How Does Drug Addiction Affect Us

Drug addiction is a major public health problem that impacts society on multiple levels. Directly or indirectly, every community is affected by drug abuse, as is every family.

The Costs of Drug Abuse are as substantial as that of other Chronic Conditions: Diabetes costs society $131.7 billion annually and Cancer costs society $171.6 billion annually People with mental illness are particularly at risk for problems related to substance abuse.

Most of the top medical problems can be directly linked to drug abuse. Tobacco contributes to 11-30% of cancer deaths. Researchers have found a connection between the abuse of tobacco, cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines, and steroids and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Several cases of HIV/AIDS across the globe are due to injection drug use. A Few social problems associated to drug abuse are drugged driving, violence and stress. About 10 percent of drivers involved in crashes are using alcohol. At least half of the individuals arrested for major crimes including homicide, theft, and assault were under the influence of illicit drugs around the time of their arrest. Exposure to stress is one of the most powerful triggers for drug abuse.

Smoking: Infants born to women who smoke during pregnancy have a lower average birth weight and may be at increased risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, and childhood obesity.

Cocaine: Babies born to mothers who addiction cocaine during pregnancy can be born prematurely and have low birth weights.

Teen drug: This is a time period of high vulnerability to drug abuse and other risk taking behaviors. Approximately 25% to 40% of all teen drug abuse and neglect cases substantiated by child protective services involve some degree of substance abuse by the teen’s parents.

Prescription for drug: The most important lesson from Europe is one of attitude. In general their attitudes toward addictions are far more enlightened and far less politicized than American attitudes. The program utilizes extensive feeling work, communication emphasis, spirituality, and personal sharing. They use acupuncture, meditation with music, and a highly nutritious diet to help detoxify and get clients back on the road.

Also read our article about Addiction Statistics