Abstract This paper defines substance and drugabuse using several research sources. It analyzes the current drugabuse problem in the United States and how the government is treating it. It discusses the addiction to drugs and how most Americans see it. It also discusses the legal aspects of the problem and the punishments given to drug offenders. It discusses several twelve step recovery programs and their doubted efficiency.
From the Paper "Drug abuse is really difficult to work with in a psychological sense because all of the issues that surround it. And the reason behind that is that it crosses over into the entire fabric of society, from chemistry to literature, from psychiatry to law. And because of these reasons, the attitudes toward drug abuse are inherently patriarchal and paternalistic; especially because of the puritanical and criminalistic spin American society puts on it. Because of this attitude, it the psychological and psychiatric community has dug itself into a conundrum where client confidentiality is at odds with other legal and moral dilemmas with regard to patient care and recovery. Also, there are other concerns about Alcoholics anonymous and similar 12 step programs with their regard to misuse within the treatment of drug abuse."
Abstract The paper discusses how prescription drugabuse is not a major problem in America's colleges and universities. The paper examines how it is not a major problem because colleges do not produce the kinds of conditions that generally lead to the abuse of prescription drugs. The writer proposes that by creating and implementing campaigns, the aim of which is the curtailing of almost all use of prescription drugs, the American government is doing a disservice to those individuals who might truly benefit from the use of these medications. The paper concludes that officials and advocates must not harm the many who need the help of medications and treatment for the sake of those who abuse these medications and treatments.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review:
Nature of the Problem
Prescription DrugAbuse in Colleges and Universities
Methods and Materials:
Object of Study
Setting of Study
Participants in the Study
Study Instrument
Results
Conclusion
Summary and Recommendations
Appendix A
References
From the Paper "Abuse of prescription medication in American colleges and universities is a complex issue that can only be understood by first examining the larger matter of prescription drug abuse in the general population. First, it is necessary to define the problem; to understand what amount of misuse constitutes abuse. The numbers themselves are often cited as proof that a major problem exists. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, there were fewer than half a million first-time users of prescription painkillers in the 1980's, as opposed to more than six million in 2002. (Barolat, 2005) Nonetheless, sheer numbers do not automatically equal a problem. As Barolat notes, there are indeed many people who are in genuine chronic physical pain, and who do require the aid of painkillers to maintain normal levels of day-today functionality."
Abstract It is common knowledge that abuse of substances, be they illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or completely legal things such as alcohol, tobacco, etc., is widespread, rampant, and becoming an intolerable problem in the United States. This paper deals with the various causes of drug use and drugabuse, be they physical, sociological, or psychological, as well as the several inclinations toward crime and overall misbehavior that said drug use and abuse may lead to, especially in the young people of today.
Abstract The paper discusses a study that relates to the use of licit and illicit drugs and the affects that they have on teens and society. The paper describes how the study researchers contend that in regard to licit drugs, there is a growing concern for teens because licit drugabuse often leads to the abuse of illicit drugs. Furthermore, the study shows how licit and illicit drugs are closely connected to teenage suicides, with over 28,000 suicides reported annually.
From the Paper "While national statistics indicate that illicit drug use by teens has appeared to decline in recent years, the knowledge that many teens practice the abuse of licit drugs needs exploration, according to the researchers (Darboe, Keenan & Richards, 2002, sec. 1). This exploration was, therefore, conducted to determine whether theories of licit drug abuse had foundation in fact, or whether concerns regarding licit drug abuse are without merit."
Abstract This paper outlines the significant differences between the genders with regard to drugabuse. The paper looks at the differences in all aspects of drug use, including why they seek out drugs, who they get drugs from, the types of drugs used, the level of dependence, and the degree of relapse.
From the Paper "Drug addiction, in women and men, is a disease that has become an epidemic in America and around the world. However, there are significant gender differences in regards to drug abuse, and associated behaviors. Much research exists to show that women and men vary drastically with respect to the circumstances surrounding their initial drug use, the specific types of drugs they grow dependent upon, the level of dependence, and the ability they have to seek treatment for their addiction. From the first time a member of either sex uses drugs until they seek treatment, quit, or relapse, females and males exhibit extreme differences in their behavior."
Abstract The paper examines drugabuse which is a significant problem throughout the world and shows no signs of declining. The paper discusses that this is despite the global war on drugs being waged today at great expense by many governments and by tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel. The paper claims that in terms of a demand and supply perspective, the current war on drugs is focusing far too much on punishment for dealers and users and not enough on the sociological and psychological causes of drugabuse.
From the Paper "Drug abuse is a significant problem throughout the world and shows no signs of declining, despite the global war on drugs being waged today at great expense by many governments and by tens of thousands of law enforcement personnel. In terms of a demand and supply perspective, the current war on drugs is focusing far too much on punishment for dealers and users and not enough on the sociological and psychological causes of drug abuse. A number of innovative policies could positively affect obvious supply and demand aspects of drug abuse and the huge expense of prohibition and negative externals associated with it. But implementing such policies is rarely if ever pursued because of rigid political attitudes that promote irrational deterrence concepts."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the relevant scientific and academic literature connected with the present investigation of drug use in adults. Making use of this literature, the writer discusses the individuals effected. The writer discusses relevant statistics in the drugabuse issue. Further, the writer looks at current federal, state and local drug policies that lead to ways to improve historical efforts to reduce drug use in adults.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to review the scientific and academic literature relating to the goal of the present investigation of drug use in adults and to discuss the individuals effected, relevant statistics and current federal state and local drug policies, leading to ways to improve historical efforts to reduce drug use in adults. A thorough search of the literature was undertaken to gain an informed understanding of the current level scope and focus of scholarly knowledge in the topics and factors salient ... "
Tags:drugabuse, cocaine, policy, drug war, sociological effects, disease
Abstract This paper explains that the Anti-DrugAbuse Act of 1986, which created a differentiation of sentencing for powder versus crack cocaine offenses, has had a very negative impact on African-American offenders. The paper points out that the current problem is the perceived 'right' of the judge presiding over crack offense case sentencing to depart from mandatory minimum sentencing for these offenses. The paper also points out that this policy is shockingly perverse under the governing Constitution and its Bill of Rights. The paper then concludes with four policy recommendations to correct this situation.
Table of Contents:
Historical Background of the Policy
Current Problem
Description of Policy
Policy Analysis
Policy Recommendations
Policy Recommendation One
Policy Recommendation Two
Policy Recommendation Three
Policy Recommendation Four
From the Paper "These are often the same lawmakers who are handsomely rewarded by public sector groups such as correctional officers' unions and other law enforcement groups, who also profit from criminalization and mass imprisonment. Less directly, the privatization of prisons contributes to and buoys the overall "culture" of law enforcement and criminal justice, one that levels our common sense understanding of the causes of our social problems and puts as their solution responses of violence, force and containment."
Tags: ownership, drug quantity disparity, judge, decision-making model, sentencing commission
Abstract This grant proposal discusses the benefits of creating a program to prevent drugabuse among youths and and proposes an exact allocation of the grant money. The proposal also shows a timeline on how and when the author's department plans on spending the grant money and includes a detailed summary of all the costs involved in this kind of a program. The paper concludes that the overall benefits of this program will result in a noticeable reduction in drugabuse among the teenage population by disrupting the illicit drug trafficking organizations within the community, denying street dealers a customer base, reducing the number of emergency room admissions related to drugabuse and overdose, and establishing a strong anti-drugabuse program within all the schools within the community.
Outline:
Why and Where
How and When
Table: Cost Summary
From the Paper "Our department is committed to establishing, creating, and encouraging anti-drug programs such as D.A.R.E. in our communities at public and private schools, to home-school teachers and students, and to the general public. Our outreach program will start in the communities' schools; since a larger impact is imprinted in elementary, junior high, and high schools. We are committed to reaching out to children, teens, and the general public through flyers, pamphlets, meetings, seminars, and D.A.R.E. hotlines. Lastly, we are dedicated to inform children and teens of the dangers of drugs, gangs, and violence (encourage community policing); in addition to encouraging teachers, parents, and students to attend the 21st Annual D.A.R.E. International Training Conference in San Antonio, Texas on August 12-14, 2008 at The Alamo. The training conference teaches officials, schools, teachers, parents, and students on how to be leaders of the war on drugs in order to save the people."
Abstract The paper discusses that drugabuse is a real problem in the United States. The paper questions if the present way of handling the drug problem is the best way to cut down on drugabuse. The paper asks if decriminalization is better than legalization. The paper then questions if drugs should be legalized and if so, which drugs should be legalized. The paper considers that legalizing different drugs would put the responsibility on the user and thus change the problems associated with drugs, including criminalization.
From the Paper "According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse released in 2002, "an estimated 15.9 million Americans aged 12 and older were current users of illicit drugs in 2001, meaning that they used an illicit drugs" (Crime 408). Drug abuse is a real problem in the United States, but is the current manner of handling the drug problem the best way to cut down on drug abuse? Analyzing "Crime in the Modern World" will show how legalizing different drugs such as marijuana can be beneficial as well as reduce cost to enforcing laws and sending offenders to prison. An important difference should be noted, however, between decriminalizing drugs and legalizing them: "[Decriminalization] reduces criminal penalties associated with the personal possession of a controlled substance, legalization eliminates the laws and associated criminal penalties that prohibit its production, sale, distribution and possession" (Crime 428)."
