Most likely you know someone who has had a substance abuse problem. This can range from alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs to even things like glue sniffing and gas sniffing, Regardless of whether you or someone you know has had a substance abuse problem we are all affected.
Why Observe National Substance Abuse Month?
President Trump issued a proclamation declaring October as National Substance Abuse month with the idea to focus on the horrors and dangers, and to stir people like me and you to prevent substance abuse.
The recent COVID-19 crisis has caused many more youth and adults to turn to drugs or alcohol for relief from anxiety and depression. Before COVID-19 there were already millions of youth and adults who had abused either alcohol or drugs.
The need to bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse, along with many deaths and injuries that arise as a result has led to October being named as National Substance Abuse Month.
The Effect
Substance abuse and mental disorders have a serious effect not only on the individual but their family and friends and other associates.
The effect ranges from financial problems to physical and mental issues. Often people with substance abuse issues seek drugs, alcohol, or other substances and will do anything that they can to get it. This may include resorting to stealing money or items to sell for cash so that they can purchase their drugs or alcohol.
Patients who abuse prescription drugs may forge prescriptions or resort to doctor and pharmacy shopping to get more drugs. Teenagers are increasingly turning to many substances including over-the-counter cold medicines.
Families are the victims when anyone turns to substance abuse. Depression, anxiety, theft, drug-seeking behavior, stealing from family members, and other behavioral changes result from someone who has a substance abuse problem. If not treated it can destroy individuals and families.
Whatever the situation, we are all affected, directly or indirectly. We may not be the victim of someone’s drug abuse problem directly but we may pay higher prices at the drug store or other stores for example. Laws are in place to help stop substance abuse, but it is never enough.
Who Are The Abusers?
By far teenagers and young adults make up the largest age group of people with substance abuse problems. Middle-aged and older adults also make up a significant number of those abusing drugs and alcohol. The problem has been worsened with the internet and synthetic illicit drugs. Teenagers are also purchasing cold products and converting them into a form where they can be injected or snorted. There is no end to what an be abused and how it is obtained.
With millions of youth experiencing substances of abuse every year, it is no wonder that October has been designated National substance abuse month. A few years ago oxycodone and other opioids rose to national prominence because of the increasing numbers of deaths from opioids. This alone is enough to take action. Opioid reversal agents like naltrexone are now readily available to law enforcement and other first responders to prevent opioid overdose death. Reversing The Trend
Helping reverse opioid deaths is a good start, but we must do more to keep substances of abuse out of the wrong hands. It takes education and teaching on the dangers of substance abuse and then changing habits and lifestyles.
Before we can do all of that we must enforce the rules, regulations, and laws that are in place to prevent minors from gaining access to these substances. Have you ever had to sign and show your I.D. to purchase nasal decongestant tablets? Or maybe the cashier asked if you were eighteen or older to get cough syrup or whiteout. These are things in place to prevent substance abuse.
The same goes for purchasing alcohol, oxycodone, or hydrocodone. You need a prescription for certain drugs that are deemed dangerous substances. That is why we need to go to the doctor and get a legitimate prescription. But, how do we prevent a teenager from getting oxycodone over the internet from some other country illegally? Or, what about the twenty-year-old who buys alcohol for their sixteen-year-old sibling and their friends?
Preventing Substance Abuse
Know Your Family
It is important that we know our children, teenagers, and other family members. Talk with each member, and ask questions about their day, for example. Get to know them without trying to control them. Watch for unusual behavior or any behavioral changes. Since no one is above substance abuse, we need to watch for other family members and friends. Society offers many opportunities to become dependent on a substance like alcohol and drugs. It bombards children and teenagers with peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol. Likewise, there are many factors going on in the lives of our youth that would cause them to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Have A Talk
Don’t lecture or debate the issue. Take the time and sit down with your teenagers and discuss what is going on in their life and how to deal with the issues that are leading them to abuse drugs and alcohol. Don’t try it alone. Know when to seek professional help before your loved one gets too involved. The longer substance abuse goes on, the harder it is to become sober. Also, people graduate to harder substances as time goes on.
Get Help
If you suspect your child or other family member has a substance abuse issue then don’t wait to get help. There are numerous agencies available to help. There are also many treatment facilities that offer a variety of treatment plans tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Contact
Substance abuse can lead to many problems, including legal issues. Contact Bennett Injury Law for help with your legal issues today. Don’t wait. Call us before it is too late.
