Substance Abusers: A Vulnerable Population

835 Words2 Pages

Vulnerable Population
A vulnerable population are people that have specific characteristics, or risk factors, that increase the probability of developing health problems (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012, p.103). A Vulnerable is important because anyone can become a part of this population. One is going to be describing the characteristics of substance abusers. Next, give the common health issue and needs. Then, give specific resources that Peoria have to offer. Finally, how substance abuse relates to Healthy People 2020. Overall, this will give one an overview of the vulnerable population such as substance abusers.
Characteristics of the population
Substance abuse is when a person want their mind to be altered with the use of drugs. Substance abuse affect all ages, race, religion, and income. When it comes to the characteristics of substance abusers there are many factors one must consider such as internal and external, physical, behavioral, and psychological. According to Demand Media (2013), stated that internal substance abuse is when someone feels the need to use drugs regularly, having that feeling like you need the drug to get through problems and have trouble when one is trying to stop taking the drug. External substance abuse characteristic is when people often notice behavioral, physical, and psychological changes (Demand Media, 2013). According to demand media, (2013), stated that physical changes are lack in hygiene, changes in the person pupils such as being dilated or constricted, and changes in their weight. Some behavioral changes are decrease in work performance, changes in the type of friends and interest and asking for/ or need money (Demand Media, 2013). Psychological changes are personality change, mood swings an...

... middle of paper ...

...ave pay or be on a payment plan. As the student was looking up different resources and treatment it was difficultly finding places for substance abusers. The treatment are expensive and many does not have away if they do not have transportation. The only way that can happen if the services that is provided offers transportation to this population. This population of people is already struggling with money and addiction it would be hard for them to seek treatment if they cannot afford it.
In conclusion, there are many different characteristics, descriptions, and resources out there for substance abusers. If one educate this population on the resource that is available and making it affordable then substance abuse treatment centers would increase like Health People 2020 would want it to be. The community needs to be willing to promote awareness for substance abusers.

Show More
Related

  • Shasta County Meeting Summary

    521 Words  | 2 Pages

    A speaker representing the California Department of Health Care Services requested assistance in providing substance abuse prevention and treatment services. They explained how grave the present situation was, and how they were seeing improvements in the control of substances. The county is reducing the number of opioid related deaths as well as reducing the number of total prescriptions. Police officers were also said to be receiving training on how to handle the invasive and dangerous problems associated with substance users. Unanimous support was again received and the next request was discussed.

    Read More

  • Temperance Movement and Opium

    550 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...y, H. (2008). Drug use and abuse: a comprehensive introduction (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.

    Read More

  • Annotated Bibliography: Annotated Bibliography Of Drug And Substance Abuse

    808 Words  | 2 Pages

    It was the late 19th century when a lot of conflict for families from the Industrial Revolution and illegal drugs had easy access to anyone in the United Sates. These illegal drugs like morphine, cocaine, and alcohol were available through manufacture, delivery, and selling. It was proved that the over use of alcohol and violence in families’ homes were linked together around the 1850’s and that women and children were being abused by the father and husband from the letters and journals that were wrote. These were times when women were stay at home mothers and it was the man’s responsibility to be the provider for the wife and children. Because of the abuse in the household it led up to the temperance movement. The purpose

    Read More

  • Youth and Substance Abuse

    1740 Words  | 4 Pages

    There are many contributing factors and political issues that address substance abuse. Throughout the years, many researchers have designed many interventions and social policies designed to treat people who have used, abused, and became addicted to substances. Today, there are many new studies that address substance abuse at the individual, group, family, and community or policy levels. Today, there are many services that are effective for decreasing recidivism in youth who have completed a substance abuse program. A substance abuse treatment program or center is the best way to treat individuals who have abused substances.

    Read More

  • Substance Abuse: A Nationwide Epidemic

    2210 Words  | 5 Pages

    The consequences that follow the use of any drug are unfavorable. Although many individuals may see drug addiction as a mere lifestyle choice, it is a problem that many individuals suffer from and inevitably a growing issue that leaves major social and economic impacts.

    Read More

  • Drug Addiction: A Brain Disease?

    746 Words  | 2 Pages

    George F. Koob defines addiction as a compulsion to take a drug without control over the intake and a chronic relapse disorder (1). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defined "substance dependence" as a syndrome basically equivalent to addiction, and the diagnostic criteria used to describe the symptoms of substance dependence to a large extent define compulsion and loss of control of drug intake (1). Considering drug addiction as a disorder implies that there are some biological factors as well as social factors.

    Read More

  • The Negative Effects Of Substance Abuse

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    Substance abusers seek this impairment for a variety of reasons such as to get away from reality or to escape their problems. In the process of getting this “high” their brain chemistry changes and they become addicted. “Addiction is the repeated compulsive use of a substance even after the person suffers from the physical, mental, and legal consequences” (Williams, 2011). Substance abuse causes many negative effects to the person who is addicted as well as their loved ones. Even though these effects are devastating, the person continues to use because their brain and body are reprogrammed to need the substance. When the person isn 't using the substance they begin to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. “Withdrawal is a physical response to the sudden cessation of a substance that has been used over a period of time; these symptoms are specific to the substance” (Williams, 2011). When a person is suffering from withdrawal symptoms they have mental and physical effects. These effects can range from sweating to seizures. Physical symptoms are usually the first step followed by mental symptoms, these two steps together can last up to a few weeks. (Melemis, 2016). I was recently able to observe at a substance abuse rehabilitation facility where I witnessed a client withdrawing. This client seemed to be agitated and anxious. Also he was very red in

    Read More

  • Theory of Alcohol Addiction: Case Study

    834 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many assumptions of why an individual may use different substances and perhaps go from a “social” user to becoming addicted. Understanding the different theories models of addiction many help in the process of treatment for the addict. Although people in general vary in their own ideologies of addiction when working as a clinician one must set aside their own person beliefs. Typically as a clinician it is best for the client to define how they view their addiction and their view may encompass more than one of the five theories. Some theories suggest genetic and other biological factors whiles others emphasize personality or social factors. In this study three theories are defined and given to three different people with different cultural backgrounds, different ideologies, different experiences, and most importantly different reference point of addiction.

