Sandra Candelas

4/17/14
Child Development 262

Drug Addiction/Abuse
Drug abuse is not only a community problem but a public health concern. It affects many
family structures as well as the addicts. Some common drugs abused are heroin, cocaine,
marijuana, painkillers, and amphetamines (Drug Abuse, 2014). One particular drug that is not
common but has interesting factors is Krokodil. Initially invented in Russia, Krokodil is the
cheap version of heroin. It is a combination of: codeine, gasoline, iodine, paint thinner, and
lighter fluid. These chemicals in the drug causes skin lesions which can lead to gangrene and
amputation of limbs. Therefore, as professionals we need to be open minded and help families
that reach out by offering community resources that are available to them.
What is drug addiction and abuse? Drugs contain chemicals that disrupt nerve cell
communication systems in the human brain. Drugs overstimulate the reward circuit region of
the brain causing large amounts of a natural neurotransmitter called dopamine which causes
feelings of pleasure (Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction, 2012).This biological process
sets forth the patterns of relapse and compulsive behavior in users. Long-term drug usage causes
changes in brain chemistry that complicates and challenges a person who is trying to quit
(Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction, 2012).
There are many reasons why people start drug usage. One big part has to do with
environmental factors which create unwanted feelings. Stress is the most common reason people

want to self-medicate. Stress brings negative feelings such as anxiety, anger, and depression
which are hard to cope with. Stress can be caused for many reasons: employment, money,
education, and family problems (Blair, 2012). Peer pressure is another common reason, and it is
not only a teen problem; adults also go through the same pressure. (Blair, 2012) Teenagers are
more vulnerable since areas in their brain are still developing in charge of decision making and
judgment (Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction, 2012). Curiosity is another factor, in
which people experiment with drugs. Physical injury is one of the most unfortunate reasons
because it is initially prescribed by doctors to relieve pain, and people become addicted
unintentionally (Blair, 2012)
Living with a family member who is addicted to drugs can bring many difficulties
including problems with interpersonal relationships. Not only does the drug addict suffer, the
whole family suffers (Lameman, 2014). Financial problems most likely occur if the abuser is the
provider. They may lose their job and spend money on their addiction, neglecting other needs
(Lameman, 2014). Emotionally, the whole family suffers with the many mood swings the abuser
displays which in turn may abuse the family (Lameman, 2014). Violence may also occur since
drug addicts can display impulsive behavior by drug influence. Many times families isolate
themselves from society because they feel embarrassed and hopeless (Lameman, 2014).
When treatment is sought the whole family has to be involved. There are various
treatments available; first line treatments are rehabilitation centers where detox takes place and
talk therapy is available at the same time. The Salvation Army offers many services including
rehabilitation centers and family therapy for the community. The Department of Human Services
also has a website to locate mental health and substance abuse centers (SAMHSA.gov).
Narcotics Anonymous is a support group for substance abuse. Members go and talk about their

experiences and support each other. Moreover, nar-anon is a support group for family members
of an addicted loved one. Experiences, strategies, and emotional support are offered during these
sessions.
Finally, drug abuse is a public health concern and it affects the person abusing it as well
as the family members around them. Children mirror their surroundings which can become a
vicious cycle for generations, and as teachers, we have to be concerned as well as understand
family dynamics. Our primary focus is the well-being of children and their safety. When a family
is emotionally stable, so are the children. Establishing a good relationship with parents is helpful
to allow them to reach out for help. Although we cannot solve all their problems, we can provide
them with helpful community resources available.

References
(n.d.).
(n.d.). Retrieved from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA:
http://www.samhsa.gov/
(n.d.).
(2012). Retrieved from Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.na.org/
(2014). Retrieved from Nar-Anon Family Groups World Services: http://www.nar-anon.org/naranon/
Addiction Recovery ( Adult Rehabilitation Centers ) . (n.d.). Retrieved from The Salvation Army:
http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc
Blair, N. (2012). The Reasons Why People Use Drugs - A qick overview. Retrieved from The Jennifer Act
.com Saving Lives Day After Day: http://thejenniferact.com/2011/05/12/reasons-why-peopleuse-drugs/
Drug Abuse. (2014, April 17). Retrieved from Medline Plus Trusted Health Information For You:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drugabuse.html
Lameman, B. A. (2014). Effects of Substance Abuse on Families. Retrieved from Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-health-addiction-families,0,2311189.story
Thoma, M. (2013, October 28). Krokodil a " flesh-eating" narcotic from Russia, may finally be in America.
Retrieved from America blog News- A Great Nation Deserves The Truth:
http://americablog.com/2013/10/krokodil-flesh-eating-narcotic-russia-may-finally-comeamerica.html
Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction. (2012, November). Retrieved from National Institute on Drug
Abuse The Science of Drug Abuse & Addiction:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction