Abstract This paper discusses the tremendous growth of the cocaine business over the past two centuries. The writer explains that it started out as a medicinal drug and developed into a major part of an illegal underworld that has affected many lives and enriched those who realized the marketability and profitability of its potent and addictive nature. The paper relates that cocaine became immensely popular in the 70's disco era as it was thought not to be as harmful as speed or heroine, and it was believed to have a stimulating effect on the brain. The paper then shows how this led to cartels being set up in Columbia, bringing drug dealers huge profits from the drug trade throughout the 70s and 80s and even to the present. This paper includes tables.
Outline:
Cocaine's Early History on the Drug Market
A Very Sellable, But Illegal Drug
Reasons for Cocaine's Popularity
Cocaine and the Brain
From the Paper "Realizing cocaine's addictive nature and growing market value, The United States Government made its manufacturing and distribution illegal with The Controlled Substances Act of 1970. It was also in this decade that the cocaine trade took off as the drug became a very popular part of the culture in the United States. Understanding the drug's growing popularity, cocaine once again became a huge business beginning in South American countries, especially Columbia, and finding its way to the drug market in the United States."
Tags: cocoa, Coca Cola, Studio 54, compulsionnarcoticsaddiction
A review of the article "Early Deviance and Related Risk Factors in the Children of NarcoticAddicts" by David N. Nurco, Robert J. Blatchley, Thomas E. Hanlon and Kevin E. O'Grady.
Abstract This paper examines the article "Early Deviance and Related Risk Factors in the Children of NarcoticAddicts", which assesses the development of children that had either been subjected to the influence of narcoticaddicts or had been part of families in which the consumption of narcotics occurred. The paper looks at the worrisome findings of the study such as the fact that the younger generation has become increasingly vulnerable to the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The paper recommends that the study provide a comparison with different segments of the same age groups in order to provide a more precise image of the dangers addiction poses for children and the next generation.
From the Paper "The main objective of the article represents the assessment of the development of children that had either subjected to the influence of narcotic addicts or have been part of families in which the consumption of narcotics occurred. More precisely, for the authors of the article it was important to point out the different factors that influence the practice of drug consumption among children and young adolescences.
"The study was conducted on 285 children, male and females, aged between 12 and 17. They represented children of parents who were enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment programs. The technique used was based on a 2, 5 hours interview in which the respondents were requested to focus on their previous and current activities, including any criminal activities conducted until the age of 12. The questions focused on the history of early deviance, on the family structure of the subject, on the atmosphere present in the home environment, information related to the use of drug and alcohol, the association with deviant peers, as well as psychological symptoms. (29)"
Abstract In this paper, the writer argues that gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects people regardless of their gender, although demographics and culture may vary in different areas. The writer looks at six perspectives on compulsive gambling from the existing literature on the subject, at times looking at specific questions of gender, which respectively are representative of social, cognitive and developmental perspectives. The writer maintains that men and women gamble differently and have different ages of onset for chronic gambling problems, often according to culture and gender roles. The writer concludes that chronic gambling affects both men and women, but in different ways, which can be seen through perspectives in existing literature.
Outline:
Introduction
Social
Cognitive
Developmental
Conclusion
From the Paper "Compulsive gambling from this standpoint starts as a social activity, but winds up an isolating one.
"The theory of social learning or social behavior is also prominent among theories explaining addictive behavior, because when children see their parents gambling or playing cards for money all the time, it gives them exposure. Also, when adolescents rebel against their parents and see their friends gambling on sports games and gambling with cards, this is also a strong time for peer pressure which could cause addictive behavior. So generally the cause has to be tailored to the individual, so that the treatment and prevention efforts can continue in the same way, from a social development perspective of psychology. "
Abstract The paper discusses the mechanisms whereby people become addicted to drugs, citing numerous studies. The paper reviews different classes of drugs to which people become addicted - alcohol, opiates, stimulants - and compares the effects. The paper also reviews sociological factors contributing to drug addiction. In conclusion, the writer states that through research, the mechanisms for how people can become addicted has been learned, but why people become addicted is something which scientific research has still been unable to answer. The writer states that the choice is individual and expresses the hope that people will choose wisely to avoid the destructive path of addiction.
