No drugs are good drugs

In the society that we live in today there is a strong sense of the use of alcohol and illegal substances among college students. The question is does that have any effect on the students emotional intelligence? We all know that alcohol and illegal substances already have a strong influence on the brain with mind altering effects that can disturb emotional intelligence. The fact that the rates of use of illegal substance and alcohol has tripled for adolescents and young adults creates an even bigger issue that needs to be stopped. With the increase of adolescents using and starting as young as the age of twelve this have increased the activity of stealing, school drop outs, and a total lack of productivity, because all they really care about is having “fun” and getting high or wasted and letting their lives fall apart. This increase the yearly cost to the National Drug Intelligence Center reported the cost of substance use in 2007 amount up to $193 billion dollars. ( Claros, 2012 ) When it comes to comparing emotions and substance the are aspects to understand is how risky behaviors of substance abuse can effect a person’s emotional problems such as school, family, having trouble coping with emotional issues. This can lead more substance abuse, violence, and plenty more self-destructive behaviors. Studies have shown that this issue also deals with high emotional intelligence can lead to positive moods and stronger self-esteem. The study implies that students who are more emotionally intelligent have higher self-esteem and show greater performance outcomes in life in general.( Claros, 2012 ) These students that have more emotional intelligence tend to stay away from destructive behaviors such as substance abuse.  

Abstract

Claros, Edith, PhD,M.S.N., R.N., & Sharma, Manoj, MBBS,M.C.H.E.S., PhD. (2012). The relationship between emotional intelligence and abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco among college students. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 56(1), 8-37. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1030281742?accountid=12085