Drug and Alcohol Abuse

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 were coming home from a birthday party when they were hit by a drunk driver. Two of the passengers in Jacqui's car were killed and two others escaped safely, but Jacqui was trapped inside when the car caught fire. She was burned over 60% of her body. Her hair, ears and one eyelid were burned off. Since then Jacqui has had to suffer more than 50 operations and is permanently and severely disfigured. Reggie Stephey, the driver of the other vehicle, was sentenced to seven years in prison and had to pay a fine of $20,000. His life was destroyed as well.

Finally, drug and alcohol abuse can take a heavy toll on a young person's relationships. Teens that are using drugs or alcohol often experience a change in personality. Their moods change rapidly and can fluctuate between highs and lows. They can become emotionally unstable. The drug or alcohol abuser may also lose interest in caring for their appearance and may begin looking unkempt and messy. A substance abuser may steal money or other valuables from loved ones in order to purchase drugs or alcohol. They can become deceitful, hostile, uncommunicative and even abusive towards loved ones. All of these personality changes can affect relationships between friends and family.