Drug Use Trends and Public Health Concerns

This assignment examines current drug use trends globally, analyzing factors influencing their rise and exploring their impact on public health. It utilizes statistics from reputable sources like the British Drugs Survey, Crime Survey for England and Wales, and HSCIC reports to illustrate patterns in drug usage. The text delves into specific drugs and their associated risks, highlighting the growing concerns surrounding internet addiction and the use of substances like mephedrone.

RESEACH
PROPOSAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background of the study.........................................................................................................1
Rationale of the study.............................................................................................................2
Research aims and objectives.................................................................................................2
Research questions.................................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................3
Drug addiction trend in UK....................................................................................................3
Factors contributing and in enhancing drug addiction among youth.....................................5
RESEACH METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................................6
Research Type........................................................................................................................6
Data collection........................................................................................................................6
Sampling.................................................................................................................................6
Data analysis...........................................................................................................................7
Research limitation.................................................................................................................7
RESEACH SPECIFICATION.........................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Topic: To determine the factors which are influencing drug addiction among young people in
UK.
Background of the study
Nutt, King and Phillips, (2010) stated the minds of youth as a source of energy which,
with effective direction and development may help in providing wide results to the economy.
Youth of a country are termed as the future of the nation because of their capabilities, power and
creativity to change the economy. Talent of young people in the nation can be used for economic
development and overall growth of the country. According to Ersche and et.al., (2010) youth is a
chronological age between childhood and adult which has no definite age range however socially
this is defined to be the age from 16-25 years. In UK young population is high and is growing on
a continuous rate. The needs, demands, perception and social ideology of young generation is
changing on a fast pace.
Recent surveys and researches revealed drug in take in UK is rising widely within the
young generations. Approximately 50% of the young population between 16-25 years of age has
used or are using illegal drugs. The ratio reflected a growing trend within the market and as per
the forecasted reports the figure will rise drastically in the coming future. Different people has
developed different perception about the issues or factors which has motivated drug usage within
youth but studies have revealed a complete new ideology regarding factors influencing the issue.
Knollmann (2011) analysed that rising rate of immigrants has caused the social change within
the country while Winstock and et.al., (2011) blamed technological advancement for the trends.
Some researchers found a positive relation between social pressures on child with vulnerability
which motivates young people towards drug addiction. Hence, from the above analysis it can be
determined that there is variety of issues which has helped in developing issue of drug addiction
within youth. It has also been evaluated the factors influencing the social cause of drug addiction
in young people is different from that in adults (British drugs survey 2014: drug use is rising in
the UK, 2014).
The present study will focus on analysing various factors which has resulted in
influencing drug addiction among young people in UK. The research will be carried out in a well
structured manner for analysing the key issue and associated problems linked with the same. In
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addition, researcher will carry out an in-depth analysis regarding the past data future forecast of
the social cause. Moreover, effective research analysis will be carried out on the subject using
social concepts and theoretical frameworks in order to analyse and understand the key aspect of
the problem and prospective challenges associated with it.
Rationale of the study
Researches and surveys have revealed drug addiction has and now become a social cause
for the country. More than 50% of youth is addicted towards illegal drug usage and consumption.
This has created an ineffective impact on needs and demands of people. With rising global
competitiveness and developing trends in economy contribution of youth in economic
development is significant. Drug addiction practice has resulted in rising health issues and low
and productivity of majority of nation's population. This may result in restricting the economic
growth and development of the nation. The present report will focus on analysing the theoretical
and social frameworks for examining the factors which contributes in developing drug addiction
within youth. The research will evaluate the impact of the habit on health and fitness of young
people along with its future implication. It will also shed light on the impact of the practice on
national development of UK.
Research aims and objectives
The study will focus on examining a social issue developing in The UK economy which
has resulting in creating wide impact on development and growth of the country. The key aim of
the research will be to determine the factors which are influencing drug addiction among young
people in UK. In order to attain the stated aim the objectives of the research will be:
 To examine the trend of drug addiction among youth in UK
 To critically analyse theoretical framework associated with the issue
 To determine various factors contributing in drug addiction in young people
 To investigate the impact of drug addiction on young people
Research questions
In order to achieve the research objectives for the present study effectively following
research questions has been developed. These will help in structuring the research and
developing an in-line study on the selected topic.
 How has the trend of drug addiction within youth developed in UK?
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 What are the factors contributing towards increasing trend for drug addiction in the
country?
 What is the impact of drug addiction on future health of young people?
LITERATURE REVIEW
This section of the report will focus on conducting an in-depth secondary analysis in
order to analyse the factors which contributes in developing drug addiction among youth of UK.
Well developed theoretical analysis will help in developing foundation for the analysis.
