Arguably, alcoholism and drug abuse have existed for many years. Undeniably, in the modern world the youth are the main victims of drug abuse and alcoholism. The use of drugs among students has far much reaching impacts to their lives and the entire community. Young people use drugs for various reasons without putting into consideration its impacts. In order to comprehend the current use of drugs and alcohol among the young people, it is indispensable to comprehend the dynamics of adolescence and changes in the global arena. Alcohol and drug use in colleges, campuses and high school is universal. Most young people admit to the extensive experimentation on alcohol and drugs. In general perspective, the use of alcohol and drugs among younger people affects them in many ways, which include social, academic, legal, health, psychological as well as financial.
It is worth to note that most of the effects of drugs and alcohol use among the young people are negative. Based on this perspective, excessive consumption of alcohol and drug abuse are extraordinarily dangerous. The young people who abuse drugs and consume excess alcohol are a danger to themselves and the entire community. One of the effects of alcohol among the young people is the physical and health risks. In this case, alcohol and drugs affect the body of young people, but its degree of effects is different. Drug abuse and use of alcohol affects every part of the body system these systems include hormone and circulatory systems, organ functioning, as well as brain chemistry. These effects expose students to various health risks. Students who use drugs and alcohol are at a risk of suffering from ulcers, fatty liver, gastritis, cancer and other related diseases (Goldberg 5).
Young people who use alcohol and drugs are affected psychologically. Prolonged use of alcohol and drugs among younger people causes permanent psychological damage. In fact, the young people are at a risk of developing tremendous mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Studies show that most of the students who use drugs have various psychological problems, which if not emphasized it will affect their lives forever.
Certainly, young people who abuse drugs and consume excess alcohol have performed poorly in school. Alcohol and drug use have serious effects on the education of young people. Typically students who abuse drugs and alcohol withdraw from activities of school, get low grades, absence, and in the long run lead it leads to dropping out of school. In critical few, the young people and students are seen as an asset to the community, but when they fall victims of drug abuse and alcohol, the society will be doomed in the future (White & David 7).
Addiction is also another effect of alcohol and drug use among young people. In fact, addiction is the highest effect of drug and alcohol use, these because addiction amplify all other effects that are associated with drug and alcohol use. In most cases, the young people do not realize that they are addicted (Goldberg 12). In addition, young people who use alcohol and drugs change their behaviors. For example, the young people change their behaviors in school, and home. These effects are common among the young people since they develop some excitement and anxiety. Studies show that students who use drugs and alcohol are violent and aggressive, which make them a threat to other students. Other behavioral impacts include withdrawal from friends, studies, and family. In the 21st century, young people are at a risk of contracting various STD (Sexual Transmitted Diseases) such as HIV/AIDs. The use of alcohol and drugs among young people exposes them to risky sexual behaviors and unwanted pregnancy among girls (Monti 9).
In many countries, use of drugs and abuse of alcohol is illegal. Hence, young people who use drugs and alcohols are at a position of breaking the law, and becoming criminal convicts at an early age. These offenses and criminal records affect the students and other young people in many ways. The feeling of highness and moody behavior are rampant on students who use alcohol and drug; hence, driving them to commit crime and other unusual behaviors (White & David 30).
In an economic perspective, use of alcohol among the young people is a waste of resources. The government and parents invest a lot of young people through payment of fees and other education facilities. Students who use alcohol and drugs may end up dropping off school or destroying school property. Such behavior leads to waste of resources (Goldberg 20). Other associated expenses caused by the use of alcohol and drugs among younger people include medical bills, buying drugs and alcohol, as well as settlement of court bails. Dropping out of school among younger people has long term socioeconomic impacts to individuals, society, government, and family. In fact, it affects the general welfare of young people.
In conclusion, it is evident that the abuse and use of drugs and alcohol among students has increased tremendously. These increases directly correlate with the impacts which include health, social, economic, psychological, and legal consequences. The government and other responsible stakeholders should implement policies that will help reduce the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs among students and young people. It is crucial to understand that the young people are the asset to the society and if nothing is done now, the future will be affected adversely.
Work Cited
Goldberg, Ray. Drugs Across the Spectrum. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2010.
Print.
White, Helene R, and David L. Rabiner. College Drinking and Drug Use. New York: Guilford
Press, 2012. Print.
Monti, Peter. Adolescents, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Reaching Teens Through Brief
Interventions. New York: Guilford Publications, 2012. Print
