Persuasive Essay On Drug Addiction
opinion Essay
818 words
Drug addiction is a problem that has been increasing immensely throughout our country. With 23.5 million Americans who are addicts and 50 to 90 percent of people who relapse after a period of time in recovery, It seems that our country should take a different approach towards substance abuse. I believe the misconception of addiction in our country has pushed addicts further away, we need to help addicts reconnect and rediscover themselves back into society. By punishing addicts and making them suffer more, we believe that would discourage them and give them the incentive to stop but it’s time we treat our drug policies as health issues instead of criminal issues. Our drug policies are not the only thing that needs to change, there are a …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Opines that our country should take a different approach towards substance abuse. the misconception of addiction has pushed addicts further away.
- Opines that our drug policies aren't the only thing that needs to change; there are misconceptions about addiction that need to be replaced with new knowledge and evidence.
- Explains how psychologist bruce k. alexander helps us understand drug addiction. he built a cage called "rat park" filled with toys, tunnels, and loads of friends and found that the rats almost never overdosed.
- Explains how a human experiment similar to alexander's, the vietnam war, led to the archives of general psychiatry detailed study of tracking and researching the paths of addicted servicemen and women when they returned home.
- Opines that addiction takes lives of those who can't bear to be present in their own lives and instead of reconnecting addicts, we punish, shame, and put barriers between them connecting with society. portugal brought down substance abuse by 50 percent.
- Opines that america needs to spend more time reconnecting people back into society rather than pushing people further away.
Alexander helps us understand this issue more. Between the 1960’s and 1980’s, white laboratory rats lived in very poor conditions. They had to live in solitary confinement cellblocks which they could neither see nor touch each other, with no visual stimulation or exercise. Many experimental psychologists began to study drug addiction inside these poor conditions. They started to perfect techniques that allowed the rats to inject small doses of a drug into themselves by pressing the lever. Rats then would press the lever often enough to consume large amounts of heroin, morphine, amphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs. The results seemed to prove that these drugs were irresistibly addicting. Alexander believed it was more complex than that, by putting a rat in an empty cage it will have nothing else to do but those drugs. So he built a cage called “Rat Park” which was filled with toys, tunnels, and loads of friends and they have two water bottles, the normal water and the drugged water. He then discovered that the rats almost never used the drugged water, none of them overdosed, and none of them used it compulsively. The rats go from almost 100 percent overdose when they 're isolated to zero percent overdose when they have happy and connected
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- Drug Abuse in the United Statesopinion essayDrug abuse is a plague to society and must be stopped. It is hurting our country
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in the united states of america, the people value several things, some of which are important.
- Explains that marijuana is smoked in pipes or rolled in cigarettes. thirty-seven percent of people smoke it.
- Explains that cocaine gives the user a sense of well-being and extra energy.
- Opines that cocaine is one of the worst drugs because it causes respiratory illness and kills mucus.
- Opines that drug use can be a crime and makes innocent citizens scared to walk out of their homes.
- Opines that drug abuse, particularly marijuana, is a problem among teens and teens are our future. our society is hurt economically.
- Opines that americans trafficking in the drug trades of the united states has led to similar situations in turkey and colombia.
- Opines that if fighting drug abuse were made a top priority, we could probably wage an effective war, through education and enforcement of laws, to stop drugs abuse.
- Explains that illegal drugs are harmful to the user and all those with whom they come in contact. the most popular drug in america, alcohol, can have devastating effects.
- Explains that marijuana tends to diminish the user's ambition and motivation, and may cause lung cancer.
- Explains that heroin is injected and sometimes snorted, causes great euphoria, but also nausea and vomiting. withdrawal from heroin can cause severe illness and death.
- Opines that drug abuse must be stopped by educating young people on the risks of bodily harm, mental harm and the damage to family and relationships. legalization of less harmful drugs, such as marijuana, might help reduce crimes associated with them, but would be hard to regulate.
