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Savannah White

English 1201

Professor Cassel

28 April 2019

The Power of Education

As I have gotten older, my awareness of people and their life choices has grown

tremendously. I’ve watched plenty of relatives grow up and have their own children. Most of the

time, each baby that was born was in perfect condition. Normal heartrate, blood pressure, and the

perfect, newborn cry. One year, something was different. One of my close cousins growing up

announced that she was pregnant with her third child. She had already had two children that were

growing up perfectly fine. She was only about six months pregnant when she gave birth to tiny,

little Preston. He fit right into your hand and weighed less than anything I’ve ever seen. His

chances of survival were little to none. Before he was born, no one knew about his mother’s poor

lifestyle choices. She had been doing heroin throughout her entire pregnancy, risking the life of

her unborn son, and herself. Preston was one of the lucky ones. He was able to hold on and

managed to make it through. Now, he is 6 years old and has many health issues. His teeth grew

in improperly, he is much smaller than boys his age, and he is very developmentally challenged.

His mother’s drug addiction changed his life before he even got to live it. Had my family known

about my cousin’s addiction before her pregnancy, Preston’s birth defects and life-long struggles

could have been avoided. It is important to realize the true effect that substance abuse and

addiction can have on everyone in the community, and to be able to notice the warning signs
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before it’s too late. Education for the children of today could be an ideal tool for preventing

addiction and its harsh effects on the entire community in the future.

Substance abuse, also known as substance dependence, occurs when a person is reliant on

the effects of a drug, either physically or psychologically (Doyle-Portillo 150). Many substances

are frequently abused, including illegal and legal drugs. A serious issue that can begin an

addiction is a person’s tolerance to a drug. With substance abuse, tolerance is the amount of a

drug that is required to produce effectiveness in a person (150). After repetitive use of a drug, the

person’s tolerance for the drug will rise. This causes a person to use more of a drug to get the

same effect as the first time they took it. A great example of this is alcoholism. When a person

has alcohol for the first time, they may feel a buzz after just a drink or two. Once a person begins

drinking regularly, their tolerance for alcohol rises dramatically, allowing them to drink much

more before they feel any sort of buzz. This means that the person must drink more to experience

that same feeling as the first time they drank (150). This effect is the same with drugs, legal or

illegal. There is also a major part of the brain that plays a large role in addiction and substance

abuse. This is called the limbic system. The limbic system is “a group of structures located on

the medial aspect of each cerebral hemisphere and diencephalon” (Marieb 456). This system

works as the emotional-visceral brain and is responsible for emotional response and memory

formation (456). It can also be known as the “brain reward system,” which helps us to form

feelings of joy and pleasure (Addiction). There are many things that come together to form an

addiction, including the choices of the user, their body’s tolerance to certain substances, and the

physiology of the brain.

Substance abuse in America has always been a large issue. There are many different

drugs for people to chose from, and they are extremely easy to access here in the United States.
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There are many different types of illicit drugs, including opiates, stimulants, depressants, and

hallucinogens (Commonly Used). Each type of drug can be used for different experiences and

highs, and many of them have varied in popularity over the past few decades (Commonly Used).

Opiate drugs have risen in popularity over the past decade in the United States. The most

commonly used opiate is heroin (Commonly Used). Heroin can be injected, snorted, or smoked.

It has some major effects on the brain, such as short-term euphoria, drowsiness, and even some

sedation. Heroin was the cause of over 15,000 deaths in 2017, one of the leading drugs that was

overdosed on (Commonly Used). Heroin is an easy drug to lace with many other illegal drugs,

forming a completely lethal product. Originally, it was created to stop a morphine addiction

problem that was happening (History). It was supposed to be a less addictive pain killer, but it

became something much more potent.

Another commonly used drug type are stimulants. These include drugs like cocaine and

methamphetamine. They tend to be either snorted, swallowed, smoked, or injected. These drugs

can cause short-term bursts of energy and excitement, tremors, and paranoia (Commonly Used).