Drug addiction trend in UK
Illustration 1: Trends of drug usage in 2015
(Source: Statistics on Drug Misuse. 2014)
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Drug addiction is a situation where an individual is accustomed to regular intake of drugs
and has extremely low will power to quit and change the lifestyle. Milton and Everitt (2010)
defined drugs addiction as a complex disease which has a direct implication on the physical,
behavioural and mental health of a person. It affects the brain of an individual and sends false
signals making person behave in an abnormal manner. Ryan, Jorm and Lubman (2010) stated in
the research that drug addiction in UK has created serious issues for the economic growth.
Similarly, Jackson, Henderson and Haw (2012) reflected risks associated with one's habit for
society and individual as well.
Illustration 2: Drug addiction trend in different countries
(Source: Drug misuse: Findings from the 2013/14 Crime Survey for England and Wales. 2014)
The above figure states clearly that the issue of drug addiction is observed maximum
among young generation. The trend analysis reveals increasing users on yearly basis who are
facing drug addiction issue. Weinstein and Lejoyeux, (2010) researched the data of asylums and
rehabilitation centres stating that in the modern era youth under 25 years of age are increasing
seeking rehabilitation services to recover addiction issue. Moreover, a survey conducted in
London university revealed that 90% of the students present in the university said that they
themselves of have known closed one who have used or is addicted to illegal drug usage (Di
Forti and et.al., 2014). This data was disturbing for the economy. In addition to this Hughes and
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Stevens, (2010) revealed in the research that by the end of year 2032 the drug users in UK
economy will rise and substantially (13.8% males and 8.9% females). The overall analysis of the
statistics effectively reflects that the stated issue has developed a trend in the economy which
reveals positive growth figures.
Factors contributing and in enhancing drug addiction among youth
Different theories and analysis has been used for supporting the social theories of drug
addiction in the economy. Huw Williams and et.al., (2010) compared drug addiction with
common communicable disease focusing on the difference that former has a retrial process while
later has no healing process. Every court of the world is facing issues related to addiction, drug
abuse or alcoholism. This has created an ineffective impact on the growth of the community and
country as a whole. Scott-Sheldon, Carey and Carey (2010) revealed many factors contributing
in developing addiction with young people of 16-25 year of age. Genetics is one significant
factor highlighted by experts which attributes to declining will power and self control in an
individual resulting in captivating towards addictive unhealthy practices. However, Hughes and
et.al., (2011) contradicted this factor stating that this is a common factor which may develop
addiction in any age grown-up. The impact of social and cultural atmosphere is one of the major
contributor for the same. This has resulted in blinding them against right and wrong practices and
has influenced them for the same. Franks and et.al., (2010) contributed towards the study by
revealing that environment, trauma and stress are yet another factors which have helped young
people in choosing drugs. In addition to this mental illness is another significant factors for the
same. Moreover, Young and Havens (2012) mentioned that in the present era influence of peers
and friends has widely affected the society norms and policies. Research revealed that using
drugs allows young people to fit in with their peers and blend in with the crowd, and it might
also give teens something to do when the days grow long and they’re tired of their televisions,
computers and video games (Kassin and et.al., 2010).
Hence, on the basis of above analysis it has been revealed and analysed that variety of
measures and individual perception has helped youth in choosing drug addiction in UK. This has
developed high risk factors for society and market.
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RESEACH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a crucial aspect of the research study as it helps the researcher
in developing a well structured study to attain aims and objectives of the research. This section
will focus on discussing tools, techniques and design which will be implemented for the current
study. It will help in developing an effective base for conducting the research which will
minimize the chances of deviating from the subject matter.
Research Type
This element of methodology focuses on analysing different types of investigation carried
out by the researcher for resolving research issue. Under this, there are different types of
investigation such as descriptive, exploratory, casual and other (El Ansari and Stock, 2010). The
present study will be a descriptive research study where the researcher will carry out an in-depth
analysis different factors associated with drug addiction and will focus on analysing the trends
associated with it. The report will analyse existing theories and context and will focus on
implementing the same in the present study.
Data collection
This is one of the most significant part of the research analysis. It helps in enhancing
reliability and viability of the research. Primary and secondary methods of data collection are the
commonly accepted means for conducting a research. The present study will adopt both primary
and secondary research measures for conducting effective study. Secondary or past data will be
collected for attaining reliable research results for the study. This data will be collected from
various sources such as books, journals, magazines, online article, websites, newspaper etc.
Primary data collection for the present research will be done using survey method. A well
structured questionnaire will be developed for attaining direct data from the participants. This
will help researcher in attaining updated results for the study.
Sampling
Sampling is essential part of primary research study. The current study focuses on
analysing the drug addiction among young people. For this, student will be targeted by the
researcher. In order to attain a representative sample from the vast population, 100 students
under 22 years of age will be selected from London using probabilistic sampling method.
Researcher will select Facebook profiles of 400 students from London and using convenience
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sampling will send request to every third selected student. First 100 completed questionnaires
will then be considered for the study.
