my drug addiction essay

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Russell Brand: my life without drugs

T he last time I thought about taking heroin was yesterday. I had received "an inconvenient truth" from a beautiful woman. It wasn't about climate change – I'm not that ecologically switched on – she told me she was pregnant and it wasn't mine.

I had to take immediate action. I put Morrissey on in my car as an external conduit for the surging melancholy, and as I wound my way through the neurotic Hollywood hills, the narrow lanes and tight bends were a material echo of the synaptic tangle where my thoughts stalled and jammed.

Morrissey, as ever, conducted a symphony, within and without and the tidal misery burgeoned. I am becoming possessed. The part of me that experienced the negative data, the self, is becoming overwhelmed, I can no longer see where I end and the pain begins. So now I have a choice.

I cannot accurately convey to you the efficiency of heroin in neutralising pain. It transforms a tight, white fist into a gentle, brown wave. From my first inhalation 15 years ago, it fumigated my private hell and lay me down in its hazy pastures and a bathroom floor in Hackney embraced me like a womb.

This shadow is darkly cast on the retina of my soul and whenever I am dislodged from comfort my focus falls there.

It is 10 years since I used drugs or drank alcohol and my life has improved immeasurably. I have a job, a house, a cat, good friendships and generally a bright outlook.

The price of this is constant vigilance because the disease of addiction is not rational. Recently for the purposes of a documentary on this subject I reviewed some footage of myself smoking heroin that my friend had shot as part of a typically exhibitionist attempt of mine to get clean.

I sit wasted and slumped with an unacceptable haircut against a wall in another Hackney flat (Hackney is starting to seem like part of the problem) inhaling fizzy, black snakes of smack off a scrap of crumpled foil. When I saw the tape a month or so ago, what is surprising is that my reaction is not one of gratitude for the positive changes I've experienced but envy at witnessing an earlier version of myself unencumbered by the burden of abstinence. I sat in a suite at the Savoy hotel, in privilege, resenting the woeful ratbag I once was, who, for all his problems, had drugs. That is obviously irrational.

The mentality and behaviour of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help they have no hope.

This is the reason I have started a fund within Comic Relief , Give It Up. I want to raise awareness of, and money for, abstinence-based recovery. It was Kevin Cahill's idea, he is the bloke who runs Comic Relief. He called me when he read an article I wrote after Amy Winehouse died. Her death had a powerful impact on me I suppose because it was such an obvious shock, like watching someone for hours through a telescope, seeing them advance towards you, fist extended with the intention of punching you in the face. Even though I saw it coming, it still hurt when it eventually hit me.

What was so painful about Amy's death is that I know that there is something I could have done. I could have passed on to her the solution that was freely given to me. Don't pick up a drink or drug, one day at a time. It sounds so simple. It actually is simple but it isn't easy: it requires incredible support and fastidious structuring. Not to mention that the whole infrastructure of abstinence based recovery is shrouded in necessary secrecy. There are support fellowships that are easy to find and open to anyone who needs them but they eschew promotion of any kind in order to preserve the purity of their purpose, which is for people with alcoholism and addiction to help one another stay clean and sober.

Without these fellowships I would take drugs. Because, even now, the condition persists. Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem, drugs and alcohol are my solution.

If this seems odd to you it is because you are not an alcoholic or a drug addict. You are likely one of the 90% of people who can drink and use drugs safely. I have friends who can smoke weed, swill gin, even do crack and then merrily get on with their lives. For me, this is not an option. I will relinquish all else to ride that buzz to oblivion. Even if it began as a timid glass of chardonnay on a ponce's yacht, it would end with me necking the bottle, swimming to shore and sprinting to Bethnal Green in search of a crack house. I look to drugs and booze to fill up a hole in me; unchecked, the call of the wild is too strong. I still survey streets for signs of the subterranean escapes that used to provide my sanctuary. I still eye the shuffling subclass of junkies and dealers, invisibly gliding between doorways through the gutters. I see that dereliction can survive in opulence; the abundantly wealthy with destitution in their stare.

Spurred by Amy's death, I've tried to salvage unwilling victims from the mayhem of the internal storm and I am always, always, just pulled inside myself. I have a friend so beautiful, so haunted by talent that you can barely look away from her, whose smile is such a treasure that I have often squandered my sanity for a moment in its glow. Her story is so galling that no one would condemn her for her dependency on illegal anesthesia, but now, even though her life is trying to turn around despite her, even though she has genuine opportunities for a new start, the gutter will not release its prey. The gutter is within. It is frustrating to watch. It is frustrating to love someone with this disease.

A friend of mine's brother cannot stop drinking. He gets a few months of sobriety and his inner beauty, with the obstacles of his horrible drunken behaviour pushed aside by the presence of a programme, begins to radiate. His family bask relieved, in the joy of their returned loved one, his life gathers momentum but then he somehow forgets the price of this freedom, returns to his old way of thinking, picks up a drink and Mr Hyde is back in the saddle. Once more his brother's face is gaunt and hopeless. His family blame themselves and wonder what they could have done differently, racking their minds for a perfect sentiment; wrapped up in the perfect sentence, a magic bullet to sear right through the toxic fortress that has incarcerated the person they love and restore them to sanity. The fact is, though, that they can't, the sufferer must, of course, be a willing participant in their own recovery. They must not pick up a drink or drug, one day at a time. Just don't pick up, that's all.

It is difficult to feel sympathy for these people. It is difficult to regard some bawdy drunk and see them as sick and powerless. It is difficult to suffer the selfishness of a drug addict who will lie to you and steal from you and forgive them and offer them help. Can there be any other disease that renders its victims so unappealing? Would Great Ormond Street be so attractive a cause if its beds were riddled with obnoxious little criminals that had "brought it on themselves"?

Peter Hitchens is a vocal adversary of mine on this matter. He sees this condition as a matter of choice and the culprits as criminals who should go to prison. I know how he feels. I bet I have to deal with a lot more drug addicts than he does, let's face it. I share my brain with one, and I can tell you firsthand, they are total fucking wankers. Where I differ from Peter is in my belief that if you regard alcoholics and drug addicts not as bad people but as sick people then we can help them to get better. By we, I mean other people who have the same problem but have found a way to live drug-and-alcohol-free lives. Guided by principles and traditions a programme has been founded that has worked miracles in millions of lives. Not just the alcoholics and addicts themselves but their families, their friends and of course society as a whole.

What we want to do with Give It Up is popularise a compassionate perception of drunks and addicts, and provide funding for places at treatment centres where they can get clean using these principles. Then, once they are drug-and-alcohol-free, to make sure they retain contact with the support that is available to keep them clean. I know that as you read this you either identify with it yourself or are reminded of someone who you love who cannot exercise control over substances. I want you to know that the help that was available to me, the help upon which my recovery still depends is available.

I wound down the hill in an alien land, Morrissey chanted lonely mantras, the pain quickly accumulated incalculably, and I began to weave the familiar tapestry that tells an old, old story. I think of places I could score. Off Santa Monica there's a homeless man who I know uses gear. I could find him, buy him a bag if he takes me to score.

