents. Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, 19 (4), 399-403.

Caple, C., & Schub, T. (2012). Substance Abuse in Adolescence: Risk/Protective Factors. CINAHL Nursing Guide, 1-2.

Chassin, L., & Handley, E. D. (2006). Parents and Families as Contexts for the Development of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders. Psychology Of Addictive Behaviors, 20 (2), 135.

McCrystal, P., Percy, A., & Higgins, K. (2007). The cost of drug use in adolescence: Young people, money and substance abuse. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy, 14 (1), 19-28.

Newcomb, M. M. (1986). Risk Factors for Drug Use among Adolescents: Concurrent and Longitudinal Analyses. American Journal Of Public Health, 76 (5), 525-540.

Ramirez, R., Hinman, A., Sterling, S., Weisner, C., & Campbell, C. (2012). Peer Influences on Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Use Outcomes. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 44 (1), 36-44.

Wodarski, J. S. (1990). Adolescent substance abuse: Practice implications. Adolescence, 25 (99), 667-688.

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Drug Abuse Essay | Essay on Drug Abuse for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Drug Abuse Essay: Drugs are the new emerging trends in the world. Where knowledge and life values should be something that is inculcated in every mind, the drugs are taking their place and making life itself void. Drugs have positive uses too, but as it is human nature, we tend to bend towards the negative side of the use of drugs. We provide samples of Long and short essays with guiding pointers on this topic.

You can read more Essay Writing about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Drug Abuse for Students and Kids in English

We are providing a Drug Abuse essay of 400-500 words and a short essay of 100 to 200 words on the topic of Drug Abuse.

Long Essay on Drug Abuse 500 words in English

Drug Abuse essay will be helpful for students in classes 7, 8, 9, and 10 for their assignments or as an examination essay reference.

‘Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven’. This statement defines the meaning of drugs accurately in one single line. You might think that not everyone takes drugs, but surprisingly this has become a lifestyle of some people. You might believe that this happens only in movies or with movie stars, but that is just a far-fetched reality. Drugs are very much a part of people who were normal once upon a time, due to many different reasons.

What exactly are drugs? Drugs are substances or a combination of substances that can alter the state of your mind in a way that you cease to see the reality about what is happening with your life. This is the most common reason for taking drugs most of the youngsters today.

What drugs do is change the basic way of your body or mind. As mentioned above, there are many different reasons why a person could want to take drugs. One of the frequent reasons is the curiosity to see what happens. The peer pressure makes you do things just to see how they work, and before you know you are hooked up.

The effects of drugs on the body and mind like the sudden boost of energy or the relaxed calmness is also why drugs are popular. Drugs are known to disguise realities and this helps them cope up with certain situations. Of course, this is just a way of running away from one’s self but people who are prone to drugs would never understand that. At last, there comes a stage when a person who takes drugs becomes dependent on them and has to keep on taking them due to avoid the pain of withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of drugs can vary in numerous situations as well. First and foremost being the mental wellbeing. A person, to cope up with situations tries drugs and due to the addicting effects doesn’t recognize reality. Drugs completely change the way they think and behave. This, in turn, affects whatever relationships they have in their life and the impact is mostly always negative.

Financial situations take a rough blow under the influence of drugs as they are not found easily and are expensive. If you had no criminal record, you surely will after taking drugs. Most of the addictive drugs are not found legally, and under a drug offense, it becomes hard to gain a job or even a minor loan.

Thus, Drug Abuse is a very well recognized problem for the new generation but still, it would take a lot of knowledge to steer clear of it. Taking Drugs can be overwhelming and indecisive, but it is a work of sheer will to overcome that disastrous addiction. 11.8 million deaths are the result of drug abuse each year. The will to not fall prey to such addictions in life is the only way to save ourselves from being prematurely dead.

Short Essay on Drug Abuse 200 words in English

Drug Abuse essay is useful for students in classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Drugs are nothing but certain substances that make you addicted to them and change your lifestyle. The change that comes within your lifestyle is mostly negative. It is known to alter reality in such a way that you forget your roots and become prone to succumbing to your bad habits. The main change comes into your mental and physical wellbeing. This gives way to financial problems and negative effects on family and even professional relationships.