From the Paper "Nicotine works by stimulating acetylcholine receptors and also increases the activity of dopaminergic neurons. Animals in laboratory tests would self-administer nicotine. Because nicotine stimulates the dopaminergic system, smoking can make it more difficult for cocaine or heroin addicts to quit the drug. The stimulant drug, nicotine, even though it may seem "tame" after discussing the hard-core drugs, has the potential to become highly addictive. The combination of nicotine and other carcinogens in cigarettes can lead to cancer of parts of the body which are exposed to smoke. An example of the dangers and addictive nature of smoking can be seen in Sigmund Freud. His theories of psychoanalysis stressed the importance of insight in changing one's behavior. It is ironic that even after most of his jaw was removed due to cancer from smoking, he was still unable to quit. Ultimately, his cancer killed him (Carlson, 586). Even though in the short term smoking may produce less serious affects than other hard core drugs, smoking related deaths remains as one of the top killers of Americans. The psychological dependency of smoking coupled with the physiologic dependence makes it one of the most addictive and possibly dangerous addictions in terms of its long-term consequences. "Approximately 20 million Americans have used marijuana (labeled the "assassin of youth") at least once in a year placing themselves at risk for developing drug dependence and other problems (Zimbardo 129). The active ingredient in marijuana is THC. Psychological effects of marijuana include mild highs in small doses, and long hallucinogenic reactions in high doses. It also produces euphoria, distortions and occasional out of body experiences. However, marijuana can produce fear, anxiety, and confusion as well as impair motor function. The physiological effects of THC remain a mystery. There are THC receptors in the brain, but the chemical produced by the body for this receptor is still unknown. What is known about THC is that is has an effect on dopaminergic neurons. (Zimbardo, 129). Marijuana also affects short term memory and a person's ability to keep track of a topic in conversation (Carlson, 588)."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough examination into the profession of an addiction counselor. It explains that the profession lacks cohesion because it is quite new and only basic norms have been set. It looks at the hurdles in training to be an addiction counselor and what qualifications are needed. It then examines the type of personality one should possess in order to be a successful addiction counselor. Different methods of counseling are discussed as well as developments in the field, in research and practice. The paper concludes with examining the future of the addiction counseling field.
From the Paper "Addiction counseling is a profession with a low level of cohesion due to very significant state-to-state differences in certification and licensure requirements, the variety of levels of qualifications among practicing counselors, and the emergence of new demands--in terms of knowledge and coverage--for addiction counselors at a time when fiscal support and insurance reimbursements for drug intervention programs are shrinking and demand is increasing. As the profession struggles to organize itself by adding to its arsenal of competencies, however, the National Curriculum Committee (NCC) of the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) seeks to define the broadest range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes for all addiction professionals while also producing a defining list of attributes that all addiction counselors share. As the field expands and contracts on various fronts new opportunities arise as counselors add to the knowledge and skills they use in practice. But the basic attitudes and other personal characteristics of counselors remain constant and this allows for the creation of a profile of the addiction counselor in terms of attributes that facilitate the connection with clients, negotiate the difficult problems of empathy and distance, and are productive of the kind of sustained attention and efficiency of execution without which no addiction counselor can serve her/his clients adequately. The addiction counselor must, in short, become a combination of an efficient bureaucrat, an empathetic supporter, a model of constancy and consistency, and the possessor of a variety of knowledge and skills that will facilitate clients' recovery."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that addictive behavior is a process that is initiated by certain motivational factors and causative features. The writer maintains that the use of psychological theories to describe and analyze these motivational patterns of behavior is essential in order to understand and create preventative strategies to combat addiction. In this essay, various theories of motivation are used to explain the addictive syndrome. These include cognitive and behavioral theories as well as socio-psychological and other theoretical stances. The pleasure principle and motivation towards fulfillment and self-efficacy and the search for excitement are also dealt with in relation to disinhibition theories of motivation. These are discussed to provide a clear and integrated overview of the central motivational theories that lead to and maintain addictive behavior. The writer concludes that the various theories of motivation are important points of departure in the alleviation and the reduction of the negative outcomes of addictive behavior in society.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Overview of the Motivational Theories and Addiction Sensation and Experience Seeking
Opponent Processes
Developmental Theories
Summation and Conclusion
From the Paper "Motivation is one of the complex aspects of our psychological makeup. The reason why we do certain things and the causative factors that influence human behavior and actions are often seemingly mysterious and even irrational. Various theories of motivation can be applied to views of addictive behavior, and especially to harmful and potentially deadly addictions such as some forms of drug abuse.