I leave him on the corner, a couple of rocks, a couple of $20 bags pressed into my sweaty palm. I get home, I pull out the foil, neatly torn. I break the bottom off a Martell miniature. I have cigarettes, using makes me need fags. I make a pipe for the rocks with the bottle. I lay a strip of foil on the counter to chase the brown. I pause to reflect and regret that I don't know how to fix, only smoke, feeling inferior even in the manner of my using. I see the foil scorch. I hear the crackle from which crack gets it's name. I feel the plastic fog hit the back of my yawning throat. Eyes up. Back relaxing, the bottle drops and the greedy bliss eats my pain. There is no girl, there is no tomorrow, there is nothing but the bilious kiss of the greedy bliss.

Even as I spin this beautifully dreaded web, I am reaching for my phone. I call someone: not a doctor or a sage, not a mystic or a physician, just a bloke like me, another alcoholic, who I know knows how I feel. The phone rings and I half hope he'll just let it ring out. It's 4am in London. He's asleep, he can't hear the phone, he won't pick up. I indicate left, heading to Santa Monica. The ringing stops, then the dry mouthed nocturnal mumble: "Hello. You all right mate?"

He picks up.

And for another day, thank God, I don't have to.

• Russell Brand
• Comic Relief
• Entertainment TV

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Drug Abuse and Addiction Essay

Article summary, critical reflections.

In the following paper, I have my purpose to summarize the article “From an Attempted Suicide to Salvation, Then to Helping Others” by Mathew Warren printed in New York Times not long ago. In addition, I will offer my comments concerning selected aspects of the article’s importance and will explain my choice of this particular piece of information about the issues of substance abuse and addiction and families.

The article tells about Sheaneen Holimon, a courageous and spirited lady who knows well what the problem of drug addiction is about. After years of fighting with this serious problem, she was so distressed on the reason of her inability to quit this maleficent predilection that she wanted to commit suicide. Still, Ms. Holimon was able to see a miracle eventually as she believed in her future and valued her family.

Ms. Holimon explains that her father’s conduct made her a very unhappy child and caused her to take drugs at a very early age. By the age of fifteen, she was a serious drug addict; however, she succeeded to graduate from high school and find a job as a secretary. Nonetheless, Ms. Holimon did not manage to preserve her working place on the reason of becoming a heavy drunkard and drug addict. She had a small period of revival when she gave birth to her son. Sadly, this period did not continue for long, and she returned to her dangerous lifestyle. The same situation repeated after the birth of her daughter.

Once, she reflected on her entire life, her two little children, long years wasted on the reason of this disastrous lifestyle, and made a wakeup call of last hope to her mother. Then she joined a rehabilitation program. That was not a short experience and not an easy one. Ms. Holimon fought courageously, and eventually, she managed to have certain success. This, in turn, motivated her to help others. Nowadays, though Sheaneen Holimon is still under some rehabilitation therapy by herself, this spirited lady has a significant experience of helping others and overcoming a lot of difficulties for this sake including material ones. To conclude on this encouraging experience, it should be mentioned that Ms. Holimon has succeeded in reviving some of her family relations, and she is still putting a lot of effort to get ahead in this area to the fullest extent possible.

The primary purpose of this article seems to inform the readers about success that was achieved by a courageous lady who strives to conquer her drug addiction throughout her entire life and has managed to have certain achievements. I have chosen this article as I believe it contains an encouraging and powerful message for all people who want to conquer their exhausting battle with drug addiction. The article’s importance cannot be underestimated; every person facing such serious problem as drug addiction, or who has a relative or any other close person with such a terrible problem knows how vital it is to know from some other person’s experience that it is possible to win the fight with this evil.

The article raises the very serious issues that are rife with the problem of drug addiction and family ties. It teaches that the most terrible things in life can be overcome if only the person really wants it and works hard along with others who kindly offer their professional assistance.

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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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Drug Addiction Essay

In this Drug Addiction Essay , we had described drug addiction, its adverse effects; different types of drugs that are produced has different effects.

All these addictions are difficult to quit and has severe problem , health issues caused by drug addiction can persist even after a person has taken drugs.

In this article ‘ Essay on Drug Addiction ‘, we had provided the various essays in different word limits, which you can use as per your need:

Essay on Drug Addiction 200 words:

Drugs are a common problem this day, a large number of people worldwide suffer from this problem.

Drugs provide instant pleasure and stress relief; many people start taking drugs as an escape from their painful reality.

Few Peoples take drugs to experience how it feels or to give company to their friends before a person knows, it becomes addicted to drugs for him and it is difficult to get rid of this addiction.

Short-term enjoyment from the drugs can lead to serious long-term problems; this can cause serious health issues and behaviour changes.

Some of the symptoms of drug addiction include loss of appetite, impaired coordination and restlessness, lack of interest in work, financial issues and change of social cycle, covert behaviour, repeated mood swings and anxious behaviour.

Many argue that overcoming addiction simply requires willpower and determination; however, this is not the case, and it requires a lot.

To get rid of drug addiction, it is necessary to seek professional help and take appropriate medication.

This addiction can take years to overcome, and the possibility of relapse cannot be completely ruled out.

Drug Addiction Essay 300 words:

Intoxication weakens a person’s immune system; it causes various mental and physical illnesses; this problem can be short term or long term.

The kind of medicine a person consumes, how much he destroys it and the duration by which he takes it becomes the basis of various health problems.

Effect on Physical Health:

Drugs can affect a person’s physical health; it irritates various parts of the body, including the brain, throat, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, heart and nervous system.

It can cause health problems such as sickness, heart problems, damaged liver, stroke, lung disease, weight loss and even cancer.

There is a high risk of contracting AIDS by drug addicts because they usually share needles to inject drugs.

Driving under the influence of drugs or walking on the road can be risky because an accident is more likely to happen to such a person.

Effects on Mental Health:

Drugs have a severe effect on a person’s brain. Drugs delay decision making and affect a person’s psychosocial skills.

They can cause mental health issues such as depression, Alzheimer’s, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, conduct problems and psychosocial dysfunction.

Drug users have suicidal thoughts and often attempt suicide.

Effects on Unborn Babies:

Drug addiction can put unborn children at high risk. Pregnant women addicted to alcohol can harm the fetus.

Unborn babies are more likely to develop inherited disabilities and abnormal mental and physical abnormalities.

Intoxication can also lead to premature birth; some children also exhibit behavioural issues later in life.

Getting rid of drug addiction is highly recommended before planning a child.

Conclusion:

A person’s overall health becomes fragile due to regular doses of medicines; such a person often loses touch with reality and becomes confused.

Due to a nervous, immune system, he can catch infection very fast.

Essay on Drug Addiction 400 words:

People belonging to different age groups and from different walks of life are victims of intoxication.

While some can overcome this addiction with some difficulty, others are terrified into the dark world of drugs forever.

