Drug and Alcohol Abuse Term Paper

Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious problem among many young people for a variety of reasons. First, statistics show that drugs and alcohol are being abused by a large segment of the teen and young adult population, which can greatly increase their likelihood of a premature death. Secondly, many things can happen to young adults that do not lead to death, but can ruin their lives. Finally, drug and alcohol abuse can have a serious impact on relationships with friends and family.

According to the National Drug Statistics Summary, approximately 14 million Americans used illegal drugs in 2000. Among the teenagers interviewed for the survey, nearly ten percent had used drugs in the month before the interview. The findings for alcohol abuse were even higher. Nearly half of Americans over the age of twelve reported that they drank alcoholic beverages. This is a serious issue. First, the drugs in themselves can cause serious ill effects to the body. For example, Amphetamines increase the heart rate and can cause hallucinations and paranoia after extended usage.Cocaine can cause a person to stop breathing or experience heart failure Marijuana is as hard on the lungs as cigarettes and can cause paranoia and hallucinations Inhalants can cause severe toxic reactions. Even cough and cold medicines can cause serious health issues such as unconsciousness, violent seizures and brain damage. Secondly, drugs and alcohol greatly improve the chances for a young adult to die prematurely in a vehicle-related accident while under the influence. Their chances of being the victim of a homicide or of committing suicide while using drugs or alcohol are also higher.

Many things can happen to a teenager or a young adult who regularly uses drugs or alcohol that do not lead to death, but that can ruin their lives just the same. One of the most graphic examples of this can be seen in the life story of Jacqueline Saburido, a young woman who came to the United States from Venezuela to study the English language. When Jacqui was 20 years old, she and some friends….....