I Am Going To Research Smoking And Alcohol Abuse

I Am Going To Be Research About Smoking And Alcohol Abuse And Preventi

I am going to be research about Smoking and Alcohol abuse and prevention. Since this is a big issue in the country, I would like to discuss and find out about it. My topic question will be: Why should the U.S. government take more serious action about smoking and alcohol abuse and their prevention? I will explore this issue by examining different age groups, including adolescents, adults, and older adults.

For adolescents, I plan to investigate when and how they started smoking, including questions about how they are affording money for smoking—whether through good or bad means. For adults who began drinking alcohol between the ages of 20 and 30, I want to learn about any behavioral changes they have experienced—whether positive or negative. For older adults aged 55 to 65, I will explore their current behaviors and how their alcohol and smoking habits are affecting those around them.

This research aims to highlight the urgency for policy changes and increased preventive measures by examining the initiation and effects of smoking and alcohol use across different life stages. Understanding the motivations, behaviors, and social impacts of these substances will provide a comprehensive basis for advocating stronger government intervention and awareness programs to reduce reliance on smoking and alcohol and address their long-term health consequences.

Paper For Above instruction

The prevalence of smoking and alcohol abuse remains a critical public health concern in the United States. Despite extensive efforts to curb these behaviors, they continue to pose significant health risks, economic burdens, and social challenges. The need for more substantial government action is underscored by persistent initiation rates, particularly among adolescents, and the enduring health consequences faced by adults and the elderly. This paper explores why the U.S. government should implement more serious measures to prevent smoking and alcohol abuse, emphasizing targeted interventions across different age groups and the importance of early prevention.

To understand the importance of government intervention, it is essential to examine the initiation patterns among adolescents. Research demonstrates that most adult smokers and alcoholics began their substance use during adolescence, often influenced by peer pressure, family environment, and marketing strategies by the tobacco and alcohol industries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022), nearly 90% of adult smokers started smoking by age 18, highlighting the critical window for prevention during teenage years. Further, studies suggest that adolescents often begin smoking as early as age 12-14 (CDC, 2022). Many adolescents acquire cigarettes or alcohol through less-than-legal means, such as peer exchange or illicit sales, which underscores the importance of policies that restrict access and increase awareness.

Most adolescents report initiating smoking and drinking in social settings, often under peer influence. They may also lack awareness of the long-term health consequences, which are severe, including lung disease, cardiovascular conditions, and various cancers (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2014). This early initiation significantly increases the likelihood of persistent use into adulthood, making prevention efforts targeting youth crucial.

In terms of motivations and means of financing, many adolescents turn to their families or engage in petty crimes to acquire cigarettes or alcohol (Johnston et al., 2020). These behaviors not only increase their access but also contribute to a cycle of risky behaviors. By implementing stricter regulations on sales to minors, public education campaigns, and school-based prevention programs, the government can effectively reduce initiation rates.

For adults aged 20-30, the focus shifts to understanding behavioral changes following initial use. Many individuals in this age group report increased alcohol consumption during college years or early career stages. Some develop dependency or show signs of risky drinking behavior, such as binge drinking, which can have detrimental health and social effects (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2020). Research indicates that early exposure to alcohol increases the chances of developing chronic alcohol dependence later in life (Grant et al., 2019).

Moreover, adults in this bracket often justify drinking through social norms, stress relief, or peer pressure. While some report positive social impacts, others share experiences of negative consequences, including job impairment, family problems, and health deterioration (Corbin et al., 2018). This highlights the need for targeted intervention programs that promote healthy coping mechanisms and educate about the risks associated with early and excessive alcohol consumption.

Older adults aged 55-65 present a different dimension of the issue. In this group, alcohol and smoking habits may be longstanding, with some individuals exhibiting dependence that affects their physical health and social interactions. Studies show that chronic alcohol consumption among seniors increases risks of liver disease, cognitive decline, and falls (Rehm et al., 2019). Additionally, older adults tend to engage in drinking in social settings or to cope with loneliness and health issues, factors that complicate intervention efforts.

The social and family impacts of smoking and alcohol abuse among older adults are profound. They often influence caregiving dynamics and impose economic burdens on families and healthcare systems. Public health initiatives targeting this group should include screening for substance abuse during routine healthcare visits, counseling services, and community-based support programs. Governments can facilitate these through funding and policy support, ensuring efforts are accessible and stigma-free.

In conclusion, the persistence of smoking and alcohol abuse across different age groups demonstrates the urgent need for more comprehensive and targeted government action. Early interventions to prevent initiation among youth, coupled with treatment and support for adults and seniors, can significantly reduce the long-term health and social consequences of these behaviors. Stronger policies regulating sales, advertising, and access, as well as public education campaigns, are essential components of a national strategy to combat this ongoing public health crisis. The U.S. government must prioritize these efforts to protect its citizens and reduce the immense economic and social costs associated with smoking and alcohol abuse.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Youth and Tobacco Use. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/tobacco_use/index.htm
2. Corbin, W. R., Fromme, K., & Borsari, B. (2018). Substance use and risky behaviors among college students. Substance Use & Misuse, 53(8), 1244-1252.
3. Grant, B. F., Chou, S. P., Saha, T. D., et al. (2019). Epidemiology of DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. JAMA Psychiatry, 76(10), 1074-1083.
4. Johnston, L. D., Miech, R. A., O'Malley, P. M., et al. (2020). Monitoring the Future National Survey Results on Drug Use: 1975-2020. University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research.
5. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). Alcohol Use in Young Adults. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-use-young-adults
6. Rehm, J., Shield, K. D., et al. (2019). Global burden of alcohol use disorders and alcohol dependence. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 43(9), 1829-1839.
7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/index.htm