Discuss the Cause and Effects of Widespread Drug Abuse by Young People – IELTS Writing Task 2

Problem-solution essays in IELTS Writing Task 2 require candidates to identify a key issue, explain its causes or effects, and then present logical solutions with clear reasoning. This type of essay not only tests your ability to analyze problems but also your skill in offering practical and well-structured solutions while maintaining coherence and clarity.

In this blog, we focus on the essay topic “Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people”- an IELTS problem-solution question that has previously appeared in the IELTS Writing Task 2 test. You will find 3 sample answers ranging from Band 7 to Band 9, each showcasing useful vocabulary and strategies to strengthen your IELTS Writing.

Question

Learn the Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Achieving Band 9 and check out the IELTS essay for ‘Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people’ given below.

Structure Breakdown

Discuss the Cause and Effects of Widespread Drug Abuse by Young People - Sample Answer 1 

In today’s modern era, it’s a reality that many individuals turn to drugs, whether prescribed by doctors or taken independently. However, a concerning trend is emerging among young people who are using both legal and illegal substances from an early age. This poses a significant issue in our society. Some experts argue that the blame lies with parents and community members who set inappropriate examples. Additionally, easy access to drugs worsens this problem. This essay will explore the causes, effects, and potential solutions to address this issue.

To start with, numerous young individuals nowadays resort to legal and illegal drugs for various reasons. Firstly, many teenagers use drugs as a coping mechanism for family problems, such as their parents’ troubled marriage or impending divorce. The stress from these family issues leads them to seek relief through drug consumption. Secondly, living in unsafe neighbourhoods where drug use is prevalent can influence young people to use drugs. Peer pressure, curiosity, and a lack of proper guidance also contribute to the decline in many youths towards drug use. Unfortunately, in some modern societies, drug abuse has become a trend, and young individuals follow it without understanding the consequences. The easy availability of drugs in many countries, coupled with insufficient monitoring by authorities, further facilitates drug abuse among the youth.

The abuse of drugs by young people results in serious problems. The effects include the deterioration of their brain and mental conditions. Without drugs, they struggle to think clearly and may exhibit paranoid behaviour. Financial constraints may drive some individuals to resort to theft, robbery, or other criminal activities to sustain their addiction. This overall impact is perilous for society, as the young, who should be future leaders, are compromising their potential.

To address this issue, both individuals and the government can take several steps. The government can initiate campaigns on effective parenting and marital stability, emphasising the impact of troubled marriages on young people. These campaigns should be accessible to all family members. Implementing these solutions aims to reduce the number of young people involved in drug consumption.

Discuss the Cause and Effects of Widespread Drug Abuse by Young People - Sample Answer 2

In today’s societies, there’s a worrisome rise in youth drug abuse, contributing to unhealthy lifestyles and negative societal trends. Adolescents, often unaware of the consequences, are experimenting with both legal and prohibited drugs at an early age. Sociologists argue that parents and society members play a role in the increasing usage of drugs. This essay will analyze the causes and effects of drug use among the youth and suggest recommendations to address this issue.

One primary cause of youth drug adoption is the influence of parents, guardians, and social circles. Parents may turn to drugs to cope with work demands or alleviate the mental stresses of daily life. For example, a divorced mother using drugs to ease past traumas sets a harmful example for her children, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle where children may follow suit.

Another significant factor contributing to increased drug usage is media influence and academic pressure. Youth face intense academic expectations, driving them to resort to both legal and illegal drugs. Media also plays a role, with advertisements portraying the quick benefits of certain drugs for bodybuilding or weight loss. While these may seem appealing, prolonged use without consulting a physician can have adverse effects on the body.

In conclusion, I recommend addressing this issue through drug awareness and counselling programs. Both the government and civil society should collaborate to educate young people about the harmful effects of drug addiction and offer counselling services as needed. Over time, these practices can ensure that the adolescents in our society lead healthy lives free from drugs and harmful medications.