They also can have harsh long-term effects on the body, such as lots of dental problems and even

nasal damage from snorting the drugs. The number of people who fatally overdosed on

methamphetamine in 2017 was over 10,000 (National Institute). This number has dramatically

increased over the past decade, with only 1,000 deaths in 2007 (National Institute). Another

addictive stimulant that many people do not think about is caffeine. Caffeine can be found in

teas, sodas, chocolate, and coffee, and many people use it for everyday energy, or as a treatment

for headaches (Doyle-Portillo 152). Some of the other effects that caffeine may cause are

insomnia and high blood pressure (152).

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Another commonly used drug type are depressants. Depressants can cause delays and

interferences in regular functioning by slowing down the brain (Doyle-Portillo 151). Depressants

include substances like alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. Alcohol is extremely

addictive to many people due to the way the body can increasingly tolerate it over time.

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are generally used for medical purposes but can often be found

on the streets and sold. One common benzodiazepine is Xanax. It is considered a sedative and

can help relieve anxiety (152). It can also cause depression, confusion or problems with sleeping.

Like most abused drugs, with moderation and guide from a doctor, depressants can be used

effectively, without the risk of becoming addicted.

Another very common drug type are hallucinogens. The most commonly used

hallucinogen today is marijuana. With marijuana becoming legalized in many states around the

country, it is becoming easier to access this drug. Marijuana does have many powerful effects on

the body that can be used for pain relief and healing, especially for people with chronic disease,

such as cancer (Doyle-Portillo 153). There are a few issues that can come with marijuana though.

It can cause sleeping problems, paranoia, loss of motivation, and it is also considered to be a

gateway drug. A gateway drug is a drug that is believed to lead people into starting harder drugs,

such as heroin. Yale University conducted a study and revealed that 34% of people who were

abusing opiate drugs, began with smoking marijuana. The number is even higher for substances

like alcohol, with 57% of opiate abusers beginning with alcohol as their substance of choice

(Fiellin 159). These statistics given show the correlation between very commonly used

substances, and the future that might be ahead for the user. With more and more legislation

reaching towards legalizing marijuana, it is a fear of many that harsher drugs will soon be

abused.
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Each of these types of drugs have many effects on the body. While many of them are

short term effects, recent studies have been done to show the long-term effects of some of the

drugs. For example, one of the long-term effects of heavy drinking is the development of

Korsakoff’s Syndrome. This is an irreversible memory disorder that is caused by low levels of

vitamin B, or thiamine (Doyle-Portillo 154). For a serious alcoholic, alcohol will often take the

place of nutritious foods, leading to low levels of many vitamins. A serious long-term effect that

alcohol can have on a woman’s body is the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. This means that if a

woman becomes pregnant and continues harsh drinking, her baby may be born with this

condition. The infant will often have low birth weight, bodily deformities, brain abnormalities, or

even death (154). There are also similar effects that can arise because of other drug abuse during

pregnancy, including a baby being born with the addiction. They often go through withdraw

symptoms themselves. Even marijuana studies have shown some long-term effects, including

impaired attention, learning, and motor coordination (163). There are many effects that

substances can have on the body, including short-term, long-term, and even the offspring of a

person.

In 2017, over 70,000 people in the United States overdosed and lost their lives because of

their substance abuse problems (National Institute). Since the 1990s, the number of overdose

deaths in America has climbed dramatically, from a reported 16,849 deaths in 1999, all the way

to where we are today (National Institute). This dramatic change has baffled the country, proving

that there is a huge issue with substance abuse in America (National Institute). Not only do

substance abuse issues cause death and injury to people across the world, they also cause many

social issues. Over half of reported rapist claimed to have been drinking alcohol before

committing their act (Doyle-Portillo 157). Drug use is also very common in those who take part
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in physical or emotional abuse. Also, they cause great expenses to people in society. Alcohol-

related car accidents costs about $50 billion dollars a year (Doyle-Portillo 157). Overall,

substance abuse causes great deals of stress and problems across the country.

There have been many great programs and institutions created for those who suffer from

addiction in America. One important step towards stopping our addiction and abuse epidemic is

by getting help to the ones in need. One great way to help is to look out for loved ones. It is

important to notice the signs of withdraw and to be supportive to those who are suffering. Some

of these symptoms include vomiting, shaking, sweating, pain, headaches, and hallucinations

(Doyle-Portillo 150). They may also suffer from some psychological symptoms, including

depression and thoughts of suicide. It is important to keep an eye out for those in need, especially

when they are going through such a tough time after their addiction. But, is there a way to stop

addiction and its harsh effects before it happens?

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Education plays a huge role in the first 18 years of a person’s life. Many people

experience their first friends, love, and heartbreak while they are still in school. These events can

help to shape and mold a person into who they will be for the rest of their lives. It is also a very

impressionable time in a person’s life, especially young children. It has been said that young

children are very impressionable, mainly because “children who enter school at a young age are

also exposed to formal learning at a young age” (Earning). When children are exposed to

something at a young age, they can learn it more formally and apply it to the rest of their lives. If

this is the case, then why shouldn’t children be taught about substance abuse and its effects at a

young age?

Effective education and awareness of anything can be extremely useful. Just like learning

about science and math, the effects of substance abuse and addiction should be taught to school-

aged children. Like sex education in schools, the effects of drug and alcohol use should be taught

and explained each year a child is in school. In 2018, Ohio lawmakers suggested creating a drug

education program that would be required for schools to do statewide, starting in kindergarten

(All Hands). This program would contain the tools for elementary school children to make the

right choices throughout the rest of their lives. Many states have already begun programs like

this, creating ways for children to make healthy lifestyles choices, including their diets, physical

activity, and by educating them about drugs and alcohol. Education can be a strong influencer to

keep children and young adults away from substance abuse.

There are many things that schools and organizations can do to help lead the children of

America to make the right choices. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that

protective factors can help steer young adults in the right direction (All Hands). One of the most

effective ways is school connectedness. Because young adults spend so much time at school with
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their classmates and teachers, it is important to feel a sense of importance and belongingness in

the group. They also want to feel like the people at school care about them and are willing to

listen when they need help. Another effective thing that schools can do is to have education

standards about substance abuse and proper use of substances (All Hands). Ideally, children

could take this education out into the real world. They can use it at home with their families, and

to better the communities that they live in. Another important tool that schools could use for a

program like this is to educate their teachers and faculty through professional development (All

Hands). Many school districts already have days set aside each year for professional

development. It is important that all teachers are up to date on things like drug trends, slang, and

signs that could signify a substance issue going on in their school. These preventative factors

may not be enough to stop this drug epidemic. If children are more educated on the scary effects

that addiction may bring to them, they might be less likely to start using drugs or alcohol.

The power of education is an amazing thing. As Malcolm X said, “Education is the

passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This means that

if we prepare the children of today with education for the problems of the future, maybe those

future problems won’t be as severe. This can be relayed directly to the education of substance

abuse and everything that comes with it. If we educate the children of today about substance

abuse and the serious effects that can come with it, they will be less likely to be apart of

substance abuse themselves. As these children grow into adults, they will be able to use the

education of their childhood to better the future. If children are educated now, there will be less

teenagers drinking or smoking marijuana, leading to less people starting harder drugs, like

opiates. This chain effect will also affect the future of their children. There will be less babies

born with fetal alcohol syndrome and less infant lives lost from birth defects because of drug
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addiction. Education for theses children will also save the country billions of dollars by lessening

the number of alcohol related car accidents. But, most importantly, the education of these

children about substance abuse will save thousands of lives each year. With over 70,000 lives

lost due to substance abuse in 2017, even more hearts were broken (National Institute). If the

children of today are prepared for substance abuses, they will know to avoid it, and their

knowledge will lead them into a clean, sober life.

Substance abuse is an extreme issue in America today. Almost every person has been

affected by it in some way, whether they lost a loved one or they are an abuser. Education is

extremely powerful and can lead an entire nation into a happy, drug-free life. It is important to

education and prepare the children of today for a world of danger and addiction. Preparing them

for the worst might lead to the best.

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history.html.

Fiellin, Lynn E., et al. “Previous Use of Alcohol, Cigarettes, and Marijuana and Subsequent

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no. 2, 2013, pp. 158–163.

Marieb, Elaine Nicpon, and Katja Hoehn. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 11th ed., Pearson,

2019.

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www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates.