Substance Abuse: Article Analysis

In today’s society everybody knows somebody that has been touched by drugs at some point. Whether that person is the abuser, the family, friends, acquaintances, or just a member of the community that is becoming a playground for drugs; everyone is a part of the system of substance abuse. What is substance abuse? Substance abuse can be defined as an overindulgence or dependence of an addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs. Majority of people believe that a substance abuser chooses to become addicted and stay addicted to a substance. However, the definition of addiction suggests the opposite. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug/alcohol seeking and use, despite harmful

This article is a way into the brain of an addict as he explains what it is like to be viewed as an addict. He uses his opinions to hopefully raise awareness to a judgmental society. He explains how people claim their parents have doomed them, how they don’t want to get better, or how they are too deep to get better (Walls). He claims that people don’t realize the truth of addiction. It is everywhere according to Walls and people don’t seem to recognize it until someone is addicted. Then, people automatically assume that they can no longer be helped. He wants society to be aware that helping, raising awareness, and not staying silent may help prevent an addiction or even help to stop one that has already formed (Walls). He states that nobody asks for it and nothing can determine an addiction. However, once you are there he says that the user itself is the most damaging to recovery because you are unable to forgive yourself for giving in (Walls). Prevention is the

According to Ann Lynsen, this is done by: promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery. Promotion helps to create an environment that supports individuals to withstand temptation (Lynsen). Prevention is intended to prevent or reduce risks (Lynsen). Treatment is to help the diagnosed overcome the disorder (Lynsen). Lastly, recovery is the services in the community to help individuals adapt and survive after treatment (Lynsen). This disease is preventable. Research has concluded that prevention programs that include family, schools, communities, and the media can be effective in reducing drug abuse ("Drug Abuse and Addiction Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Facts, Page