Abstract This paper looks at drug and alcohol use and abuse in America, and the barriers to obtaining treatment for addicts. The writer cites the latest statistics (2003) on drug and alcohol use in the U.S. The writer also refers to some studies which try to explain why people do not seek treatment.
From the Paper "Drugs and alcohol are major problems in the United States particularly among the youth of this country ... "
This paper discusses that surveys have shown that domestic violence (DV), which is a major problem in the U.S., is strongly related to alcohol and drug abuse.
Abstract This paper explains that domestic violence, when it includes not just the drugalcohol but also other mind-altering drugs, can be extremely vicious. The author points out that one of the most frequent and verifiable links to understanding DV is the cultural dynamics of individuals in the low-income bracket where violence is used as a strategy in conflict. The paper explores Sweden's anti-violence, alcohol-intervention campaign, which entails training in responsible beverage service for bartenders, enforcement of existing alcohol laws in bars, promotional posters in beverage retail stores, and a massive media campaign, as a model for the U.S.
Table of Contents
Statement of the Problem
Introduction / Thesis
Alcohol/Drug-related Family Violence Does Not Occur in a Social Vacuum
Present Realities and Statistics
What Does Alcohol Actually Do to the Individual and to the Brain?
Victim Treatment, Possible Solutions and Remedies
Conclusion
From the Paper "The fundamental difficulty with respect to studying DV, Jewkes asserts, is that "evidence for causation of intimate partner violence is weak, when assessed with epidemiological criteria" [since] diseases usually have a biological basis and occur within a social context, but intimate partner violence is entirely a product of its social context.? And, Jewkes adds, DV is often a "feature of sexual relationships or thwarted sexual relationships"? Alcohol, she concludes, is a contributor to intimate violence by both reducing inhibitions, and providing "social space" for "punishment"."
Abstract This paper discusses in detail the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain and how those effects play a role in the overall psychological constitution of the user/addict. The topics included in this paper include a brief yet detailed overview of substance dependence in conjunction with the evidence for psychological dependence as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV and other pertinent scientific sources. In addition, a number of recommendations for future research on the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol are discussed at the conclusion of this paper.
From the Paper "The study of the psychological effects of drugs and alcohol on the human brain, as compared to other medical conditions, is relatively new in the field of medical research. Only within the last fifty years or so has the medical community focused on how drugs and alcohol affect the human brain and the conditions that arise from prolonged abuse of the various associated substances. As Dent J. Yerbury points out, "literally hundreds of substances cross the brain barrier to influence human behavior and psychology" (June,1986), especially those connected to substance abuse. Reflecting those substances that are most widely abused and that cause the most significant problems to the abuser, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM--IV) has divided the universe of substances into eleven specific drug classes--alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, cannabis (marijuana), hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine, and sedatives. Most recently, one other category has been included for less commonly abused substances, being over-the-counter medications."
An analysis of the importance of self-awareness, flexibility and the ability to build relationships as traits for leaders in drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities.
Abstract This paper discusses the relationship between leadership traits and employees' job satisfaction when working at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. The paper discusses the importance of self-awareness, flexibility and the ability to build relationships as traits for leaders at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. It suggests that employees who possess these traits prove to be more effective workers in drug and alcohol rehab facilities. The paper contains graphs, as well as original source articles.
Table of Contents:
Uncommon Considerations
Assessing Job Satisfaction
Planning the Pilot...
Retrieved Results Report...
More than Pay
Findings From Perceptions
Determinations Contributing to Job Satisfaction
From the Paper "When attempting to secure a questionnaire to implement for this study, to assess the particular traits of a leader thought to attribute to employees' job satisfaction, this researcher found that a dearth of potential surveys existed and ultimately determined that no specific study was currently available. Consequently, this researcher designed "The Leadership Constellation Questionnaire." After this questionnaire was completed and approved by this researcher's committee, this researcher began implementing plans to complete this study's Pilot Study. Initially, 300 participants in eight organizations were contacted and invited to participate in this study."
Examines the case for drug prohibition against the backdrop of the historical examples of alcohol and cigarette prohibition, arguing that complete prohibition is unlikely to succeed today.
3,575 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 19 sources, 2001, $ 99.95
Abstract This paper addresses the common question in public policy on how best to restrict the proliferation of addictive substances in society: drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. The author examines the policies ranging from complete prohibition to the legalization of non-addictive drugs. This paper draws on the historical examples of alcohol and cigarette prohibition to argue that the complete prohibition of drugs is not the best answer to the drug problems faced by significant numbers of Americans.
