In 2010, World Drugs reports estimated that 210 million people have abused drugs. Consequently, 10% of this population have died because of illicit drugs related complications (Galea & Vlahov, 2002). Substance abuse is recorded as accounting to 5.4% of global annual disease burden. Galea and Vlahov (2002) further argue that nearly one out of ten HIV/Aids transmissions in developing nations is the result of substance abuse. Drugs related complications range from increased risk behavior, social exclusion to complete mental retardation which robs individuals of their human dignity and respect in the society. Abusers of illicit drugs are often involved in crimes, violence, and youth suicide. The United States estimates the cost burden of substance abuse at $193 billion to the economy each year (Nussbaum, 2011). It is upon this background that this paper examines the socio-cultural determinants of substance abuse, its implications, and various ways of solving this problem.
Substance abuse is known to hinder human development and growth. Abusers often develop low self esteem, live in denial, and are incapable of leading successful lives. They have higher chances of becoming poor, low chances of maintaining a job or securing one and often get involved in risky behaviors (Nassbaum, 2011). Substance abusers also suffer from social exclusion, social stigma and face increased chances of becoming poor and unhygienic. As a result, substance abuse has dire consequences to an individual’s health.
Drugs cause respiratory effects in human beings. For example, lung cancer and emphysema is associated with marijuana and cocaine. A drug such as MDMA causes kidney damage. On the other hand, prolonged use of alcohol damages the liver, leading to Liver Cirrhosis. Continued use of drugs can lead to Paranoia or complete depression on an individual. Moreover, substance abuse often leads to domestic violence. It is known to be the major cause of family divorce (Buchanan, 2006).
Any addiction to drugs is associated with biological, psychological, and social defects in an individual. Doctors can only handle issues related with substance abuse after estimating their dynamics. The term ‘substance abuse’ refers to continued use of drugs which is irresistible to the abuser. It should be noted that addictions are characterized by compulsion, craving, and denial. The addicted persons also develop tolerance and desire to continue the use of the substance. Most abusers live in denial of life reality. In addition, a substance abuser can benefit from being in repression. This refers to forgetting of an unpleasant situation in an individual’s life.
Another dynamic of handling substance abuse is through regression. It refers to reverting to childhood memories or emotional state when faced with a challenge. such behavior can be characterized by the wish to live in fantasies. Following the topic, displacement is another method that can reduce substance abuse. It is a way of averting anger to something else leaving the real object causing anger. Rationalization is another approach. It involves dealing with bad behaviors in one’s life. In most cases, it is easy to blame others rather than take the blame.
It is worth noting that substance abuse has serious implications to the abusers’ lives. It has both socio-cultural and psychological impacts on the society which require collective efforts for nations to unite and fight the use of illicit drugs, its sale, and distribution within any territorial borders (Buchanan, 2006).
References
Buchanan, J. (2006). Understanding problematic drug use: A medical matter or a social issue. British journal of community justice, 4(2), 387-397.
Galea, S., & Vlahov, D. (2002). Social determinants and the health of drug users: Socio-cultural status, homelessness, and incarceration. Public health reports, 117(1), 135-145.
Nassbaum, M. (2011).Ccreating capabilities: The human development approach. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.