Discuss the Cause and Effects of Widespread Drug Abuse by Young People - Sample Answer 3

Drug addiction poses a significant challenge in our society, shattering the dreams and aspirations of numerous families. The compelling narrative of addicts reveals the difficulty in breaking free from this destructive habit. In particular, youth in our society are prone to drug abuse, necessitating a deep exploration of the root causes behind their perilous habits. Thoughtful measures must be taken to assist young individuals in combating drug abuse issues.

Foremost among the reasons for this problem is peer pressure. Young people, spending most of their time with close friends, may encounter drug-abusing peers who exert influence and compel them to partake in drug use. Additionally, the portrayal of drug use in a seductive manner in advertisements and films contributes to this issue, as the youth often emulate their favorite actors, leading them towards notorious drug abuse. Furthermore, the innate curiosity of young individuals, coupled with life’s challenges, may drive them to drugs as a means of escaping worries stemming from family problems, psychological issues, and negative peer influences.

Drug abuse disrupts the peace and harmony within families, with drug-addicted individuals resorting to theft and other unlawful activities to support their habit, plunging their families into financial turmoil. Moreover, drug abuse can have fatal consequences, with individuals often unable to break free from this antisocial habit, leading to a potential exchange of needles and the transmission of deadly diseases like AIDS. In societies where youth abuse drugs, elevated crime rates, increased conflicts, and a myriad of generational issues emerge, with a single drug abuser in a family capable of bringing immense shame and problems to an entire generation.

To eradicate drugs from society, educational programs in schools and colleges should be organised, and rehabilitation centres established to aid drug users. Advertisements promoting drugs and alcohol should be banned from television. Families need to monitor the company their teenagers keep, fostering strong family bonds and understanding to discourage behaviours that bring shame. Governments must ensure diligent law enforcement to eliminate illegal drug businesses, imposing and implementing strict laws to punish those involved.

In summary, drug abuse emerges as a menace to families, society, and the nation. Responsible authorities and governments must take decisive action to eradicate drugs, harnessing the potential of young individuals for the progress of the nation.

Discuss the Cause and Effects of Widespread Drug Abuse by Young People -IELTS Vocabulary

Following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the "Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people - IELTS Writing Task 2."

• Impending

Meaning: Occurring or likely to occur soon.
Example: An impending divorce can be one such problem that can be the cause for drug usage.

• Prevalent

Meaning: Generally or widely accepted, practised and favored.
Example: Environment is prevalent and can influence young people.

• Deterioration

Meaning: To make or become worse or of less value.
Example: Drug abuse deteriorates your health.

• Constraints

Meaning: Something that limits or controls what you can do.
Example: Frequent drug abuse will constraint your full potential as well as stability.

• Worrisome

Meaning: Causing anxiety or concern.
Example: The drastically increasing numbers of drug abuse it quite a topic to be worrisome about.

• Alleviate

Meaning: make a problem less severe.
Example: Drug users take huge dosages to alleviate the mental stress.

• Resort

Meaning: turn to and adopt so as to resolve a difficult situation.
Example: People resort to drug usage for various reasons.

• Collaborate

Meaning: work jointly.
Example: Drug abuse is a problem that we, society as a whole will have to collaborate and work on.

• Perilous 

Meaning: Full of danger or risk.
Example: Drug usage is a perilous habit.

• Partake

Meaning: To join in some activity.
Example: Peer pressure leads to other youngsters to partake in drug abuse.

• Emulate

Meaning: to work in the same way as another.
Example: Sometimes seeing their older siblings/ parents use drugs, young people also emulate drug abuse.

• Myriad

Meaning: a countless or extremely great number of people or things.
Example: There are a myriad of problems lying underneath the root of drug abuse.

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• To start with
• To address this issue
• One primary cause
• Another significant factor
• In conclusion
• Foremost among,
• To eradicate
• In summary

Understanding how to effectively structure a problem - solution essay is essential for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing the sample answers on ‘Discuss the cause and effects of widespread drug abuse by young people - IELTS Writing Task 2', you can learn how to develop strong arguments, use topic-specific vocabulary, and present your viewpoint clearly. Consistent practice with similar topics will help you write with greater confidence and precision on test day.

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