7 Drug Categories

Physicians have long recognized that different types of drugs affect people differently. Nonetheless, drugs may be categorized or

classified according to certain shared symptomatologies or effects. The DRE categorization process is premised on these long-

standing, medically accepted facts. DREs classify drugs in one of seven categories: central nervous system (CNS) depressants,

CNS stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, inhalants, and cannabis. Drugs from each of these

categories can affect a person's central nervous system and impair a person's normal faculties, including a person's ability to safely

operate a motor vehicle.

(1) Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

CNS depressants slow down the operations of the brain and the body. Examples of CNS depressants include alcohol, barbiturates,

anti-anxiety tranquilizers (e.g., Valium, Librium, Xanax, Prozac, and Thorazine), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol, and

many other anti-depressants (e.g., Zoloft, Paxil).

(2) CNS Stimulants

CNS stimulants accelerate the heart rate and elevate the blood pressure and "speed-up," or over-stimulate, the body. Examples of

CNS stimulants include cocaine, "crack" cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine ("crank").

(3) Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens cause the user to perceive things differently than they actually are. Examples include LSD, peyote, psilocybin and

MDMA (Ecstasy).

(4) Dissociative Anesthetics

Dissociative anesthetics include drugs that inhibit pain by cutting off or dissociating the brain's perception of the pain. PCP, its

analogs, and dextromethoraphan are examples of dissociative anesthetics.

(5) Narcotic Analgesics

Narcotic analgesics relieve pain, induce euphoria, and create mood changes in the user. Examples of narcotic analgesics include

opium, codeine, heroin, demerol, darvon, morphine, methadone, Vicodin, and oxycontin.

(6) Inhalants
Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable substances that produce mind-altering results and effects. Examples of inhalants

include Toluene, plastic cement, paint, gasoline, paint thinners, hair sprays, and various anesthetic gases.

(7) Cannabis
Cannabis is the scientific name for marijuana. The active ingredient in cannabis is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This

category includes cannabinoids and synthetics like Dronabinol.

 What are the effects of drug abuse?
 Short-term effects

 Long-term effects

 Misuse, abuse, and addiction

 Getting help

 Treatment

 Summary

Drug misuse, abuse, and addiction can all lead to both short-term and long-term health effects.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DMS-4) definesTrusted Source drug abuse as “a
maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.”
The effects of drug abuse depend on the type of drug, any other substances that a person is using, and their health history.
In this article, we discuss the impact of drug abuse and explain how to treat drug addiction.

Short-term effects
Share on PinterestGroup therapy may help a person who is in recovery for drug abuse.
Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the
drug, dosage, and delivery method.
Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects.
For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or
sleepy.
Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises blood pressure and increases alertness.
Using a prescription opioid as a doctor has instructed helps relieve moderate-to-severe pain, but opioids can also cause drowsiness,
shallow breathing, and constipation.
Abusing a drug, or misusing a prescription medication, can produce other short-term effects, such as:
 changes in appetite
 sleeplessness or insomnia
 increased heart rate
 slurred speech
 changes in cognitive ability
 a temporary sense of euphoria
 loss of coordination
Drug abuse can affect aspects of a person’s life beyond their physical health. People with substance use disorder, for example, may
experience:
 an inability to cease using a drug
 relationship problems
 poor work or academic performance
 difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
 noticeable changes in appearance, such as extreme weight loss
 increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors
 loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities

Long-term effects
Drug abuse, especially over an extended period, can have numerous long-term health effects.
Chronic drug useTrusted Source can alter a person’s brain structure and function, resulting in long-term psychological effects, such
as:
  depression
 anxiety
 panic disorders
 increased aggression
 paranoia
 hallucinations
Long-term drug use can also affect a person’s memory, learning, and concentration.
The long-term physical effects of drug use vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use. However, experts have
linked chronic drug use with the following health conditions:
Cardiovascular disease
Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, can damage the heart and blood vessels.
The long-term use of these drugs can lead to coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart attack.
Respiratory problems
Drugs that people smoke or inhale can damage the respiratory system and lead to chronic respiratory infections and diseases.
Opioids slow a person’s breathing by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system that regulate respiration. By
depressing a person’s respiration, these drugs can lead to slow breathing or heavy snoring.
A person may stop breathing entirely if they take a large dose of an opioid or take it alongside other drugs, such as sleep aids or
alcohol.
Kidney damage
The kidneys filter excess minerals and waste products from the blood. Heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids can cause
kidney damage or kidney failure.
Liver disease
Chronic drug and alcohol use can damage the liver cells, leading to inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure.
Overdose
Taking too much of a drug or taking multiple drugs together can result in an overdose.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose caused 67,367 deathsTrusted Source in the
United States in 2018. Opioids contributed to nearly 70% of these deaths.

Misuse, abuse, and addiction

Although there is no fixed definition, many experts believe that drug use becomes abuse when it starts to damage or impede
aspects of a person’s daily life, such as work or parenting.
Drug misuse is different and, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source, refers to the “intentional
therapeutic use of a drug product in an inappropriate way.”
Prescription drugs are among the most commonlyTrusted Source misused drugs in the U.S.
Opioid-related overdoses have tripled within the last decade. According to the CDC, prescription opioids misuse accounted
for 32%Trusted Source of all opioid overdose deaths in 2018.
Drug abuse and drug misuse can lead to addiction. Substance use disorder occurs when a person no longer feels in control of their
need to use a substance and becomes dependent on it.
It is important to note that not everyone who misuses or abuses a drug will develop substance use disorder.