A person needs to be prepared to try as much as possible to get rid of drug addiction and to overcome this abuse.

Drug Addiction Risks:

While anyone can develop a drug addiction, some people are more likely to create it. Here’s a look at those who are at high risk of developing drug addiction:

People have had some heartbreaking/ painful experiences in life.

Those who have a family history of intoxication; also, suffers mental or physical abuse or neglect.

Those are suffering from depression and anxiety.

Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction:

Here are some ways to overcome addiction:

• Enrol in a rehabilitation centre.
• This is one of the main steps to overcome drug addiction.
• Good rehabilitation centres have qualified and experienced professionals who know how to deal with addicts and help them get rid of drug addiction.
• Meeting other drug addictions and seeing how hard they are trying to quit this addiction to regain a healthy life can also be encouraging.
• Seek help from friends and family
• Love and support from your near and dear ones can play an important role when it comes to getting rid of drug addiction.
• This can help determine dependency and may prompt you to give up this disgusting habit.
• Therefore, do not hesitate to discuss this problem with them; they will be more than willing to help you get rid of addiction.

As you stop the consumption of drugs, you may suffer from symptoms & medication is required to deal with these symptoms, it also helps prevent relapse.

Health issues caused by drug addiction also need to be corrected & medications will help cure them.

It can be challenging to give up the addiction; however, this is not impossible to do.

Strong determination and support from friends and family can help relieve addiction.

Drug Addiction Essay 500 words:

Intoxication affects physical health severely; this puts the addict at risk of health problems such as cardiac arrest, stroke and abdominal pain.

It also causes mental health issues such as depression, insomnia and bipolar disorder, etc.

Apart from affecting a person’s health, intoxication also affects human behaviour.

All types of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and weed, affect the brain’s instinct and cause mood swings, resulting in behavioural problems.

Common behavioural issues faced by drug addicts:

Intoxication falters with a person’s brain function; it interferes with the way a person behaves and the kind of choices they make.

Aggression:

A person who is under the influence of drugs can be highly aggressive. Drug addicts often get angry over trivial matters.

This behaviour is not seen only when they are experiencing high; the frequent use of drugs someway communicates aggression in their personality.

It is difficult to get along with such people; you need to be extremely vigilant around them as they can throw up frequent bouts of anger and aggression.

Poor judgment:

Drug addiction bars a person’s ability to reason; they are unable to make appropriate decisions.

They can no longer distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.

Drug users also display impulsive behaviour; they act and react without much thought. This behaviour is usually displayed when they are feeling high.

However, they may also exhibit impulsive behaviour when they return to their normal state.

Drug addicts mostly make decisions they later regret.

Loss of self-control:

Drug addiction dominates the minds of addicts, and they lose self-control.

They have an intense craving for drugs and are difficult to resist even if they want to.

Drugs dominate their decisions, actions, reactions and behaviour.

Low performance in work:

A person who is addicted to narcotics experiences a decline in performance at work/school.

He is unable to concentrate on his work and continually thinks about taking drugs.

When he does not get his supplies, he feels sluggish and low on energy; all this is a significant obstacle to work.

It has been noted that people under the influence of drugs often have hallucinations; they see things and hear noises that don’t exist.

Medications specifically known for hallucinations include salvia, mescaline, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and ketamine.

Venereal disease:

Trying to conceal your drug addiction from family and friends’ drug addicts often leads to underlying conditions.

They usually avoid spending time with their parents/children/spouse.

They often socialize with other drug addicts and stop hanging out with other friends; this often makes them socially awkward.

Drug addiction can cause behavioural problems that can negatively affect a person’s personal as well as professional life.

It is an addiction that the person should get rid of as soon as possible.

A person may struggle to make positive changes in his behaviour long after he has given up his intoxication.

Essay on Drug Addiction 600 words:

Large amounts of dopamine are released from the use of drugs, which puts a person in ecstasy.

People like to experience this blissful state and desire to come here again and again, which is one of the leading causes of intoxication.

Initially, most people take drugs voluntarily, but it soon becomes an addiction & it is the worst type of addiction.

It is difficult to quit and can also have negative consequences after a person gets rid of this addiction.

Drugs Type:

They are classified into three types.

Depressants: It includes cannabis, opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

They are known to slow the speed of messages going to and from the brain and thus reduce the ability to handle a situation.

When taken in small amounts, depression can make a person feel relaxed; however, when taken in large numbers, they can cause nausea, vomiting and fainting.

Stimulants: Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up messages going to and from the brain.

They have the power to boost a person’s confidence level immediately.

On the downside, they can cause high blood pressure, increase heart rate and cause restlessness, agitation and insomnia.

Frequent use of such drugs leads to panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia, stimulants include nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamine.

Hallucinogen: Hallucinogen contains mescaline and psilocybin. These drugs cause hallucinations and distort the reality of a person.

When taken continuously, these medicines can cause high blood pressure, nausea, paranoia and numbness.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction:

A person who is addicted to drugs is likely to show the following signs and symptoms:

• Change in appetite.
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss.
• Change in sleep pattern.
• Slurred speech.
• Switch to the circle of friends.
• Suddenly angry.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Lack of interest in work.
• Underperformance at work/school.
• Dishonest behaviour.
• Feeling of dullness, distant and apathetic.
• Frequent mood swings.
• Lack of motivation.
• Disgusting behaviour.
• Drug addiction impacts professional life.

Drugs have adverse effects on a person’s brain; People lose their self-control; they become so addicted to drugs that everyone thinking about them is eating them.

They are unable to concentrate on work and lose interest in it; even if they try to work, they feel tired and withdraw.

Drugs have an impact on their cognitive skills, analytical skills, and decision-making power & adversely affects their professional lives.

Drug addicts also exhibit irrational behaviour; they become aggressive, develop impaired judgment and grow impulsive.

Such behaviour is unacceptable in an office setting & puts them in a bad light and prevents the possibility of professional development.

Drug Addiction Affects Personal Relationship:

A drug addict loves the company of drug users and tries to spend most of his time with them; he is no longer interested in his family and friends.

This often leads to arguments and quarrels that spoil their family life as well as their equation with their friends.

A drug addict spoils not only his life but also peoples around him.

Also, read 1. Terr orism Essay 2. Corruption in India 3. Child labour Essay 4. Blood donation Essay

In this Drug Addiction Essay, we had described the Drugs can strengthen a person’s ability to think and act; it can rise to many health hazards, behavioural problems and relationship issues.

The safest way is to stay away from drugs; people who are addicted to drugs have little chance of quitting the addiction.

It ruins their lives and causes deep sorrow to their loved ones.

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Essays on Drug Addiction | Causes & Impacts of Drug Addiction in Youth

Drug addiction is the curse. It eats out the very fabric of our society. The following essay discusses the drug addiction with its underlying causes, its impacts and possible solutions for our youth. The essay is in simple language with easy to understand way. It would surely help primary, high school and college level students.

