Drugs And Children: The Causes And Effects Of Drug Abuse

Abuse of and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and illegal and prescription drugs cost more than $700 billion a year in increased health care costs, crime, and lost productivity. 1,2,3 Every year, illegal and prescription drugs and alcohol contribute to the death of more than 90,000 westerners, while nicotine is related to an estimated 480,000 deaths per year. People of all ages know the dreadful consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

1)Babies: exposed to drugs in the womb may be born premature and underweight. This exposure can reduce the child’s mental development and influence his behavior later in life.

2) Adolescents: who abuse drugs often do badly academically, and leave school. They are at risk for unplanned pregnancies, violence, and contagious diseases.

3) Adults: who abuse taking drugs usually have problems thinking clearly, remembering, and paying attention. They often develop bad social behaviors due to their drug abuse. Moreover, their work performance and personal relationships deteriorate.

4) Parents’ drug abuse: often means messy, stress-filled homes, as well as child abuse and neglect. Such conditions harm the wellbeing and growth of children in the home and may found the stage for drug abuse in the next generation.

Generally, people start taking drugs for different reasons:

To feel good. Most abused drugs cause strong emotions of pleasure. This initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For