How to get help

Finding the right treatment program can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to think about when seeking treatment for drug
abuse, misuse, or addiction:
 consider whether inpatient or outpatient services would be the best fit
 find local treatment centers using this resource from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
 note that state-run treatment centers and programs can be free of charge
 look for programs that use evidence-based treatment strategies

Treatment
Anyone providing drug addiction treatment should tailor it to suit a person’s individual needs to ensure that it is effective.
Treatment may involve some of the following components:
 Behavioral therapy, which helps people build positive coping strategies and develop problem-solving skills.
 Group therapy, which gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of
recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.
 Medications to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
 Additional medical care, which may include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated
with chronic drug abuse, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.

Summary
Drug abuse can affect several aspects of a person’s physical and psychological health.
Certain drugs can lead to drowsiness and slow breathing, while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations.
Chronic drug use is associated with cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease.
In addition to its physical effects, drug abuse can adversely affect a person’s relationships, home and work life, and mental health.
Care providers should tailor treatment to a person’s needs. Community-based organizations and state-funded treatment programs
usually involve a combination of behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication.
11 Common Problems Of Adolescence, And Their Solutions
Adolescence is the age of change and a transition phase from childhood to adulthood. It is a vulnerable time when children might
develop unhealthy habits that grow into problems in their adult life. Behavior issues of adolescence, which are quite common, also
crop up during this time, making it impossible for parents to reach out to their teenagers.

Read this post to know about the major problems of adolescence and how you can help your children avoid or come out of them.

How To Deal With Common Problems Of Adolescence

Adolescence is not an easy time for children or parents. The only way to deal with needs and problems at this age is to know about
them and be ready to face them. Parent-adolescent conflicts that cause insecure and unstable feelings have a linear association
with pubertal maturity. Understanding and dealing with these conflicts positively could help your child be more responsible and
social (1). Here is our list of the most common problems, and their solutions that adolescents have to deal with.

1. Physical changes

Physical changes happen due to change in the teenager’s hormone levels.

 Development of full breasts in girls can be awkward in the beginning. Girls may start to feel conscious about their figure.
 Change of voice and appearance of facial hair in boys is perhaps the most prominent change that takes place during
adolescence.
 Acne is one of the major problems.
 Muscle gain sometimes leads to excessive body weight in teens.
 The growth of pubic hair in girls and boys.
 Body odor becomes evident.
 Girls start their periods.

Solution
The best way you can do to help your teenager get through the stage is to make them aware of these changes.

 Explain that it is normal for the body to change as every teenager goes through it!
 Help them adapt to these changes – acknowledge the change and help them accept it.
 Enable them to stay healthy and fit through a nutritious diet and exercise.
2. Emotional changes and problems

Hormones affect your teenager not only physically but also emotionally.

 Adolescence is the age between adulthood and childhood. Teenagers are often confused about their role and are torn between
their responsibilities as growing adults and their desires as children.
 They tend to feel overly emotional (blame it on the hormones). Just about anything and everything can make them happy,
excited, mad or angry.
 Adolescent girls are vulnerable to crying.
 Mood swings are common among teenage boys and girls.
 Bodily changes result in self-consciousness.
 Children who hit puberty early may even feel weird.
 Feelings of inferiority or superiority may arise at this time.
 Adolescence is the age when sexual feelings arise in youngsters. Feelings and thoughts about sex can trigger a sense of guilt.

Solution
Puberty can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. And it is normal. Here is how you can help your kid deal with these emotional
problems of adolescence.
 Assist them to take care of themselves. Tell your teenagers that it is okay to feel the way they are feeling.
 Encourage them to exercise as physical activity helps keep the serotonin (creates good feelings and happiness) levels up.
 Let them talk. Listen to them without judging and avoid giving them advice when they are not ready for it.
 Share your experiences of puberty or let them talk to an older sibling who has gone through the same. It will emphasize that it
is okay to feel the way they do.
 Indulging in a creative activity can help them channelize their emotions.
3. Behavioral changes

Overwhelming emotions can lead to impulsive behavior, which can be harmful to your child as well as others. Mostly, it is just teen
behavior that will last as long as their adolescence.
 Adolescence is the time when children develop and exercise their independence. This can give rise to questioning the parents’
rules (seen as argumentative) and standing up for what they believe is right (seen as stubbornness).
 Significant developmental change in the brain makes teens moody, tired and difficult to deal with.
 The raging hormones in teenage boys can even push them to get into physical confrontations. They would also want to listen
to loud music.
 As a part of their new-found independence, adolescents may also want to try new things and take risks, resulting in careless
behavior.
 Sometimes, peer pressure and the need to ‘fit in’ can make them behave in a certain way or develop certain habits that are
hard to break.
 Your teen’s dressing, hairstyle, and sense of fashion also change, mostly to something that you may not approve of.
 The most troubling behavior is perhaps your teen hanging out with problem children and adapting to a dangerous lifestyle.
 Lying is one of the common teen behavioral issues. Teens may lie to avoid confrontation with parents or out of fear.

Solution
 Behavioral problems in adolescence can make life difficult for parents. But remember that it is a passing phase, and is entirely
normal.
 Gaining your child’s trust is important if you want to help them with behavioral issues. Talk to them and listen to what they have
to say. Do not judge or criticize them, as it could worsen their behavior.
 Let them know that you love them just as they are. Encourage them to be true to themselves and not take on a personality just
to please others.
 Remember that your adolescent child is not completely independent in dealing with their emotions and needs your support.
Help them by telling them what you do when you feel sad, angry, jealous, etc. They can try those solutions to come out of their
own emotional issues.
 You will have to intervene if you see them falling into bad company. Remember that adolescents are sensitive and may not
take criticism well.
4. Substance Use and Abuse

Teenagers are vulnerable and can be easily swayed to the wrong side. Substance abuse is one of the biggest problems that parents
of adolescents around the world have to deal with.

 Peer pressure is one of the significant factors that drive adolescents to take up smoking and drinking or to do drugs.
 The tendency to take risk encourages most teens to try smoking or drinking even before they are of legal age.
 What may start as a ‘thrill’, can become a habit if it remains unchecked.
 If there is somebody who smokes or drinks at home, they can become your teen’s role models.
 Poor self-esteem and the need to be ‘cool’ can push adolescents to smoke or drink.
 Easy access to substances like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and anabolic steroids may increase the temptation to try illicit
substances.

Solution
 Keep an eye on your child’s behavior. Look for erratic behavior and change in their appetite, sleep patterns, and moods.
 Do not spy on them or accuse them of any wrongdoing. Encourage them to talk and be honest. Tell them what your concerns
are and discuss the problem with them.
 If your child is not willing to talk to you, the doctors can ask confidential questions to know if they are abusing any substances.
Avoid going as far as a drug test, as that may come across as confrontational and threaten the child.
 If necessary, get your adolescent the appropriate treatment.

5. Educational challenges
High school is not all about fashion, friends, and parties. Children also have a lot of educational activities on their plate.

 Pressure to perform academically and obtain college admission can be stressful and make your teenager moody.
 Juggling school work, extra-curricular activities (must for college admissions) and chores at home can be tiring.
 Distractions at school can result in poor academic performance, which will add to the pressure.
Solution
 Support your child’s aspirations for college education as what they need is the encouragement to do well.
 You could cut down their household chores to enable them to focus on their school projects when needed.
 Nutrition and exercise can help them get the strength and endurance they need to get through the hectic high school period.
 If you feel your child is getting overwhelmed with his daily activities, cut down on a few tasks because adolescents still don’t
have the lung capacity of an adult and get tired sooner than a grown-up person.
6. Health problems

Adolescents are vulnerable emotionally and physically. Without proper nutrition and healthcare, they are susceptible to illnesses.
According to a 2015 WHO report, 1.3 million adolescents died in 2015, a majority of them had preventable diseases.

 Teenagers have a hectic schedule as they hop from one activity to another with little time to eat or rest properly. Unhealthy
eating habits prevent them from getting the nutrition they need.
 Consciousness about their body can lead to eating disorders, especially in girls. Adolescent girls who worry about their weight
and appearance can develop disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
 Stress can also lead to loss of appetite and sleeplessness in young children.
 Unhealthy eating habits and a less active lifestyle could also lead to obesity – this is often the case when your child consumes
a lot of empty calories through fast food and sodas.

Solution
Parental guidance can help abate health problems in adolescence to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lead by example and encourage
your children to eat healthy food, exercise right and sleep on time.

 Ensure they get nutrition through their meals. Give them a balanced diet.
 Be there for them emotionally and physically as this will help them deal with any possible disorders.

7. Psychological problems
Research has revealed that around 50% of mental health disorders that adults have, begin at the age of 14. In fact, one-third of
adolescent deaths are suicides triggered by depression (2). If your child is overly moody and is not eating or sleeping at all, it is
imperative you get professional help for them.
The most common mental health disorders observed during adolescence are anxiety and mood disorders. Social phobias and panic
disorders are common among this age group. Girls may tend to have more vulnerability to develop depressive disorders than
boys (3).
 Teenagers may have self-esteem or confidence issues. The feelings of inferiority or superiority often arise from their
appearance, and acceptance of their body – skin color, beauty, and figure.
 Poor performance in academics and low IQ can also demotivate them. They develop the ‘I’m not good enough’ attitude
towards life.
 Depression is one of the common psychological problems associated with adolescence.
 The stress and pressure of adolescence can create anxiety related issues, while mood swings can lead to conduct disorder or
oppositional defiant disorder.
 Eating disorders are also psychosomatic as they start with the adolescent having a poor self-image and the need to change the
way they look by any means.

Solution
While moodiness and temper tantrums are normal in teenage girls and boys, they may not always be what they seem. Identifying
symptoms of psychological problems in adolescence is not easy and needs the eye of an expert.

 Most of the time, talking about the problems and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of depression.
 If your child is overly moody and cynical, it is time to intervene and seek professional help if necessary.
 Sometimes, your teenage girl or boy may be unhappy only at home, and doing fine outside. Talk to the child’s teachers and
friends to know if they are moody and disoriented at school as well. If they are, then it is a cause for concern.
 Do not brush away their feelings, as that can make things worse.
 Encourage them to communicate with you. For this, you need to talk to them. If you think your child would not take it easy, talk
to them in the car where the chances of confrontation are fewer as you are not face-to-face.
8. Social problems – dating and relationships
Attraction to the opposite sex begins during puberty. Adolescence is the time when their sexual or reproductive organs
start developing. At such a vulnerable time, it is but natural for teens to feel awkward in social situations.

 Teenagers want to have an identity of their own. They tend to look up to role models at home or outside.
 Adolescents also start thinking about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and question your take on certain things.
 They need time to understand and get comfortable with their sexuality. Girls and boys start experiencing ‘weird’ feelings
towards the other sex and may not know what to do about it.
 This is the time they start dating. Your adolescent may not be comfortable talking to you about it and may go with little
information or misinformation they have about it.
 Competition is another important aspect of a teenager’s social life. Your child may compete with her peers in anything and
everything. Their spirit of competition speaks a lot about their perception of self – whether they have a positive self-esteem or a
negative one.
 Sexual feelings and thoughts of sex may seem wrong to an adolescent, because of which they may feel guilty.
 Their social circle expands during this time as they seem occupied interacting with friends on social media sites, through their
phone and outside.

Solution
Here is how you can deal with social problems of adolescence –

 Dating, romance, and sex are delicate issues that your teenager may not be comfortable talking about. Don’t make it more
awkward for your child. Be confident and rational when discussing the subject.
 Your child may seem to spend more time outside than with you. Accept that your adolescents are discovering a whole new
world. Just let them know you are there when they need you.
 Sharing your dating and social life experiences in school can put them at ease sometimes.
9. Sexual health – unplanned pregnancy and STIs

The development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence gives rise to new feelings in teenagers and pushes them
to experiment with their bodies.

 Adolescence is the time when teens experience their first kiss, the intimate dance with their ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ and secret
make out sessions.
 Without proper guidance, teenagers may become sexually active before they are ready. This could result in unwanted
pregnancies. Unwanted pregnancy is the biggest risk that adolescent girls face.
 Unprotected sex can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

Solution
 Have ‘the talk’ with your child as they may already be learning about sexual health and reproduction at school. Your duty as a
parent is to ensure that they understand the importance of safe sex.
 The hormonal changes in teenagers may make them act impulsively. Your teen may not like it but it is important that you talk to
them about the consequences of unprotected sex and how it can change their life.
 Awareness is the only way to prevent early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents.
10. Addiction to cyberspace

The advent of social media has changed the way we interact with each other. It has affected teenage lifestyles the most.

 Your teen may seem to spend hours on phone, texting, talking or simply playing.
 Adolescents addicted to the internet tend to have fewer friends and a less active social life. They lead solitary lives and are
happy browsing the internet for hours. (4)
 Addiction to cyberspace also cuts short their physical activities, resulting in an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle.
 Internet addiction adversely impacts academic performance.

Solution
 Do not assume that your child is addicted to the internet just because he or she spends a lot of time in front of the computer.
They could be doing more productive things on the system other than surfing the net.
 Do not say ‘no’ to the Internet. That will only make them adamant. Instead, talk about your concerns and help them work on
other things that do not require a computer.
 You could use parental controls, but that may not be taken well by your teen – remember that they are not kids anymore. At the
same time, they may also not have the judgment to make the right choices. So guide them as a parent, but never decide for
them.
 Enroll them in activities that encourage them to interact with others. Have family activities that will make them want to spend
less time at the computer.
 Have some cyber rules and boundaries for everybody at home. Limit the use of the mobile phone to a few hours in a day, and
avoid bringing the phone to the bedroom as it is likely to affect a person’s sleep.

11. Aggression and violence

Aggression is especially a concern with adolescent boys. Young boys start to develop muscles, grow tall and have a coarser, manly
voice. In addition to that, they are moody and vulnerable and can let others get under their skin.

 Adolescent boys can get into fights at school.

 Worse, they could start bullying others, which is a major problem that adolescent boys and girls have to deal with.
 Boys may fall into bad company and be drawn to acts of violence, vandalism, and aggression. They could be easily swayed to
own or use a firearm or a weapon too.
 Impulse acts of violence can lead to serious consequences, including death. According to the WHO report, interpersonal
violence causes around 180 adolescent deaths around the world.
 Teenage girls are likely to suffer violence or aggression by a partner.

Solution
Children tend to imitate what they see at home. The following remedies for problems of adolescence will help abate aggression,
violence and related issues.

 Teach your children to be kind and considerate. Nurturing relationships at home can help them become less aggressive.
 Prevent access to firearms and alcohol early to prevent violence.
 Teach them life skills and the importance of compassion. Lead them by being their model.
 Avoid exposing them to violent stories, games or movies at an age when they cannot differentiate between what is right and
wrong.
 Make them try alternative ways, such as going for a run, doing yoga or using a punch bag, for venting out their anger. This
way, they understand that it is alright to be angry but how they deal with it makes all the difference.
When You Know, You Can Help
Parents play an important role in adolescents’ behavior development (5). Educating your teen about possible problems and their
solutions can have a positive impact. Understanding their feelings and giving suggestions could reduce conflicts than being
judgmental or rude to them.
Setting up clear rules on bad behaviors and drug use may help your teen stay away from it. Establishing good and friendly
communication with your child can encourage them to speak up about their issues to you and seek your help.

You may have been a teenager yourself. But once you become a parent to a teen, you seem clueless. Think about it – your
adolescent is at an age that you have already been through. Be empathetic and try to understand what your child is going through.
That makes dealing with their problems easier.
10 ways to empower women

1 Create a safe space: Women in South Asia often have nowhere to gather with other women and talk about issues like gender
equity, women’s rights, or health. READ Centers provide a safe, trusted space for women to gather and learn.
“The Center is a safe place for women, and we don’t really need approval from our family to visit.”

2 Support independence and mobility: Most women in rural Nepal and India have to ask their husbands for permission to
leave home. Because of their local READ Center, a large majority of women (75-77%) report being able to freely travel outside of
their home unaccompanied.

