Social factors contributing to substance abuse

Question 1

What is the meaning of:

1) Substances
2) Addict
3) Rehab
4) Kick the habit

Answer 1

1) Illegal drugs, like, marijuana, cocaine, tik, ecstasy and legal substances like, nicotine, alcohol and prescription medicines
2) A person who becomes dependent on something
3) Abbreviation for rehabilitation centre - a place where addicts go in order to give up their addiction
4) Give up an addiction

Question 2

What is substance abuse?

Answer 2

The continued use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs, despite their negative effects.

Question 3

Name some of the ways people are pressured to use substances and explain.

Answer 3

Work, family stresses, school, friends or relationships.
Peer pressure is the major one - If some people in a group are doing something, others in the group often want to do the same.

Question 4

Name 3 factors that contribute to substance abuse.

Answer 4

1) The media - The advertising of tobacco is banned in South Africa, but alcoholic products can be advertised in the media
2) Young people are easily influenced into imitating the behaviour of their role models, such as celebrities and pop stars. Many youngsters believe that if a person they think is cool is doing, then its ok for them to do it.
3) In many poor communities , people sell drugs in the hope of being rich.

Question 5

Name 2 ways to avoid substance abuse.

Answer 5

Ask for help from someone you can trust.
Say NO!
Don’t hang around substance abusers.
Keep yourself busy.

Question 6

What is a drug trafficker?

Answer 6

Someone who trades in illegal drugs.

Question 7

Name 5 short term consequences of substance abuse.

Answer 7

1) difficulty in concentrating
2) sleepiness
3) slurred speech
4) headaches
5) discipline problems

Question 8

Name 7 long term consequences of substance abuse.

Answer 8

1) declining grades
2) memory lapses
3) ability to think and speak clearly is affected
4) constant health problems
5) truancy and dropping out of school
6) behavioural problems
7) lack of interest
8) low motivation

Question 9

How does alcohol lead to violence and crime?

Answer 9

Alcohol affects how the brain works and one of the consequences of this is that is lowers inhibitions( the inner controls that stop a person from acting on the instinct). When alcohol abusers become violent or aggressive it can sometimes lead to violent behaviour like, domestic abuse, Crimes like rape and murder are often committed by people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Question 10

Where can you get help?

Answer 10

1) Speak to someone you trust
2) Be admitted to a (rehab) centre
3) Do research and find out more

Question 11

Which people can approach for help in your community?

Answer 11

• school counsellor
• religious leader
• family friend
• trusted neighbour
• community clinic
• your family doctor
• any person you trust and can talk to

Question 12

Name 4 organisations that offer treatment and rehabilitation.

Answer 12

1) South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence( SANCA )
2) Smokenders
3) Drug wise
4) Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA )
5) ToughLove
6) Houghton House Addiction Recovery Centre