Substance Abuse
IDS 402: Milestone Two
Jackie Hale
Southern New Hampshire University
March 28,2021
Substance Abuse
History
The issue of substance abuse has been around for many years. Alcohol has been used in
religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Alcohol is not the issue; it is the way it is being used
that is the problem. Substance abuse can be viewed through the history lens as a means to help
solve the current problem today. According to Marc-Antoine-Crocq, MD, psychoactive
substances have been used by priests in religious ceremonies, healers for medicinal purposes, or
the general population in a socially approved way (e.g., alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine) (Crocq.
2007). The article continues by stating that the issue of substance abuse was being recorded as
early as the 17th century. Substance abuse could impact social issues by going too far in certain
situations. If someone were to use alcohol in a business meeting then it would be alright, but if
someone were to become so inebriated to the point that they are not able to stand by themselves
then that would be interrupting the meeting and therefore impacting the social gathering
The history lens helps articulate a deeper understanding of the social issues that informs
substance abuse by giving a check and balance list. One could look at the history of substance
abuse and take that research and further develop it into something that could be more beneficial
to someone today. Today, there is more technology and tools available to help the individuals that
are affected with this disease because of past failures in the research of substance abuse. Narcan
is a drug that is used to help those that are experiencing a drug overdose and has been used to
save countless lives. This drug was approved by the FDA on November 18, 2015 (Lloyd, 2015)
This issue can affect the way of life for an individual not only in how they feel, but also in
housing instability, homelessness, criminal behavior, and incarceration. Health risks include
transmission of HIV by using drugs that are injections to high-risk sexual diseases such as AIDS
or Hepatitis (Daley, 2013).
Substance Abuse
Humanities
The issue of substance abuse is portrayed in society as common, but that there is help
always readily available. There are many different commercials and platforms to let others know
that there is help and that the specific individual is not alone. Alcoholics Anonymous is one of
the biggest forerunners to this cause and has been since it was founded in Akron, Ohio 1935
(Umhau, 2020). The message that is portrayed by this group is there is forgiveness for all and the
only thing that is required from those that wish to have it is to ask and to work for it. Many of
these individuals have given up on everything as well as lost everything and have nothing to live
for anymore. AA gives these individuals hope again and make them strive to do better in all
things (Mendola & Gibson,