Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Blacks and Whites Coursework

Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Blacks and Whites - Coursework Example Substance abuse and alcoholism have always invited debate on whether these are a medical problem or social problem. These addictions have been associated with serious medical conditions such as infections with HIV, and they have also been associated with social misbehavior. Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, can be compared to a viral disease that spreads during an epidemic.   Substance abuse is the addition of an individual to the consumption of alcohol or other drugs despite having knowledge of problems related to such substances. Substance abuse and alcohol provide the individual with a temporary pleasure and gives a feeling of great happiness. Continuous use of such drugs makes the individual tolerant to its effects and may develop unusual withdrawal symptoms that may be detrimental to his/her overall health. The most useful and vibrant section of the society in the age group of 15-40 is widely affected by this grave and deadly habit.Types of drugs used by the populatio n in the United States also show ethnographic diversities such as alcohol-in-combination (32.7%), followed by cocaine (17.86%), and marijuana/hashish (14.64%). African-Americans have been found most commonly dosed with cocaine (56.53%), in emergency department cases, followed by alcohol-in-combination (40.21%), and heroine/morphine (23.37%). A specific report of 2000 on emergency department cases of cocaine overdose has revealed 43.39% of African-Americans and 34.2% Caucasians. A pattern of onset of substance use and alcoholism has been reported by many researchers. For example, it has been reported that Caucasians typically begin consumption of tobacco and alcohol at a younger age than African-Americans. Also, African-Americans have been found to develop cocaine and opiate dependence much after developing alcohol dependence, unlike Caucasians.  Ã‚   Role of culture in the consumption of alcohol has also been evidenced in these ethnographic groups. Alcohol consumption in certain cultures is allowed to a moderate extent, however, these groups are, at the same time, under the influence of society, peers, environment etc and deviation from these norms has become a very common feature. For example, alcohol consumption by Caucasians in comparison to African-Americans in the United States has been found higher and is linked to norms relating to alcohol use.