Drugs are not to be taken lightly as a problem. They are something that is often taken lightly and are taken within but is soon found to be irreparable mistakes. Drug use is mostly opted for when you are trying to cope up in a situation where you are emotionally tired and you feel that taking drugs would free you of the pain. This is the reason why most of the young generation falls prey to this demon.

Drug abuse is the most problematic cause of death in the world. Around 350,000 die from overdoses of smoking, drugs, and drinking as well. It is high time that we understand the seriousness of drug abuse and stay as far as possible from it.

10 Lines on Drug Abuse Essay in English

Drugs are substances that change the way a person acts, feels, and behaves.
When drugs are taken in a form of overdose, the term drug abuse is applicable.
Drugs are both legal and illegal.
Most people use drugs illegally due to different reasons.
Drugs are taken due to peer pressure, coping situations, or just for fun as well.
Many times, taking drugs becomes out of control and this ruins the complete life.
People are affected financially and legally as well.
They tend to ruin relationships in life whether they are personal or professional.
The most common reason to take drugs is to escape from reality.
Escaping from drugs is a work of will where no changes can be taken or it proves fatal for one’s life.

FAQ’s on Drug Abuse Essay

Question 1. What are the short-term effects of Drugs?

Answer: The effects of drugs vary on the person’s size, gender, mood, fitness, diet, and age. The environment in which it is taken makes a difference. Some people become angry, depressed, or overly talkative.

Question 2. What are the symptoms of drug use?

Answer: Drug use includes a change in behavior, unnecessary anger, withdrawal from family and friends, suspicious activities, and deterioration in health.

Question 3. How can Drugs be avoided?

Answer: The safest option is not to accept the intake of drugs. If you are pressured to do so, you can remove yourself from the situation entirely.

Question 4. Who are easily prone to drugs?

Answer: Anyone can be prone to drugs, but mostly the cases found and proved are teenagers and adults ranging from 11-29 years of age.

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Drug Abuse Among Students

How it works

Medication manhandle is these days one of the gravest social damages. Late years have encountered an extreme ascent in sedate manhandle among school and college understudies. In America today, more people struggle with some kind of addiction to drugs than in the past. Alcohol use is high among college students and places them at risk for health problems, injuries, and poor academic performance.

Drugs have a chemical effect that damage the brain and body. Drugs have shown to interfere with an individual’s ability to make decisions and can lead to compulsive craving, seeking, and use.

This then becomes a substance dependency. Some effects of drugs include major health problems that are long lasting and even permanent. According to Debra Woods, ‘The cause of drug abuse and dependence is unknown, although there are a variety of theories. One theory holds that there may be a genetic component that predisposes a person to develop a drug addiction. Another theory is that drug abuse is a learned behavior and that people begin to use drugs by copying the behavior of those around them. Medical professionals have not been able to target a specific cause. Long-term drug use alters the brain’s structure and chemistry, which may reinforce the desire to keep using drugs regardless of the consequences”.

According to Woods, There is no cure for sedate mishandles or medication reliance. Treatment comprises of three fundamental objectives: to enable patients to quit utilizing drugs, to diminish the poisonous impacts of the medications being utilized and to help in side effects of medication withdrawal (‘detoxification’), and to avert backslide. Effective treatment relies upon the medication client’s acknowledgment of the issue and wants to change. Recuperation takes quite a while and isn’t a simple procedure. Patients may require different courses of treatment.

Treatments incorporate meds, guiding, and self-improvement associations. Medications may ease a portion of the manifestations of withdrawal. Now and again, a solution might be requested to forestall backslide. Individuals dependent on heroin might be offered methadone to help decrease them off. Methadone may likewise be given on a long haul premise to enhance the possibility of remaining in treatment. Methadone is an opiate that squares desires and also the pleasurable impacts of heroin and different sedatives. Different medications that are utilized as a part of treatment are naltrexone and buprenorphine (Woods).

Drugs can still damage the body even after a person has stopped taking the substance. People suffer from illicit drug use. According to Sabina, “There was no significant main effect for alcohol use, but analysis of the interaction with gender found that problematic alcohol use was associated with victimization of men “(par. 1). People who live substance dependence have a higher risk of all bad outcomes including unintentional injuries, accidents, and a risk of domestic violence, medical problems, and death. Drugs have a big impact on a person’s health. Some drugs weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.

