Social Problems: Drug Abuse, Child Abuse & Suicide

Table of Contents

What Do You Mean by Social Problems?

Social problem is a social condition or behavior that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy.
Social problems are social conditions that disrupt or damage the society.
A social problem has negative consequences for large numbers of people and that is generally recognized as a condition or behavior that needs to be addressed
Thus in social problem there must be two things:
- An objective condition, like crime, poverty, communal tensions and so forth,
- The presence and magnitude of which can be observed, verified and measured by impartial social observers.
There are various social problems like drug/substance abuse, child abuse, suicide etc.
These social problems are briefly explained here.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to oneself or others, and is a kind of substance-related disorder.

Drug abuse is one of the important social problems.

Most frequently abused drug/substance include:

Alcohol
Tobacco
Marijuana
Hashish
Over-the-counter drugs like dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine
Benzodiazepines like Ativan and Valium
Stimulants: methamphetamine or cocaine
Club drugs: Ecstasy, ketamine, MDA, or Rohypnol
Hallucinogens: LSD, mushrooms
Inhalants: glue, lighter fluid, gasoline, paint thinner
Narcotic painkillers: codeine and morphine

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Changed attitude in school/college/home
Behavioral changes
Change in the need for cash
Change in self-care and appearance
Change in level of energy

Consequences of Substance Abuse

Academics: Declining grades, absenteeism, increased potential for dropping out of school
Physical health:
- Injuries due to accidents such as car accidents
- Physical disabilities and diseases and the effects of possible overdoses
- Increased risk of death through suicide, homicide, accident and illness , diseases HIV/AIDS)
Mental health
- Mental health problems such as depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal
Families:
- Family crises and family dysfunction can drain a family’s financial and emotional resources
Social and economic consequences:
- Financial losses and distress
Delinquency
Other:
- Psychosocial dysfunctions
- Conduct problems
- Personality disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
- Attempted suicide and suicide

Prevention and Management Approaches of Drug Abuse

Family prevention programs through enhancing family bonding, parenting skills and changing parental behaviors that may place a child at risk for later abuse. Example -multi-dimensional family therapy (MDFT)
Community and school prevention programs by addressing risk factors for later substance abuse

Effective Treatment Approaches

Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention.
Medications can be used to help reestablish normal brain function and to prevent relapse and diminish cravings
Behavioral treatments is the most effective that engages patient in the treatment process to modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug abuse and increase their healthy life skills
Counseling/ Motivation
Rehabilitation (Rehab center)

Other details of drug/substance abuse can be found here.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is the physical or psychological/ emotional mistreatment of children by a parent or other caregiver that result in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity.
It is harm to, or neglect of a child by another person.
It is a global social problem.
According to World report on violence and health and the 1999 WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention, there are four (4) types of abuse that can happen to a child. They are:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Neglect
One of three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused by an adult at some time during childhood.
Most abusers are a parent or someone in the family or someone the child knows (80%).
Families with more than 4 children have higher rates of abuse and neglect, especially if their living conditions are crowded or they live in isolated areas.

Effects/ Consequences of Child Abuse

Long term physical problems including physical disability
Sexual and reproductive
- Sexual dysfunction
- STDs/HIV/AIDS
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Teenage pregnancy
Psychological behavioral
- Depression and anxiety
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Poor school performance
- Suicidal behavior

Suicide

It is the intentional way of hurting oneself resulting in death
Many factors are associated with suicide that increase the risk of it
It is a social problem as it’s risk in a population increases when the social context fails to provide a healthy sense of purpose and belonging, contributing to an individual’s sense of contribution and connection
Suicide can be prevented as it has protective factors as :
- Coping and problem-solving skills
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
- Relationship with friends, family, and community support
- Supportive relationships with care providers
- Availability of physical and mental health care

Conflicting Situation

Strong disapproval between people, groups, etc., that results in often angry argument
Conflict can happen when family members have different views or beliefs that clash.

Causes of Conflict

Changes in the family situation can also take a toll on the family and contribute to conflict. This may include events such as:

Separation or divorce
Moving to a new house or country
Change in financial circumstances.
Parent can also change their opinions, values and needs and they may find they are no longer compatible