From the Paper "Many legislators advocate the prohibition of addictive substances as the best way to limit their consumption and the myriad social and economic ills that accompany it. This zero-tolerance ideal was the basis of the noble experiment of alcohol prohibition during the 1920s, the ban on cigarettes in Canada and 15 American states at the beginning of this century, and, perhaps most pertinently, the War on Drugs that we currently find ourselves embroiled in. Drawing primarily on the ideas formally presented by Chester Barnard, this paper will dissect the historical example of alcohol prohibition in the 1920s in order to demonstrate that prohibition is a poor approach towards tackling the consumption and sale of harmfully addictive substances because of the manifold obstacles to implementation that stand in the way of its success."
Abstract The paper explains that nearly two-thirds of all American youth try an illegal drug before they finish high school. The writer states that the juveniles most frequently driven to prostitution are young girls trying to escape abusive situations. The writer reviews literature written on the topics of juvenile drug abuse and prostitution. The writer suggests that more research needs to be done regarding these teenage issues and details specific topics for that research. The paper expresses the importance of making contacts by handing out literature to the public. In conclusion, the writer suggests outreach programs in which the emphasis lies not only on knowledge about safer drug use and safer sex but also on attitude, social standards and self-efficacy. Table Of Contents Importance of Study Introduction Identifying Juveniles in Danger Identifying Illusionary Sources About Prostitution Review of Literature 1. Tap 11: Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse: Opportunities for Coordination; Special Populations: Prostitutes 2. Blume (1992) Summarizes Some of the Differences in Chemical Dependency in Women When Compared with Men 3. Juveniles: Schinke, Botvin & Orlandi, 1991 4. The Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia (CASA) Released a Study Oct. 27, 1994 5. A Methodological Analysis of the Sexual Behavior NORC University of Chicago, February, 1992 6. The Relationship Between Cocaine Use, Drug Sales, and Other Delinquency Among a Cohort of High-Risk Youths Over Time, 1994 7. Teen Prostitution, Marie Cugini, Advocates for Children College Park Scholars University of Maryland, College Park 9. Breaking The Cycle A Developmental Model for the Assessment and Treatment of Adolescents with Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, By Leslie Acoca, M.A., M.F.C.C. 10. McKeganey et al, 1990, Green et al, 1993. Gossop et al (1994) Interviewed 51 Women Drug Using Prostitutes Basis for Discussion Research Design Making Contacts Limitations References Bibliography
From the Paper "Juveniles are most frequently driven to prostitution in order to escape abusive situations. These young girls feel they have no choice. In addition, laws designed to protect children from sexual abuse are not applied to juvenile prostitutes. The following case history suggests that a number of juveniles engaged in prostitution grew up in abusive and/or neglectful homes, a fragile self esteem and limited resources lead some girls believe they had no other choice but to enter the world of prostitution. "Repeatedly myths and illusions about prostitution are built on misinformation and fantasy of sexuality that are promoted through movies, TV, video tapes and printed materials including pornography. These may entice naive young teens into prostitution through false promises of glamour and riches. In reality, juvenile prostitutes suffer pain humiliation and degradation at the hands of their pimps and customers. They are susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Most are controlled by pimps who care first about how much money they get. Kids involved in prostitution frequently experience beatings, sado-masochistic treatment, and worse."
Abstract The paper defines gateway drugs as those which could open the doors to illicit drugs like hallucinogens, marijuana, cocaine, etc. The paper describes the discussions on whether alcohol and tobacco use among teenagers leads to marijuana use and shows that the pros and cons may vary but it denied that the proponents of the "gateway theory" do have a point. There are others who argue that the facts and figures do not corroborate this aspect, yet it still can be said that the teenager who experiments with tobacco and alcohol often proceeds to illicit drugs at a later stage. The paper concludes that it is ultimately the task of parents and society as a whole to ensure that children do not use drugs.
From the Paper "How often have we heard cases of teenagers shooting down their classmates in broad daylight, resorting to cold-blooded murder for no apparent reason! It is not even necessary that they would have showed any signs of delinquency in the past. What could have prompted them to such gory acts? The reasons can by many, but nothing that family support and affection could not have prevented. Or even for that matter, a friend in school who is willing to listen. Very rarely are such cases medically triggered, as no one is born a criminal. A sad aspect is that a large number of suicides too occur, as there is no one to hear the agonizing cries of a stressed out soul. A teenager with, what he surmises are insurmountable problems."
