Drug Usage the War on Essay

To begin with, once the drugs have already been taken and an addiction problem has already developed, the best strategy is treatment (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005). Because these two substances, drugs and alcohol, are so damaging to the body, the best initial treatment would be to detox. This allows for the body to get used to the idea of not having any stimulant or depressant to regulate emotions and gives the individual the opportunity to start from scratch (Botvin & Griffin, 2005). Being completely free of the substance will also allow for a more thorough treatment to be implemented without the fear of a relapse.

After the initial detoxification stage, psychological treatment needs to be provided to these individuals as their body is going to go through a complete physiological change that is inevitably going to unbalance their emotions. Aside from the physical addiction that individuals go through when attempting to stop using a drug, there is also a lifestyle change that these individuals need to adapt to (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005). People who become addicted to narcotics revolve their entire lives around these substances, and once they stop using them, they need to learn how to structure their lives around avoiding the temptation of once again using them. Helping the people that are already affected by the drugs is the first step in addressing this growing problem.

However, the most ideal way of addressing this problem is to prevent people from using drugs in the first place.This can be done through prevention programs aimed at children (Botvin & Griffin, 2005). These programs are conducted in schools in order to alleviate the pressures that many young people feel when it comes to using drugs and alcohol. Other prevention programs that could be effective are support groups (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005). As aforementioned, many times people start using drugs because they may want to escape their reality. By creating support groups for people in high-risk areas, individuals may find alternative ways of dealing with their situations, and can altogether avoid the temptation of drug usage (Botvin & Griffin, 2005). By putting the needs of those who need help the most above all else, the problems associated with drug and alcohol use can be greatly reduced.

References:

Allen, M., Donohue, W.A., Griffin, a., Ryan, D., & Turner, M.M.M. (2003). Comparing the Influence of Parents and Peers on the Choice to Use Drugs a Meta-Analytic Summary of the Literature. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 30(2), 163-186

Botvin, G.J., & Griffin, K.W. (2005). Prevention science, drug abuse prevention, and life skills training: Comments on the state of the science. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 1(1), 63-78.

Marlatt, G.A., & Donovan, D.M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors. The Guilford Press.

Miller, H.V. (2010). Acculturation, social context, and drug use: Findings from a sample of….....