    Read More

  • Substance Abuse Disorder

    1305 Words  | 3 Pages

    Substance abuse disorders are common in our society. It is a disorder that each one of us will most likely experience through a family member, friend, or our self. I felt very drawn to this topic due to the fact that I have a family that has background of substance abuse and I myself have battle the demon. Not until I struggled with my own addiction did I become more tolerable and understanding to those that have a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse is not something anyone wants to have; it is a disorder that takes control of a person’s life. It is a beast that tears a person apart; from their being to the lives of their loved ones. This disorder is not biased in anyway; rich or poor, male or female, employed or unemployed, young or old, and any race or ethnicity” (E Not Alone).

    Read More

  • Effects of Drugs on Consciousness

    1057 Words  | 3 Pages

    Without contrast, the primary reason for drug abuse in individuals comes from the conscious state of addiction. According to Webster’s, addiction is described as “the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity (Hacker, 2011).” Sure, human nature’s desire to conform to peer pressure might cause one to first try a certain drug, but the euphoric mental states found in drugs mentally trap many individuals into becoming dependent upon these sensations. With that being said, these sensations vary depending on the type of drug used.

    Read More

  • Middle Childhood Research Paper

    656 Words  | 2 Pages

    In addition, almost 95 percent of people with substance use problems are considered unaware of their problem. I also know that substance abuse is a very important topic, because it has a great impact on every person. This is because if a person has a bad habit, it can affect the whole community. An illustration of this is how the sidestream of a smoker affects the children and people around them. Also, the effects of substance abuse are cumulative, significantly contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems. Besides the effect of smoke’s sidestream, other problems are domestic violence, thild abuse, and teenage

    Read More

  • Substance Abuse Social Problem Essay

    1792 Words  | 4 Pages

    Perhaps most substance abuse starts in the teen years when young people are susceptible to pressure from their peers. One of the main concerns when dealing with substance abuse is the long term problems with substance such as addiction, dependency and tolerance. The physical state of an individual, who is addicted to a substance, will deteriorate over a long period of time. This is due to the chemicals that are being put into an individual body. One of the most important aspects of the effect of substance abuse on society includes ill health, disease, sickness, and in many cases death. The impact of substance abuse not only affects individuals who abuse substances but it affects our economy. Our government resources are negatively impacted by individual who abuse substances. According to (Lagliaro 2004) the implication of drug users extend far beyond the user, often damaging their relationships with their family, community, and health workers, volunteer and wider

    Read More

  • RAISING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION OF DRUG MISUSE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

    1482 Words  | 3 Pages

    Emphasizing the need to view drug misuse as a health issue and not just a moral or criminal issue.

    Read More

  • An Essay About Drug Addiction

    1114 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are many addictions in the world, and drug addiction is the biggest. People may experiment with the drug for many reasons. “If your drug use is causing problems in your life, then you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem”.(Lawrence Robinson pg.1) Many people start out using drugs by peer pressure or out of their own curiosity. Stress, anxiety, lows self-esteem and depression could be another factor to start using drugs. The drug takes over your body and gives you a good feeling that many people tend to enjoy. The urge to use the drug can keep increasing rapidly after the first use. The urge can become so severe that your mind can find many other ways to deny the factor of addiction. Very few drug addicts can feel and realize when they have crossed the line with drugs. A drug addicts mind can build up a very large tolerance for the drug that they start to abandon the activities they used to do on a daily basis like showering, hobbies, socializing and even being associated with family members. The person with the addiction will continue to use the drug knowing that it is harming there body, but they don’t have any remorse. A drug addict will often try to hide their problem, so they can continue to use without anyone’s input. Family and friends may try to use preaching methods or tell the user that they need to stop using the drug. This method is not ...

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Drug Abuse

    1089 Words  | 3 Pages

    Abuse can cause countless medical problems to the body. A person who is addicted will continue to stimulate themselves regardless if they are aware of the negative chain reactions. Once addicted, it becomes difficult to stop due to how the body has become dependent. Health will be harmed the more a stimulant is used. Health effects include: cardiovascular disease, strokes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, lung disease, mental disease, birth defects. Mental health is what keeps a person in the right mind to make better decisions and have better control in life. Drugs have the ability to change mood and behavior. If drugs have affected the brain already, the desire increases which changes mental health. Some may not realize that they have been affected their health negatively. “A person who abuses drugs may not realize they have a problem until pronounced effects of drug abuse are seen, often physically. While drug abuse effects on the body vary depending on the drug used, all drug abuse negatively impacts one 's health (Addictions Community). Since drugs create many health issues, treatment is not a simple task. Treatments are hard to obtain and addictions often go

    Read More

More about Substance Abusers: A Vulnerable Population

Open Document