Substance abuse includes a wide range of destructive effects on its users, on the people around them and also on society as a whole. The impact of substance abuse takes a toll on families, such as financial and emotional turmoil. The abuser is likely to use all available resources to support the addiction he or she has developed, ignoring other priorities and leaving them neglected. Due to the altered mental state of these individuals, it is not uncommon for them to trigger tendencies of violence and cruelty towards their family members which can sometimes allow a spouse to take on an unhealthy role to preserve their relationship. Unfortunately, children of addicted parents are at higher risk of experiencing physical and emotional trauma and possibly repeating the cycles. Drug addiction has a huge impact on society, in all directions. The cost of drug law and policy enforcement is a very expensive and extensive process, ranging from street level law and policy enforcement, to correctional facilities, as well as rehabilitation issues . Crime has always been associated with drugs across a broad spectrum, from petty crime to more organized affiliations wishing to control the drug trade. The violence and crime created by these people seriously disrupts our society and law-abiding citizens. Drug or alcohol abuse essentially allows your body to slowly poison itself over time and has a huge impact on many areas of health and wellness. These long-term abusers are at increased risk of many illnesses ranging from heart, liver, and lung disease to nerve or brain damage. Drug addiction is considered one of the most pervasive problems facing our nation...... middle of paper ...... be overcome with perseverance and hard work. Although expensive, I believe it can provide significant results in prevention among adolescents who are considered most at risk due to multiple risk factors. Family bonds and parenting are crucial parts of a child's life. Parents should be able to provide important advice through words and actions regarding drug or alcohol use. According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), “the more parents interact and talk with their children about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, the less likely their children will experience them.” If parents can establish and maintain good communication with their children, be a positive role model, be involved in their lives, establish clear rules and enforce them consistently, this can discourage them from getting involved with drugs or alcohol..