3 Teach women to read: If you are illiterate, simple things like reading signs on a road, numbers on a phone, or directions on a
medicine bottle make daily life a struggle. READ Centers teach thousands of women to read each year.

4 Increase savings and income: 63% of women increased their savings or income after joining savings cooperatives at READ
Centers in Nepal. Savings cooperatives allow women to invest money and then take turns receiving micro-loans to start micro-
businesses or invest in education for their children.

5 Teach job skills and seed businesses: Women learn beekeeping, mushroom farming, sewing, and other income-
generating skills through training programs at READ Centers. One in five Nepali women report going on to start her own income-
generating business after joining a savings cooperative and taking skills training at a READ Center.

6 Build self-esteem and confidence: A majority of women (58-83%) report that their self-esteem or confidence has increased
since coming to a READ Center – helping them to become more comfortable speaking in front of groups and sharing opinions.

7 Boost decision-making power: About two-thirds of women in Nepal (62%) and India (68%) say that they have greater
decision-making power in their homes and communities as a result of coming to the READ Center.

“We were mostly busy doing household activities before… we now can travel outside of the village alone, [earn an
income] in our family, and participate in decisions related to our children’s education.”

8 Impact health: Women report increased influence in their families and communities after receiving training or information from
their local READ Center on health care, family planning, domestic violence and reproductive rights. Almost all READ Center users
(88-97%) access health information and services at Centers that they would not otherwise be able to access.

“I learned about women’s empowerment, women’s rights, gender equity… Now I can raise my voice against any form
of violence…”

9 Build networks: By building social networks, women have more support and greater opportunities to effect change in their
communities. Three-quarters of women in Nepal and half in India and Bhutan report expanding their network through their local
READ Center. Women say that once this network is in place, they are emboldened by the knowledge that they are not alone in
facing issues like domestic violence, reproductive health or family planning, and that they are inspired to help other women in their
community by sharing the knowledge they have learned about these topics.

10 Create public leaders: In South Asia (particularly Bhutan), women rarely hold public leadership roles. READ Centers provide
leadership training for women to increase their presence in the public sphere. 61-65% of women report that they are now able to
express their opinions in public or in their home. Women report joining committees, facilitating meetings, participating in protests,
raising their voices against violence, and organizing community programs.

“Before joining the Center I had a belief that women were bound to be in the house as housewives. But [now] I realize
that… women are also capable of doing everything.”
 8 Benefits of Public Transportation

In your job as a planner, we know you're often fielding basic questions about public transit. We hope this Remix Primer
blog series offers another resource as you educate your constituents.

When it comes to public transit, some cities in the United States stand out. New York City’s metro subway, New Orleans heritage
streetcars, and San Francisco’s cable cars are all examples of excellent and memorable transportation. Whether they are
transporting locals for their daily commute or tourists riding for fun on their travels, the benefits of public transportation are clear.

In cities and towns across the world, public transportation plays an important role in the lives of residents and visitors alike. Buses,
subways, trains, and other public vehicles are designed to make life easier for everyone. From improved community health to
affordability, public transportation systems create the foundation on which cities become more livable and prosperous in a variety of
ways.

What is Public Transportation?

While public transportation comes in many forms, it can be defined as a system that moves people from one area to another in an
efficient, affordable manner. The vast majority of public transportation is funded and operated by local government authorities.
Public transportation systems can include:

 Buses

 Underground rail systems

 Trains, including high-speed and light rail

 Ferries

 Cable cars

Designed as an alternative to automobile travel and to reduce unnecessary walking time, these vehicles may work within a city or
connect one city to another. The benefits of public transportation are amplified when the systems are planned and engineered for
interconnectivity, high-quality user experience, and efficiency.

Public transportation may include free amenities like public Wi-Fi, provide opportunities for private business sales, and encourage
physical activity among riders. These systems, many with origins that predate the dramatic rise of car ownership in the 1950s, are
also part of efforts to conserve energy on both a local and global scale.

8 Benefits of Public Transportation

Especially in the early planning phases of new public transit plans or prioritizing needed improvements, it’s worth considering the
benefits of public transportation when determining budget and design. Here’s a look at eight transportation benefits to consider:
1. Improves Community Health

For decades, urban planners have looked to public transportation to facilitate improvements in community health and wellbeing.
Public transit riders must walk from their front doors to the nearby transit stop and back, which increases physical activity to help
address the modern obesity epidemic. In fact, it's possible that people can achieve the 30 minutes of daily physical activity
recommended by using public transit.

2. Economic Benefits to the Community

Every dollar invested in public transportation can yield around $4 in economic gains in the community. This includes supporting a
workforce for needed improvements, fostering business clusters, and attracting tourists for both business and pleasure.

People can more easily stop for a snack or a cup of coffee when walking to a transit stop as opposed to driving. This means small
businesses can benefit as well. Also, if a homeowner is looking to sell residential property, they might receive a higher offer if it’s
located close to a public transportation stop, which is good for the seller and the city’s overall tax base.

3. Improves Fuel Efficiency

One of the most technical benefits of public transportation is the ability to outfit buses and other public transit vehicles with
alternative fuel sources. Some systems are completely electric or utilize renewable resources for fuel.

Even compared to other gas-powered vehicles, public transportation is better in terms of fuel efficiency. The average miles per
gallon multiplied by the number of private cars on the road versus transit buses or trains shows less fuel is consumed when using
public transportation.

4. Public Transportation Reduces Air Pollution

Less fuel burned means better air quality for cities that integrate public transit. Approximately 85% of the greenhouse gas emissions
that come from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes. By leaving the car at home, a person can save up to 20 pounds of
carbon dioxide emissions every day.

