When the number of substance abuse cases increased over the past 40 years, the green revolution took on a whole other meaning (i.e. an increase in marijuana and other illicit drug use). For some developed nations such as the United States, the presence of conflict (i.e. the ‘Vietnam war’) set the stage for an unprecedented growth in the international illegal drug trade. Of course when the availability of drugs increased so did the number users, which for many meant the beginning of a cycle of drug addiction.Substance abuse, also referred to as drug addiction, has been described as the continuous use of a harmful or potentially harmful substance for the purposes of sensory (i.e. your senses) or mood alteration that overtime may reinforce its permanent consumption (www.who.int). One of the factors most often associated with predicting one’s risk of future drug addiction is age. From childhood to young adulthood, people tend to be most susceptible to experimentation with drug use, however as we grow older, continued drug use begins to reflect future addiction. Yet even mild drug use can disrupt a young person’s life by negatively influencing their ability to relate with others (family, peers, etc.), maintain a sober composure over long periods of time, and it can even result in temporary memory loss depending on the type of drug and the length of use.Sex is also a strong predictor of one’s vulnerability to abusing substances in the future, and according to the World Health organization, males are more likely to use and abuse drugs than female, yet the gap between the two sexes is narrowing every year (www.who.int). Other risk factors include (but are not exclusive of): our attitudes, impulsive behavior, certain kinds of beliefs, and an affinity for risky behavior in general.Treatment of substance abuse and addictions is no longer isolated to hospital rooms and medical clinics, more and more cultures globally are opting “in” to community-based solutions for addressing this issue. Why community treatment of drug abuse? Well despite the philosophical classification of drug use as a “personal harm,” substance abuse is very much a social problem that affects all those involved directly (the drug user, their friends and family) or indirectly (community health services, schools, peers). Community approaches to treating substance abuse and abusers vary globally and even locally but some common strategies are: Mindfulness training, career internships, community (family) gatherings or interventions, and even community prayer and meditation events. Confronting drug abuse is more than just becoming sober, it is also about helping yourself or someone you know regain a sense of freedom and control over their lives. ReferencesMedline.
