Social Impact of Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
Drug abuse and alcoholism have a far-reaching impact on cultures worldwide. From the role they play in family life to the money spent on law enforcement and treatment, the repercussions are felt everywhere.
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Career Life
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People with substance abuse problems may have trouble getting to work on time or showing up at all. When there, they may not perform at the level they are capable, even when they are not intoxicated.
Economical
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Besides the effects on an individual company, drug abuse and alcoholism affects the entire economy by increasing costs for law enforcement, court systems, social service agencies, medical treatment and in the form of lost wages for missing minutes, hours and days of work.
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Health
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According to a United Nations study, tobacco consumption and alcohol abuse cause about 5 million deaths worldwide per year. This doesn't include deaths from drug abuse and overdose. In addition, alcohol and drug abuse can cause numerous serious health conditions, such as heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C.
Addiction also can alter brain chemistry, leading to serious behavioral and mental problems. Children of alcoholic or addicted mothers who used while pregnant also can develop problems before birth.
Family
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Families living with drug abuse or alcoholism are constantly in conflict. Children are often neglected when a parent is consumed by their disease, and they can be traumatized due to accidents and physical or emotional abuse. Parents who use drugs or alcohol may also be engaged in illegal activities that put a financial strain on the family. Not surprisingly, children from these families are more likely to have their own substance abuse issues, as well.
Criminal Activity
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Manufacturing, possessing or distributing certain substances is illegal in most countries. In addition, many drug addicts frequently steal to finance their habits. A study conducted in Maryland concluded that approximately 60 percent of crash victims had drugs, alcohol or a combination of the two in their system.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Andrew Kuznetsov