A powerless or inadequate insusceptible framework can prompt dysfunctions, for example, immune system illnesses and tumor development. Medication utilize can cause cardiovascular conditions extending from anomalous heart rate to heart assaults. Infused medications can likewise prompt crumbled veins and contaminations of the veins and heart valves. Distinctive medications can cause sickness, retching, and stomach torment. People start using drugs for numerous reasons. Some people begin using drugs simply to see what the drug high is like. Doing drugs can affect the body and his or her actions in many different ways.

Drugs not only affect a person’s body but doing drugs while being enrolled as a college student can affect a person’s academic performance. The most common abuse among college students is alcohol abuse. According to Vail-Smith, Karen , “College alcohol prevention and health professionals, already challenged with addressing the formidable problems associated with under-age drinking, could be facing new issues with this new form of alcohol”(pg. 31-36). A few elements can add to liquor manhandle and liquor abuse, including hereditary qualities, cerebrum science, social weight, enthusiastic pressure, endless torment, dejection or other psychological wellness issues, and issue drinking practices gained from family or companions.

Different elements that expansion the shot of creating liquor addiction incorporate a family history of liquor manhandle (particularly for men whose fathers or siblings are heavy drinkers), liquor use at an early age (starting when more youthful than fourteen years), illegal medication utilize, peer strain to drink, simple access to mixed refreshments, the nearness of mental issue, and cigarette smoking. Liquor mishandle is a dynamic issue in which physical reliance can create.

Indeed, even low dosages of liquor weaken cerebrum work, judgment, readiness, coordination, and reflexes. High dosages cause concealment of breath and demise. Ceaseless liquor manhandle can deliver dementia, sexual weakness, cirrhosis of the liver, and coronary illness; and sudden withdrawal can create serious uneasiness, tremors, visualizations, and dangerous shakings. Alcohol can cause a person to have a hangover and wake up not knowing what he or she did the previous night. Alcohol affects one’s academic performance when one oversleeps for class or starts to get behind, which can lead to failure.

There are many different ways to prevent drug abuse among college students. Many states are making effort to curb the abuse of prescription drugs with prescription monitoring programs. The most common reason people start using drugs is because of peer pressure. People tend to not want to be left out and, people find themselves doing things they normally would not do, just to fit in. A good way for someone to not get influenced to do drugs is to find a better group of friends that will not pressure him or her into doing harmful things.

Many Americans are tempted by peers and by the excitement or the escape feeling the drugs seems to offer. As people learn more about the facts of these drugs, they see potential risks of chasing the excitement and escape. Many drug users regret their decisions afterward. Drugs can ruin every aspect of a person’s life.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Substance Abuse — The Impact of Substance Abuse

The Impact of Substance Abuse

Categories: Alcohol Abuse Drugs Substance Abuse

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Published: Mar 16, 2024

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ESSAY ON DRUG ADDICTS AMONG STUDENTS

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College Student Drug Use: Patterns, Concerns, Consequences, and Interest in Intervention

Rebekka s. palmer.

Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry 915 Old Oak Rd. Livermore, CA 94550

Thomas J. McMahon

Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Center West Haven Mental Health Clinic 270 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516

Danielle I. Moreggi

University of New Haven 300 Orange Ave West Haven, CT 06516

Bruce J. Rounsaville

Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry 950 Campbell Avenue – Bldg 35 West Haven, CT 06516

Samuel A. Ball

Yale School of Medicine The APT Foundation 1 Long Wharf, Suite 321 New Haven, CT 06517

Although previous surveys have indicated high rates of illicit and prescription drug misuse among college students, few have assessed negative consequences, personal concerns, or interest in interventions for drug use. In a survey of 262 college students who self-reported lifetime use of an illicit drug, 69% reported at least one negative consequence over the course of their lifetime and 63% in the past year. Many also reported being moderately concerned (28%) about their drug or medication misuse and moderately interested in some form of intervention (76%). The frequency of marijuana use and medication misuse in the past month was related to increased negative consequences and personal concerns even when controlling for the frequency of past month alcohol use. There were relatively few differences as a function of gender or year in college.