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In this essay, the author
- Opines that in order to end drugs abuse completely, we have to find the root of the problem and use any forces necessary.
- Analyzes how dershowitz believes that legalizing drugs would improve the present situation, and that giving drug addicts a fair dosage is better than letting them committing crimes just to get enough money to afford drugs.
- Argues that legalizing drugs is not a simple task as dershowitz thinks it is, and that the government has to make sure they always have everything in control.
- Opines that the best way to deal with drugs is to start from the heart of this problem and fight it.
- Opines that fighting drugs is not a responsibility of the government, but everyone in the country, and we can do it as long as we all put our hearts into it with determination.
545 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On Legalizing Drugsopinion essayFormer Maryland policeman Neill Franklin stated in an interview that “the more problematic a drug can be, the more need we have for regulating it”. In the interview with Newsweek, Franklin brought up the point that if hard drugs are legalized, they can then be kept track of and people can be properly educated on their effects. Due to this, many, if not all of the current illegal drugs, should be legalized because it will help the country’s economy and its health.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that if hard drugs are legalized, they can then be kept track of and people can be properly educated on their effects. this will help the country’s economy and its health.
- Explains that legalizing drugs would save the government $41.3 billion annually on expenditures related to the enforcement of prohibition.
- Opines that the united states prisons are filling up with people charged with drug related crimes. of the 2.3 million people in prison or jail, 85 percent are associated with drugs.
- Argues that legalizing all drugs would give the united states government the ability to regulate the consumption of narcotics, such as privately owned retail outlets for marijuana, a pharmaceutical model for cocaine, or supervised injection facilities for heroin.
- Opines that although there are those who agree with legalizing drugs, many believe that legalization will not make the drugs any safer. carrie wofford said that products that kill do not belong on drugstore shelves.
- Opines that the government can spend what is saved on the treatment of addicts and on regulating the sale of narcotics if all drugs are legal.
627 wordsRead More - Reducing Drug Abuse in the United Statesopinion essayDrug addiction is a disease of the brain. The initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, however once that decision is made, the decision to become an addict in involuntary. “Addiction affects the brain circuits involved in reward, motivation, memory and inhibitory control. When these circuits are disrupted, so is a person’s capacity to freely choose not to use drugs.” (Addiction Science: From Molecules to Managed Care) Drug addiction and/or abuse is a huge problem in our country today. In order to effectively combat this issue it is important to understand drug addiction; what it is, how it effects people and what our federal government says about it.
In this essay, the author
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- Explains that stimulants and depressants can be classified in two different ways. they are classified based on their description and how they affect the brain.
- Explains that there are five different schedules that drugs can be classified by. they all have different levels of dangerousness, medical use and abuse potential.
- Explains that no accepted medical use, most dangerous, high potential for abuse, severe psychological and physical dependence, heroin, lsd, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and vicodin.
- Explains that 22.6 million americans over the age of 12 were current or formerillicit drugs users and has used within the past month of when this survey has been taken. marijuana was the most popular substance used.
- Explains that reducing drug addiction is made possible by knowing who is at risk for becoming a substance user. low-income adolescents are more prone to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as violence.
- Analyzes how aaron kipnis' "angry young men" describes his journey through adolescence, through addiction and through recovery.
- Opines that the federal government should provide grants to schools for after-school activities so that no one is left out because of a lack of money. counselors at school should meet with kids, regardless of situations, and talk with them.
- Explains the president's "national drug control strategy," which focuses on public health and safety. the obama administration recognizes that addiction is preventable and treatable, and has committed over 10 billion dollars on drug educating programs.
- Points out that the obama administration says that drug use has decreased substantially, but the survey that i quoted earlier said different.
- Opines that medicare will only help pay for treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse in both inpatient and outpatient settings if the patient is hospitalized for substance abuse, but not longer than 190 days.
- Opines that the new affordable care act that is to take effect on january 1, 2014, health plans have to include essential health benefits and mental health and substance use disorders.
- Explains that incarcerated users are offered nonresidential treatment for short sentences, those who don't meet the criteria for residential drug abuse programs, and those transitioning to the community.
- Opines that it would be beneficial to implement programs for incarcerated individuals with substance abuse problems in an effort to reduce the amount of recidivism. aftercare plays a huge role in individuals being able to maintain drug free life.
- Explains that federal law also has mandatory minimum sentences.
- Describes the amounts of marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
- Opines that a lot of money could be saved by mandating certain counseling or treatments to individuals facing drug related charges.
- Opines that counseling is a huge part in reducing drug addiction and promoting lifelong recovery. however, cbt therapy doesn't work for everyone.
- Explains the different types of treatment programs one can enroll in. residential treatment lasts for 30 to 90 days, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient program, and counseling.
- Opines that obamacare is a step in the right direction, because most people can't afford these treatments. by ensuring everyone is entitled to drug abuse therapy, our country can be sure that everyone who needs treatment is getting it.
- Explains that the netherlands only drug law is known as the opium act, which criminalizes possession, cultivation, trafficking, important and exporting of drugs.
- Compares the united states' past year prevalence for marijuana use to that of the netherlands.
- Explains that the netherlands also legalizes the sale of cannabis by operators and owners of coffee shops. they may sell marijuana and avoid prosecution if no more than five grams is sold per person, per transaction.
- Opines that the united states has not done everything possible to decrease the drug abuse rates in our country.
- Explains that addiction science: from molecules to managed care covers the basics on drug addiction.
- Explains that this article covers the drug enforcement laws in the netherlands.
- Explains that they found the chart of the percentages of different illicit drug use.
- Explains the federal mandatory minimum drug sentences for drug related offenses. hanes, t. facts on stimulants and depressants.
- Explains that the book is based on s journey through substance abuse and recovery. medicare coverage of treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse.
- Compares drug use in the netherlands and the united states, and incarceration and crime rates.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that substance abuse and addiction are a social problem that afflicts millions of individuals and disrupts the lives of their families and friends.
- Explains that not all individuals who use an addictive drug become addicted. biological factors, such as sex, and genetic predisposition, are responsible for this differential susceptibility.
- Opines that the development of effective treatment programs is a pressing concern given the health and social costs of substance abuse and addiction.
- Describes tian, mao, wang, li, zhou, q, cao j, & xu l.
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- Analyzes how politicians and the media have used their power to construct the image of the addict in the united states.
- Analyzes the story of jimmy's world by janet cooke, which is based on interviews with a boy and his family.
- Analyzes how the media magnifies drug scares throughout the united states history. the media blamed the addicts for the problems of these poor communities.
1959 wordsRead More - Choice Vs Choice Theory Essayanalytical essayUnderstanding addiction is a complicated subject that inspires controversy and debate. Not only do people want to understand addiction because of the curiosity to understand human beings and human nature, but there are factors that go into the defining of addiction such as public policy and health care coverage. There are two theories that are on the opposite spectrum when it comes to addiction which include the “disease concept” and the “choice theory”. One defines addiction as a disease, something that is out of one’s control, while the other thinks of it as a choice or a moral deficiency that resides in a person. The consequence of this gap is the delay in gaining control over drug abuse. While the people who support the choice theory see
In this essay, the author
- Explains that understanding addiction is a complicated subject that inspires controversy and debate. there are two theories that are on the opposite spectrum when it comes to addiction: the disease concept and the choice theory.
- Explains dr. nora volkow's article, "addiction" on "what is addiction," that the use of drugs activates the dopamine receptors in the brain.
- Argues that labeling addiction as a disease removes the stigma attached to addicts and alcoholics.
- Explains that the rational mind would look at addiction and conclude that every human being has self-will and can choose whether or not to continue to use and abuse drugs.
- Opines that defining addiction as a disease would rehabilitate the addict's public image from one of petty criminals to one who deserves treatment. the guilt of an addict understanding their problem will inevitably allow them to decide whether or not to receive help.
1335 wordsRead More - Drug Abuseexplanatory essayDrug abuse dates as far back as the Biblical era, so it is not a new phenomenon. “The emotional and social damage and the devastation linked to drugs and their use is immeasurable.” The ripple of subversive and detrimental consequences from alcoholism, drug addictions, and addictive behavior is appalling. Among the long list of effects is lost productivity, anxiety, depression, increased crime rate, probable incarceration, frequent illness, and premature death. The limitless consequences include the destruction to personal development, relationships, and families (Henderson 1-2). “Understandably, Americans consider drug abuse to be one of the most serious problems” in the fabric of society. And although “addiction is the result of voluntary drug use, addiction is no longer voluntary behavior, it’s uncontrollable behavior,” says Alan Leshner, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Torr 12-13).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that drug abuse dates back to the biblical era, so it is not a new phenomenon. the ripple of subversive and detrimental consequences from alcoholism, drug addictions, and addictive behavior is appalling.
- Explains addiction is a progressive, chronic, and ultimately fatal disease. long-term addictions can lead to death through overdose, aids, suicide, or an accident.
- Explains that drug experimentation can stem from curiosity, peer pressure and influence, or because of the environment people live in. the police recently arrested 54 individuals from the east side.
- Explains the social use stage, where most individuals tend to stop or control their use. people will occasionally use drugs to "cut loose", party, and have a good time.
- Opines that drug abuse starts as a tolerance to substances builds and the social group changes from friends to primarily drug users and abusers.
- Explains that addiction is the result of drugs changing your brain in fundamental ways.
- Explains that when a person believes that they need drugs to survive, they are psychologically addicted, or dependent. they only feel right when they're high on drugs.
- Explains that physical addiction is a result of the psychological. people who are addicted will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they become abstinent from the drug.
- Explains that our bodies have a system of checks and balances that keep us from being too happy, toosad, or stressed out--too anything.
- Explains that genetically driven individuals' dopamine systems are not up to par. they are more susceptible to addiction because it is in their genetic makeup. repeated use of drugs causes the shutdown of some of these receptors.
- Explains that addiction is a progressive, chronic, and often fatal disease that takes control of life away from people. ten percent of eighth graders use marijuana at least once per month.
- Cites annon, virginia, "junior drug awareness." nature magazine, may-june 2012. national drug strategy network.
1263 wordsRead More - Burn the Fuse of Drug Abuseexplanatory essayDrug abuse and addiction not only has negative effects in the lives of the people involved, but also in the lives of their close relatives, friends and immediate society. It leads to disintegration, failure in school, loss of employment and violence. Although intake of drugs is a voluntary and conscious decision initially, continuous intake of drugs changes the brain and challenges the self-control of the “addicted person” and inhibits the ability to resist extreme desire for drug intake.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that drug abuse is a complex disease that requires more than will power or mere good intentions to change. it is difficult to relent even if one is ready.
- Explains that drug abuse and addiction leads to disintegration, failure in school, loss of employment, and violence.
- Explains that drug abuse is a situation where one takes unprescribed drugs due to depression, illness or fear of the unknown, which could lead to stigmatization, ashamed or isolated.
- Explains that the combination of medical treatments and behavioral therapy can reduce the emergence of drug addiction or abuse. these treatments are specific to each patient and deal with their social and psychiatric problems until full recovery is achieved.
- Proposes a paper that focuses on the medical culture that has led to drug abuse and addiction in recent times: the traditional medicine versus modernized health care.
- Explains the psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction, which is a widely known fact to most people involved in crime today.
- Explains that although drug addiction is a conscious act, drug abuse most of the time doesn't begin consciously. an article from the department of anthropology at the university of hawaii evaluates the social and cultural effects of drugs when taken by individuals.
- Explains that drug abuse isn't a last resort and through constant effort one can reduce this habit until it's finally lost. social support promotes the well-being and helps bring the victim to normal state.
