Alcohol and Other Drugs

 In this chapter about alcohol and drugs, I've learned that drugs have been a part of human life for thousands of years, from ancient mead and cannabis and now tobacco, rum, and cocaine in present day America. A drug is any substance other than food that changes the body’s structure or function, and today alcohol stays the most widely used drug, especially among college students where binge drinking can lead to serious injuries, assaults, or even deaths. Drug use is different across gender, race, education, and region, while religion often leads to lower usage rates. For example, men are more than twice as likely as women to engage in binge or heavy drinking, and whites report the highest rates of alcohol use while Native Americans report the lowest. Looking at alcohol and other drugs through a sociological view, functionalism shows how drugs can serve many purposes, like creating pleasure, income, or jobs, but also causing harm to people's health and society. Conflict theory emphasizes how inequality, poverty, and corporate power shape both patterns of drug use and the laws that regulate them. Symbolic interactionism explains how people learn to use drugs and give meaning to their effects through social interactions. Dealing with these problems works best by putting more effort into prevention, treatment, and reducing harm, and by focusing on the public health and restoration.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 21.8% of people aged 12 or older used marijuana in the past year (NSDUH Highlights, p. 1). Use is especially high among young adults aged 18–25, where rates reach nearly 38%, compared to only 16% among adults aged 26 and older (NSDUH Highlights, p. 1). Men report higher usage than women, and patterns also vary by race and ethnicity, with White and Black adults reporting higher prevalence compared to Asian adults (NSDUH Detailed Tables, Sect. 5). These differences make sense when you look at social factors. For example, young adults are more likely to experiment, hang out with peers who use, and have easier access, while things like cultural norms, legalization, stress, and income also play a role. Overall, marijuana use isn’t the same for everyone, it really depends on age, gender, ethnicity, and the social environment that the individual is in. 

In Palm Bay, Florida, STEPS (Substance Abuse Treatment and Education Programs) work to help people struggling with alcohol and drug problems. They offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as therapy programs like cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma counseling, and relapse prevention. STEPS also has special programs for women, including a residential option that lets mothers stay with their children while getting treatment, so they can heal without being separated from their families. By providing personalized treatment and support, STEPS helps individuals and families overcome substance abuse and build healthier lives.

References:

Alcohol and Other Drugs.pdf: 202540-SYG-2010-21Z-40363-Social Problems

Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

STEPS - Palm Bay, FL | Rehab.com

Table of Contents – Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables, SAMHSA, CBHSQ


Caption: This image shows the weight of addiction and how lonely it can feel. Anyone experiencing addiction problems should not face it alone and should find support immediately. If everyone looks out for each other and uses the support provided to them through their communities, society will be transformed, and drug addictions will be broken. 

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