Substance abuse Essay Example for Free

Substance abuse Essay Substance abuse is the manner in which the use of a specific drug is used that is outside the specified usage. For instance drug abuse, drug addiction and chemical dependency all point to the same i. e. abuse. Hence the use of drugs or chemicals outside the specifications prescribed by the doctor or the norms followed in society is all a definition for substance abuse. When someone uses drugs or chemicals in a manner that is not prescribed by the doctor, then, there are symptoms that mostly follow the use. They mostly vary depending on the substance used. The common types of a person who has an abuse on any substance are:†¢ There is significant impairment or distress in the person that will always show in a period of about 12 months; †¢ There is physical hazard to the user where for instance the person is supposed to operate machines; †¢ There is also failure to be able to perform specific tasks like at school or at work hence poor output that is one cannot fully concentrate. †¢ The person might also become an enemy to the law hence display oneself in a conduct that is not impressive to the society; †¢ Lack of control to the emotions or cannot be one who keeps good relationship with close family or friend; †¢ Alcohol causes sedation and relief of anxiety when used in high consumptions there is slurred speech, ataxia, impaired judgment, and disinherited behavior. The person in picture here being an actress in the SHERRYBABY has been portrayed as being a nuisance to the public and also to the workmates. This seen so because she has been in prison due to the use of heroin. In specific acts in her movie, she tries to also show the steps that any addict of any illegal substance might be able to follow. For instance in one of the movies she follows the track where an addict does i.e. her ability is totally shuttered when she portrays where she drops of a hat, she makes Sherry Swanson turn from sexual to vulnerable, violent to passive, indifferent to invested, self-assured to insecure. Through it all, she is endearing enough to win over even the most ignorant viewers the kind who shields their eyes when in real-life Sherry’s pass them on the street. Chronic alcohol consumption profoundly affects the function of several vital organs, particularly the liver and the nervous, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Ethanol has direct toxicity. In addition, since it is a very weak drug that requires concentrations, thousands of times higher than other misused drugs (e. g. , cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines) to produce its intoxicating effects, it is often consumed in quantities large enough to qualify it as a food. Consumption of large amounts of alcohol increases the mortality rate of any consumer, though light to moderate drinkers have a chance of having between changing the habit or also increasing the chances too (Linda A.Mooney, David Knox, Caroline Schacht, 2005). Deaths linked to alcohol use are caused by the cancerous diseases, liver failure suicidal wishes and accidents when driving and the use of machines. In most cases, the drunken take this alcohol with an aim of forgetting their problems, some take alcohol to raise their sexual urge and ability to work. However, according to research, excessive abuse of alcohol does not help one to forget his or her own problems. This is a fact that most drug abuse victims do not have an idea about. In the Sherry Baby movie, this is clearly brought about when Sherry Swanson turn from sexual to vulnerable, violent to passive, indifferent to invested, self-assured to insecure. There are so many effects of the use of illegal substances but the following are the effects that are encountered by the user. They are: 1. Tolerance and physical dependence -The consumption of alcohol in high doses over a long period results in tolerance and in physical and psychological dependence. That is, the victim is not in a position to make independent decisions or handle a situation on his own. 2. Neurotoxicity- Consumption of large amounts of alcohol over extended periods (usually years) can also lead to neurological deficits. That is, some body functions will not take place normally. 3. Cardiovascular System: Alcohol alters the cardiovascular system in many ways. Heavy alcohol consumption of long duration is associated with a dilated cardiomyopathy with ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. 4. Blood: Alcohol indirectly affects hematopoiesis through metabolic and nutritional effects and may also directly inhibit the proliferation of all cellular elements in bone marrow. The most common hematological disorder seen in chronic drinkers is mild anemia resulting from alcohol-related folic acid deficiency. 5. Endocrine System and Electrolyte Balance: Chronic alcohol use has important effects on the endocrine system and on mineral and fluid and electrolyte balance. 6. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Chronic maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy is associated with important teratogenic effects on the offspring. Therefore, pregnant mothers are not allowed to consume this substance. 7. Immune System: Alcoholics have a higher than normal rate of infection and are especially prone to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. This is the reason why most of the cough during cold seasons. 8. Increased Risk of Cancer: Chronic alcohol use increases the risk for cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and liver. Reference Thomson Wadsworth (2006) Understanding Social Problems; Wadsworth Publishing. Page 161-186.