- Cites etkin l. nina, jason a. leonard, davis i. margret, olson d. bradley, and ferrari r. joseph.
- Cites mccabe, boyd, murray, prom, ramirez, sandi, obando, karenkeris, and kliewer.
668 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay: The Dangers Of Prescription Drug Abuseexplanatory essayThe Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the dangers of prescription drugs when not taken as prescribed by your physician or pharmacist. Central Idea: Prescription drugs can cause serious mental and physical health problems if they are taken incorrectly or abused. Introduction I. I want you to imagine for a minute that you are in physical or mental pain, you are struggling very bad with your school work, or that you are going through something in your personal life that is taking its toll on you. II.
In this essay, the author
- Asks readers to imagine that they are in physical or mental pain, struggling with school work, or going through something in their personal life that is taking its toll.
- Opines that the personal problems that i asked you to imagine are the main triggers of prescription drug abuse.
- Explains why they are interested in becoming a pharmacist.
- Explains that they are a pre- pharmacy major and plan to attend pharmacy school after finishing their pre- requisites.
- Explains that they work at medical arts pharmacy in cleveland, under pharmacist courtney hong, during the week.
- Explains that prescription drugs are among the most commonly abused drugs among teens in the united states.
- Defines prescription drug abuse as a person taking prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed by their doctor.
- States that prescription drug abuse is the most common among students and teenagers in the united states.
- Explains that students abuse prescription drugs for several reasons, but they are most commonly abused to get high, reduce pain, or assist them with school work.
- Explains that 24% of teens have taken prescription drugs without a prescription from the doctor, according to kidshealth.org.
- Explains that the types of prescription drugs that teens abuse vary according to several factors, but it mostly depends on what they can get their hands on.
- Opioids, depressants, and stimulants are the most common categories of abused drugs in the united states.
- Explains that opioids are used to reduce pain or to relieve a cough. oxycontin and codeine are also opioids.
- Explains the medical uses of depressants to help someone sleep or to alleviate anxiety.
- Explains the medical uses of stimulants to reduce the effects of adhd or add, including adderall, vyvanse, and ritalin.
- Explains that oxycontin is the most common abused prescription drug by teens, according to i-lawsuit.com.
- Explains that teenagers turn to prescription drug abuse because they believe that they are safer than street drugs. however, this is not true.
- Explains that opioids and depressants exhibit similar physiological and metal effects on our bodies.
- Explains that the most common mental effects of opioid abuse are dizziness, drowsiness, and euphoric high.
- Explains that the most common physical effects of opioid abuse are hypotension, constipation, and bradycardia.
- Explains that depressants produce a calming effect on the body, which is why they are used to help someone sleep or to alleviate anxiety. when abused, the effects can be deadly.
- Explains that depressants cause irritability, amnesia, dizziness, poor concentration, confusion, depression, and many more problems.
- Explains that stimulants have different effects on our bodies than opioids and depressants.
- Explains that the most common physical effects of stimulants are palpitations of the heart, a heart attack, or weight loss.
- Concludes that they have spoken to you about the causes of prescription drug abuse, the most common types of abused medications, and the effects that prescription drugs can have on our bodies.
- Opines that prescription drug abuse is an ongoing problem that is not given enough attention. the effects that it can have on our bodies are deadly and preventable.
- States that drugfreeworld.com reports that every day in the united states 2,500 youth aged 12 to 17 abuse a prescription drug pain reliever for the first time.
- Explains that prescription drugs can cause serious mental and physical health problems if they are taken incorrectly or abused.
- Explains the causes of prescription drug abuse, the types of abused medications, and the effects it can have on our bodies.
- Explains that many teenagers believe that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine. the motive behind abusing a prescription drug correlates directly with the types of abused medications.
- Explains that the drug is so high priced that many addicted teens turn to inexpensive drugs that come off the street.
1021 wordsRead More