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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.

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School Education /

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.

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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.

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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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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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Essay on Drug Abuse Among High School Students

There is a common notion that individuals who engage in drugs are inherently “bad people.” This may not be true as there is nothing like “bad people,” but there are challenges. In most cases, it is these challenges that drive people into using drugs. High school students are not unique as they also experience their fair share of challenges. Challenges, including physical changes, behavioral changes, and psychological problems, are prevalent among high school students as most during this time are usually at the peak of adolescence (Morris and Rushwan 40). More significantly, such challenges can lead to depression and the weak, particularly those who find it challenging to seek help find themselves using drugs as a form of escapism. Depression is amongst the many reasons why high school students engage in drug abuse.

Adolescent depression is also known as teenage depression, and it is very much similar to adult depression (Forbes, and Dahl 13). Nevertheless, the symptom may manifest themselves differently due to developmental and social problems facing the teen. Some of these symptoms include frustration, the feeling of sadness, loss of interest, low self-esteem, and frequent thoughts of death (Morris and Rushwan 41). Teen depression is treatable, but these symptoms often escalate, making the teenager to use drugs and alcohol in order to feel better. Alcohol may diminish the feeling of sadness, and drugs such as marijuana may stimulate the brain to produce the feel-good hormones that make the teen feel healthy and happy. Marijuana and other drugs may mask the symptoms for a short while, but their damages may destroy the central nervous system and even worse depression over time (Horigian et al. 61). Studies indicate that teenagers who accustomed themselves to using marijuana end up developing other mental illnesses, including Schizophrenia (Terry-McElrath et al. 74). Terry-McElrath et al. established that the perpetual use of marijuana leads to psychosis, a condition that affects the brain’s processing power, leading to Schizophrenia (75).

Moreover, it is essential to note that high school students are often under constant pressure to perform academically, the stress to be their own person independent from their parents, and constant pressure to deal with the frequent hormonal and physical changes happening in their body (Schwinn et al. 27). In addition to these pressures, high school students are often under constant scrutiny from their peers and classmates, and they often struggle to fit in order to do things that earn them approval. According to Scull et al., the constant pressure to blend in and gain approval is often overwhelming, leading to instances of depression and other mental instances (982). It is often during this time that high school students engage in intensive substance abuse. The pressure to feel connected to others in high school is often acute and can leave individuals filled with blames regarding their nature (Dumas et al. 923). For instance, the teen may connect their disassociation from peers to instances, including their race and ethnicity, which can be detrimental in the long term. It is also worth noting that high school is particularly notorious for being filled with groups and cliques that define themselves through certain behaviors. These groups assign themselves different statuses and behaviors, and for other members to join, they are forced to replicate or imitate the behaviors. To fit within these groups, most feel pressured to change things about themselves or pretend that they are different from who they are.

Studies show a prevalent connection between depression and drug abuse, with individuals diagnosed with mood disorder being twice as likely to engage in substance abuse (Klomek et al. 41). More importantly, the effects of teen depression can creep up on an individual so slowly that they may not understand what they are dealing with until it is too late. More importantly, the unbearable pain triggered by depression can lead high school students to stimulants so as they can feel happy (Klomek et al. 42). The stress and disinterest that comes with depression can quickly be reversed with a bottle of wine or cocaine. Importantly, when the individual does not recognize that they are dealing with depression, the unhealthy ways of coping soon become a norm (Gauffin et al. 1444). In other words, depression leads individuals to drug addiction that, at times, lasts into adulthood.

Reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, indicate that 74 percent of adults with substance abuse problems started using drugs before they reached the age of 17 (“School and Campus Health”). Many who began using drugs at the age of 11 or younger were more likely to engage in multiple addictions than those who did not engage in drugs until they were 25 years or older (“School and Campus Health”). This is to say that high school students who start using drugs in their early years of high school may end up engaging in the use of hard drugs such as heroin, crack, and meth. This happens because anytime individuals use drugs, their brains reward the behavior and then demand high levels of those behaviors. For instance, if an individual started with a glass of wine, they may end up using cocaine or meth due to the ever-increasing level of satisfaction triggered by the individual’s brain.

Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder, and a significant reason high school students engage in drug abuse. In most cases, drug abuse and depression are often diagnosed together in high school students. Many instances trigger teen depression, which eventually leads to substance abuse. Some of these instances include psychological and physical changes prevalent in adolescence. In like manner, the constant pressure to blend in and gain approval is often overwhelming and can sometimes lead to depression and other mental instances. During these times, high school students use drugs as a form of escapism or to forget the troubles associated with these instances. However, and despite the circumstance, teen depression is treatable, and therapy has proven to help teenagers overcome these menace.