Despite substantial attention to misuse of alcohol among college students, less is known about drug use on college campuses. The Monitoring the Future report ( Johnston, O’Malley, Bachman, & Schulenberg, 2006 , 2008 ) indicated that 37% of college students had used an illicit drug, and 19% had used an illicit drug other than marijuana in the prior year. Studies have shown that marijuana is the most frequently used drug among college students and approximately 25-33% reported use in the past year and 16% in the past month ( Johnston et al., 2006 ; Gledhill- Hoyt, Lee, Strote, & Wechsler, 2000 ; Globetti, Lo, & Globetti, 1994 ). In comparison to non-marijuana using college students, marijuana users perceived reduced risk of experiencing negative consequences despite already having experienced such a consequence ( Kilmer, Hunt, Lee, & Neighbors, 2007 ). Of those students who reported drug use, almost half (44%) had driven a car while on drugs, approximately one-third reported preoccupation with drug use or trying to limit or stop use, and one-quarter had taken more drugs than they planned or had used during school or work.

In recent years, prescription drug misuse has become increasingly prevalent among college students and has been related to poorer academic performance and high-risk behavior ( Johnston et al., 2006 , 2008 ; McCabe, Knight, Teter, & Wechsler, 2005 ; McCabe, Teter, & Boyd, 2005 ; McCabe, West, & Wechsler, 2006 ). Students who misused pain medications were more likely to have a lower grade point average ( McCabe, Teter, & Boyd, 2005 ), and those who used prescription stimulants and anxiolytics reported use of other substances and risky driving behaviors ( McCabe, Knight, Teter, & Wechsler, 2005 ). When compared with other drug users, students who used prescription stimulants were more likely to have engaged in polydrug use, illegal activities, experienced blackouts and withdrawal symptoms ( McCabe and Teter, 2007 ). Although some research has been conducted with college students to assess the prevalence of drug use and negative consequences, no studies have evaluated the association of these problems with the student’s level of concern about their drug use or their interest in receiving help.

In contrast to the extensive college drinking assessment, prevention, and treatment literature, a review by Larimer, Kilmer, and Lee (2005) emphasized both the scope of the drug problem on college campuses and the scarcity of prevention and intervention approaches. Larimer et al. (2005) emphasized the need for further research on assessment specific to drug use and drug-related negative consequences to inform the development of preventive and clinical interventions. In a college sample of self-identified drug or medication misusers, we evaluated the extent and association of frequency of use, negative consequences, personal concerns and interest in an intervention to inform prevention and treatment development for this at risk group. We predicted that marijuana and prescription drug use would be the most commonly used substances. In addition, we predicted that more extensive and recent drug use would be associated with greater consequences, concern, and interest in getting help.

Participants and Procedure

The sample for this study included 262 undergraduates attending a small private university located in suburban southern Connecticut who self-reported lifetime use of an illicit drug or misuse of a prescription medication. The sample had an average age of 19.6 (SD=1.5), was gender-balanced (52% female) and predominantly (77%) White (13% African American, 4% Hispanic American, 6% Other). All four undergraduate classes were adequately represented (37% freshmen, 22% sophomore, 22% junior, 19% senior), and most (85%) of the students were living in a university residence hall. Demographic statistics provided by the university indicated that the sample was representative (with the exception of average age which was younger due to over 1/3 of our sample being freshmen) of their larger undergraduate population which is 50/50 male/female, 72% White, 11% African American, and 7% other. We recruited students utilizing flyers distributed throughout campus and the residence halls by residence hall staff. The flyers stated: “Complete a survey: We want to understand the pattern of alcohol, tobacco, and other risky behaviors among college students.” A total of 399 students completed a packet of questionnaires in one of two large group testing sessions held in the student union building during the Fall semester of 2005. Of these surveys, 17 were judged to be invalid based on obvious response sets or extreme inconsistency. An additional 120 students reported never having used a drug or misused a medication and were excluded given the focus of the current report. Because data were collected voluntarily and anonymously, the packet of questionnaires were distributed with a waiver of consent form on the cover that participants could remove and take with them. All students completed the survey within 20 to 45 minutes and were compensated $15. All study procedures were approved by the institutional review boards for human subjects from the authors’ institutions.