Tags: National, Institute, of, Drug, Abuse, National, Household, Policy, on, Drug, Abuse, National, Drug, Control, Policy
Abstract This paper explains that, although officially around for only the last thirty years, the war on drugs has been waged for the last century through various laws to decrease the use and circulation of drugs in the United States. The author points out that these prohibition laws have been aimed at everything from alcohol to marijuana; however, such laws continue to fail to change the flow of drugs into and throughout the country. The paper suggest that, as the costs of funding the war on drugs rises, there is a need for a different approach such as the legalization of the targeted drugs, similar to the repeal of the Twenty-First Amendment, which again legalized alcohol in the United States. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper "The current laws essentially have no affect on a person's experimentation with drugs. Despite school anti-drug programs and campaigns, "about half of the students in the United States in 1995 tried an illegal drug before they graduated from high school" (Boaz). One would think that the present punishments for drug use or distribution would hinder teenage experimentation with these drugs. But the statistics show that this has little to no effect. Ironically, the things that are illegal seem to be the easiest to come by these days."
Abstract Discusses various therapeutic models for alcohol, cocaine & other drugs & cigarette abuse. Compares group therapy for substance abuses in an outpatient setting to other forms of drug therapy (12-Step program of AA, "network" therapy, short-term psychodynamic approach, behavioral therapy & other models). Recommends comgination of group therapy & self-help groups as most effective.
From the Paper "Comparing Group Therapy Approaches in an Outpatient Setting for Treating Substance Abusers
Introduction
Substance abuse is a major problem in the United States, and many other countries. Currently, alcoholism directly affects approximately 14 million people in this country, while also impacting their families, friends, and coworkers (Knapp, 1999). In 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were more than 18,000 alcohol-induced deaths and nearly 15,000 drug-related death in 1996. Further, there were 142,164 cocaine-related emergency room episodes in 1995 (Petersen, 1999).
There is no single factor that can be pointed to as..."
Abstract This paper explains that illicit drugs, whose content is largely unknown in some cases and may include very disruptive and variable chemicals, can seriously affect the development of the fetus or embryo. The author stresses that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be found in cases where even mild alcoholic consumption is present during certain gestational periods, although it is a much more likely to occur when alcohol consumption is considered excessive. The paper relates that the seriousness of cigarette smoking by a pregnant woman is similar to that of alcohol; the legality of it leads some to believe that it is much less harmful than it actually is, but cigarette smoking has been shown to greatly increase the risk of low birth weight babies and babies with intrauterine growth retardation.
From the Paper "It is within this process of gestation that hundreds of thousands of errors can be made by the body, the genes or other outside forces; and within those potential glitches, a multitude of manifestations can become apparent within the development of the fetus and later the child. Within this process, there are many points where there is proof of the divine plan, because so many things can go wrong but statistically they rarely do. Yet, despite the intentions of the divine plan, within this process, the actions of the mother can and often do seriously affect the outcome of the pregnancy."
Abstract This paper looks at how the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and legal or illegal drugs by the mother during pregnancy can cause serious defects in the future physical, emotional, and intellectual development of her child. The paper also examines how the medical theories on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have changed over the last decades.
From the Paper "For the record, those who work closely with FASD children point out that they may have certain positive characteristics in common that other children their age may be less prone towards, such as being tactile, loving, cuddly, clingy, with a lot of determination and persistence and compassion. They tend to be friendly and trusting (if to a fault) and have lots of spontaneous energy. Of course, many of these positive traits are brought out not so much by the syndrome itself as by the way the caretakers respond to the syndrome. Without proper parental (whether biological or adoptive) care, many FASD children become even worse off than they were destined to be by their early developmental setbacks. In fact, it has been theorized that some of the worst problems with many substance-abuse babies comes in equal amounts from the actual substance in their own bloodstream and from the way their parent's substance abuse will affect their future life."
Abstract This paper examines how both alcohol and cocaine are addictive drugs, which exert negative effects on the in both physical and mental well-being. It looks at how alcohol has a more significant physiological effect and can cause more significant long-term physical consequences than can cocaine; alcohol tends to age the body more and cause more lasting physical effects than does cocaine. It shows how, in both cases, the substances may be associated with co-morbid or pre-morbid depression, only in the setting of a comprehensive treatment program can either the alcoholic or the cocaine addict truly seek meaningful sobriety.
