Drug Abuse Literature Review

1.4. Critical and Creative Analysis of Drug Abuse

In effectively critiquing, studying and providing a detailed examination of the elements of drug abuse that result in its causation and reproduction, it is essential to adopt both a critical perspective, as well as the approach of critical theory. This allows us to not only interpret and describe the social world through studied literature, but provides us with a means of critiquing and transforming society as a whole, by determining and putting forth strategies for resolving and addressing the psychosocial problem of drug abuse (Moleko, 2012, p. 57.)

Diagnosing an individual with drug abuse disorder may often be difficult however, as alcohol and drug dependent patients often tend to develop

This brings one to the question of policies and treatments and if they are effective in alleviating the negative consequences of drug abuse. The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act was released in 2008 by the South African government in order to address the issue of drug abuse. Chapter three of the act states that “The Minister must, together with…develop and implement comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing…harm caused by substance abuse.” (Goverment Gazette: Republic of South Africa,

(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014.) Their standpoint is that, if society can prevent young people from experimenting, then they can prevent addiction. Research based programs have been known to be effective in preventing drug abuse. “The term ‘research-based’ means that these programs have been designed based on current scientific evidence, tested, and shown to produce positive results.” (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014.) Research based programmes aim at increasing an individual’s protective factors while reducing risk. Three types of programs are: universal (aimed at a large group such as a community eg: awareness campaign), selective (identifies those at higher risk for drug use, like youth with drug addicted parents) and individual (such as those who have already started abusing drugs, such as Cannibis). (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014.) Prevention is therefore viewed as the best strategy to resolve drug abuse as it assists relevant parties (teachers, parents, community leaders) in shaping the youths perception about drug abuse. If implemented properly, the research based program will be effective.

Another possible treatment for drug abuse could be the creative arts. While the effectiveness of art therapy is questioned, studies have found that art therapy is successful for many. Art