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Prescription Drug Abuse Essay

2150 Words9 Pages

Abstract
Drugs are everywhere and everybody knows somebody who has used or uses drugs, whether the user is a friend, family member or a celebrity. Due to drugs being everywhere, that means so are the effects of drugs. The fastest growing problem in America today is the abuse of opiates and heroin. Within the past 10 years, abuse of prescription medications has exploded, making it a National issue. Per the National Drug Intelligence Center: opiates, depressants are the drug classifications most commonly abused by Americans (NDIC, 2006). Prescription drug abuse is in no way a new problem to our society. There are many individuals and families in our society that are dealing with an opiate and heroin addiction. Opiate abuse is the intentional …show more content…

When the brain is exposed to great amounts of dopamine on the reward system, it will develop a tolerance to the new dopamine levels. Drugs do not just effect the individual using them, it effects society as a whole.
Addiction is not just the individual’s problem, it is the problem of society, if society set back with a blind eye to the situation then the problem will only worsen. Getting individuals with addiction the help they need is another challenge. For one the individual must want the help, it cannot be forced upon them. Second the stereotypes and stigma attached to asking for help often keeps in individuals scared to ask for help. Lastly, depending on what type of community you live in their may or may not be affordable treatment availed to you.
Human service professions play a major role in the fight against addiction. Having knowledge of the resources around you that could be made available to your clients is vital. In many cases the counselor or human service profession is often the only person in the addict’s life that they have to turn to, their families and friends have turned their backs and are not supportive. Showing compassions, being honest and open to the addicts and their stories most important when working with individuals who suffer from

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