Most of us are aware at some level of the damage caused by those who use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Most of us know someone who grew-up or now lives in a household with at least one alcoholic, and the damage stemming from that addiction. Many of us know someone who has a drug use problem, whether illicit street drugs, the latest “designer drug”, or the abuse of prescription painkillers. We can observe and experience for ourselves the consequences of substance abuse and the addiction lifestyle.
The Damage Caused
A professional survey done by Narconon sought the attitudes and opinions of affluent professionals regarding drug abuse and drug rehabilitation centers. Qualtirics, the marketing research firm, provided the panel (a panel is a group of people who have agreed to take part in survey research by answering questions) used in the survey.
Done in October of 2014, the survey asked 280 individuals specific questions about drug abuse, including but not limited to how it affected their lives personally; and what concerned them the most about drug use in our society today.
When the survey takers were asked how the situation with drug and alcohol addiction in today’s society affected their personal life at home, some very specific concerns came to light.
- 10 % of the respondents said it caused them much worry and stress.
- 2% of the survey respondents said they were worried about the impact that drug use in today’s society has on their children.
- 5% responded that it negatively affects their family and ruins trust.
- 7% of those surveyed said drug abuse is awful, and affects society in a big way.
- 7% responded that drug abuse is sad and depressing.
Of Major Concern
There were specific concerns expressed by those taking the survey regarding the damage caused by drug users in the society of today. It is likely that those concerns will be very real to others, as well.
One of the major concerns identified by the survey was that respondents were worried about the impact drug-use in society has or will have on their children. Individual respondents expressed their overriding concern for their children in different ways, but all of which include a concern for the future of their child and their wellbeing in a society riddled with drugs and drug abuse.
One respondent said the concern about drug use in society encourages them to educate their child about drugs. Another survey taker expressed becoming more fearful as her daughter gets older due to the increasing availability and popularity of drugs, and “fearful she will succumb to peer pressure.”
Another respondent said that drug use in our current society “makes it hard to raise children today.” Another said they will have to teach their children about the effects of drugs and alcohol on our society.
A parent said they are worried about prescription painkillers being so available. And another responded that even though their child is young, it is concerning that he will be exposed to and pushed to try alcohol and drugs as he grows-up, especially “to fit in” when he is a teenager.
Parent of a sophomore in college said “I worry about him drinking” while at parties. Yet another expressed worry that their kids were going to get hold of drugs—and that it is a growing problem.
One parent said they always watch-out for “signs of issues”, especially with the “legal” drug dealers.
And another parent simply said, “If it affects my child it affects me.”
“I’m afraid for my children”, said another parent, adding that they hoped their children “will steer clear of that lifestyle.” Another parent said they are worried their children will become involved in drug or alcohol addiction; and yet another said, “It has a profound impact on how I am raising my own children.”
A response by one parent summed-up the overriding parental concerns succinctly and well, saying “I get concerned about my children and the decisions they will make–as it affects all members of society.”
Drug Prevention
Drug prevention education has proven effective in deterring children and youth from drug use. Contact us today for more information.