List of Topics

Drug addiction Essay; Major Causes, Impacts & Possible Solution

Drugs are very dangerous for health, addiction of drugs destroys the health.

Habitual drug users spend lot of money on buying drugs and they spend their accumulated wealth on drugs and when they become bankrupt they adopt illegal means of earning money.

The drugs which cause addiction are cocaine, meth, Marijuana, crack and heroin. All types of narcotics are fatal.

Causes of drug Addiction

The consumption of drugs often is observed when an individual specially youngster fail to cope up with personal problems.

Sometimes family issues are give birth to addiction of drugs. The youth throughout the world is vulnerable to drugs, mostly youngsters chose drugs to satiate their desires. Lack of self confidence is the root cause of addiction of drugs.

Due to pressure and excessive stress man often chose drugs and tries to lessen his or her stress by sing drugs. The high level stress compels an individual to use drugs. The social and personal pressure often result in smoking and drinking. It means when an individual start feeling isolated or is ignored in society he or she develop habit of using drugs.

The lack of parental involvement in child’s activities is also a cause of drug addiction in youngsters. Those who are emotionally weak they become drug addict. The availability and exposure of drugs is also a cause of addiction. An individual living in an area where drugs are available and people consume drugs there that individual will also develop habit of consuming drugs.

Effects of drug Addiction on Youth

The addiction of drugs leave adverse effects on the mind and body of an addict. It is a type of brain disease, regular consumption of drugs disrupts the proper functioning of brain.

The uncontrollable desire to consume drugs become worse day by day ultimately an addict find it impossible to control the intake of drugs.

A regular user of drug loses the efficiency of working. One who is drug addict can’t fulfill his or her responsibilities in good manner. The personal health of an individual is entirely lost when he or she become a drug addict. One who consumes more drugs often experiences anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, sweating, insomnia etc.

The repeated and regular use of drugs leave psychological effects on an individual too. Many physical and mental disorders appear in an individual who uses drugs on regular basis.

Many respiratory diseases, heart attack, lung cancer, kidney failure, liver problems and brain damage are often caused of intake of drugs in excess. The immune system of man is badly affected because of drugs.

Solutions; How to Control Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is very hard to quit, those who are addicted they must be treated tenderly to quit bad habit. One who consumes more drugs he or she must be informed of ill effects of drugs. It is necessary to keep drugs off so that one who is not indulged in it remain far from it.

Though addiction of drugs is very difficult to prevent but there are some steps that can be taken to help stop consumption of drugs.

All individuals who are suffering from mental disorders or are victim of depression and stress must be taken to psychiatrist so that their mental illness is cured and they become able to quit drugs.

People must learn to deal with pressure and stress, the best way to get rid of stress is to handle it properly not to take drugs. There is ignorance among people, they are not known of the risk factors of addiction of drugs, they don’t know the abuse of drugs.

Drug addiction is one the gravest issues that our youths are facing these days. It brings a lot of problems in our lives. Therefore, every possible effort must be made in order to contain this issue forever.

Paragraph On Drug Addiction | Short & Long Paragraphs On Drug Addiction, Causes & Impacts

Any substance consumed by a person which is harmful to his health is called a drug. When one consume these dangerous substances regularly is called an addiction.

Users are mostly addicted in alcohol, cocaine, heroin, nicotine, opioid, painkillers etc. All these drugs are very harmful for physical and mental health. Drugs affect the mental cognition of a user, an addict can’t take good decisions nor he can retain information.

Signs of a drug Addict

The most vivid signs of a drug addict are red eyes, increased heart rate, anxiety, depression, paranoia and inactivity. Their memory power reduces, they feel difficulty in remembering something.

A drug addict can’t work properly without injecting it, he lack to properly coordinate with others. Due to drug addiction, the user become victim of erratic sleep patterns.

Apart from it a drug addict become happy and sad quickly. Sometimes they lose their consciousness, they are not aware of their surroundings and they forget their very existence.

Why Addiction of Drugs is Caused?

Drug addiction is mainly caused to feel happier, when an individual faces loss in life or fails to get something. He feel dejected, sad and unhappy.

In order to overcome this condition the individual start using drugs to feel happy because drugs contain a chemical called dopamine which induces happiness in the consumer and he feel happy. Slowly and gradually he become addicted and doesn’t feel happy until and unless he doesn’t consume the drug.

Effects of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is very harmful, it not only destroy health but also leave many negatively influences on the psyche of the user.

Mostly drug addicts engage in reckless activities like gambling, stealing, adultery etc. Because of these activities they lose their respect and lose many relationships. Due to addiction of drugs many problems in personal and public relationships are created.

Their personality is badly affected by the excessive consumption of drugs, they stop caring of their hygiene. In both conditions while injecting any drug or without injecting it, a drug addict can’t communicate properly nor can Converse with anyone soundly.

It is observed that as the addiction increases the user lose interest in doing all activities which he loved to do. The addiction of drugs is fatal, it is a life-threatening act because it can kill a person.

All fatal and deadly diseases like kidney failure, lung diseases, heart diseases, brain damage, respiratory problems etc are caused by addiction of drugs.

A drug consumer feel difficulty in breathing, he feel lazy and inactive all the time and can’t perform any work in good way. Memory loss and speech problems affect the user’s personality.

Above all, the users of drugs become moody, hyperactive and victim of hallucinations.

Drug addiction is fatal, we must take steps to control addiction of drugs. Behavioral counseling is the most effective way to treat this disease, it is very important to have counseling with the user and motivate him to quit it before it takes his or her life.

Only the family members and friends can do this, if you find your loved ones addicted make a behavioral counseling with them and motivate them to quit it. Family members and friends can encourage them and can help them to get rid of bad addiction.

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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. 

Topics covered in this article.

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 Drug Awareness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drug Awareness 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 Drug Awareness

Understanding drugs.

Drugs are substances that can change how your body and mind work. They can be legal, like medicine prescribed by a doctor, or illegal.

Effects of Drugs

Drugs can make you feel different. Some might make you feel happy for a short time, but they can also harm your body and brain.

The Risk of Addiction

Some people may start using drugs out of curiosity or to feel good, but it can lead to addiction. Addiction is when you can’t stop taking the drug, even if it’s causing harm.

Staying Safe

It’s important to say no to illegal drugs and only take medicines as directed by a doctor.

250 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

Introduction.

Drugs are substances that alter the body’s physiological processes. While some drugs are beneficial and used for medicinal purposes, others can be harmful, leading to addiction, health issues, and societal problems. Drug awareness is a crucial topic, especially for college students, as it is the foundation for understanding and preventing drug misuse.

The Importance of Drug Awareness

Drug awareness is essential to equip individuals with knowledge about the potential risks and consequences of drug use. It helps in understanding the difference between use and misuse, the signs of addiction, and the effects of drugs on physical and mental health. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in preventing drug misuse and addiction.

The Role of Education

Education plays a significant role in drug awareness. It is not only about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a healthy attitude towards drug use. Educational institutions, particularly colleges, hold a responsibility to provide students with accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, drug awareness is a vital aspect of health education. It empowers individuals, especially college students, to make informed decisions about drug use, thus preventing potential misuse and addiction. The role of education in promoting drug awareness cannot be overstated, as it equips students with necessary knowledge and fosters a responsible attitude towards drug use.

500 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

The issue of drug abuse and addiction has become a global concern, with implications that transcend cultural, economic, and social boundaries. Drug awareness is a critical aspect in curbing this menace, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to resist drug use, and encourages a healthier, safer society.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse

The prevalence of drug abuse is alarming, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 5.5% of the world’s population aged 15-64 years have used drugs at least once in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the urgency for effective drug awareness programs. It is essential to understand the factors contributing to drug abuse, which include peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and the desire for escapism. These factors, coupled with the easy accessibility of drugs, create a potent recipe for addiction.

Drug awareness plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse and addiction. Through education, individuals gain a better understanding of the dangers and implications of drug use. They learn about the harmful effects of drugs on physical health, mental health, and social relationships. Moreover, drug awareness programs can debunk myths surrounding drug use, such as the misconception that drug use is a victimless crime or that all drug users are morally weak.

Components of Effective Drug Awareness Programs

Effective drug awareness programs should be comprehensive, targeting various aspects of the drug abuse issue. Firstly, they should provide factual information about drugs, their effects, and the risks associated with their use. Secondly, they must equip individuals with the skills to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions. Lastly, these programs should provide support and resources for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing that recovery is possible and that help is available.

The Role of Society in Drug Awareness

Society plays a significant role in promoting drug awareness. Schools, workplaces, and communities can host awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars. The media can also play an influential role in disseminating accurate information about drugs and addiction. Moreover, government policies can support drug awareness initiatives, providing funding and resources for these programs.

In conclusion, drug awareness is a crucial tool in the fight against drug abuse and addiction. By educating individuals about the realities of drug use and equipping them with the skills to resist it, we can foster a society that is healthier, safer, and more informed. It is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of all sectors of society, from the individual to the government. Through a concerted effort, we can make significant strides in addressing this global issue.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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

• Essay on Drugs
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• Essay on No Poverty

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Essay on Drug Addiction of My Parents and Its Effect on Me

This is my story about how my parents drug addiction has affected me, and my life.  Imagine parents, the two most valuable and important people in your life. Who are supposed to love you, and support you, protect you. My parent’s addiction came first, over me and my brother. The drugs took a bigger part in my parents’ life, more so than us children. The best thing to do in a situation like this, is to make the best of the given situation, and that’s all I could do, that’s all anyone could do.

I remember waking up in the middle of the night to people screaming. My little brother was so scared he came running into my room just crying, and at that given moment. I thought to myself , “Not Again”. As I knew what would happen when the police showed up once more and tried to break up my family. I contemplated “this time would be different, my parents loved us, they wouldn’t keep having their children suffer like this”. I was wrong.

The police swarmed into the house, searched everything top to bottom. Up and down the stairs they went searching my room, my brothers, anywhere they could think of that held evidence of drug abuse. That was the night my mother and father were arrested for using and having the intent to distribute methamphetamine. A night that changed everything in my family’s life.

That night was when I finally came to the realization that this is what drugs do to a person. They lose their mind and the mental capacity to make smart decisions, or any choices to be clear. It hinders their mind in such a way that living normally is next to unfeasible. All they can ever do is think about how to reach that next fix, no matter the cost. No matter how or who they hurt in the process. I have undergone this, countless times with my parents. So much that it just seemed like a daily routine in my problematic life.  

Imagine, a parent stealing from their child. For me I didn’t have to. I am living proof that no matter what, drugs become a bigger priority  over someone’s own flesh and blood. My own parents would steal from me, take my possessions and trade them into a  pawn shop to get money. Apparently, 8oz of methamphetamine was more important than their children eating or having clean clothes, belongings etc. Figures, but what can anyone expect coming from a known drug addict. 

I recollect one Christmas where me and my brother were both given a $50 gift card to Walmart. I woke up that morning on Christmas day, just to find out that my parents stole our gift cards and spent it all on drugs. I used to believe when I was younger that all the things happening were somehow my fault. That I was the one causing my family to tear apart. I recollect how every night of my childhood; I would sit in my room and just cry about my life. I slowly started to hate myself. Thinking that I was the one who had pushed my family away from loving me.  That’s when I grasped the reason that it’s not me that was the problem, it’s the people around me who were the issue. 

It never was my fault for the way my family ended up, it was my parents. Through the years of forethought and my own mistakes made. I knew the negative thoughts about my broken family were wrong.  My parents knew exactly what they were doing when they used the drugs for the first time. Even more, they knew the risks before deciding that they were going to try the multitude of drugs, and ultimately develop an addiction. Which is why I don’t think addiction is a disease, but whether or not you have the willpower to say no. I’ve bared witness firsthand of  the destructive power that addiction possesses. Many individuals may disagree, but  many people have never truly experienced this harsh reality of life and had to grow up this way.  I always felt I had to grow up a lot quicker than normal kids. Because if I didn’t, no one else would take care of me or my little brother.  I’ve had to face many challenges in my life with this mindset, but I know that it has made me into a stronger individual.

As I grew up, I have recognized that I’m grateful now that I had experienced the reality of my younger life. Because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Most importantly, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Going through these challenges has changed my life for the better. I know that I don’t have to grow up to live in the shadows of my failing parents. I make my own path, and if I could thank my parents today, I would. I now realize that I’m going to do bigger and better things and not repeat this vicious cycle of drug abuse and neglect.  Because, I have seen the devastation that drug abuse causes, and I know firsthand that the life of a drug addict is not designed but chosen.

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Overcoming Drug Addiction as an application essay topic?

<p>SO basically, an essay that I have written says the following things in the following order…</p>

<p>-(intro) basically saying that I am not asking for some sort of sympathy, and that I only want to be heard. I also add that I the following is qoute “not the most common approach to exalting one’s self”.</p>

<p>-(body) Explaining the emotional root of problems I had, turned into disrespect, drug use and family issues. </p>

<p>-Got sent to a school away from my house, and recreated a sense of pride. Came over alot of issues … yadda yadda, I did an alright job at that.</p>

<p>-Makes references to my family and how highly they think of me; that I agree with them…</p>

<p>-(closing) saying that above all, I believe in myself and what I have done, and that is what it is that makes me who I am {kind of thing}…</p>

<p>So is this a good approach to an essay?? Any ideas???</p>

<p>I would only write an essay about getting over a drug addiction if they already knew about your drug use (if you had to explain it after checking the box for “have you been arrested?” or something) Otherwise I would probably not bring it up as it doesn’t put you in the best light, even if you no longer use drugs.</p>

<p>But, then again, I don’t know you, and if you think that topic is what best defines you, then maybe you should write about it.</p>

<p>maybe i could explain that I just had issues & struggles? but than again it isnt really as powerful that way… hmmm…</p>

<p>Colleges or businesses do not like to admit/enroll/hire a self purported past, current or future drug additct.</p>

<p>I would encourage you to focus your essay on aspects of your life that demonstrate intellectual curiosity, drive (and examples) of making a difference in your community, etc. Start off positive and stay positive.</p>

<p>I think that your proposed topic is of high risk. You may find some sympathetic readers. More likely you’ll find one or two readers who would become concerned after reading your proposed essay.</p>

<p>it seems like an interesting, genuine idea that most readers would misunderstand.</p>

<p>if the essay reader is the stuffy administrator that i always imagine must be the only sort of person who can manage to work in an admissions office, they probably wouldn’t fully appreciate the topic.</p>

<p>The best advice I ever heard about college essays was, “Don’t write about something you wouldn’t talk about on a first date.” Writing about your recovery from drug addiction is high risk proposition. Well written it can be a compelling story, but depending on the reader it may plant an uncomfortable seed of doubt in their mind. The main point of the essay is to get to the “second date” (admissions), being too personal upfront may be a turn-off.</p>

<p>The other way to look at it is from a risk-reward basis. If statistically you’re at the upper-end (75th%-tile or higher) for a particular school then you’re likely going to be admitted regardless what you write about, so why risk turning the reader off? If you’re in the bottom quartile for a particular school it seems unlikely that your story is going to be enough to overcome the academic competition you’ll be facing. So the only place the essay might work is in a borderline case, some place where you’re average but a compelling story of overcoming adversity could be enough to tip things in your favor. But even there the risk is that they’ll be turned away by the possibility of your slipping back to your old ways. I just don’t see the payoff.</p>

<p>The reader of your essay has the privilege of anonymity. They don’t have to look you in the eye or even call you after reading it. That makes it easy for them to act on prejudice. And they will.</p>

<p>Don’t do it.</p>

<p>If you read *The Gatekeepers,<a href=“about%20college%20admissions”>/i</a> you’ll see this is a bad idea.</p>

<p>I suggest that you only use an essay like this if you are explaining a period of very poor grades and can demonstrate a turnaround or are explaining a police record - and I would recast the essay accordingly if you do use it. Otherwise, congratualtions on getting your life together.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t do it.</p>

<p>If you were convicted for drug use, there’s a space on the CommonApp where you’ll have to explain yourself. So even if you were convicted, that’s where you’d write such an explanation. If you weren’t convicted, it would be a very unwise move if you wrote your main essay about your former drug use. While it’s admirable that you overcame strife and emerged a better person, no college will take what you’re saying in a positive light. A former drug addict was still a drug addict at one point, horrible as it sounds. So I’d pick another topic. That’s just me, though.</p>

<p>You could write it well and it would still be extremely risky. Colleges are looking to build communities of diverse, interesting, talented people, a community that won’t include drug addicts, past or present, if they can help it. There are more relevant and positive things to discuss in a college essay.</p>

<p>Congratulations for overcoming your addiction, however. Best of luck with your applications.</p>

<p>I sadly have to agree with what everyone else has said. </p>

<p>I will re-emphasize the points that (provided they wouldn’t know otherwise about the drugs) you should definitely avoid this essay at safety and match schools. This essay could work at a high reach, and it may be a good idea to use it if you don’t think you have a shot at admission using a more typical essay. </p>

<p>Not saying you should use it at all or even half your reaches, because it’s nice to get into a couple reaches. But maybe experiment around with one of the HYPSM-type schools that you think would be cool to be admitted to but you aren’t like dying to attend.</p>

<p>I think drugs is a little too much. Some conservative people might not like it.</p>

<p>cause if it<code>s not I suggest you not write about drugs, use of them or overcoming the use them! Why don</code>t you write the words, I USED TO USE DRUGS, across your forehead! Use this topic to motivate people off of drugs but please don`t use this topic to try to get into college. This is either a joke or your head is still a bit fogged up!!!</p>

<p>Honestly I think the college essay is about showing colleges who you are as a person beyond things like stats and EC’s. If this is what best defines you, if this shows the person you are, then I think it’s the best topic for you. HOWEVER, approach it with extreme caution, and know that there are going to be schools that drop your application on the spot, just as there are going to be people who will refuse to hire you simply because of your past. Ultimately what matters is that you know you’re past it, and that you’ve grown from it, if you know that then some school will take you, someone will hire you etc… There are always going to be haters, even for smaller things, for example a lot of my friends distanced themselves from me when I was suffering from depression, I’m not saying they’re close to the same as I’m sure you went through way worse, but it’s just an example. Hardships show you who and what are important in your life, and that defines who you are. If that is the person that you want colleges to know, then write about it, after all you want to be accepted for who you are, not who you think they want you to be. Just my two cents.</p>

<p>You’re thinking out-of-the-box, that’s for sure!</p>

<p>I suspect you’ll get a chance sometime to write about this AFTER matriculating.</p>

<p>I don’t see how “Colleges are looking to build communities of diverse, interesting, talented people” could not include recovered drug addicts. In fact, I’m sure they do, though it’s not necessarily known to the community. I think I’m pretty interesting and talented. And the presence of someone who has already been around that block in a setting where many will succumb may prove invaluable.</p>

<p>I suggest a separate letter to the campus substanse abuse counselor at the college you’ve decided upon. Tell your story, and offer yourself as a student resource to other students who utilize the counselor.</p>

<p>Congratulations!</p>

<p>DoS - 7/21/81</p>

<p>You already got great advice in the posts on this thread. I will just chime in as someone who is a college counselor. </p>

<p>I would advise against this topic for the essays. There may be other places on the application where this would come up such as having to explain transcript irregulatiries or having to answer questions about being arrested or suspended. In other words, if you HAVE to report the drug use on other parts of the application, explain it there. But do not use the main essays for this. and if you don’t have to reveal you past drug use anywhere on the application, I would avoid “telling all.” In other words, if you have recovered (bravo to you!) and there is no suspension, arrest, or transcript irregularity to explain, I would not even reveal past drug use anywhere on the application. But even if you have to disclose it elsewhere in the application, I would still not use the main essays for this topic. And if you do have to explain an arrest, suspension or transcript irregularity, in that explanation of extenuating circumstances (not the main essay), provide specific reassurances that the past situation will not prevent you from participating in college fully.</p>

<p>The main essay, however, should be used to highlight more positive aspects of your background or interests. </p>

<p>Generally, avoid revealing mental health problems such as drug use if you don’t have to and if you have recovered. Give the adcoms reasons to admit you and not be concerned about admitting you. There must be a lot of wonderful positive things about you…show them those qualities in your essays.</p>

<p>I think you should go for it.</p>

<p>1) Colleges are looking to build diverse communities. We’ve said this before. They want students who grow from their interactions. If you are a recovered drug addict, you have a very unusual perspective (for your age) and would add something unique to the campus dialogue.</p>

<p>2) Since you have already overcome drugs yourself, you could be a good influence on other students experimenting with drugs. The “I’ve been there, let me tell you something about drugs” approach is harder to come by than the puritanical “I’ve always said no to drugs” proselytizing approach.</p>

<p>3) Overcoming a drug addiction shows steely self-discipline and emotional maturity. Whatever you were, they are admitting or rejecting what you are now.</p>

<p>4) Talking frankly about your past mistakes, asking for understanding rather than forgiveness or leniency, takes self-confidence.</p>

<p>5) Handling a sensitive subject well will show strong writing skills.</p>

<p>Definitely not. This is coming from a former undergrad admissions counselor.</p>

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Meeting the mother of my foster son changed my mind about addiction – and my life

A health-centered approach to addiction is far more effective than a criminal justice one. if we want better outcomes, we must address the problem's root cause..

As I pull into the child welfare office parking lot, my minivan crunches over worn-out gravel. Hopping out, I unbuckle the infant car seat that holds our newborn foster son. As I turn toward the office, I see a woman sprinting toward me. The first thing I notice are tears streaming down her face. As she reaches us, she leans down and covers the baby with kisses.

This is my first time meeting Joanne, the mother of my foster son, and I have no idea what to do. Whole-hearted affection and emotion are not what I expected. Isn’t this the woman who used drugs while she was pregnant? If she loves her son this much, why didn’t she stop using?

I didn’t know much about addiction when I met Joanne. I grew up in a conservative Christian home in Jackson, Mississippi, and never had any interest in using drugs. The dominant cultural narrative I picked up was that bad people use drugs, and that really bad people become addicted to them.

A pregnant mother using drugs was even worse.

But as my relationship with Joanne grew, it became so clear that her love for her son was just as fierce as my love for my own sons. As much as it challenged everything I thought I knew about people struggling with addiction, I couldn’t unsee the truth. She was a mom like me.

Prisons don't heal drug addiction

It was the beginning of a transformative learning journey as I began to rethink everything I thought I knew about drugs, addiction and how to reduce harm effectively.

Mississippi, where I still live, has the highest imprisonment rate in the United States. In 2021 alone, more than half the people sent to prison on a drug charge were sentenced for drug possession – not selling or trafficking. In just one state in one year, we sent nearly 1,500 people to prison for possession.

They were, on average, 36 years old and would stay there for nearly six years .

As I started to connect statistics with the faces they represent, I wondered how Joanne’s story would’ve ended if she had been sent to prison like so many people just like her. What would have happened to her son if his mother had disappeared for half of his childhood?

It was deeply uncomfortable to consider whether the criminal justice approach to drug use that I had always supported might actually make it harder for families to be healthy and whole.

I'm a foster kid with a degree. That shouldn't be rare, but it is. We can change that.

Addicts need help, not handcuffs

As I read research about addiction and the best ways to reduce harm, it became clear that incarceration would not solve Joanne’s addiction. For one, drugs are readily available in jails and prisons. But more important, addiction is a complex health crisis often made worse by trauma. Joanne needed help, not handcuffs.

While she was able to enter inpatient addiction treatment that helped her heal from trauma, so many others are sent into a prison system that produces trauma. It’s like pouring gasoline on a fire.

Alabama execution was torture: I witnessed Alabama execute a man using nitrogen gas. It was horrific and cruel.

Research convinced me that a health-centered approach to addiction is far more effective than a criminal justice one. It benefits all of us, by helping people address the reasons they use drugs instead of just punishing them for using.

If we want better outcomes, we must address the problem's root cause.

Joanne helped me see her as an equal instead of an “other.” Even though she struggled with addiction for almost two decades, she has been sober for eight years now, since that tiny baby brought us together in the parking lot. She is an amazing mother, friend and case manager for a local drug court.

A health-centered approach to drug use won’t always end this way, but we know how it would have ended if Joanne sat in prison while her son grew up without her.

A criminal justice approach to drug use helps very few people and harms many. A health-centered approach at least meets the root cause of the problem with the best tools to solve it. There are no perfect solutions, but that should never stop us from pursuing better ones.

Christina Dent is the founder and president of End It For Good and author of a new book, "Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction ."

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Oregon Is Recriminalizing Drugs. Here’s What Portland Learned.

Oregon’s governor has signed a measure to reimpose criminal penalties for hard drugs. Mayor Ted Wheeler of Portland talks about why the experiment “failed.”

By Mike Baker

Reporting from Portland, Ore.

When Oregon embarked on a landmark plan three years ago to decriminalize hard drugs , it wagered that a focus on treatment over punishment would create a new model for drug policy around the country.

But after a deluge of overdose deaths and frequent chaos in the streets of Portland, Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law on Monday a measure to restore criminal penalties for drug possession . It brought to an end a key portion of one of the nation’s most ambitious attempts to find alternatives other than jail for drug users, embodied in a 2020 voter initiative known as Measure 110 .

The rollback has supporters among a wide range of public officials, including Mayor Ted Wheeler of Portland, who found himself presiding over a series of crises since taking office in 2016. They included surging unsheltered homelessness, turbulent street protests, an exodus of downtown businesses, record numbers of homicides , the rapid spread of fentanyl and soaring overdose deaths .

Over the past year, Mr. Wheeler has set out to restore order. He has battled in court to ban daytime camping and tried to establish mass shelter locations (known in Portland as TASS sites) for those without housing. After initially supporting budget cuts to the police department , he has pushed to increase the law enforcement presence in the city and to crack down on crime.

And he concluded that it was time to restore criminal penalties for hard drug possession. Under the new law, people caught with small amounts of drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine could face up to 180 days in jail, although lawmakers also built in a series of offramps that allow people in many cases to get treatment instead of confinement.

Mr. Wheeler sat down with The New York Times recently to discuss the shift on drug policy and his city’s future. Here are excerpts from the interview, edited and condensed for length and clarity.

There’s concern that bringing back criminal penalties is going back to the war on drugs. Is that what’s happening?

The war on drugs didn’t work. And so I hope the answer to that question is ‘no.’ And I hope this isn’t an excuse for people to turn their backs on the hard work of building a mental health system. We’re doing that, and we’re doing it at the very local level. At our TASS sites, we actually went out and we contracted at the municipal level with service providers who can provide basic behavioral health, substance-use disorder, domestic-violence treatment, job training. We’re creating those pathways.

So we appreciate that the legislature took the steps to return law enforcement and public safety tools to our first responders. I think that was necessary. But it’s also necessary to do the hard work to build the behavioral health infrastructure that was lacking.

When you look back to 2020, when Measure 110 passed, you have pretty wide support in Oregon. In Portland, three-quarters of voters in this area approved it. I’m curious how excited you were at the time about this new path that was emerging.

I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been around enough to know that it’s always in the implementation.

Where do you think things most went wrong with the measure?

There’s no question that the state botched the implementation. And as I say, the timing couldn’t have been worse. In terms of the botched implementation: To decriminalize the use of drugs before you actually had the treatment services in place was obviously a huge mistake.

