Bailey Coughlin

English 102
18 April 2015
Final Draft
Abuse and Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing
brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite
harmful consequences. In 2011 over 40,000 men, women, and children died from drug
related incidents in North America alone and over 88,000 deaths relating to alcohol.
Drug and alcohol addictions hold responsibility for the many faults in todays society
including but not limiting to; domestic and non-domestic violence, crime, and most
commonly death. The substances have the power to alter ones stability, mentality, and
overall outlook on life. Its is capable of limiting those to succeed and have any form of
self worth. It becomes a crutch to those who are incapable of handling a particular
matter at that point in time and unfortunately, often begins at a very young age.
In 2012, studies showed that average age for a child to first consume a drug or
alcoholic drink is at the age of 12. Every day an estimated 7,800 will try a drug for the
first time, over half are adolescents under the age of 18. There is no simple reason for
the use of drugs or consumption of alcohol as temptations do surround you on a daily
basis. With that being said, peer pressure is probably the most common tempter out of
the many. As children and teens strive for acceptance by peers they become willing to
go to drastic measures to be socially accepted no matter the consequences.
Coughlin

Nonetheless, the consequences need to be recognized and made aware. Abuse

of any substance is extremely dangerous not only to the one responsible but also each
and every person related and around them. Being under the influence has the potential
to do an incredible amount of harm. Impaired judgement, increased risk of sexual
assault, as well as brain development issues are a part of the side effects, not to
mention the possibility to overdose or gain an addiction problem. When an addiction
occurs, that person will become physically and psychologically dependent on the
substance. Addiction is a disease, many might not see it as so but it takes a strong will
to conquer it. Lives are destroyed, families torn apart, and all it takes is one time to ruin
everything.

1. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/special-populations-co-occurring-

disorders/underage-drinking

2.
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
3.
http://www.drugfree.org/resources/top-8-reasons-why-teens-try-alcohol-anddrugs/
4.
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuseaddiction-basics