Works Cited

Dumas, Tara M. et al. “Identity Development as A Buffer of Adolescent Risk Behaviors in The Context of Peer Group Pressure and Control.” Journal of Adolescence , vol. 35, no. 4, 2012, pp. 917-927.

Forbes, Erika E., and Ronald E. Dahl. “Research Review: Altered Reward Function in Adolescent Depression: What, When and How?” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry , vol. 53, no. 1, 2011, pp. 3-15.

Gauffin, Karl et al. “Childhood Socio-Economic Status, School Failure and Drug Abuse: A Swedish National Cohort Study.” Addiction , vol. 108, no. 8, 2013, pp. 1441-1449.

Horigian, Viviana E et al. “Principles for Defining Adverse Events in Behavioral Intervention Research: Lessons from A Family-Focused Adolescent Drug Abuse Trial.” Clinical Trials: Journal of The Society for Clinical Trials , vol. 7, no. 1, 2010, pp. 58-68.

Klomek, Anat Brunstein et al. “Suicidal Adolescents’ Experiences with Bullying Perpetration and Victimization During High School as Risk Factors for Later Depression and Suicidality.” Journal of Adolescent Health , vol. 53, no. 1, 2013, pp. 37-42.

Morris, Jessica L., and Hamid Rushwan. “Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health: The Global Challenges.” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics , vol. 131, 2015, pp. 40-42.

“School and Campus Health”. Samhsa.Gov , 2020, https://www.samhsa.gov/school-campus-health.

Schwinn, Traci M. et al. “Preventing Drug Abuse Among Adolescent Girls: Outcome Data from an Internet-Based Intervention.” Prevention Science , vol. 11, no. 1, 2009, pp. 24-32.

Scull, Tracy M. et al. “Adolescents’ Media-Related Cognitions and Substance Use in The Context of Parental and Peer Influences”. Journal of Youth and Adolescence , vol. 39, no. 9, 2009, pp. 981-998.

Terry-McElrath, Yvonne M. et al. “Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among US High School Seniors from 1976 To 2011: Trends, Reasons, And Situations.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence , vol. 133, no. 1, 2013, pp. 71-79.

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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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Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drug Addiction Among 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.

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100 Words Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth

Understanding drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a serious issue among youth. It refers to the compulsive use of drugs, leading to harmful consequences.

Causes of Drug Addiction

Effects of drug addiction.

Drug addiction can lead to physical and mental health problems. It also affects academic performance and social relationships.

Preventing Drug Addiction

Awareness and education are key to preventing drug addiction. Schools should provide information about the dangers of drug use.

250 Words Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth

The escalating issue of drug addiction among youth.

Drug addiction among youth is an alarming issue that has been escalating globally. The vulnerability of the younger demographic to substance abuse is a result of various factors, including peer pressure, stress, and the quest for self-discovery.

Factors Fueling Drug Addiction

Peer pressure is a significant contributor to drug abuse among youth. Young individuals, in their quest to fit in, often succumb to the pressure of trying drugs. Moreover, stress, whether academic or personal, pushes some into the abyss of drug addiction as a coping mechanism.

The Detrimental Effects of Drug Addiction

The consequences of drug addiction are far-reaching. Physically, it can lead to severe health issues such as heart diseases, liver damage, and even death. Psychologically, it can cause mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Socially, it can lead to isolation, negatively affecting academic performance and future career prospects.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing drug addiction among youth requires a multifaceted approach. Schools and colleges need to incorporate drug education in their curriculum to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Parents and caregivers should maintain open lines of communication with their children about the risks involved with drug abuse.

For those already in the grip of addiction, treatment options include therapy, counseling, and rehabilitation programs. These treatments aim to help individuals overcome their addiction and reintegrate into society as productive members.

500 Words Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth

Introduction.

Drug addiction among youth is a pressing issue that has been plaguing societies around the globe. It is an intricate problem that stems from a myriad of causes and has severe consequences, not only for the individual but also for the society at large.

Causes of Drug Addiction Among Youth

Several factors contribute to drug addiction among youth. Peer pressure is a significant contributor, as young people often succumb to the urge of fitting in, even if it means experimenting with drugs. The transition phase from adolescence to adulthood is fraught with challenges and insecurities, making youth vulnerable to drug use as a form of escapism.

The repercussions extend beyond the individual to affect their families and communities. It can lead to strained relationships, financial difficulties, and even crime. On a societal level, addiction can burden healthcare systems and increase crime rates, thereby affecting overall social stability and progress.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Lastly, communities and families need to foster an environment where youth feel safe to discuss their struggles. Open dialogue can help identify early signs of drug use and provide necessary support to those in need.

Drug addiction among youth is a complex issue that requires collective effort and understanding. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective prevention strategies, we can hope to curb this growing problem. It is crucial for society to remember that addiction is not a moral failing but a health issue that requires compassion, support, and appropriate intervention.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Causes and Effect of Drug Abuse

Categories: Drug Addiction

About this sample

Words: 2063 |

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Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 2063 | Pages: 5 | 11 min read

Essay about drug abuse: causes and effects

A reduced and weakened immune system, the chance of illness and infection got increased.
Heart attacks from abnormal heart rates, collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs.
Nausea and abdominal pain can also cause changes in appetite and weight loss.
Increased strain on the liver, this will expose this person to the risk of serious liver injury or liver failure.
Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage.
Lung disease.
Problems with memory, attention and decision making, which make daily life more difficult.
Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, which can lead to other health problems.
Family influence.
Show off they are rich.
Wrong friend making.
Innocent of the dangerous of drug.

Works Cited

Drugabuse.gov. (2023). Commonly Abused Drugs Charts. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma18-5063.pdf
UNODC. (2022). World Drug Report. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Volkow, N. D. (2020). America’s addiction to opioids: Heroin and prescription drug abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/02/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse
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Socioeconomic Status and Drug Use Among Students

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Beata Gavurova 3 ,
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Drug use among students is a major problem not only in terms of the present but also the future, as significant health, social, and economic consequences can be expected in the lives of young people, who are also considered to be the future drivers of the national economy. For this reason, increased attention should be paid to students of all ages and levels of education. There is a wide range of socioeconomic determinants affecting patterns of drug use, with the family, school culture, and community playing an important role. Effective prevention programs should focus on influencing factors from the individual to the societal level, including social, parental, and school support, public policies, and standards. However, in order to achieve successful prevention for students, it is necessary to know the most important socioeconomic determinants, which are provided in the presented chapter. The chapter also considers ways to address the drug problem in this vulnerable population.

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Prevalence and predictors of alcohol and drug use among secondary school students in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

Prevalence of drug use, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and measure of socioeconomic-related inequalities of drug use among Iranian people: findings from a national survey

Abbreviations.

European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs

Information and communications technology

Treatment Alternatives and Diversion

World Health Organization

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Gavurova, B., Popesko, B., Ivankova, V. (2022). Socioeconomic Status and Drug Use Among Students. In: Patel, V.B., Preedy, V.R. (eds) Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67928-6_18-1

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Drug Abuse in High School and College

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Introduction

Drug abuse refers to the use of illegal substances or misusing drugs prescribed by a Doctor in excess amounts thus resulting into substantial medical harm and misery due the repeated usage of and overdependence on the substance. (MedicineNet.com).

It is the saddest thing to see someone expose themselves to the dangers of drug abuse. I say expose themselves because, if at all someone is not abusing drugs because of a mental or psychological problem, then it just a matter of personal choice for an individual to abuse or not to abuse drugs.

During my time in high school and college I saw many students who became victims of drug abuse. In my community I have met people who are completely destroyed by drugs financially, emotionally, psychologically and even socially. It has broken families. It is not pleasing to see the potential in the youth of our society to be wasted. The problems brought by drug abuse are enormous, compounded by the financial implications especially for those in low income bracket.

In college I joined a guidance and counseling association where we were trained in counseling our peers in the college against drug abuse. During the holidays I also joined a guidance and counseling organization which is also a member of the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America. In those organizations I met different people with various experiences of drug abuse. Those encounters had a big role in shaping my desire to want to help change the lives of those who had this problem of drug abuse. During my time in the above organizations we planned for various campaigns against drug abuse and held education forums for college, high school and also community drug abuse education programs. I have also been very instrumental in contributing to the newsletters produced by these organizations which aim at educating the youth and parents against drug abuse.

Through these organizations we also organized various awards and ceremonies and still do, to promote awareness of the problem of drug abuse. In order to move to a higher level with my efforts in serving my community I decided to take up the graduate education in social work. I figured out that with an increased education in this field I can be able to better understand my work and be a positions where I can be able to implement changes that affect people positively more efficiently.

Loyola University, School of Social Work has a Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy Sector Program that teaches leaders coming from both the public and private areas of philanthropy to better give service to the general society. Through this program, participants are able to acquire various skills which are pertinent to an individual involved in social work. Some of the leadership skills that one is equipped with through this program are raising of funds for use in social work, the management of non profit making organizations, planning at the strategic level of management, giving grants and donations and most of all they develop an understanding of how the charity organizations function.(Loyola University Chicago).

Loyola University School of Social Work has a great contribution towards training the leaders who are given to serving others, serving the society, mankind. The issue that I am dealing with is the counseling of the drug abuse victims. Most of the victims we meet are some of the downtrodden of the society, people who need to be helped and be reaccepted into the society so as to become productive members again. This is a task that requires professional skills in terms of management of the rehabilitation institutions in which it is carried out and of course funds for running the institutions themselves. Most of the funds for these institutions usually come from grants or donations from various organizations. It is in this aspect that the contribution of Loyola University is most needed in the support of the task I have taken.

The principles of the National Association of Social Workers are also supportive of the kind of work that I have chosen to be involved in especially in the promotion of social justice. This is in the sense that, in a society there are different people with different lifestyles and of course accompanied with different kinds of problems. There are those who are enlightened, educated and financially well off. On the other extreme we have the members of the society who are not so well educated, the poor living in the poor neighborhoods and mostly these are the people who are adversely affected by the brunt of drug abuse. They are the ones mostly exposed to the drugs and the drug dealers.

Education is a basic human right, more so when it is targeted at helping change an individual’s life, because in a situation where drug abuse is due to ignorance, the difference between the amounts of information one has on drugs can mean either life or death. Through service to the society, these principles are satisfied and by providing social justice, a responsibility for all of us to work towards helping the other less fortunate members of the society. (NASW, 2008). Through social work, the campaigns against drug abuse, the general educational forums and the counseling of the victims and final rehabilitation, social justice can be done and the rehabilitated people can be able to work and fend for themselves.

In the social work profession, there are various researches looking into different ways of how social work can be integrated into different aspects of the society. With respect to social work and the problem of substance abuse, research has been carried out in terms of investigating the relationship between drug abuse and poverty, the effects of drug abuse on the society. Some of the questions that can be used as guides in this effort are: what is the income bracket of the drug abuse victims, in which parts of the community do the drug abuse victims live, what percentage of the drug abuse victims live in the poor neighborhoods and what is the highest education level attained by the victims.

Given that there is scarcely if any, efforts directed towards alleviating poverty as a way of reducing the prevalence of drug abuse especially among the poor, I have seen that there is a way in which this can be explored and I am putting my efforts into it. My vision for my professional work is to go further into looking into the aspects of social work that I feel have been neglected. In this case I may have lots of hurdles ahead, but with promise of great achievement in my endeavors.

In order to improve the social work professions response to the issue of direct relationship between drug abuse and poverty, it will be helpful to highlight the problem in the specific areas and do a lot of awareness campaigns. Carrying out and publishing a research into the issue will also do a lot in improving the response.

During my study course in high school, I studied Biology with various topics that covered the human biology ranging from the structure of the cell and the functions, genetics, human anatomy and human physiology. Under these topics we covered drugs and their effects on the human body and reproduction. Some of the drugs that we learned about are cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and khat (a stimulant known in some countries as miraa).

Loyola University Chicago. School of Social work. Philanthropy NMPS. 2008. Web.

Definition of Substance abuse . 2008. Web.

National Association of Social Workers. Putting Poverty on the Election Platform: The Time to Eradicate Poverty is Now. 2008. Web.

Social Work in United States . 2008. Web.

Underage Drinking in a College Campus
Genetic Basis for Alcoholism
Consequences of Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse Among the Youth
Youth Drug Abuse Among, Education, and Policies
Drug Use and Abuse: Problems, Prevention, and Solutions
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Critical Issues in Education: Drug Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcoholism: Its Causes and Effects
Work as a Reflective Practitioner: Personal Experience
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v.5(Suppl 2); 2014 Dec

A Review Study of Substance Abuse Status in High School Students, Isfahan, Iran

Mah monir nahvizadeh.

Provincial Health Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Shohreh Akhavan

1 Vice-chancellery for Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Leila Qaraat

Nahid geramian, ziba farajzadegan.

2 Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Kamal Heidari

3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Background:

As the first experience of substance abuse often starts in adolescence, and studies have shown that drug use is mainly related to cigarette and alcohol consumption, an initial exploration of substance abuse prevalence, including cigarette and alcohol, seems to be the first step in preventing and controlling drug consumption. This study aimed to explore studies on drug use among high school students by investigating articles published in the past decade in Iran.

In this study, the databases inside the country were used to access articles related to substance abuse by students during 2001–2011, among which 7 articles on 14–19 years old high school students were studied.

The seven studied articles showed that the highest drug use prevalence pertained to cigarette and hookah, followed by alcohol, opium, ecstasy, hashish and heroin. Opium and heroin use in Kerman city were, respectively, about 4 and 5 times of their use in other studied cities.

Conclusions:

Drug use is relatively high in the adolescent and effective group of the society, which requires particular attention and prompt and immediate intervention.

