Essay On Social Psychology Of Substance Abuse

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The Social Psychology of Substance Abuse among College Students: Analysis and Intervention Substance abuse impacts people in society every day, from teenagers to adults. Specifically, abuse happens among a large number of students across college campuses in the United States. While advancing in college, numerous students obtain habits that have negative effects on his or her health, emotions, and relationships. While the main drug of abuse across college campuses remains alcohol, the problem of drug abuse today goes far beyond that to illicit substances. Since the early 1990s, the degree of students abusing controlled substances has dramatically increased; abuse of painkillers increasing by more than 300 percent, abuse of stimulants increasing to more than 90 percent, and 110 percent increase in proportion of students using marijuana daily (Califano, 2007). In the most recent years, this issue of abuse has become far too common with the rate of illicit drug use of 22 percent among full time college students between the ages of 18 and 22 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2013). This percentage of substance abusers continues to dramatically increase annually. As college is a time for new friends and new experiences all the while being a stressful time for all students, the most common motives for the use of drugs among college students include help for concentration, happiness, experimentation, and social interaction or merely to get “high” (Boyd, 2006). This need in college students for experimentation or academic support can lead to a number of effects. Short-term and long-term use of such substances can lead to numerous injuries, health problems, and neurological problems. More deaths, illness... ... middle of paper ... ...e abuse, the best way to do so is through the use of the social exchange theory and therapy through the Substance Abuse Reduction Program. Using the social exchange theory, substance abuse can be reduced when students acknowledge and understand the distinction between the permanent and temporary benefits and costs substance use. Therapy can help increase a person’s sense of self-worth and create secure attachment styles that ultimately reduce substance abuse. If you are suffering from substance abuse or know of someone who is, seek help whether it is from books, counselors, etc. While it can be hard to cure everyone of a substance abuse problem, there is always a chance to reduce the number of abusers. The more educated people are about their problem and acknowledge the need for help, the easier it will be to help. Have faith that things will change and get better.

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