With the benefit of hindsight, the way that should have been structured is that it would create the mechanism for funding. The state would build up its behavioral health services, and when it reached a certain threshold, then they would decriminalize. It shouldn’t have gone the other way around.

The truth is that addiction rates and overdose rates skyrocketed. I personally do not attribute all of that to the passage of Measure 110. I think you can see national trends that would suggest that it wasn’t all ballot Measure 110, but it was very easy for the public to draw a line between the passage of Measure 110, the decriminalization of hard drugs, the increase in addiction and the increase in overdoses — and criminal activity associated with drugs.

Jordan Gale for The New York Times

You’ve said that you’ve been concerned about the future viability of this city . What does a worst-case scenario look like to you?

A worst-case scenario is a city where you don’t have laws that can be enforced. You don’t have alternative treatment for those who are ready to be treated. And you lose the public’s trust in your local institutions of democracy. That’s when things start to unwind. We’re not there. And I will tell you, from where I was sitting four years ago today, night and day difference. I’m very optimistic about the future of this city.

I hear your optimism.

I can see it. I mean, the city looks much better. Foot traffic is way up. Criminal activity is way down. With the opening of our TASS sites, with the expansion of our services at our safe-rest villages, we have a thousand new shelter beds we didn’t have even a year ago. Things have improved.

At the same time, in relatively recent polling, I think 81 percent said they feel unsafe going downtown in Portland at night . Are they wrong to feel that way?

I would never tell anybody they’re wrong to feel unsafe. If you feel unsafe, you feel unsafe. And that is your prerogative. What I would say is, objectively, crime rates are way down .

I was looking back when you first ran for office in 2015. One of your big messages was trying to deal with this nexus of homelessness and mental health issues and addiction. You had vowed at the time to eliminate unsheltered homelessness by 2018 . What went wrong?

Well, first of all, I’m not a great predictor of the future, it turns out. I don’t think anybody in 2015 could have possibly imagined where we would be today, as a city, as a state, as a nation. In 2015, P2P meth didn’t exist. Fentanyl didn’t exist. We hadn’t seen the explosion in the homeless population that we saw, particularly during the pandemic, but also leading up to the pandemic. What happened there, I think, honestly, is the long-term decisions we had made as a state to not invest in behavioral health, to not invest in treatment services, came home to roost as all of these crises hit simultaneously during Covid.

Do you look at yourself and say, “I have blame in this?”

I think we all have blame in this. Of course. We have somewhat reaped what we have sown. And I don’t just mean here in Portland, Oregon. I mean as a nation. Our nation has been very slow to accept behavioral health as an important issue. It’s starting to happen. It’s happening with particularly a younger generation being more willing to talk about it openly.

Along with this rollback of Measure 110, across the country there’s been a shift toward more conservative policies on policing and crime and drug policy. What do you think is motivating that shift?

People are exhausted from feeling like they’re under siege. They want order restored to their environment. And that makes perfect sense to me. These are very dislocating times. These are uncertain times for people economically, socially, in terms of the environment. There are so many existential threats. I mean, even despotism is seeming to grow worldwide. These are very uncertain times.

And you see it particularly amongst young people. I feel it. I think other people feel it, too. And so they have a minimum expectation that where they live is an orderly, safe, secure, prosperous place to be. And if they don’t see it, that is unsettling. They need to have that.

For other states or cities that are thinking about drug decriminalization — it might not be this year, maybe it’s down the line — what would be your guidance?

The treatment infrastructure has to be in place first.

Do you think there is a future where decriminalization could happen again? Or have we learned some other lesson about hard drugs in society?

I do believe there is a future where decriminalization in favor of treatment could happen, but it can’t happen if you don’t have the treatment, and that seems self-evident. There’s no question that what Oregon did was a bold experiment, and it failed. Let’s just be honest about that. It was botched in terms of the implementation. The timing was wrong, and frankly, the politics were wrong.

Going forward, could this experiment happen again? I don’t think anybody will completely decriminalize the use of drugs. I wouldn’t support it, personally, but the piece about providing enough behavioral health services is critically important. And again, in this country, we haven’t done that.

Mike Baker is a national reporter for The Times, based in Seattle. More about Mike Baker

Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession into law

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed into law a bill that recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs

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Oregon’s Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek on Monday signed into law a bill that recriminalizes the possession of small amounts of drugs, ending a first-in-the-nation experiment with decriminalization that was hobbled by implementation issues.

The new law rolls back a 2020 voter-approved measure by making so-called personal use possession a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. It also establishes ways for treatment to be offered as an alternative to criminal penalties by encouraging law enforcement agencies to create deflection programs that would divert people to addiction and mental health services instead of the criminal justice system.

In a signing letter, Kotek said the law’s success will depend on “deep coordination” between courts, police, prosecutors, defense attorneys and local mental health providers, describing them as “necessary partners to achieve the vision for this legislation.”

Measure 110, approved by voters with 58% support in 2020, made the personal use possession of illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine only punishable by a ticket and a maximum fine of $100. Supporters said treatment is more effective than jail in helping people overcome addiction and that the decadeslong approach of arresting people for possessing and using drugs hasn’t worked.

The law directed hundreds of millions of dollars of the state’s cannabis tax revenue toward addiction services. But the money was slow to get out the door and health authorities, already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, struggled to stand up the new treatment system, state auditors found . At the same time, the fentanyl crisis began to spark an increase in deadly overdoses.

Those pressures prompted Oregon Democrats to shift their stance on decriminalization policy in recent months.

Some who historically supported the measure voted for the new law during this year’s short legislative session. While other Democratic lawmakers opposed the measure, concerned it would result in more arrests and exacerbate social inequities, it ultimately passed the Democrat-controlled Legislature last month.

GOP leaders had long sought to overhaul Measure 110. After Kotek’s signing, House Minority Leader Jeff Helfrich said the law illustrated how Republicans “stood united and forced Democrats” to restore criminal penalties.

The changes take effect Sept. 1.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Drugs — The Effects of Drugs on Our Society

The Effects of Drugs on Society: Health Problems

• Categories: Drugs Society

About this sample

Words: 1471 |

Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1471 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, drugs in history, effects of drugs on society: health issues, works cited.

• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2019). Drugs of abuse: a DEA resource guide. US Department of Justice.
• Green, L. W., Kreuter, M. W., Deeds, S. G., & Partridge, K. B. (1980). Health education planning: A diagnostic approach. Mayfield.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Commonly abused drugs. National Institutes of Health.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). DrugFacts: Understanding drug use and addiction. National Institutes of Health.
• Pinto, F. A., & Pinto, M. A. (2019). Health risks of addiction to illicit drugs. Advances in preventive medicine, 2019.
• Reuter, P., & Pollack, H. A. (2006). Drug war heresies: Learning from other vices, times, and places. Cambridge University Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2010). Addiction medicine: Closing the gap between science and practice. Columbia University.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Substance abuse: Key facts. WHO.

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