Use Recreational Drugs Their Reasons example essay topic

1,323 words
With the use of drugs being such a controversial issue in today's society we felt as a group it was important to further explore this issue. As we possess a high interest in how drugs affect a number of social groups. These groups of course range from young teens to high-class older individuals who will have different reasons and different acceptable standards of behaviour. The question that is being explored in our presentation asks what drugs are doing to our society.

This means exploring the various groups that use recreational drugs their reasons for this the effects that drug use has and the methods to help prevent and stop use of drugs. By recreational drugs we mean such substances as marijuana and heavier more addictive drugs as heroin and cocaine. For which the use of these has increased throughout society over time. Recreational drugs are not limited to any particular group in society meaning that a very wide variety of people choose to use these drugs these of course include teenagers, parents, business people and often very dedicated students for a number of reasons. For a long time the common misconception that only youths use drugs and those who do are disrespectful and dishonest has become out dated and inaccurate.

Teenagers can use drugs and there are certainly individuals who do who are disrespectful and dishonest however this is more likely to do with an individual's personality than their use or experimentation of drugs. The survey we conducted showed that most people believed it was more common for youths in the 14 to 22 age group to use recreational drugs. This was closely followed by the 23 to 30 age group, while the 13 and under age group was considerably further behind. The survey question that followed indicated that people also believed that drug users were irresponsible and inconsiderate. This slightly supports the misconception that teens are more likely to be involved with recreational drugs. The reasons why people choose to use drugs will differ from group to group.

While for many the use of drugs serves as an escape from the stresses of everyday life for others it is exactly used as it is called for recreational purposes. People also take drugs to feel happy and relax. The major reason among is still believed to be that of peer pressure, often teens feel the need to be accepted which means taking drugs is the way to fit in. This should not be the case, however due to that strong need for acceptance it often is.

The age groups and situations will no doubt vary and the extent to which one continues the use of recreational drugs is debatable and uncertain. The way society is affected by people taking drugs differs with the reasons why people take drugs. If an individual takes drugs to escape, then drugs are their relief and they may become addicted and therefore may become a danger to themselves and society. People in today's society constantly face problems of different natures this has to do with problems of income and have to do with relationships. By recreational drugs we are focusing on marijuana, ecstasy, speed, cocaine and heroin. Each drugs of course has a different effect.

Drugs work by altering the brain's chemistry, which in turn alters the person's perception. Each drugs effect different people differently. Marijuana relaxes people, it makes things appear funny it also makes you hungry. Too higher dose can result in panic attacks.

Ecstasy gives the sensation of euphoria or ecstasy thus the name. The user feels happy and energetic part of the reason this drug is highly taken. Too much and you may feel panicky or hallucinate. Speed or amphetamines give the users endless energy of course this is a reason for usage but can result in dehydration. Cocaine gives a euphoric feeling and increases energy levels but when coming off the effects of the drug a LOW is experience where harsh reality is a shock and you are tired. Heroin also gives the euphoric feeling and makes you feel confident.

First time users can feel sick and lose consciousness. Any drug used for long periods of time can have dangerous health effects; marijuana affects memory, use of harder drugs like heroin and cocaine can result in death if used for long enough periods of time. The longer a person uses a drug the more likely they are to become addicted to it. The method of preventing and stopping drug use involves Government legislation, Rehabilitation centres, School policies and Drug education.

The Government continually changes the laws on drugs often making them harsher with longer jail terms if found in possession of drugs and bigger fines for growing marijuana. This is in hope that drug use and drug trafficking will cease. However the fact the laws are becoming increasingly harsher indicates these laws are not having the desired effect to control and minimise the use of drugs amongst society. Rehabilitation centres aim to get people addicted to drug off the addiction by placing them in a clinic where drugs are simply not an option whilst surrounded by doctors and counsellors willing to listen and help their recovery.

This process only helps with those already dependant on a drug and is often unsuccessful. There is no doubt that schools need to increase the level of drug education, which is taught. This is important not only for students but for society they live in. This should help with the prevention of a drug problem and needs to be considered among schools around the globe. School counsellors have the role in school's to help any students who require assistance in overcoming drug issues. By doing this they can help resolve drug issues whilst displaying an example to other students also in need of help.

The steps taken are precise and significant not only for a student but any individuals' recovery. The counsellor must first listen to the issue at hand in order to decide the specific needs for the individual and steps that need to be taken. Because society is so dynamic and full of different values and beliefs each member of society will reacts to and view a drug user in their own way often pessimistically making recovery very difficult so patience is a must. The surveys indicated that people believe the society we live in to regards drugs as acceptable but to what extent is this true. Society is not against what it can't see. When people are dependant on a drug then their behaviour reveals to those around them what they are doing.

This makes the world and society assume that all drugs and all drug users fit the typical stereotype. When someone is addicted to drugs society may not be directly affected but are very affected in the long run. The most direct way society is affected by drugs and their users is through the employment and criminal statistics. Employment is very much a problem for an addicted person and statistics show people desperate for drugs can commit crimes in order to get money to support their habit.

This disrupts the whole idea of social cohesion only making chaos and producing prejudice attitudes. So just how are drugs affecting society. They affect society by overtaking the users life and the user therefore neglects their responsibilities of the society in which they live and breaching the acceptable standards of behaviours. Recreational drugs are a serious issue that must be dealt with help society progress further for the benefit of the next generation.