From the Paper "In contrast to alcohol, cocaine is an amphetamine drug which is taken in by smoking or injection or by absorption through mucus membranes such as the inside of the nose or the lips and mouth. As an amphetamine, cocaine produces an opposite effect to the sedative properties of alcohol. The cocaine user will have a sensation of euphoria and extreme well being associated with heightened sensation and increased heart and respiratory rates as well as blood pressure. While it takes several hours to overcome the effects of alcohol, the "high" achieved from cocaine use is relatively short ? usually 30 minutes to one hour in duration depending on frequency and amount used. The effect on the cardiovascular system and the central nervous system ends when the high ends and a cocaine addict usually experience no physiological withdrawal and does not require any medical support for the post-use period."
Abstract This paper examines the fact that police are far more vulnerable to alcohol and drug problems than the general public. The paper explains that this is because of high levels of stress, a macho culture and the odd working hours required in the law enforcement profession. The paper relates although data is scarce, studies estimate that rates of alcoholism among police officers are as high as 25 percent. The paper points out that for the general population, the rate of alcoholism is about 7.5 percent.
From the Paper "According to Marks (2001), experts agree that police are far more vulnerable to alcohol and drug problems than the general public, because of "high levels of stress, a 'macho culture' and the odd working hours required in the law enforcement profession. While data is scarce, "studies estimate that rates of alcoholism among police officers are as high as 25 percent. For the general population, the rate of alcoholism is about 7.5 percent." From a public perspective, this situation can only be perceived as alarming, but as Marks (2001) notes, police officials insist that "over the past 20 years, there has been a marked increase in sobriety and sensitivity to substance abuse within the ranks of the nation's 17,000 police departments.""
Abstract This paper discusses the causes, effects, and treatment of drug addiction, but begins with a discussion on the history of drugs. The paper relates that the history of drugs is as old as mankind itself and that most of the drugs abused today were firstly used for medical purposes - to alleviate pains, and treatment of diseases. The paper further relates that there are various types of drugs such as heroine, opium, hashish, cocaine and alcohol and that they can be taken in various ways. In addition, the paper discusses the physical and psychological repercussions of drug addiction and types of treatment.
From the Paper "The history of drugs is as old as mankind itself. Nobody knows actually when people started taking drugs, but from the studies it is evident that countries like China and Egypt were among the first in production and consumption of drugs like marijuana, wine, and tea. There are references of Theophrastus (371-287B.C), a Greek Philosopher, to the origin of the use of tea and opium in China. In the historic studies of drugs "Lake Dwellers of Switzerland" are also mentioned to be among those who used to eat poppy seeds. Similarly, South American Indians were among the first discoverers of cocaine and quinine. From the studies it is revealed to us that tobacco was introduced into Europe by Columbus and his crew returning from America. No matter how wide spread the illegal use of drugs was at that time, it was always considered offensive."
Abstract This paper discuss marijuana, crack/cocaine, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, amphetamines, heroin, alcohol, nicotine. and caffeine to provide a framework for the author's argument that the legalization of drugs can in no way be deemed ethical or moral. The author points out that caffeine is an amphetamine, but it doesn't stand out because it is legal; although the effects of overuse don't seem to be as serious as those of other "harder" drugs, caffeine can be a dangerous drug. The paper concludes that the only argument that can be used to justify the legalization of drugs is ethical formalism; therefore, with only one available argumentative system to justify drug legalization as a moral act, the author believes that the conclusion to reject the legalization is correct.
From the Paper "What is a drug? A drug, as defined by "Webster's Dictionary" is: (1) a substance used as a medication or in the preparation of a medication, (2) a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, (3) a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body, (4) a substance that causes addiction or habituation. The fact that the definition of drugs has so many components may be the cause of why society cannot come up with an agreement about whether or not drugs should be legalized. The definition contains the medical use of drugs which in the majority of cases are pharmacological drugs that have been recognized by doctors and pharmacists and it also contains the negative side of drugs which is the fact that drugs can cause addiction or habituation and can affect the body and mind. All drugs affect the body and mind. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illegal drugs, and the drugs that we sometimes fail to recognize as drugs because they are so common."