"Drug addiction and abuse has a long and complex history in human society with regard to individual and social developments and actions. Drugs and their effects on the mind and consciousness states of experience can be traced back to the origins of human history."
Abstract This paper examines addiction and addictive behaviors as a social issue in Canada. The paper discusses the scope and nature of the problem, possible solutions, and policy responses. It further discusses whether addictions are a cause or consequence of the social conditions associated with them.
From the Paper "Addictions are a serious social problem in Canada as in other Western industrial countries and indeed in most, if not all, societies around the world. The prohibition of alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors by several world religions attest that the problem of addiction is an ancient one. Addictions and the patterns of behavior associated with addiction cause enormous misery to addicts and those around them and on society as a whole."
Abstract This paper begins by providing an introduction and description of the plant cocaine. It then describes how cocaine is used today in society and its manner of production. The writer discusses how cocaine has become entrenched into the mindset of social deviance and the etiology of the addiction to this drug. It lists signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction and discusses the way that the addiction has impacted society.
From the Paper "Cocaine is a highly potent and addictive stimulant drug obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It was first extracted from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca plant, in the mid-19th century. This bushy plant is native to the Andes of South America, and is found predominantly in Peru and Bolivia. However, close to seventy five percent of the world's annual yield of cocaine is produced in Colombia, which is the world's leading producer of cocaine. (Cocaine, 2003). In the early 1900s, cocaine was used in tonics or elixirs, to treat a wide variety of illnesses. Even today, cocaine is used in local anesthetics for surgery of the ear, nose or throat."
Abstract This paper explains the weaknesses of the American judicial system where drug addicts and dealers are trialed and punished but within a matter of weeks are out on the street again, often being rearrested before their parole is up. The writer looks at the new system which has been instituted in order to avoid this occurance - namely "drug courts". It explains what this system is - a unique court system for drug related crimes - and how, through this system, the courts hope to put an end to the vicious cycle of arrrests and convictions, with no purpose.
From the Paper "For the past several decades, drug use has had an overwhelming effect upon the American justice system, with drug and drug-related crime being the most common offense in almost every community (Drug Strategies, 1996). Beyond the troubling ability of these problems to fill prisons to capacity, the traditional judicial system seemed to have no deterrent effect on these crimes (Drug and Crime Facts, 1994). A disturbing "revolving door" pattern had emerged, with drug offenders moving through the system in a predictable pattern of arrest, prosecution, conviction, incarceration, and release. In a few weeks, sometimes only a few days, the same person was back in the system again, arrested for drug possession or a drug-related crime (National Association of Drug Court Professionals [NADCP], 1997). A particularly difficult problem faced by the system was the growing use of crack cocaine in the 1980s (Miller & Gold, 1994). The legislature passed tougher laws imposing longer sentences, such as the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 and the Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1986 and 1988, and the nation struggled to find a solution for its drug and crime problem ("The Effective National Drug Control Strategy," 1999)."
Abstract This paper explains how drug abuse among health care workers poses serious risks for patients and providers alike. It looks at the additional temptation and hurdles health care workers face when confronted with addictive material on a daily basis. It examines methods that can be used to combat the problem.
From the Paper "Drug abuse among healthcare workers poses serious risks for patients and providers alike. "Health professionals are in a position to cause harm to individuals under their care if they"re under the influence of a drug,? says Mary Haack, PhD, RN, an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (Borkowski, 3). Their own medical knowledge may start some healthcare workers down the path of addiction. Rather than seek help for physical or psychological problems, some attempt to self-medicate, abusing prescription medications like Demerol, codeine and morphine. "Since they know a lot about prescription drugs, they feel somewhat invulnerable. They think they know how to manage it, and that gets them into trouble" (Hack qtd. in Borkowski, 3). While drug addiction is often the result of experimentation in social situations, addiction is very solitary for healthcare workers, who tend to abuse only on the job (Borkowski, 2002)."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the obsessive-compulsive disorder. The paper also discusses the treatments that are currently available to deal with this disorder. Other questions addressed include when and how OCD was recognized as a mental disorder and how OCD affects the neurological and physical capabilities of patients who are diagnosed with the disorder. The writer points out that while OCD can interfere with normal functioning and make life extremely difficult for the patient, there is no cure for the disorder, but treatment does result in control of symptoms.
From the Paper "All people need routine, rituals and habits in order to organize their daily lives. For example, organization and arrangement of belongings and supplies is essential both at home and at work. People who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, are often so concerned with order and ritual that these activities require a great deal of time and become a real problem in their daily lives. Basically, obsessive-compulsive disorder is disorder that "causes a person's thoughts to repeat. These repeating thoughts, called obsessions, lead a person with OCD to perform certain tasks over and over in an effort to make the obsessions go away"."
Abstract This paper examines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in adults and children. The paper begins with a discussion of the etiology and prevalence of the disease. Next the paper reviews co-morbid diseases. The paper then focuses on the symptoms and treatment of OCD, with special emphasis on the role of the nurse as therapist and educator.
Abstract This paper studies obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in children. The paper begins by discussing the lack of a precise known cause of OCD. Next the paper looks at treatment of a psychiatric condition that may be both neurobiological and psychological. The paper also examines the debilitating impact of this anxiety disorder and some solutions.
From the Paper "Obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD is a complicated and still puzzling psychiatric disorder that has been called one of the most debilitating of the anxiety disorders. Recent studies suggest that approximately..."
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the obsessive-compulsive disorder and cognitive behavior displayed by the main character Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie 'As Good As It Gets.' The paper includes quotations from the movie and actual examples of the behavior displayed by Melvin that constitute OCD.
From the Paper "The character Melvin Udall (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie As Good As It Gets displays symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and cognitive distortions. Melvin is a writer whose meticulous, routine-drenched yet quirky world suddenly turns upside down when his gay neighbor, Simon Bishop (played by Greg Kinnear), gets beaten up and has to go to the hospital, leaving his pet dog, Verdell, in Melvin's care. What further complicates Melvin's life is that the only waitress in his favorite cafe who can put up with him, Carolll Connelly (played by Helen Hunt), has to quit work to take care of her sick son."
Abstract This paper takes a look at addictions such as drug usage and gambling. The author first defines the term addiction and takes a look at what makes a person an addict, be it to food, drugs or cigarettes. In particular, the paper looks at dependency on drugs and addiction to gambling and examines how these addictions prove to be a strong hindrance to people's chance of living a quality life.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Definitions of Addiction DSM IV Substance Dependence
Drug Addiction Gambling Addiction Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Nature has a way of making people addicted to some extent. There is that thing in people that hooks them with anything that will give pleasure and remove pain. Millions of people have habits or cravings not only to drugs, alcohol, food and cigarettes; but also to sleeping pills, tranquilizers, amphetamines, coffee, sugar, gambling, exercise, sex, love and many others. But that does not necessarily qualify them as addicts. It is normal for people to want some things because of the good feeling they get out of it. For others, it is the feeling of relief in avoiding the pain caused by stopping the habit that makes them keep on the habit. Fewer others are simply drowned and powerless to stop. What then makes a real addict different from everybody else who craves for things that bring pleasure and avoids pain? The answer to this has long been debated by scientists and researchers for decades with many different versions published."