INTRODUCTION

Substance abuse is a common phenomenon in the world and has invaded the human society as the most important social damage.[ 1 , 2 ] Substance abuse is a nonadaptive model of drug use, which results in adverse problems and consequences, and includes a set of cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms.[ 3 ]

Iran also, due to its specific human and geographic features, has a relatively high degree of contamination.[ 4 ] The World Health Organization's report in 2005 shows that there are about 200 million opiate addicts in the world, reporting the highest prevalence in Iran and the most frequency in the 25–35 year-age group.[ 5 ] The onset of drug use is often rooted in adolescence, and studies show that substance abuse is often related to cigarette and alcohol consumption in adolescence.[ 6 ] Results of studies indicate that age, being male, high-risk behavirs, and the existence of a cigarette smoker in the family or among friends, the experience of substance abuse, inclination and positive thoughts about smoking have relationship with adolescent cigarette smoking.[ 7 ] Studies also confirm that the chance of becoming a cigarette smoker among males and females is almost equal (11.2%); however, the prevalence of regular alcohol consumption in males (22.4%) is slightly higher than in females (19.3%).[ 8 ]

Few studies have been conducted in Iran on adolescents’ patterns of substance abuse, producing various data on the prevalence and the type of consumed drugs, but there is currently no known specific pattern of substance abuse in this age group; therefore, this review study has studied drug consumption prevalence in the student population of the country by collecting various data.

This article is a narrative review focusing on studies conducted in Iran. In this research, all articles related to substance abuse and its patterns among high school students, which were conducted in Iran and published in domestic and international journals, were investigated. The articles were acquired from academic medical journals, research periodicals and the Scholar Google, Magiran, Irandoc, and Medlib. The search keywords included prevalence, substance abuse, Iranian student, and addiction.

This study explored articles in the past 10 years (2001–2011) about Iranian high school students. The full texts of the articles were often accessible in the scientific information database and magiran websites, but the full text of the article about Gilan Province was obtained after contacting the journal's office. Correspondence was made with the author of the article about Mahriz city to obtain the article as it was not published in the Toloee Behdasht journal.

These articles provide information about the consumed drug type, its prevalence in terms of the sex and age, and the experience of at-least-once consumption in the adolescent's life. Some articles had only pointed to drug consumption, which was also included in this research. Some had attended to substance abuse in general terms without distinguishing different kinds of drugs, and in some articles only psychoactive drug use, was mentioned.

The cases, in which the sample volume was not sufficient, or were not in the studied age groups, were excluded from the study. Due to different categorizations in these articles regarding the long-term prevalence of substance abuse or the experience of at-least-once consumption, in this study the shared aspect of these articles, that is, the experience of at-least-once use was adopted. Some articles had addressed the students’ predisposing factors for drug abuse, in addition to drug use prevalence, which were not included in this study for being scattered.

An initial search into the data bases yielded 11 articles, two of which were related to years before the study time frame (1997 and 1998). Furthermore, two articles were ignored, one because of its different age group (a lower age) and the other because it had addressed a particular district in Tehran with a small sample size. These results are based on 7 articles. All studies were about the 14–19 years old group, and only three studies had distinguished between the sexes. All 7 studies considered in this article were cross-sectional.

The prevalence of drug consumption in the studied cities

A study was conducted in 2003 on 500 students, from 142 high schools and vocational schools in Zahedan City, using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. In total, from the total of 259 females and 216 males who completed the questionnaire, the following results were obtained. 0.4% of the females and 2.3% of the males would usually smoke cigarette. The first experience of smoking was most often seen at the age of 14 (26.2%). The prevalence of other drugs was not studied in this research.[ 9 ] A study was conducted in 2009 on 610 students of Kerman's Male Pre-university Centers, in which the prevalence of each drug was reported, but the total consumption prevalence was not mentioned.[ 10 ]

A study in Gilan Province in 2004–2009 on 1927 high school students, including 46% females and 54% males, showed that the percentage of at-least-once use, including and excluding cigarette, was 23.7 and 12.8, respectively.[ 11 ]

A study in Karaj city in 2009–2010 on 447 high school students, including 239 females and 208 males, showed that 57% had at-least-once experience of drug use, including cigarette, of this number 56.1% were male and 43.9% were female.[ 12 ]

A study in Nazarabad city in 2007 on 400 3 rd year high school students, including 204 females and 196 males with the mean age of 17.3, showed that drug use prevalence, including and excluding cigarette, was 24.5% and 11.1%, respectively.[ 13 ] A study was performed in Lahijan city in 2004 on 2328 high school students, including 42.2% females and 57.8% males.[ 14 ] A descriptive study was conducted in 2008 on a 285-member sample of male high school students.[ 15 ]

The consumption prevalence for each drug type in different cities

A research on Kerman's Male Pre-university students yielded the following results. The consumption prevalence of hookah was 15.5%, sedatives (without medical prescription) 40.7%, alcohol 37.7%, cigarette 34.6%, strong analgesics 10.2%, nas 9.7%, opium 8.7%, hashish 6.7%, ecstasy 6.6%, and heroin 4.9%.

