The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Essay Example
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DRUG AND ALSOHOL ABUSE 1
The Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the U.S.
Kelly Lee Schilling
ENG 215 / Research and Writing
Professor Priscilla Patten
Strayer University
January 12, 2011
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2
Alcoholism and drug abuse is a devastating disease that affects not only those that suffer from it, but also all those around them. Alcohol and drug abuse is very prevalent in the US; it takes many shapes and forms and knows no color. This abuse can start as young as 9 or 10 years old and can continue until death. This disease affects many different types of people. It affects women, men, children, the rich, the poor, the employed, the unemployed, and does not discriminate. Alcoholism and drug abuse is a chronic illness that can become all consuming, and the cravings for drugs and alcohol experienced by an alcoholic and drug addict can be as strong as those for food and water. The need to drink and drug in theses addicts can eventually, without treatment, surpass even health issues, family and work trouble, and legal problems. Because there is no “cure” for alcoholism and drug abuse, not drinking and drugging at all is necessary for the addicted persons lifetime. Alcohol and drug abuse on the other hand, describes a person who is not dependant on theses drugs, however, it can lead to problems with work, school or family responsibilities. It can result in and car accidents from drunk driving and also result in medical problems. Unlike with alcoholics, it is possible for an abuser to cut back on their alcohol and drug use (rather then eliminate them entirely) and still recover, if they can learn to limit the alcohol and drug intake to a responsible level. As I stated earlier, drug and alcohol abuse affects not only the addict but also all those around them. It can affect the family in many ways, such as, spending money that
Running Head: EFFECT OF DRUG
The Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the U.S.
Kelly Lee Schilling
ENG 215 / Research and Writing
Professor Priscilla Patten
Strayer University
January 12, 2011
Running Head: EFFECTS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2
Alcoholism and drug abuse is a devastating disease that affects not only those that suffer from it, but also all those around them. Alcohol and drug abuse is very prevalent in the US; it takes many shapes and forms and knows no color. This abuse can start as young as 9 or 10 years old and can continue until death. This disease affects many different types of people. It affects women, men, children, the rich, the poor, the employed, the unemployed, and does not discriminate. Alcoholism and drug abuse is a chronic illness that can become all consuming, and the cravings for drugs and alcohol experienced by an alcoholic and drug addict can be as strong as those for food and water. The need to drink and drug in theses addicts can eventually, without treatment, surpass even health issues, family and work trouble, and legal problems. Because there is no “cure” for alcoholism and drug abuse, not drinking and drugging at all is necessary for the addicted persons lifetime. Alcohol and drug abuse on the other hand, describes a person who is not dependant on theses drugs, however, it can lead to problems with work, school or family responsibilities. It can result in and car accidents from drunk driving and also result in medical problems. Unlike with alcoholics, it is possible for an abuser to cut back on their alcohol and drug use (rather then eliminate them entirely) and still recover, if they can learn to limit the alcohol and drug intake to a responsible level. As I stated earlier, drug and alcohol abuse affects not only the addict but also all those around them. It can affect the family in many ways, such as, spending money that
Running Head: EFFECT OF DRUG