5. Improves Road Congestion

No one likes to be stuck in traffic, but rising populations demand improvements in road infrastructure that can be costly and take a
lot of time. However, road construction can often make the situation more challenging before it gets better. Another benefit of public
transportation is that more people riding on buses, trains, and other public systems means there are fewer vehicles on the road to
cause traffic.

6. Improves Community Mobility

Inter-city transit systems help riders move throughout the area, regardless of the borough or neighborhood they live in. Many people
do not have the capability to drive, so public transportation is sometimes the only option to help them get to their destination.

7. Provides an Equitable Transportation System

One way to expand the workforce and improve a city’s economy is by giving more people the ability to get to their job, and public
transport accomplishes this. This reduces the challenge of needing to be able to afford a car and gasoline — or rely on someone
who owns a vehicle — to earn a paycheck.
8. Public Transportation Improves Commuters Productivity

When someone is behind the wheel, they should only be doing one thing: driving. Many states even have laws against using a
smartphone at all while operating an automobile. This multi-tasking limitation of driving can result in hours of ineffective time.

Alternatively, riders of public transportation have the ability to be more productive with their time during their commute. People can
sleep, read, and relax on their way to work.

How Planners Bring These Benefits into Their Plans

City residents, officials, and planners who are considering improvements or expansion of their public transportation can maximize
the benefits by working with professional planning consultants like our team here at Remix. Together, we can create and
communicate transit benefits and plans effectively. This will allow projects to gain the necessary approval and funding in an effort to
create more livable communities for residents and visitors alike.

We partnered with Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) to address their challenge of providing public transportation to their
many rural populations, who often live in isolated areas. NTA needed help planning effective public transportation routes and
services to reach these rural populations, so they asked us to gather data and provide analyses to help them make the best route
decisions.

As a result of working together, the NTA increased the number of passenger journeys by over 550,000 after just one year, and they
reduced the route approval times for Demand Responsive services from six months to less than three months.
 SIX WAYS GLOBAL EDUCATION WOULD REDUCE GLOBAL
POVERTY
Two of the biggest myths about global poverty are that countries are doomed to stay poor no
matter how much aid they receive and that global poverty is too big to fix. There is progress in
the fight to end global poverty every day. Several of the largest importers of American goods
and services, including countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, have graduated
from U.S. foreign aid programs to economic independence, and global poverty has been cut in
half since 1990.

Foreign aid helps contribute to the downsizing of global poverty, but there are other ways to
help as well. If total global education were achieved, it would have a significant impact on the
reduction of poverty.

Here are six ways global education can reduce global poverty.

1. Education can reduce economic inequalities. If everyone had the same

amount of education, disparity in working poverty would shrink by 39 percent.
2. Education promotes economic growth. According to the Global Partnership for
Education (GPE), “In 2050, GDP per capita in low-income countries would be almost 70
percent higher if all children were learning.”
3. Education can increase earnings. According to UNESCO, one extra year of schooling
increases an individual’s earnings by up to 10 percent. According to the GPE, for each
additional dollar invested in an extra year of schooling, earnings increase by $5 in low-
income countries and $2.5 in lower-middle-income countries.
4. Education can lead to gender equality. Women have been proven to reap higher
returns from schooling, and some countries that fail to educate their girls properly lose out
on an estimated $92 billion in economic growth.
5. Education can lead to access to clean water. In rural areas, girls spend 15 hours a day
collecting water for their families. If everyone, girls included, were educated properly about
their health and water sanitation, local water sanitation would increase. This could
potentially lead to a decline in the amount of time needed to fetch water.
6. Education can lead to peace and justice. The world’s most dangerous countries are
also the poorest. Educated people tend to participate in the democratic process and
exercise their civil rights, according to UNESCO. They also tend to be more tolerant of
people different than they are.
It would take only $16 billion a year in aid to send all children to school in low-income countries,
according to UNESCO. For comparison, the U.S alone spends $601 billion on its military. Global
education is attainable, and it can change and save lives.

7 Ways Education Can Help End Extreme Poverty

Education is the key to ending extreme poverty--seriously.
I know what you’re saying. This statement gets made all the time. Basically anyone trying to convince someone about solving
something says that the key to ending X is Y. Like the “key” to sustainable cities is public infrastructure or the “key” to a pollution
free world is solar power (ok, both are good ideas but whether they’re the “key” is highly debatable).
But when I say that education is the key to ending extreme poverty, I am not just re-using a cliché.
Education can change people, communities, entire nations and the future of humanity.
Historically, the enlightenment unleashed a wave of development that changed the direction of humanity. In modern times it has
helped end hate and social divides.
But those achievements are largely immeasurable, and can be traced to a variety of factors. To say education is the key to ending
poverty, tangible, measurable benefits are in order. So I went to the great folks at the Global Partnership for Education to see what
they had to say:
Education increases a person’s income
Studies show that for each year of schooling, girls can increase their lifetime earnings 10-20%. (And if you want that fact gender
neutral, the overall benefit is still about 10%).
Education saves lives
Each year extra of a mother’s education reduces infant mortality by 5 to 10%.
Education makes children healthier
A child with a mother who can read is 50% more likely to live past their 5th birthday.
Education builds peace
For every 10% a region is above the average education level, the risk of war and conflict is reduced by about 3%.
Education feeds people
Investing in girls education particularly has the potential to boost food production in Sub-Saharan Africa by about 25%.
Education makes everyone wealthier
Seriously. Each additional year of school given to children in a nation raises average annual domestic product (GDP) growth by
0.37%. That may not seem like a lot, but in real terms that could mean billions of dollars. Put in those terms, it’s a little easier to see
how important this is.
Reading (which requires education) reduces poverty
Studies show that if all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out
of poverty. Just by teaching them to read! (You know, that thing you’re doing right now)
So there’s the facts. Education does truly do it all. In the realm of development, there is nothing else that has as many short and long
term benefits as increasing education for all. Now that you’ve been educated on the value of education, it’s time to deliver that
education to those who need it around the world.
 10 WAYS TO REDUCE PO VERTY IN THE WORLD
The Millennium Development Goal to cut the poverty rate in half by 2015 was met in 2010 – five years
ahead of schedule. While progress has been made, global growth estimates show more work is needed to
reach the target of ending global poverty by 2030. Discussed below are the top 10 ways to reduce poverty
in the world.

Effective 10 Ways to Reduce Poverty in the World

1. Develop and implement rapid and sustained economic growth policies and programs, in
areas such as health, education, nutrition and sanitation, allowing the poor to participate and
contribute to the growth. Studies show that a 10 percent increase in a country’s average income
reduces poverty by as much as 20-30 percent.
2. Improve management of water and other natural resources. Most of the rural poor depend on
agriculture or other natural resources for their livelihood. Consequently, it is necessary that they have
more equitable access to those resources so they are better able to manage their resources.
3. Invest in and implement agricultural programs. China has helped 800 million people out of
poverty since 1978. As a part of its strategy to eradicate poverty by 2020, the Agricultural Bank of
China will lend more than $400 billion to help develop rural areas, fund education, infrastructure, and
crop production.
4. Encourage countries to engage in trade as a path out of poverty. Trade is the key to growth
and prosperity. Some of the world’s poorest countries including Indonesia, Botswana and Brazil have
traded their way out of poverty.
5. Create and improve access to jobs and income and develop entrepreneurial talent.
6. Providing all people with access to basic social services including education, health care,
adequate food, sanitation, shelter and clean water.
7. Progressively developing social protection systems to support those who cannot support
themselves.
8. Empower people living in poverty by involving them in the development and implementation of
plans and programs to reduce and eradicate poverty. Their involvement ensures that programs reflect
those things that are important to them.
9. Remove barriers to equal access to resources and services.
10. Provide access to technology and innovation including internet access and affordable energy.
In Bangladesh, only 40 percent of the rural poor have access to grid electricity. Those that do have
access endure frequent power outages. The Second Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy
Development Project plans to increase access to electricity in rural areas via renewable energy
sources.

The Top 10 Solutions to Cut Poverty and Grow

the Middle Class
1. Create jobs
The best pathway out of poverty is a well-paying job. To get back to prerecession employment levels, we must
create 5.6 million new jobs. At the current pace, however, we will not get there until July 2018. To kick-start job
growth, the federal government should invest in job-creation strategies such as rebuilding our infrastructure;
developing renewable energy sources; renovating abandoned housing; and making other common-sense investments
that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and boost our national economy. We should also build on proven models
of subsidized employment to help the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged workers re-enter the labor
force.

In addition, the extension of federal unemployment insurance would have created 200,000 new jobs in 2014,
according to the Congressional Budget Office. Indeed, every $1 in benefits that flows to jobless workers yields more
than $1.50 in economic activity. Unfortunately, Congress failed to extend federal unemployment insurance at the
end of 2013, leaving 1.3 million Americans and their families without this vital economic lifeline.

2. Raise the minimum wage

In the late 1960s, a full-time worker earning the minimum wage could lift a family of three out of poverty. Had the
minimum wage back then been indexed to inflation, it would be $10.86 per hour today, compared to the current
federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour and indexing it to
inflation—as President Barack Obama and several members of Congress have called for—would lift more than 4
million Americans out of poverty. Nearly one in five children would see their parent get a raise. Recent action taken
by cities and states—such as Seattle, Washington; California; Connecticut; and New Jersey—shows that boosting
the minimum wage reduces poverty and increases wages.

3. Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit for childless workers

One of our nation’s most effective anti-poverty tools, the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, helped more than 6.5
million Americans—including 3.3 million children—avoid poverty in 2012. It’s also an investment that pays long-
term dividends. Children who receive the EITC are more likely to graduate high school and to have higher earnings
in adulthood. Yet childless workers largely miss out on the benefit, as the maximum EITC for these workers is less
than one-tenth that awarded to workers with two children.

President Obama and policymakers across the political spectrum have called for boosting the EITC in order to right
this wrong. Importantly, this policy change should be combined with a hike in the minimum wage; one is not a
substitute for the other.

4. Support pay equity

With female full-time workers earning just 78 cents for every $1 earned by men, action must be taken to ensure
equal pay for equal work. Closing the gender wage gap would cut poverty in half for working women and their
families and add nearly half a trillion dollars to the nation’s gross domestic product. Passing the Paycheck Fairness
Act to hold employers accountable for discriminatory salary practices would be a key first step.

5. Provide paid leave and paid sick days

The United States is the only developed country in the world without paid family and medical leave and paid sick
days, making it very difficult for millions of American families to balance work and family without having to
sacrifice needed income. Paid leave is an important anti-poverty policy, as having a child is one of the leading
causes of economic hardship. Additionally, nearly 4 in 10 private-sector workers—and 7 in 10 low-wage workers—
do not have a single paid sick day, putting them in the impossible position of having to forgo needed income, or
even their job, in order to care for a sick child. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act, or FAMILY Act,
would provide paid leave protection to workers who need to take time off due to their own illness, the illness of a
family member, or the birth of a child. And the Healthy Families Act would enable workers to earn up to seven job-
protected sick days per year.

6. Establish work schedules that work

Low-wage and hourly jobs increasingly come with unpredictable and constantly shifting work schedules, which
means workers struggle even more to balance erratic work hours with caring for their families. Ever-changing work
schedules make accessing child care even more difficult than it already is and leave workers uncertain about their
monthly income. Furthermore, things many of us take for granted—such as scheduling a doctor’s appointment or a
parent-teacher conference at school—become herculean tasks. The Schedules That Work Act would require two
weeks’ advance notice of worker schedules, which would allow employees to request needed schedule changes. It
would also protect them from retaliation for making such requests—and provide guaranteed pay for cancelled or
shortened shifts. These are all important first steps to make balancing work and family possible.

7. Invest in affordable, high-quality child care and early education

The lack of affordable, high-quality child care serves as a major barrier to reaching the middle class. In fact, one
year of child care for an infant costs more than one year of tuition at most states’ four-year public colleges. On
average, poor families who pay out of pocket for child care spend one-third of their incomes just to be able to work.
Furthermore, federal child care assistance reaches only one in six eligible children.

Boosting investments in Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant, as well as passing the Strong
Start for America’s Children Act—which would invest in preschool, high-quality child care for infants and toddlers,
and home-visiting services for pregnant women and mothers with infants—will help more struggling families obtain
the child care they need in order to work and improve the future economic mobility of America’s children.

8. Expand Medicaid
Since it was signed into law in 2010, the Affordable Care Act has expanded access to high-quality, affordable health
coverage for millions of Americans. However, 23 states continue to refuse to expand their Medicaid programs to
cover adults up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level—making the lives of many families on the brink much
harder. Expanding Medicaid would mean more than just access to health care—it would free up limited household
income for other basic needs such as paying rent and putting food on the table. Having health coverage is also an
important buffer against the economic consequences of illness and injury; unpaid medical bills are the leading cause
of bankruptcy. Studies link Medicaid coverage not only to improved health, improved access to health care services,
and lower mortality rates, but also to reduced financial strain.

9. Reform the criminal justice system and enact policies that support successful re-
entry
The United States incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country in the world. Today, more than 1.5 million
Americans are behind bars in state and federal prisons, a figure that has increased fivefold since 1980. The impact
on communities of color is particularly staggering: One in four African American children who grew up during this
era of mass incarceration have had a parent incarcerated.

Mass incarceration is a key driver of poverty. When a parent is incarcerated, his or her family must find a way to
make ends meet without a necessary source of income Additionally, even a minor criminal record comes with
significant collateral consequences that can serve as lifelong barriers to climbing out of poverty. For example,
people with criminal records face substantial barriers to employment, housing, education, public assistance, and
building good credit. More than 90 percent of employers now use background checks in hiring, and even an arrest
without a conviction can prevent an individual from getting a job. The “one strike and you’re out” policy used by
public housing authorities makes it difficult if not impossible for individuals with even decades-old criminal records
to obtain housing, which can stand in the way of family reunification. Furthermore, a lifetime ban—for individuals
with felony drug convictions—on receiving certain types of public assistance persists in more than half of U.S.
states, making subsistence even more difficult for individuals seeking to regain their footing, and their families.
In addition to common-sense sentencing reform to ensure that we no longer fill our nation’s prisons with nonviolent,
low-level offenders, policymakers should explore alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs for
individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges. We must also remove barriers to employment,
housing, education, and public assistance. A decades-old criminal record should not consign an individual to a life
of poverty.

10. Do no harm
The across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration—which took effect in 2013—slashed funding for
programs and services that provide vital support to low-income families. Sequestration cost the U.S. economy as
many as 1.6 million jobs between mid-2013 and 2014. Some relief was provided this January, when Congress
passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, but many important tools to help low-income individuals and
families pave a path to the middle class—such as adult and youth education and training programs, child welfare,
and community development programs—were on a downward funding trend even before sequestration took effect.

As Congress considers a continuing resolution to fund the federal government past October 1 and avoid another
government shutdown, it should reject further cuts to programs and services such as the Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, which provides vital nutrition assistance to pregnant
women and mothers with new babies. Thereafter, Congress should make permanent the
important improvements made to the EITC and the Child Tax Credit as part of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009, which are set to expire in 2017. And it should avoid additional cuts to vital programs
such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, which suffered
two rounds of deep cuts in 2013 and 2014.

Conclusion
It is possible for America to dramatically cut poverty. Between 1959 and 1973, a strong economy, investments in
family economic security, and new civil rights protections helped cut the U.S. poverty rate in half. Investments in
nutrition assistance have improved educational attainment, earnings, and income among the young girls who were
some of the food stamp program’s first recipients. Expansions of public health insurance have lowered infant
mortality rates and reduced the incidence of low birth rates. In more recent history, states that raised the minimum
wage have illustrated the important role that policy plays in combating wage stagnation.

There is nothing inevitable about poverty. We just need to build the political will to enact the policies that will
increase economic security, expand opportunities, and grow the middle class.

Rebecca Vallas is the Associate Director of the Poverty to Prosperity Program at the Center for American Progress.
Melissa Boteach is the Vice President of Half in Ten and the Poverty to Prosperity Program at the Center.