The Dangers of Drug Abuse: A First Hand Account

I grew up in the Bronx, NY during the 1980s and witnessed the devastating effects of the crack cocaine epidemic firsthand as a teenager. Crack flooded the streets of New York City almost overnight. One by one, friends, classmates, and neighbors fell victim to this potent and highly addictive form of cocaine. Most people who tried crack became instantly hooked and obsessed with getting their next fix. The change in their behavior, appearance, and health was rapid and undeniable. It completely took over their lives and led them down a dark path. This epidemic led to increased crime and violence in the streets and destroyed entire families and neighborhoods. One of my close friends from grammar school fell victim and quickly became isolated from his family and friends, wandering the streets in pursuit of his next hit. He lost weight, developed health problems, and was utterly unrecognizable when I saw him on the streets asking for money. There was also a young, beautiful teenage girl who moved to the Bronx from Puerto Rico with her family, hoping for a better future. Unfortunately, she dated a drug dealer, got hooked on crack, and within a short time was a mere shell of her former self, ending up as a prostitute. Both of these unfortunate victims eventually contracted AIDS and lost their lives at a young age.

After graduating from medical school and working in the hospital setting for six years, I joined the pharmaceutical industry as a drug safety physician. In 2008, I accepted a job at Purdue Pharmaceuticals, the maker of OxyContin, inextricably linked with the opioid crisis. Unlike the crack epidemic, which primarily impacted inner cities, the opioid crisis affected both urban and rural areas and had a significantly higher mortality rate due to overdose deaths. Similar to crack, opioids are highly addictive, and recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial in getting someone help. Opioid addiction can lead to changes in appearance and behavior (including risk-taking behaviors), social withdrawal, worsening job or school performance, and withdrawal symptoms (e.g., trembling, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, sweating, irritability, paranoia, insomnia).

The one thing I’ve learned from my personal and professional experience is that prevention and education are crucial in combating the scourge of drug abuse. There is no such thing as harmless experimentation with drugs. Anyone who tells you this is not your friend, or worse, is not very bright.

Experimenting with drugs is inherently risky and can have severe, long-standing consequences on you and your loved ones. Even one time use can lead to addiction in a person with risk factors (i.e., family history of substance use, mental health issues, childhood sexual abuse, poor parental monitoring, and environmental factors such as peer pressure).¹ Teens are particularly susceptible to the risks of addiction and substance use. Research shows that adolescents who initiate substance use before age 15 are 6.5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to those who begin use at age 21 or older.² Substance use has a significant impact on the developing brain of adolescents, including structural and molecular changes that can affect behavior, mood, and cognition.³

Teens must be educated about the dangers of drugs, how to resist peer pressure, and to “just say no.” Schools, communities, and families must work together to provide our youth with the knowledge, skills and support to make informed choices. For those struggling with addiction, early intervention and treatment programs are essential. By addressing the root causes of drug abuse, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities, we can create a healthier and more resilient society.

About The Author

Enrique Garcia, MD, MBA, is the Executive Medical Director of Patient Safety & Pharmacovigilance. With over two decades of expertise in Drug Safety, Pharmacovigilance, and Risk Management, he brings a wealth of experience to his role. Dr. Garcia has accumulated 19 years of management experience, coupled with 6 years of hands-on clinical practice, medical education, and clinical research. Board certified in Internal Medicine, his extensive background underscores a deep commitment to advancing patient safety and effective pharmacovigilance.

References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Drugs, brains, and behavior: the science of addiction.

Feinstein, Emily C., Linda Richter, and Susan E. Foster. 2012. “Addressing the Critical Health Problem of Adolescent Substance Use through Health Care, Research, and Public Policy.” Journal of Adolescent Health 50 (5): 431–36.

Steinfeld, M.R., Torregrossa, M.M. Consequences of adolescent drug use. Transl Psychiatry 13, 313 (2023)