Substance abuse consists of a wide range of destructive effects on the user, on the people around that individual, and even on society as a whole. The repercussions of substance abuse have negative consequences on families, such as financial and emotional problems. 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 have tendencies towards violence and cruelty towards family members which may occasionally allow their spouse to take on an unhealthy role to preserve their relationship. Unfortunately, children of substance-abusing parents are at greater risk of experiencing physical and emotional trauma and possibly repeating the cycles. Substance abuse has a tremendous impact on society from every direction. The cost of enforcing drug laws and policies is a very expensive and extensive process, ranging from street-level enforcement, to correctional facilities, to rehabilitation issues. Crime has always been associated with drugs across a broad spectrum ranging from petty crime to more organized affiliations wishing to control drug trafficking. The violence and crime these people create severely destroys our society and law-abiding citizens. Drug or alcohol abuse essentially means your body is slowly being poisoned over time and has a huge impact on multiple areas of health and well-being. These long-term abusers are at increased risk for numerous ailments ranging from heart disease, liver disease, lung disease to nerve or brain damage. Substance abuse is seen as one of the most widespread problems our country faces. Although expensive, I believe it can achieve significant results in terms of prevention with adolescents considered to be at highest 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 guidance through words and actions about drug or alcohol use. According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), “the more often parents interact and talk with children about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, the less likely their children are to experience them.” If parents can establish and maintain good communication with their children, be a positive role model, become involved in their lives, establish clear rules and enforce them consistently, this can discourage them from starting to use drugs or alcohol..