Illicit Drug Use/Medication Misuse

A questionnaire was developed for this study based on a format used in the Addiction Severity Index ( McLellan et al., 1980 ) and measured lifetime use of illicit drugs (i.e., yes or no), and number of days used in the past month from nine different categories. Using a similar format, a list of prescription medications was added to document lifetime and past month use and misuse of medications organized into six broad categories (see Table 1 note for different examples of each drug and medication category provided to participants as a reference). In addition to rating lifetime and recent frequency of use, an additional rating of medication use circumstance was obtained: 0 = never taken, 1 = taken as recommended, 2 = taken more than recommended/ prescribed to me, 3 = someone gave me some that were prescribed for them or someone else, 4 = took some that belonged to someone else without their knowledge, 5 = bought or obtained illegally. Misuse was defined as a response of 2 or higher for any medication.

Lifetime and Past Month Prevalence of Drug Use and Medication Misuse.

	Lifetime Use/ Misuse		Past Month Use/ Misuse
	N	(%)	N	(%)
Any Illicit Drug	262	----	166	----
1. Marijuana	240	92	148	89
2. Cocaine	43	16	34	21
3. Amphetamines	63	24	28	16
4. Hallucinogens	56	21	24	14
5. Opiates	15	6	8	5
6. Inhalants	21	8	6	4
7. Designer Drugs	30	12	12	7
8. Steroids	3	1	1	<1
9. PCP	11	4	3	2
Any Medication Misuse	153	42	75	45
1. Mood	18	7	10	6
2. Pain	61	23	37	22
3. ADHD	37	14	20	12
4. Anxiety	43	16	26	16
5. Respiratory	39	15	26	16
6. OTC	24	9	15	9

Note. Lifetime Use sample (n = 262); Past Month Use Sample (n = 166). Participants were given the substance names with examples listed parenthetically as follows: marijuana (pot, hash, hash oil), cocaine (crack, rock, freebase), amphetamines (speed, methamphetamine), hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, mescaline), opiates (heroin), inhalants (glue, solvents, gas, nitrates), designer drugs (ecstasy, MDMA, Special K), steroids, PCP= phencyclidine (angel dust, illy), mood/sleep (e.g., Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Zoloft, Elavil, Nardil), pain (e.g., Codeine, Percodan, Oxycontin, Vicodin), ADHD=attention/hyperactivity (e.g., Ritalin, Adderal, Concerta), anxiety (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Librium, Ativan, Klonopen), respiratory (e.g., cough medicine, allergy medicine, inhalers), and OTC=over-the-counter (e.g., diet pills, analgesics).

Negative Consequences

A Drug Use Consequences Scale was developed based on items from the Young Adult Alcohol Problem Screening Test (YAAPST; Hurlburt & Sher, 1992 ) and the InDUC ( Tonigan & Miller, 2002 ) and assessed past year (α = .95) and lifetime (α = .92) prevalence of negative consequences due to use/misuse. To insure that students were completing these items with regard to drug or medication misuse, the instructions indicated that they should not consider their alcohol use and most items also included repeated clarification (because, due to, after, while) of “using drugs.” Items were rated on a 10-point ordinal scale reflecting different frequencies (e.g., 0=never, 1=lifetime but not past year, 2=once in past year; 9=40+ times in past year). This scale also provided an estimate of drug abuse and dependence criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV-TR ( American Psychiatric Association, 2000 ). The note to Table 2 indicates which items from this scale were used to estimate diagnoses for abuse (at least one of the relevant items occurring at least twice in the past year) and dependence (at least three of the relevant items in the past year).

