Social Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse

Question 1

what social factors have a link with substance abuse

Answer 1

religion, family, friends, education and where you live. there is a direct link between these social factors and substance abuse.

Question 2

what are substances and what is substance abuse

Answer 2

substance are drugs such as medication, alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, which cause changes in the body, behaviour, and feelings. using these substances regularly leads to addiction. this is also called substance abuse.

Question 3

why do people take drugs

Answer 3

• they try to fit in
• peer pressure
• bad parenting
• de-stressing and coping with daily life
• makes them improve on their physical abilities in a sport
• people get addicted and can’t stop

Question 4

describe youth experimenting with drugs

Answer 4

• experimenting or trying drugs for fun can lead to addiction
• most substance abuse begins with experimenting at a young age
• natural to be curious but we need to challenge the view that it’s normal part of life for young to experiment, challenge the false message portrayed by the media about drugs and alcohol being fun and cool.
• knowing facts help make right choices

Question 5

what is the best way to defend yourself when offered drugs

Answer 5

knowing the appropriate behaviour or action. developing refusal skills helps say know with confidence q

Question 6

what are the risks of being under the influence of drugs / alcohol

Answer 6

• impairs your ability to think properly
• makes you vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime
• some become aggressive = sometimes leads to fights, abuse woman and children, violent crimes
• may cause you to make dangerous choices (get involved in serious accidents / unprotected sex)

Question 7

what are the short-term consequences of substance abuse

Answer 7

• mental and physical problems
• stress
• anxiety
• abdominal pains
• concentration problems

Question 8

what are the long-term consequences of substance abuse

Answer 8

• brain damage
• strokes
• overdoses
• imprisonment
• death

Question 9

figure 3 page 100

what are the consequences of substance abuse on your body

Answer 9

• memory loss, brain damage, stroke
• feeling tired, dizzy, blackouts
• red, dry eyes and sleeplessness
• slurred speech
• constant coughing
• breathing problems
• feeling aggressive, depressed and anxious,possible heart attack
• regular tummy problems, nausea
• damage to kidneys and liver
• muscle pain, chills, sweating
• unbalanced

Question 10

how can drugs create violence

Answer 10

• committing crimes to get money to pay for drugs

Question 11

what are the common signs of drug abuse 5

Answer 11

• withdrawal from family and good friends
• lying and stealing
• evidence of drinking / taking
• drugs to feel happy, relaxed / to forget problems
• changes in behaviour and attitude becoming negative
• aggressive behaviour and mood swings

Question 12

what are rehabilitation centres

Answer 12

centres that provide people with help they need

Question 13

what must you do if you know someone who is doing substance abuse

Answer 13

• tell parents
• set them up with rehabilitation centres if needed
• support them
• don’t judge / criticise them
• seek counselling for advice on how to handle situation

Question 14

name 3 helplines for drug abuse

Answer 14

1 - the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
= 0800 121314
SMS = 32312

2 - Alcoholics Anonymous
= 0861 435 722

3 - Narcotics Anonymous
= 083 900 69 62