From ancient times, the society formulates rules, by which every member is bound. The objective of such rules is to shape and control the behavior of the members. For example, almost all societies forbid the killing of each other. Similarly, undesirable behavior such as stealing, robbery with or without violence and rape are not condoned in societies that respect and preserve human life. Breaking the rules attracts punishment, some severe, and others lenient. Rules are generally formed by a consensus among the members of society. In most cases, members of the society define what crime or vice is. These labels are created based on what a majority of members of society shares (Klaue, 1999). For example, female genital mutilation in some communities is not considered a crime, especially when most members of society practice it, but it becomes a crime in a society where it is not practiced. Similarly, drug and alcohol abuse is a social construct, meaning that society defines what is acceptable or not. Therefore, in this paper, I argue that drug and alcohol abuse, just like many issues, is a social construct because there is no conclusive scientific research about what threshold of alcohol and drug use should be considered abuse; rather it is the society that conventionally dictates what drug and alcohol abuse is.
Reasons for using Street Drugs and Abuse of Prescribed Medication
There are many reasons that people continue to use street drugs and abuse prescribed medication. One of the most significant reasons is mental issues. Individuals who have mental issues are likely to use street drugs and in some instances, abuse prescribed medication. This is because they do not have people to direct or prevent them from abusing these drugs. They are vulnerable to using street drugs and abuse prescribed drugs since they do not know what drug abuse means. Secondly, some of the street drugs and prescribed medication are used within our families. This in turn, gives us the reason for using them, because they are available within our reach. The aspect of some family members and friends using drugs for different reasons gives us the opportunity also to use street drugs and abuse prescribed medication. The third reason may be influenced by the need to escape or relax by using street and abusing prescribed medication. This is because some individuals find solace in using these drugs for reasons like being worn out. People who are used to drugs cannot do some tasks without the influence of drugs.
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Social Acceptance of Drug and Alcohol Use
On the other hand, society permits the use of street drugs in some various occasions. For instance, during a social gathering, people do not find it immoral to use these drugs. This is especially in parties and celebrations. They use the drugs to fulfill some certain urge despite being against their traditional beliefs. Prescribed drugs too can be used as painkillers and anti-depressants. This is an implication that street drugs and prescribed medication are socially allowed in some instances that society percept to be beneficial.
Legalization of marijuana has been a contentious issue in the recent past. The debate has been influenced by the fact that there are those who believe that marijuana does not benefit human beings, while there are others who associate it with some gains. This has been specifically categorized into two important categories that include recreational and medicinal uses (Wilkinson, 2013). The legalization of marijuana in some states confirms that indeed, drug and alcohol abuse is a social construct. The need to legalize marijuana has been facilitated by an opinion from society members that believe marijuana will benefit most people. Those who hold contrary opinions base their arguments on the need to promote society morals since marijuana has adverse effects. The effects of marijuana have been specifically associated with vices, such as increased crimes, violence, and other social problems. The adoption of marijuana as legal continues to spur debates from various parties of society, those who propose it have their own views same to those who oppose its legalization. This is because from the past, marijuana was viewed as harmful, and society did not tolerate its use. The last decade has been marked with a shift in preference. The society is now starting to accept its legality for various purposes.
Reasons for Social Non-acceptance of Drug and Alcohol Use
Social non-acceptance about drug and alcohol abuse have cited various reasons why this is a vice in society. Individual changes, especially in appearance, have been one of the negative effects associated with drug and alcohol abuse. Society believes that drugs have adverse effects on the normal look of individuals. People who use drugs and alcohol are considered unhygienic, and in most cases, they develop skin damage problems. Skin problems such as bruising have also been attributed to drug and alcohol abuse.
Drug and alcohol abuse has also been cited as a reason as to why some individuals develop inabilities to function properly. This, in return results to laziness as they do not go to work, moving away from their homes seeking for freedom, and they end up becoming homeless (Alozai & Sharma, 2019). Individuals affected by drug and alcohol abuse in most instances, fail to meet their bills. Lastly, as they become lazy, they start adoring sleep so much that they do not get out of bed.
The society also alleges reasons for non-acceptance of drug and alcohol as they lead to affected individuals withdrawing from their families and friends. This is because they start isolating themselves from their close allies as they seek freedom. In return, they start to lose contact with their loved ones and develop mood swings that completely impact their relationship with others.
Counter Argument for Drug and Alcohol Use
Drug and alcohol abuse is a disease, and I cannot blame social acceptance. This is because of two significant reasons. Firstly, it has a strong relation to the genetics of individuals. Therefore, the traits can be passed down through the family. This is an implication that it should not be blamed on social perception since it has some genetic relationship in individuals, especially from immediate family members. The second reason is the ability of its use to influence the physiology of the user. In most cases, those who abuse drugs and alcohol are affected physiologically. This is because drug and alcohol have a direct impact on the functioning of the body parts of the user. Thus, social construction on the issue of drug and alcohol abuse is right to associate the behavior with certain possible causes.
Drug and alcohol have some medicinal purposes. This is because there are some drugs and alcohol that have been found to improve the physical abilities of an individual to function well. It, therefore, aids users in refining their physical abilities when they are low. Drug and alcohol have also been found to impact the mental health of users positively. This is because it improves their mental abilities, which are significant features.
On the other hand, there are measures that society has implemented since it does not accept drug and alcohol abuse. This has been evident in the campaigns that have targeted children to keep them off from drugs. Society has facilitated this campaign by initiating various programs that categorize drugs and alcohol abuse as harmful. These initiatives have been able to ensure that the young generations do not adopt drug and alcohol abuse.
The society has also started embracing non-medical solutions to health issues like depression and pain. This has involved a shift towards the use of herbal therapies as remedies for depression and pain. These efforts are designed to ensure that drug and alcohol are not used for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
In summary, the issue of drug and alcohol abuse confirms the vital role played by society in defining the view of important issues. This is because a review of drug and alcohol abuse shows that effects are solely dependent on the perspective of society. This translates to the fact that drug and alcohol abuse is a social construct. It is an idea that has been primarily designed by society basing on several opinions, and the majority of those who support it. This is despite drug and alcohol having various benefits to the users. Therefore, it can be concluded that society holds the last position on what is right and wrong. This calls for an imperative action from people. An ideal action should involve more education about the issue of drug and alcohol abuse. This is will significantly in identifying the major importance of drugs and alcohol. Similarly, people will be able to make informed choices in matters concerning drugs and alcohol, like in the marijuana debate. People can also be encouraged to change their mindset about drug and alcohol. This is because society has developed a misinformed perception of drug and alcohol. Changing their mindset will promote an informed view about drug and alcohol abuse.
References
Alozai U., & Sharma S. (2019). Drug and Alcohol Use . Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513263/
Klaue, K. (1999). Drugs, addiction, deviance, and disease as social constructs. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes . Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/bulletin/bulletin_1999-01-01_1_page005.html .
Wilkinson S. T. (2013). Medical and recreational marijuana: commentary and review of the literature. Missouri Medicine , 110 (6), 524–528.