Lifetime and Past Year Prevalence of Negative Consequences Due to Drug Use

	Lifetime Consequence (Total Sample; 262) (%)	Past Year Consequences (Current Use Sample; 166) (%)
1. Said or done something embarrassing	46	50
2. Felt guilty or ashamed	45	50
3. Not done homework, not study for a test, or received lower grade	44	58
4. Felt bad physically	43	46
5. Spent too much money or lost a lot of money	39	48
6. Missed school, work, or activities with friends	35	45
7. Done impulsive things you later regretted	34	40
8. Spent a significant amount of time thinking about, looking for, or using	33	42
9. Taken drugs in larger amounts or over longer period of time than you planned	28	34
10. Failed to do what was expected of you	27	31
11. Need more drugs to get the same effect or don’t get the same effect with the usual amount	27	33
12. Lost interest in activities or hobbies	25	23
13. While stoned or high, been physically hurt, burned, or injured	22	27
14. While high or stoned, broken or damaged property	21	26
15. Gotten into a physical fight	18	22
16. Lost a close relationship	16	13
17. While high or stoned, injured someone	15	16
18. Take more to avoid or reduce withdrawal	15	18
19. Gotten into legal trouble or arrested	13	9
20. Been suspended or expelled from school	11	10
21. Enjoyed using drugs	65	76
22. While high or stoned, driven a car	42	48
23. Wanted or tried to limit, cut down, or stop.	41	42
24. Continued to use despite psychological or physical consequence	24	29

Note. Most of the above phrases ended or including a clarification of (because of, when, due to) “using drugs.” Items also were used to estimate diagnostic criteria for substance abuse (6, 10, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22) and dependence (6, 7, 8, 11, 18 23, 24) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV-TR ( American Psychiatric Association, 2000 ).

Personal Concerns

For each of the nine drug and six medication categories, students rated their level of personal concern with their use/misuse on a Likert scale from 1-5. The concern variable was calculated taking the maximum level of concern endorsed from any drug or medication category.

Interest in Interventions

Participants’ were asked to report their willingness to participate in 11 different intervention/counseling/therapeutic modalities if offered in a variety of on-campus and off-campus locations. The instructions for these items stated: “Hypothetically, if you were a college student concerned about your use of alcohol, street or prescription drugs, please rate how willing you would be to do the following.” Table 4 lists the options which were rated on a 7-point Likert scale: 0 = very unwilling or not interested to 6 = very willing or interested. Students’ highest interest rating was used in the correlational analyses.

Data Analysis

To describe our sample and evaluate our predictions regarding the prevalence of marijuana and prescription misuse, we reported the frequencies of drug use/ medication misuse (lifetime; past month), negative consequences (lifetime; past year), current personal concerns, and current intervention interest. Subsequent analyses focused on those reporting current (past month) use/misuse (n=166) and specifically marijuana use as well misuse of any prescription medicine. For further descriptive purposes, we used analysis of covariance (controlling for days of drinking in past month) to compare gender and year in college on past month frequency of marijuana and medication misuse, consequences, concerns, and intervention interest. Partial correlational analyses (again controlling for past month drinking) were then used to test the association between: 1) past month frequency of marijuana use and any medication misuse with past year negative consequences, current personal concerns, and intervention interest; 2) current intervention interest with current concerns and with past year consequences. Analyses were repeated for the subgroup of current users/misusers (n=100) who met our diagnostic criteria for substance abuse or dependence and revealed a similar pattern of results.

Patterns of Use/Misuse, Consequences, Concerns, and Intervention Interests

Table 1 lists the frequency of drug use and medication misuse among all students who self-reported any lifetime use/misuse as well as the subsample (63%) who also reported use/misuse in the past month. As indicated, marijuana was the most prevalent illicit drug (89% in past month) and pain medication was the most commonly misused (22% in past month). Approximately half (45%) of the sample reported lifetime use/misuse of only one substance, 19% reported two, 10% reported three, 8% reported four, 6% reported five, and 11% reported six or more different substances. Students who reported current marijuana use averaged 12.16 (SD=11.77) days of use in the past month. Students who reported any current medication misuse averaged 4.94 (SD=8.93) days of use in the past month.

Lifetime reports of negative consequences associated with lifetime use/misuse of substances are summarized in Table 2 as are the rates of past year consequences for students reporting past month use/misuse. As shown, students reported a broad range of negative consequences. Intrapersonal consequences were frequent and included doing something embarrassing, feeling guilty or ashamed, or feeling bad physically. Among the subsample (n=166; 63%) who reported past month use, 26% endorsed past year consequences suggestive of a DSM-IV-TR current diagnosis of substance dependence, and an additional 13% endorsed items consistent with a current diagnosis of substance abuse (without dependence).