Consumption prevalence for each drug type in Gilan: The prevalence was 20% for cigarette, 10.5% for alcohol, 2.4% for opium, 1.2% for ecstasy, 2% for hashish, and 0.3% for heroin. In Karaj city, the consumption prevalence was 53% for hookah, 24.8% for cigarette, 13.6% for alcohol, 2% for ecstasy, 2% for opium, 1.1% for hashish, 0.4% for crystal, and 0.2% for heroin.

In Nazarabad City, the consumption prevalence was found to be 23.1% for cigarette, 2% for opium, 1% for amphetamines and ecstasy, 0.5% for heroin, 0.3% for hashish and cocaine. The male and female drug consumption was 69.7% and 36.2%, respectively, representing a significant statistical difference ( P < 0.05).

A study in Lahijan City showed that the consumption prevalence was 14.9% for cigarette, 2.4% for ecstasy, 4.1% for other drug types (with the highest rate of consumption for opium and hashish). In the Mahriz city of Yazd, the consumption prevalence among the male 3 rd year high school students in 2008 was reported 6.8% for alcohol and 3% for psychoactive substances [ Table 1 ].

The comparison of the prevalence of at-least-once drug use for each drug type in each studied region[ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]

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Object name is IJPVM-5-77-g001.jpg

Drug consumption prevalence for each sex

A study in Zahedan also reported that at-least-once drug use prevalence was 1.6% and 8%, respectively, among females and males; and at-least-once cigarette smoking prevalence was 7.8% and 25.2%, respectively, for females with the mean age of 15.8 and males with the mean age of 16.

In Gilan, drug use, excluding cigarette, was reported 19.1% and 5.3%, respectively, for males and females, representing a significant statistical difference ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, cigarette and drug use prevalence was 31.3% and 14.8% in males and females, respectively, showing that this rate was significantly higher in males ( P < 0.05). Cigarette use prevalence was 25.9% and 3%, respectively, for male and female students. Alcohol consumption was 16.6% and 3.4% for males and females, respectively. Opium consumption was 3.3% and 1.5% among males and females, respectively, which was a significant statistical difference (…). Drug consumption, excluding cigarette, was 19.1% and 5.3%, respectively, for males and females, pointing to a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.05). Ecstasy use prevalence was reported 3% and 1.1%, respectively, for males and females, pointing to a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.00081); 0.5% of males and 0.1% of females were heroin consumers, lacking any significant statistical difference ( P > 0.05). In Karaj city, drug consumption prevalence was studied for each sex and drug type [ Table 2 ].

The comparison of the prevalence of at-least-once drug consumption for each sex in each studied region

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Object name is IJPVM-5-77-g002.jpg

Drug consumption prevalence based on the age distribution in the studied populations

As the study conducted on students with the mean age of 16 in Zahedan showed that the highest incidence of the first experience of cigarette smoking belonged to the age of 14. A study in Kerman on students with the mean age of 17.9 about the age at the first experience yielded the following results for each drug type: 14 for cigarette, 14.6 for alcohol, 13.9 for hookah, 13.1 for sedatives, 15.3 for analgesics, 17 for ecstasy, 16.7 for hashish, 16.7 for heroin, 16.7 for opium, and 15.3 for naswar.

A study in Gilan indicated that drug and cigarette consumption had significantly increased in males aged 19 and above (88.9% of males aged 19 and above) ( P < 0.05). According to a study in Nazarabad, the highest drug use onset was at the age of 15–16. The students’ mean age in the Karaj study was 16.9.

Exploring the MFT performed in the USA on the 10 th graders showed that drug use had increased from 11% to 34% during 1992–1996. In 1998, 12.10% of the 8 th year and 12.5% of the 10 th graders and 25.611 th % had experienced illegal drug use in the previous month.[ 16 ] It was shown that hashish, followed by opium and alcohol, is the most commonly used illicit drug.[ 17 ] The immediate necessity of planning for reducing the consumption of these drugs among students, and consequently among university students, has become increasingly important.

Investigating addictive drugs prevalence among university students showed the prevalence in the following order: Hookah (74.5%), cigarette (67.5%), opium (6.1%), alcohol (13.5%), psychoactive pills (5.26%), hashish and heroin. Entertainment constitutes the tendency for drug consumption in most cases (47.4%).[ 18 ] Results of a meta-analysis showed that 7% of Iranian adolescents regularly smoke, and 27% had experienced smoking. The increased cigarette use prevalence among Iranian adolescents is a major public health concern.[ 19 ] Paying attention to healthy recreations for adolescents and the youth has become increasingly important and needs planning for discouraging drug use. The cross-sectional prevalence of drug use in 1997 among American 12–17 years old adolescents was reported 11.4%, which was close to drug use prevalence, excluding cigarette.[ 16 ]

Another study showed that 56% of male and 42% of female university students were drug users, which accords with the present research with regard to the higher number of the males.[ 20 ] Since, the addiction problem is an old problem in other countries, it might be better to use the solutions practiced by them to speed up our reaction in cases which adhere to our culture and customs.

