Alcohol abuse is measured by the frequency of drinking as well as the amount of alcohol that is consumed. Drug or substance abuse is the consumption of specific chemicals to achieve pleasurable feelings in the brain. Research shows that there are more than 192 million people around the world who use alcohol and drugs (WebMD, 2018). This problem has been increasing at extremely high rates, especially among youths under the age of thirty. Although drinking alcohol in moderation has been related to some health benefits such as reduced rates of diabetes and heart diseases, excessive consumption of alcohol contributes to about 88 thousand deaths in the United States annually. Alabama is no stranger to these issues. More and more people in Alabama continue to abuse alcohol and drugs (Recovery Connection., 2019). For this reason, therefore, this paper examines the history of drug abuse, the effects it has on users, and some of the interventions that can be adopted to help deal with the problem.
In 2017, 28% of individuals aged 18 and above in Alabama reported having binge drunk, while 8% of the population reported engaging in heavy use of alcohol. Since 1999 to present, deaths resulting from an overdose of drugs and prescription medications have increased, with about 219,000 deaths related to the use of opioids. Since 2003, rates of use for hallucinogens and cocaine in Alabama have remained steady or reduced, while the rates of heroin and marijuana use have increased significantly. As of 2017, more teenagers were found to be smoking more marijuana than cigarettes. Over time excessive consumption of alcohol and drug abuse have become risk factors for health conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and fetal alcohol syndrome (Recovery Connection., 2019). Short-term, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse have been linked to domestic violence, alcohol poisoning, risky sexual engagements, and accidents. Crashes resulting from alcohol impairment accounted for a third of all deaths related to traffic and over 10,000 fatalities in 2017.
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Similarly, in the state, alcohol and drug abuse have had adverse economic impacts over the years. Excessive alcohol consumption costs $24 billion in lost productivity, criminal justice, and healthcare expenses annually, while illegal use of drugs costs $ 19 billion related to lost productivity, crime, and healthcare (Recovery Connection., 2019). Reports from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicate that the drugs that commonly abused drugs in Alabama are anti-depressants, stimulants, and opioids. Reports also show that 98,000 people above 12 years were dependent on one or more illicit drugs every year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). From the statistics presented, it is clear that alcohol and drug abuse is a crucial problem in Alabama that needs to be addressed. Identifying, adopting, and implementing strategies aimed at reducing alcohol and drug abuse can help improve the well-being and health of the entire community.
Socio-Political Factors Causing Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol and drug abuse are problems that severely impact the population of Alabama State. Several factors have been found to foster the development and perpetuation of the problem. Some of the causes of alcohol and drug abuse include:
Peer Pressure
Having loved ones or friends who use alcohol and drugs recreationally has been found to increase the likelihood of individuals to use them. Peer pressure has been found to play a significant role in the onset of drug use among youths and adults in Alabama. Some studies show that people who are more likely to use alcohol and drugs tend to choose friends who also use these substances (Collins, 2016). However, contrary studies show that simple interests aimed at keeping up appearances with colleagues contribute to the onset and development of drug use. Peer pressure also plays a significant role in preventing users from quitting these habits.
Mental Health conditions
Studies have shown that people with mental disorders are more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. In a study by Collins (2016), the researchers found a correlation between mental disorders and self-medication. Complications such as depression and anxiety have also been found to be risk factors for drug use and abuse in Alabama. These conditions significantly increase the risk factors for using drugs and also perpetuate drug use by subjecting a person to other severe risk factors. For example, it is common for people in Alabama to self-self-medicate, use drugs, and consume alcohol to help them forget about their problems (Collins, 2016). However, the use of these substances also exposes users to more peer pressure and feelings of hopelessness.
Prescription Drugs
Studies also show that prescription drugs present a very significant risk factor for drug use and addiction because many of them contain highly addictive substances (Wiers, Field, & Stacy, 2016). Prescription sedatives, painkillers, and anti-depressants can potentially invoke mental and physical dependence in users by increasing the release of dopamine in the brain.
Economic benefits
Illegal and legal economic activities are considered significantly in Alabama. Legal substances such as alcohol generate revenues and provide income for the state through taxation. Additionally, illicit substance trade makes significant profits enough to influence the state's government to allow this trade (Wiers, Field, & Stacy, 2016). Similarly, law enforcers also benefit from illegal substance trade in the state. They sometimes take bribes of vast amounts from cartels intending to protect their interests. For this reason, many law enforcement officers fail to arrest and prosecute vendors engaging in the illegal trade of drugs.
Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse on Health and the Community
Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction have numerous short-term and long-term effects on the health of users and the community at large. These effects vary depending on the drug type, duration, and amount that the user consumes. Overall, drug abuse dependence and impacts are far-reaching and can impact every aspect of life (Hall, 2017).
Effects of alcohol and drug abuse on health include:
The weakened immune system, which increases the risk of diseases and infections
Heart diseases such as heart attacks, abnormal heart rates, infections from injected drugs, and collapsed veins
Abdominal pain that can lead to loss of appetite and drastic weight loss
Excessive strain on the liver which places a user at higher risks for liver damage or failure
Mental confusion, seizures, and stroke
Lung disease and infections
Disorders with attention, decision making, and attention, all which make life more challenging
Disruption in the communication pathways of the brain leading to brain damage
Alcohol and drug abuse also have several effects on the broader community. These effects include low productivity, high offense rates, accidents and injuries, violence, property damage, risky sexual behaviors that endanger the whole population (Hall, 2017). The nursing theory that may be affected in this case is the Self-care theory. This theory focuses on the wellness of both physical and mental functions. It includes the proper functioning of physical, social, interpersonal, and psychological aspects (Wiers, Field & Stacy, 2016). According to Wiers, Field, and Stacy (2016), this theory assumes that individuals should be responsible and self-reliant in regards to their personal care and that of others. However, in the case of alcohol and drug abuse, this theory is negatively impacted because people suffering from addiction are not able to take proper care and responsibility for their health. Because of the addiction, users are negatively affected physically, psychologically, socially, and interpersonally. Intervention efforts should recognize these deficits and work towards helping patients attain wholeness.
Discussion of Interview Results with the Head of Police in Alabama
In an interview with the Head of Police, he expressed significant concerns over the increasing rates of alcohol and drug consumption and abuse in the state. He acknowledges that the community and stakeholders have not done enough to deal with drug consumption and addiction. In the interview, the officer also cited poverty and unemployment as primary causes for youths engaging in drug abuse. He also argues that crime rates and violence have increased significantly in the state. The officer stated that he has worked to enhance law enforcement measures to ensure that illegal drug vendors are curbed and put behind bars. He also says that his department is collaborating with health institutions in the state to provide education and rehabilitation for youths who are addicted to drugs.
Recommendations for Intervention
Identifying, adopting, and implementing strategies aimed at reducing alcohol and drug abuse can help improve the well-being and health of the entire community. The first measure would be to identify the environmental, behavioral, social, and biological causes and impacts of alcohol and drug use and abuse across the community (CDC, 2019). This measure should include the examination of basic science, which involves examining brain functions relevant to addiction, motivation, stress reactivity, and impulse control. Identifying these factors will help to better develop proper interventions for education, reduction, and elimination of drug use and abuse (Nilsson et al., 2018).
Secondly, community health stakeholders can develop new strategies aimed at preventing drug use and its impacts. Over time, studies have shown that problems with drug abuse and addiction can be mitigated through interventions that target one or more risk factors (Wiers, Field & Stacy, 2016). However, stakeholders should look into interventions that target child and teenage risk factors for SUDs. These interventions may reduce other behavioral problems such as aggression and improve academic and other life outcomes.
Community stakeholders, such as social workers and health providers, can also increase education regarding drug use and abuse. Teaching community members about the effects of drug and alcohol consumption can help them make informed choices and make better lifestyle choices (Nilsson et al., 2018). Additionally, health providers should encourage more people who are addicted to enroll in rehabilitation programs and provide community and group support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, alcohol and drug addiction have had adverse effects in Alabama. These include health effects such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cognitive impairments, liver diseases, and lung diseases, among others. Alcohol and drug abuse also contribute to community problems such as low productivity, high offense rates, accidents and injuries, violence, property damage, risky sexual behaviors that endanger the whole community. Community experts acknowledge that drug abuse is a scourge that is afflicting the society and tare garnering efforts to help deal with the problem. With practical strategies and interventions, experts and community stakeholders can curb alcohol and drug abuse in Alabama.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). America's Drug Overdose Epidemic - Data to Action . Retrieved 7 November 2019 from, https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/strategy.html
Collins, S. E. (2016). Associations between socioeconomic factors and alcohol outcomes. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews , 38 (1), 83.
Hall, W. (2017). Alcohol and cannabis: Comparing their adverse health effects and regulatory regimes. International Journal of Drug Policy , 42 , 57-62.
Nilsson, T., Allebeck, P., Leifman, H., Andréasson, S., Norström, T., & Guldbrandsson, K. (2018). Effects on Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Related Harm of a Community-Based Prevention Intervention with National Support in Alabama. Substance Use & Misuse , 53 (3), 412-419.
Recovery Connection. (2019). Alabama Substance Abuse Statistics . Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://www.recoveryconnection.com/substance-abuse-statistics-by-state/alabama/
WebMD. (2018). Drug Addiction: Know the Warning Signs . Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-abuse-addiction#1
Wiers, R. W., Field, M., & Stacy, A. W. (2016). Passion’s slave? Conscious and unconscious cognitive processes in alcohol and drug abuse. The Oxford handbook of substance use and substance use disorders , 1 , 311-350.