Students generally conveyed low levels of concern about their lifetime or recent drug use/medication misuse with almost half reporting no level of concern. Although most of the sample used marijuana, only 28% reported being somewhat concerned about their use. Despite this overall low concern about their drug use or medication misuse, 55% reported moderate or greater interest in at least one type of substance use intervention. The top two commonly endorsed interventions were “brief feedback and counseling” and “talk to a trusted teacher, administrator or coach” (See Table 3 ).

Interest in Intervention Modalities by Past Month Use and Past Month Diagnosis Subsamples

Type of Intervention	Past Month Substance Use	Past Month Abuse/Dependence
1. Brief feedback/counseling	39	35
2. Brief feedback/counseling on campus with someone from student counseling center	35	31
3. Brief feedback/counseling with counselor unaffiliated with your college in private office	38	32
4. Confidential conversation with counselor on phone	37	33
5. Confidential conversation with a counselor via internet	28	24
6. Attend Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous/12 step meeting in community	17	14
7. Alcohol or drug treatment from clinic in community	27	21
8. Talk to trusted teacher, administrator, or coach	39	37
9. Talk with parent or other family member	37	34
10. Complete a confidential, self-guided web-based program about drugs and alcohol	34	29
11. Daily self- monitoring of substance use using a handheld computing device	20	18

Note. n = 166 students reporting Past Month Substance Use, n = 100 for those past month substance using students who reported past year negative consequences consistent with an estimated diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence.

Gender and School Year Differences in Frequency, Consequences, Concerns, and Interest

The ANCOVA model (controlling for frequency of past month drinking) for past month marijuana use was significant overall, F(8, 150) =3.51, p<.001, with a significant univariate effect for gender F(1, 150) =10.94, p<.001. Men used marijuana more frequently than women. This gender difference was not found for past month frequency of any medication misuse, and no school year differences were found for either substance frequency measures.

The overall ANCOVA model testing gender and year differences for past year negative consequences was also significant, F(8, 149) =2.54, p<.05, but the only effect was for the alcohol covariate, F(1, 149) =4.34, p<.05. Likewise, past month drinking (covariate), F(1, 150) =10.34, p<.01, was the only significant predictor in the overall ANCOVA, F(8, 150) =2.87, p<.05, for interest in interventions. There were no significant findings for drinking, gender, or school year for the personal concerns measure.

Relations Between Frequency of Use, Consequences, Concerns, and Interest in Intervention

Partial correlations (controlling for past month alcohol frequency) were conducted for students who were past month marijuana or medication misusers. As predicted, significant positive associations were found between days of past month marijuana use and past month medication misuse, r(160)=.16, p<.05, current level of concern, r(160)=.22, p<.01, and number of past year negative consequences, r(160)=.54, p<.001. Past month medication misuse frequency also was correlated with the number of negative consequences, r(160)=.22, p<.01. As predicted, negative consequences were associated with increased personal concerns about drug/medication use, r(160)=.28, p<.001, although contrary to our predictions, greater personal concerns was not associated with greater interest in an intervention, r(160)=.12, p>.05.

This report focused on college students who reported lifetime use of drugs or misuse of medications. Our hypothesis that marijuana use and prescription misuse would be common was supported as 90% reported use of marijuana, and 42% indicated some type of medication misuse. These results supported McCabe et al’s (2005) findings of prevalent use on college campuses. As well, our hypothesis that extensive and recent drug use would be associated with greater negative consequences and concern was supported. Among students who used drugs in the past month, men used marijuana more days of the month and past month drinking effected drug related negative consequences as well as students’ interest in interventions. Use of marijuana in the past month was associated with medication misuse, concern about drug use, and experiencing drug related negative consequences within the past year. Additionally, past month medication misuse was also associated with negative consequences. Overall, these findings are consistent with research by Kilmer et al. (2007) and McCabe and colleagues (2005 ; 2006 ) regarding drug use and students’ report of a wide range of drug related negative consequences. However, the results also highlight students’ level of concern regarding their drug use and interest in interventions which support Larimer and colleagues (2005) recommendation for the development of further assessment, prevention and intervention services specific to drug use.