Data analysis
Data analysis for the research will be done using quantitative research method. The
researcher will use SPSS techniques for analysing the quantitative data collected from analysis.
Use of descriptive statistical methods will help in attaining reliable research results.
Research limitation
The research limitation for the current study will be:
 Large and diverse population to research
 Limited time and cost resources
 Sensitive topic of the issue may result in attaining biased results hence large sample size
is selected to neutralize the error
RESEACH SPECIFICATION
Activity/Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Developing research proposal
Analysing theoretical concepts (literature
review)
Objective finalization
Drafting the literature review
Collecting secondary data
Analysis of the secondary data
Development of research approach
Drafting of research methodology
Formulating the questionnaire
Arranging survey
Conducting survey
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Gathering of the information
Drafting findings of the survey
Evaluation of the data
Finalizing other chapters
Draft findings chapter
Submission to tutor and awaiting feedback
Revising the final draft
Printing and binding
Submit
The resources used for conducting the research will include computer, books, journals,
stationary and internet. The research will be carried out under strict norms and academic
guidelines prescribed.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Di Forti, M. and et.al., 2014. Daily use, especially of high-potency cannabis, drives the earlier
onset of psychosis in cannabis users. Schizophrenia bulletin. 40(6). pp.1509-1517.
El Ansari, W. and Stock, C., 2010. Is the health and wellbeing of university students associated
with their academic performance? Cross sectional findings from the United Kingdom.
International journal of environmental research and public health. 7(2). pp.509-527.
Ersche, K.D. and et.al., 2010. Drug addiction endophenotypes: impulsive versus sensation-
seeking personality traits. Biological psychiatry. 68(8). pp.770-773.
Franks, P.W. and et.al., 2010. Childhood obesity, other cardiovascular risk factors, and
premature death. New England Journal of Medicine. 362(6). pp.485-493.
Hughes, C.E. and Stevens, A., 2010. What can we learn from the Portuguese decriminalization
of illicit drugs?. British Journal of Criminology. pp.083.
Hughes, K. and et.al., 2011. Environmental factors in drinking venues and alcohol‐related
harm: the evidence base for European intervention. Addiction. 106(s1). pp.37-46.
Huw Williams, W. and et.al., 2010. Self-reported traumatic brain injury in male young offenders:
A risk factor for re-offending, poor mental health and violence?. Neuropsychological
rehabilitation. 20(6). pp.801-812.
Jackson, C.A., Henderson, M., Frank, J.W. and Haw, S.J., 2012. An overview of prevention of
multiple risk behaviour in adolescence and young adulthood. Journal of public health.
34(suppl 1). pp.i31-i40.
Kassin, S.M. and et.al., 2010. Police-induced confessions: Risk factors and recommendations.
Law and human behavior. 34(1). pp.3-38.
Knollmann, B.C. ed., 2011. Goodman & Gilman's the pharmacological basis of therapeutics
(Vol. 12). New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.
Milton, A.L. and Everitt, B.J., 2010. The psychological and neurochemical mechanisms of drug
memory reconsolidation: implications for the treatment of addiction. European Journal
of Neuroscience. 31(12). pp.2308-2319.
Nutt, D.J., King, L.A. and Phillips, L.D., 2010. Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision
analysis. The Lancet. 376(9752). pp.1558-1565.
Ryan, S.M., Jorm, A.F. and Lubman, D.I., 2010. Parenting factors associated with reduced
adolescent alcohol use: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Australian and New
Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 44(9). pp.774-783.
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Scott-Sheldon, L.A., Carey, M.P. and Carey, K.B., 2010. Alcohol and risky sexual behavior
among heavy drinking college students. AIDS and Behavior. 14(4). pp.845-853.
Weinstein, A. and Lejoyeux, M., 2010. Internet addiction or excessive internet use. The
American journal of drug and alcohol abuse. 36(5). pp.277-283.
Winstock, A. and et.al., 2011. Mephedrone: use, subjective effects and health risks. Addiction.
106(11). pp.1991-1996.
Young, A.M. and Havens, J.R., 2012. Transition from first illicit drug use to first injection drug
use among rural Appalachian drug users: a cross‐sectional comparison and retrospective
survival analysis. Addiction. 107(3). pp.587-596.
Online
British drugs survey 2014: drug use is rising in the UK. 2014. [Online]. available through:
<http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/05/-sp-drug-use-is-rising-in-the-uk-but-
were-not-addicted>. [Accessed on 9th April 2016].
Drug misuse: Findings from the 2013/14 Crime Survey for England and Wales. 2014. [Online].
available through: <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-misuse-findings-
from-the-2013-to-2014-csew/drug-misuse-findings-from-the-201314-crime-survey-for-
england-and-wales>. [Accessed on 9th April 2016].
Statistics on Drug Misuse. 2014. [Online]. available through:
<http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB15943/drug-misu-eng-2014-rep.pdf>.
[Accessed on 9th April 2016].
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