Substance Abusers: A Vulnerable Population

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Vulnerable Population
A vulnerable population are people that have specific characteristics, or risk factors, that increase the probability of developing health problems (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012, p.103). A Vulnerable is important because anyone can become a part of this population. One is going to be describing the characteristics of substance abusers. Next, give the common health issue and needs. Then, give specific resources that Peoria have to offer. Finally, how substance abuse relates to Healthy People 2020. Overall, this will give one an overview of the vulnerable population such as substance abusers.
Characteristics of the population
Substance abuse is when a person want their mind to be altered with the use of drugs. Substance abuse affect all ages, race, religion, and income. When it comes to the characteristics of substance abusers there are many factors one must consider such as internal and external, physical, behavioral, and psychological. According to Demand Media (2013), stated that internal substance abuse is when someone feels the need to use drugs regularly, having that feeling like you need the drug to get through problems and have trouble when one is trying to stop taking the drug. External substance abuse characteristic is when people often notice behavioral, physical, and psychological changes (Demand Media, 2013). According to demand media, (2013), stated that physical changes are lack in hygiene, changes in the person pupils such as being dilated or constricted, and changes in their weight. Some behavioral changes are decrease in work performance, changes in the type of friends and interest and asking for/ or need money (Demand Media, 2013). Psychological changes are personality change, mood swings an...

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...ave pay or be on a payment plan. As the student was looking up different resources and treatment it was difficultly finding places for substance abusers. The treatment are expensive and many does not have away if they do not have transportation. The only way that can happen if the services that is provided offers transportation to this population. This population of people is already struggling with money and addiction it would be hard for them to seek treatment if they cannot afford it.
In conclusion, there are many different characteristics, descriptions, and resources out there for substance abusers. If one educate this population on the resource that is available and making it affordable then substance abuse treatment centers would increase like Health People 2020 would want it to be. The community needs to be willing to promote awareness for substance abusers.

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