Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse: A Sociology Term Paper

This term paper addresses the escalating social problem of prescription drug abuse, providing a comprehensive analysis based on sociological theory and data from the PEW Research Center. The paper begins by identifying prescription drug abuse as a significant public health concern, highlighting its increasing prevalence among the general population and college students. It then applies the social-situational theory to explain the roots of child abuse, which is presented in the first part of the paper, and connects this to prescription drug abuse, suggesting that both issues are influenced by external pressures and cultural norms. The paper presents data suggesting a growing concern among Americans, and proposes several evidence-based solutions, including clinicians' roles in preventing misuse and incorporating screening tools. This essay aims to offer insights into the problem and suggests practical, logical, and evidence-based solutions. The paper adheres to APA format and includes references.

Running head: PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
Prescription Drug Abuse
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
Part One
One grave social issue that is extremely common in today’s times is that of domestic
child abuse. Domestic child abuse may be identified as the physical and emotional
maltreatment of a child (Nelson, 2016). Child abuse not only exploits the child but it robs
them off their fundamental rights as well. Due to the abuse, a child’s physical and mental
needs are thoroughly ignored. One sociological theory that may aptly explain child abuse is
the social-situational theory. This theory proposes that violence and consequently the abuse
is established from two key factors (Wikström, 2014). One of these features is structural
stress and another is cultural norms. Due to the fact that stress builds significantly on the
parent due to external pressure, violence becomes a means to cope and bring the situation
under control. Thus, corporal punishment becomes a means to vent out their anger.
It is extremely crucial to solve this social evil completely. Firstly, a parent must never
attempt to discipline their child when their emotions are out of control. This would ensure
that unmanaged anger does not become a burden for the child. Secondly, if a parent is facing
a substance abuse problem then they must immediately seek help. Dealing with these issues
ensures that emotions are properly channeled and dealt with. Lastly, parents must attempt to
garner knowledge on parenting and child youth development. Being well informed regarding
the pivotal role that a parent plays in the lives of their children would urge them to create a
positive environment for their child. Therefore, by following these steps, a parent may ensure
that their child’s development remains healthy.

2PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
Part Two
Prescription Drug Abuse
The social problem that is being addressed in the article is the rampant growth of
prescription drug abuse. It is now identified that abuse of prescription drugs is a grave health
problem. More Americans have considered prescription drug abuse as a serious problem in
2014 than they did in 2013. A great number of members of the political parties also regard
prescription drug abuse as a serious issue. Hence, it may be identified that prescription drug
abuse is a growing problem that the individuals of America must soon look to tackle.
Suggestions from the Data
From the data provided, it can be concluded that prescription drug abuse is a
hindrance that is growing exponentially over the passing years. A shocking 76% of
Americans claim that prescription drug abuse is an obstacle that the individuals of the nation
is a facing. Moreover, this growing number may also be found amongst college students.
While in 2013 54% of the students regarded prescription drug abuse as a cause for serious
concern, this number has now risen to a stark 89%. Hence, prescription drug abuse occupied
the number one spot.
Suggestions to Solve the Issue
There may be some measures that can be taken in order to head towards a solution.
Firstly, clinicians play a pivotal role as they can take steps to prevent a patient’s misuse of the
drugs. In addition, evidence-based screening instruments may be incorporated in the routine
medical checkups. Also, if doctors check on the unscheduled refills of a patient, this may also
help them to identify who is suffering from this abuse. By following these steps, the serious
issue of prescription drug abuse may be curbed (PEW Research Center, 2019).

3PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

4PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
References
Nelson, B. J. (2016). Making an issue of child abuse. University of Chicago Press.
PEW Research Center. (2019). Prescription drug abuse increasingly seen as major U.S.
public health problem. Retrieved 8 September 2019, from
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/11/15/prescription-drug-abuse-
increasingly-seen-as-a-major-u-s-public-health-problem/
Wikström, P. O. H. (2014). Why crime happens: A situational action theory. Analytical
sociology: Actions and networks, 74-94.