Bailey Coughlin

English 102
4 April 2015
Addiction
Addiction is an extensive problem that affects every single being in not only the
nation but in the entirety of this planet. In 2011 over 40,000 men, women, and children
died from drug related incidents in North America alone. Drug and alcohol addictions
hold responsibility for a large fraction of what goes on in todays society including but not
limiting to; domestic and non-domestic violence, crime, and most commonly death. The
substances have the ability to alter ones stability, mentality, and overall outlook on life.
Aside from that it also is capable of limiting those to succeed and have any form of self
worth. It becomes a crutch to those who are incapable of handling a particular matter at
that point in time and unfortunately, has the strength to begin at a very young age.
In 2012, studies showed that average age for a child to consume either a drug or
alcoholic drink is at the age of 12. Every day an estimated 7,800 will try a drug for the
first time, over half are adolescents under the age of 18. There is no single reason for
the use of drugs or consumption of alcohol as the temptations surround you. With that
being said, there is one that does stand out from all the rest, peer pressure. As children
and teens strive for acceptance by peers they become willing to go to drastic measures
to be socially accepted no matter the consequences.
Nonetheless, the consequences need to be recognized as everyone should be
aware of them. The most obvious side effect from consuming such a toxic material is
the possibility of death. However, impaired judgement, increased risk of sexual assault,

as well as the idea of brain development problems are dangers one will associate
themselves with. Addiction is an extremely severe and dangerous topic that needs to be
discussed much more than it currently is. The first step in making any type of progress
is to be aware of the topic, understand what causes it, know who is involved, and know
what is steps are necessary to make change.

http://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/67138.html
http://www.shareyouressays.com/2883/1299-words-essay-on-drug-addiction
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/special-populations-co-occurringdisorders/underage-drinking
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/high-school-youth-trends
http://www.drugfree.org/resources/top-8-reasons-why-teens-try-alcohol-anddrugs/