The pressing problem of drug addiction knows no borders; it is a global concern. Individuals, families, and societies suffer from the consequences of this insidious condition. The latest available statistics show that death rates from drug overdoses rose more than 200% from 1999 to 2016. Today, drug addiction is a bigger problem—an even bigger killer—than almost anyone realizes. Last week, I came across an infographic titled “Addiction,” done by the Goodwin Group (Matt Goodwin and Dana Goodwin, to be precise) for the Hall County (GA) Health Department.
How do you define drug addiction?
The condition compulsively drives people to seek drugs and use them no matter how harmful the consequences. By the Dangerous Drugs Board’s reckoning, we had 1.6 million Metro Manila residents who were current drug users back in 2019. We have not had a biennial (or any) follow-up since: not in 2020, not in 2021, not in 2022, and not in 2023. We are left with no official counts. What we have instead are stories that place the number of current users anywhere between 2 to 10 million.
The infographic showcases the abuse of drugs and the dire consequences that stem from it. These are divided into sections concerning physical, mental, and cognitive risk factors. Roger Anis, in a collaboration with N. Zacor, outlines these categories in a straightforward and informative manner, making the potential harm from addiction crystal clear. These are just a few of the numerous risks highlighted: a compromised immune system that is vulnerable to all sorts of infections and illnesses, including a spectrum of mental health issues from anxiety to schizophrenia; and, probably the riskiest of all, the insane damage done to one’s neurological health that is guaranteed to shorten your lifespan (seizures, strokes, brain damage—take your pick!). Risky behavior makes you a criminal. And did I mention the lung and heart conditions?
How Can You Help in the Fight Against Drug Addiction?
The infographic gives six action points to follow that can prevent drug addiction in both individuals and communities: Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example: Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to influence others, especially the impressionable younger generations. Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs: Knowledge is power. Understand the risks and impacts of drugs and educate others. Avoid Negative Peer Pressure: Learn to say “no” to all kinds of harmful influences and stay true to your values. Live a Life Full of Joy and Laughter Without Alcohol and Drugs: You have so many alternatives available to you that can furnish you with the same amount of joy as substance use. Speak Up in Your Community About the Negative Impacts of Drug Addiction: We need to communicate as a society to dismantle the stigma around addiction. Participate in Your Community in Initiatives Against Drug Use: There are so many ways to support your local community.
The Broad Vision:
Prevention is Crucial The right mixture of education, community backing, and a sense of responsibility taken by the individual can stop drug addiction before it starts. This infographic gets across the idea that we all have something to do for a society that isn’t afflicted by the tear-jerking, life-exploding disaster that is addiction. It can be something as small as saying “no,” or something done on a bigger scale, like working with an organization that increases public awareness of the hell drug addiction creates.
Key Point Drug addiction doesn’t only affect individuals; it has an impact on the entire community. People are prone to drug addiction for a variety of reasons, be they biological, environmental, or social. The reasons are so varied and complex that the National Institute on Drug Abuse sees substance use disorders as among the most difficult health problems to treat. They are nonetheless treatable. Collectively, as a nation and community, we can and must do better.