At-least-once alcohol use prevalence among the 8 th year American students in 2005 and 2006 was 27% and 20%, respectively, increasing to 88% among the 12 th year students.[ 20 ] The history of hashish consumption among the 8 th , the 10 th , and the 12 th year students was 10%, 23%, and 36%, respectively, representing a remarkable difference with our country's students.[ 20 ] About 0.5% of the 8 th year and 10% of the 12 th year students consumed cocaine, and the consumption of amphetamines by the 12 th year students was 1.5%,[ 20 ] being almost close to the consumption rate of Iranian students. The open consumption of hashish is common in France by almost one-third of the population (nearly 30%), compared with the average rate of 19% in European countries; also the consumption of ecstasy and cocaine has increased over 2000–2005, although it is 4% but yet remarkable.[ 21 ]

A study on students’ knowledge of narcotics in Rafsanjan and Yazd cities showed that 5.6% of Yazdian and 10% of Rafsanjanian students had at least one addicted person in their families. Also, 2.23% of the Yazdian and 7% of the Rafsanjanian students held that narcotics could also be useful.[ 22 ] The important issue here is the existence of an addicted relative and his or her leadership role in this regard; therefore, this point suggests the further importance of the sensitivity of this age group with regard to their dependence on narcotics.

It is noteworthy that Kerman City, compared to other studied cities, has received higher rates of drug use, such that opium and heroin consumption in this city has been, respectively, almost 4 and 5 times that of other cities. These statistics also hold true clearly with regard to ecstasy and alcohol consumption, each being almost 3 times that of Karaj and Gilan. Hashish consumption in the pre-university stage in this city is also higher than in other cities, which might be related to easier drug access in Kerman.

In the cities, in which sex-distinct studies were conducted, drug consumption by males had been, with no exception, far higher than by the females, which is, almost 4 times except for hookah and then cigarette. Of course, it is not possible to judge firmly about drug use general prevalence as a result of the few studies in this field; however, the important point is the relatively high drug use among the adolescent and effective group of the society, which deserves particular attention for education and intervention in this group. It has been observed that adolescent and young crystal users, compared to nonusers, show clinical symptoms, have less control and affection in their families, with excitable, aggressive and anxious personalities, and low accountability;[ 23 ] on the other hand, behavioral problems and friend influence are among the strongest risk factors of drug consumption among adolescent consumers.

Nevertheless, it is not clear to what extent the adolescent can manage the effect of behavioral problems and peer group interaction for refusing invitations for drug consumption.[ 24 ] It has been stated that using software programs would assist in the prevention and increasing the youth's skills for reducing drug use.[ 25 ] It has been shown that adolescent inclination to and consumption of drugs decrease significantly in the 1 st year of educational intervention.[ 26 ] On the other hand, studies indicate that there is a relationship between the borderline personality disorder and the extent of drug abuse.[ 27 ]

Therefore, prevention programs for harm reduction, treatment and consultation as the main objective of the intervention structure should apply to consumers.[ 28 ] Also, emphasis should be laid upon the relationship between schools and parental care as important protective factors for adolescents’ health.[ 29 ] Adolescence is a growth period which is associated with a relatively high rate of drug use and its related disorders. Accordingly, recent progress in evaluating drug abuse among adolescents would continue for information sharing in the field of clinical and research services.[ 30 ] Therefore, attention to this group through coherent planning for damage prevention would still remain in priority.

CONCLUSIONS

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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Addressing drugs and alcohol abuse among students
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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 ...
Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth for Students
500 Words Essay on Impact of Drugs on Youth Introduction. 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.
Essay on Drug Abuse for Students and Children in English
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 ...
Essay on Drug Abuse Among High School Students
Depression is amongst the many reasons why high school students engage in drug abuse. Adolescent depression is also known as teenage depression, and it is very much similar to adult depression (Forbes, and Dahl 13). Nevertheless, the symptom may manifest themselves differently due to developmental and social problems facing the teen.
The Impact of Substance Abuse: [Essay Example], 489 words
Substance abuse is a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Substance abuse can have serious consequences on a person's physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being.
Substance Abuse Amongst Adolescents: An Issue of Public Health
Introduction and background. Drug misuse is a widespread issue; in 2016, 5.6% of people aged 15 to 26 reported using drugs at least once [].Because alcohol and illegal drugs represent significant issues for public health and urgent care, children and adolescents frequently visit emergency rooms [].It is well known that younger people take drugs more often than older adults for most drugs.
Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: a
Drug abuse is also on the rise in many ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, especially among young males between 15 and 30 years of age. The increased burden due to drug abuse among adolescents and young adults was shown by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2013 . About 14% of the total health burden in young men ...
Substance Use Among College Students
Abstract. U.S. college campuses have witnessed a national increase of cannabis, stimulant, and illicit drug use among students over the past decade. Substance use among college students is associated with numerous negative outcomes including lower academic performance, a higher probability of unemployment after graduation, and an increased risk ...
Substance Abuse in Teenagers
Brain development in adolescents is more vulnerable to drug deficits, which concerns society. Substance abuse causes injury, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancies, poor mental health, and suicide. The essay presents the issues and the causes of substance abuse among adolescents. Get a custom essay on Substance Abuse in Teenagers.
108 Drug Abuse Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Drug Abuse Effects on Health and Nervous System. These numerous damages severely affect the quality of the brains work and the health of the nervous system. While discussing the effects of drug addiction, it is essential to notice that it has a devastating […] Drug Abuse. "Nine Years Under" Book by Sheri Booker.
Drug Abuse Among College Students
This essay looks into the definition and types of drug abuse, factors contributing to drug abuse in the current generation, and its effects on college students. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on
Drug Abuse Among Students
Drug Abuse Among Students. 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 ...
PDF Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse on Academic Performance Among
Drug and substance abuse have far reaching ramifications, for instance, according. to the survey by NACADA (2012) with a sample of 632 children, it was found out. that 6% have ever engaged in sex while on drugs ( 7.3% for boys and 4.4% for girls).The median age at sexual debut being estimated at 11 years.
Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth
250 Words Essay on Drug Addiction Among Youth The Escalating Issue of Drug Addiction Among Youth. Drug addiction among youth is an alarming issue that has been escalating globally. The vulnerability of the younger demographic to substance abuse is a result of various factors, including peer pressure, stress, and the quest for self-discovery.
Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse: [Essay Example], 2063 words
Ingestion is when the dopes got digest in your stomach, such as ecstasy and other drugs in pill form. The side effects of drug addiction include: A reduced and weakened immune system, the chance of illness and infection got increased. Heart attacks from abnormal heart rates, collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs.
Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects
One of the consequences of using drugs is, eventually, an individual becoming addicted. Addiction refers to a neuropsychological disorder that involves persistently feeling an urge to engage in particular behaviors despite the significant harm or negative effects. The psychology that explains addiction covers many areas, such as an illness or ...
Socioeconomic Status and Drug Use Among Students
According to El Kazdouh et al. ( 2018 ), six common themes that represented the most salient perceived risk and protective factors regarding drug use among students include perceived benefits of substance use, awareness and beliefs, family influence, peer influence, easy accessibility of substances, and social norms.
The Importance of Preventing Drug Abuse Among College Students
The Importance of Preventing Drug Abuse Among College Students. There is a high cost for not implementing best practices in drug abuse prevention for students, campuses, and the larger community. Drug abuse can have many short- and long-term negative effects including physical and mental health problems, legal consequences, and impairment in ...
(PDF) Drug abuse among the students
Abstract. Drug abuse is an intense and often willful misuse of drugs. The overdrew of su bstance or drugs leads. to addiction. In the eastern world the incidence shows a decline or a static ...
Essay on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among College Students
Open Document. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among College Students Alcohol and drug abuse has been an active habit among college students sense the 1960s. The immediate cause of this behavior was the youth's need to rebel against the overly conservative American society. This rebellion led to a since of freedom for the young adults, which caused ...
Drug Abuse Among School Students
The drug abuse among school students is an increasing social phenomenon. This trend has caused widespread concern among parents and educators who feel something should be done to stem the tide of drug abuse. ... The Needle-Exchange Program: The Wrong Answer to Drug Abuse Essay. Children, starting as early as elementary school, are being ...
Drug Abuse in High School and College.
Introduction. Drug abuse refers to the use of illegal substances or misusing drugs prescribed by a Doctor in excess amounts thus resulting into substantial medical harm and misery due the repeated usage of and overdependence on the substance. (MedicineNet.com). It is the saddest thing to see someone expose themselves to the dangers of drug ...
A Review Study of Substance Abuse Status in High School Students
A study in Gilan indicated that drug and cigarette consumption had significantly increased in males aged 19 and above (88.9% of males aged 19 and above) ( P < 0.05). According to a study in Nazarabad, the highest drug use onset was at the age of 15-16. The students' mean age in the Karaj study was 16.9.
NC schools should have naloxone, train staff on signs of drug abuse
Some North Carolina students want to do something about rising drug use and mental health issues among young people. On Thursday, a student group told the State Board of Education that schools ...