Recreation Drug Use Should be Treated as a Public Health Concern

Persuasive Speech- Recreation drug use should be treated as a public health concern
Name
COM380 Public Speaking
Date
Introduction

I.

Attention Getter:

Did you know recreation drugs can alter people’s perception of the external world and minds? Recreational drugs are enjoyment or leisure without medical supervision, whether there is a short period between their use and impact. They are powerful psychoactive substances that can alter the perception of reality.

II.

Thesis Statement:

Drug use, abuse, and substance use disorders should be treated as a public health issue and not criminal justice problem to improve outcomes, including treatment and recovery. 

III.

Connection with Audience:

There have been increased calls to widen marijuana legalization without fully understanding the long-term impact on individuals and the community.

IV.

Speaker’s Credibility:

Substance abuse disorders are a public health concern but have been treated as criminal justice issues, and this has hurt individuals, families, and communities with long-term recreational drug use. 

V.

Preview of Main Points:

Drug use alters normal physical and mental functioning, is associated with engaging in risky behaviors, and taking the public health approach would prevent relapse and promote recovery. 

Body

I.

Main Point One:

 Long-term recreational drug use worsens physical and mental health outcomes.



Sub-point A:

Drug use and abuse are associated with a higher risk of dependence and addiction, risk of infections such as hepatitis C, overdose, and death (Zibbell et al., 2018). There was an increase in illicit drug use in the period 2003–2005 to 2012–2014, but prevalence was highest in large metropolitan areas even as drug overdoses declined (Mack, Jones, & Ballesteros 2017).



Sub-point B:

Recreational drug use alters perceptions, and some drugs cause hallucination and lead to a deterioration in mental health, including memory disorders and psychomotor disorders. 



Sub-point C:

There is a risk of co-occurring mental disorders and drug use, which affects treatment and recovery (Jones & McCance-Katz, 2019). Many of those addicted to drugs have underlying mental health problems, and drug abuse and substance use disorder often exist together.


Transition:

Long-term drug use is associated with worsening mental and health outcomes, and users are more likely to engage in risky and compulsive behaviors associated with addiction.

II.

Main Point Two:

Early drug use alters behavior in adulthood increases the risk of drug-seeking behavior and health problems.



Sub-point A:

There is an increased risk of compulsiv...