Substance Abuse and Addiction
History and Origin
Human beings have abused drugs for thousands of years. The history of substance abuse can be traced back to 4000 B. C. On the other hand, Egyptians were already using wine as early as 2700 B. C. (Wilson, 2011). These perspectives indicate that drug abuse is almost as old as mankind. The production of alcohol began after the commencement of farming. During these times, alcohol was mainly produced through fermentation. Substances such as marijuana were even utilized in religious ceremonies and other cultural occasions. It was during the 19thCentury when drug abuse became a common practice in different parts of the world. (Frances, 2005)
During this period, there lacked any form of regulation for substance abuse. This is because people were unawares about the serious consequences of drug abuse. Doctors provided prescriptions for dangerous substances like marijuana and morphine. However, through mass action by different groups like the Prohibition Movement, the impacts of drug abuse were brought into perspective. (Rogers, 2011)
Cultural and Social Influences
Numerous cultural and social perspectives had strong influence on alcohol and substance abuse. To start with, different religions used different substances as part of their rites. Some religious communities classified some substances as ‘holy’. A good example is presented by Rastafarianism which classifies marijuana as a ‘holy herb’. Consequently, all believers of Rastafarianism had to smoke marijuana. (Rogers, 2011)
Other religious sects had high regard for wine. Apart from religious rites, some drugs were also used by different traditional communities as ‘home remedies’. Such beliefs contributed towards substance abuse in different parts of the world. In other cultural establishments, drugs were widely used as a form of relaxation. (Wilson, 2011)
Patterns of Alcohol and Drug use
As highlighted earlier, alcohol and substance abuse dates back thousands of years. Some substances have been traditionally used for medical purposes. On the other hand, some substances are widely used for their euphoric effect among addicts. Prior to the 19thCentury, drug addiction and alcoholism were not categorized as major issues in any society. In Western Europe, people would smoke tobacco or drink alcohol as a form of recreation. In most parts of North America, drugs were mainly used to enhance the output of slaves in farms and industries. (Frances, 2005)
This explains why drug abuse is predominant among African Americans than whites. The prohibition movement was established in early 1800s. It was mainly established in order to press for the illegalization of alcohol in the United States. Societies had gradually begun to understand the negative impacts of substance abuse. During the 1900s, the abuse of substances such as cocaine and heroine had become a major issue in different parts of the world. (Wilson, 2011)
Models of Addiction Theory
There are several theories of addition that have been developed over the years. Genetic theory is the first model of addiction. This model is based on the rationale that some people are addicted to drugs as a result of their genetic makeup. Addiction is a hereditary trait and can be passed on from parent to offspring. The second model of drug addiction is referred to as the cultural theory. The cultural theory holds pertains to a situation in which an individual becomes addicted to drugs as a result of cultural values and practices. Rastafarianism is a practical example of cultural theory. Exposure theory is also an important theory of addiction. It occurs when a person becomes a drug addict as a result of continuous exposure. (Rogers, 2011)
Models of Addiction Treatment and Self-help
There are several treatment models that have been developed in order to minimize the problem of addiction. Family therapy is one of the most notable models of addiction treatment. This model holds that addiction cannot be treated without involving close relatives or family members. Another approach towards addition treatment is referred to as the disease model. This model holds that drug addiction is inherent within the body systems of some people. (Frances, 2005)
Dealing with such addicts requires specialized medical attention. The learning theory is also another crucial model for addiction treatment. This model holds that addiction problems in some individuals can be minimized through learning. Consequently, addicts are enlightened about the dangers of drug abuse and given tips on how to quit. (Wilson, 2011)
Current Trends in Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Even though prevalence rates for alcohol and drug abuse in United States have decreased, a lot must be done in order to deal with addiction problems. In 2010, about 11% were involved in alcoholism. On the other hand, more than 35% of adult Americans abused tobacco in during the same year. (Rogers, 2011)
Among American adolescents, the prevalence rate of tobacco abuse is approximately 9%. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 2 million Americans are frequent users of cocaine. Among adolescents, marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs. Current trends indicate that more than 20% of American adolescents use marijuana frequently. (Wilson, 2011)
References
Frances, R. J., Miller, S. I., & Mack, A. H. (2005). Clinical textbook of addictive disorders, New York: Guilford.
Rogers, K. (2011). Substance use and abuse, NY: Rosen Publishing
Wilson, R. & Kolander, C. (2011). Drug abuse prevention, Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning
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