Our findings suggest the more frequently occurring negative intrapersonal consequences are relatively minor in nature and may not be easily detected without assessment. Almost half of the sample reported feeling embarrassed, receiving a lower grade, or feeling guilty or ashamed by their drug or medication use. In addition, approximately 17-19% of all participants reported experiencing consequences suggestive of more significant problems such as taking drugs in larger amounts over longer period, failing to fulfill role functions, and losing interest in activities. Thus, for some students, marijuana or other drug use appears to be having a substantially adverse impact on their lives and they may benefit from some type of intervention to prevent additional negative effects. This may be particularly relevant given that 13% of the sample of lifetime drug users reported consequences consistent with a current diagnosis of drug abuse and 26% reported symptoms indicative of drug dependence. It is important to note that less than 10% of the students in this sample reported experiencing negative consequences that had come to the attention of school or legal officials. This suggests that a substantial amount of problematic drug/medication misuses is going undetected and may represent a hidden risk factor for compromised academic and future occupational functioning.

We acknowledge several study limitations. First, this was a sample of undergraduate students on a single campus and should not be generalized to all college students. Second, our rates of drug and medication use should not be misinterpreted as prevalence estimates given that our recruitment strategy over-sampled for students with substance-related behaviors. Other possible limitations include the cross sectional nature of this assessment and the exclusive reliance on self-report data. However, the survey was conducted anonymously to increase the probability that students would accurately self-report risky and potentially illegal behavior. Finally, we acknowledge the limitations of using the Drug Use Consequences measure administered in a large group paper-pencil format to estimate students’ endorsements of lifetime drug abuse or dependence criteria. The diagnostic estimates in this report are tentative as this measure has not been validated and does not provide the same level of diagnostic information as a structured clinical interview. However, it is an instrument which can be delivered with ease to a large group of college students to assess drug-related negative consequences while also obtaining an approximate estimate of abuse and dependence criteria.

Consistent with concerns raised by Larimer and colleagues (2005) , our findings suggest that future studies should examine negative consequences and the need for brief or extended intervention for illicit and prescription drug use on college campuses. Many of the consequences reported in this survey may be very important in the lives of students, but not sufficiently severe to lead to detection by campus authorities or law enforcement officials. The development and evaluation of drug-specific interventions poses considerable challenges to researchers and college administrators particularly because current intervention methods for alcohol incorporate a harm reduction model that may conflict with campus zero tolerance policies around illicit drugs. We also emphasize that students who endorse consequences suggestive of a drug abuse/dependence disorder may be most in need of intervention to prevent the development of further problems. This high risk group may need some form of administrative mandate to participate in an intervention for drug use. Innovative approaches also are needed to encourage self-assessment of substance abuse and help-seeking and may include: incorporating drug prevention programming into ongoing campus alcohol prevention efforts; a greater emphasis on policies that would allow a student to receive some type of intervention versus more punitive actions; student counseling centers and clinics attending to seemingly minor negative consequences; and more research aimed at the development and evaluation of campus interventions specific to drug use.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Support for this study was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (P50 DA09241). We thank Kathleen Carroll and staff of the Psychotherapy Development Center at the Yale University School of Medicine for their support of this project. We especially appreciate the facilitative support provided by the Offices of the Dean of Students and Student Development of the University of New Haven. We also thank Jeff Palmer for his assistance with data entry and management for this project.

An abbreviated version of this study was presented at the 68 th Annual Meeting of the College on the Problem of Drug Dependence in June of 2006.

Contributor Information

Rebekka S. Palmer, Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry 915 Old Oak Rd. Livermore, CA 94550.

Thomas J. McMahon, Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Center West Haven Mental Health Clinic 270 Center Street West Haven, CT 06516.

Danielle I. Moreggi, University of New Haven 300 Orange Ave West Haven, CT 06516.

Bruce J. Rounsaville, Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry 950 Campbell Avenue – Bldg 35 West Haven, CT 06516.

Samuel A. Ball, Yale School of Medicine The APT Foundation 1 Long Wharf, Suite 321 New Haven, CT 06517.

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