Abstract This paper determines if it is possible for all intermediate schools and high schools in the United States to acknowledge that the use of "illegal substances" (i.e. controlled drugs and alcohol) by students has become a serious issue that not only endangers the well being of the student bodies, the faculties and the administrations, but also threatens the educational goals of the various schools. The purpose of this is to establish a policy of open information concerning substance abuse, one that will officially state that schools will no longer tolerate any attempts by parents, students, government agencies, or other interest groups to make the issue seem less critical than it is. The paper examines the current scope of the problem. It explores three separate approaches to the problem - a curative approach (The Effective Drug Control Strategy program), a preventative strategy (the DARE program) the POSIT strategy for screening offenders. The paper concludes that the Effective Drug Control Strategy would be the most effective in dealing with drugabuse in American schools.
From the Paper "The most widely known (and sometimes praised) program is "DARE," a program of slides, booklets, T-shirts and so on, that is aimed at fourth and fifth graders. A recent editorial in the Detroit News made some stunning and highly defensible arguments against DARE. The editorial was based on a news story in the same paper that pointed out that there was no difference in crime or drug abuse incidents between 33 local school districts that offered DARE and others that didn't."
An evaluation of the D.A.R.E program, including a critical look into its conceptual and methodological practices, based on the article "DARE (DrugAbuse Resistance Education): Very Popular but not Very Effective," by Clayton et. al.
Abstract The paper examines the article, "DARE (DrugAbuse Resistance Education): Very Popular but not Very Effective," by Clayton et. al., which centered onto the components that make the DARE program a popular but ineffective drug use intervention program among America's youth. The paper thoroughly analyzes the two causes of the ineffectiveness of the DARE program, as argued and presented by Clayton et. al. The paper's analysis posits similarly as the authors have argued--that is, the analysis presented here asserts that: (1) drug use intervention, in order to be effective, must be intensified to age groups wherein drug use becomes more crucial and prevalent, and (2) more than education and information dissemination, America's youth must be informed of drug use's detrimental effects at an "experiential level," wherein they are able to fully "witness" its effects, as experienced by (former) drug users themselves.
From the Paper "The first argument presented in the article in arguing the continued support for the DARE program despite its ineffectiveness is the "feel good" effect that the program has on different sectors of the society. Citing the police, educational system, and even the family institution (specifically parents) as the loyal supporters of this program, the authors pointed out that the continued support of these sectors is motivated only by the fact that the program "makes students, teachers, administrators, parents, police, and politicians "feel good" because something is being done about drug abuse" (107)."
Abstract This paper deals with what social workers must face in the way of substance abuse and its effects on families and children. First, the effects of the two biggest drug threats, cocaine and heroin, are discussed. Then, the causes and effects of substance abuse, in general, upon family life and stability are reviewed. Finally, this essay defines the role of the average social worker in providing services to families that are experiencing such substance abuse, showing how such professionals can provide help.
From the Paper "In the past thirty years in the United States, the drug problem among all races, age levels, and social classes has grown to epic proportions. Despite the Reagan administration's well-meaning but failed "War on Drugs" with its harsh legislation and harsher criminal penalties for drug users and dealers, despite more vigilant law enforcement, despite programs in schools such as D.A.R.E., and despite heightened media awareness and coverage of the drug problem and illegal drugs' harmful social and physical effects, drug use has continued to grow in this country. And with this increase in drug addiction and abuse have come the obvious harmful effects on users' and addicts' families."
Abstract This paper discusses the problem of alcohol and drugabuse and its influence on criminals. It claims that a high percentage of criminals either use or abusedrugs. The paper addresses the need for drug and alcohol treatment in correctional facilities and offers four solutions and their implementation. A schematic representation is included in order to quantify points made.
Table of Contents:
Abstract Problem/Objective Background of Problem Proposed
Alternatives
Decision Criteria Research Matrix Analysis Optimal Coarse of Action Implementation of Plan
Program Evaluation Bibliography Additional Resources
From the Paper "The optimal coarse of action, according to the matrix analysis would be option 3, (Utilize known effective preventative drug and alcohol abuse programs...). As a long range goal prevention is clearly the best and most cost effective plan of action to combat the incidence of criminal activity in association with drug and alcohol abuse. Treatment is clearly an important factor but early prevention, especially is the most long-term of the solutions offered in this plan. The prevention of individuals from ever becoming drug addicted and therefore entering the penal system is a global answer to the social problem that this poses in our culture and worldwide."
Abstract This paper examines the problem of drugabuse in America, claiming it has reached epidemic proportions. The paper discusses previous policies for reducing or eliminating the drug problem in America, their ineffectiveness and why they were ineffective. The paper also discusses current drug policies, explaining that they are far more effective than past policies but that there is still much to be done in order to rid the country of the devastating societal problem. In particular, the paper focuses on the drug policies of former New York City mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, and how effective they have been in reducing New York's drug problem and suggests that these are policies that the entire nation should be implementing as well.
From the Paper "Drug abuse is major epidemic in the United States. The supply is plentiful, and the demand high. Drug abuse leads to crime. An addict needs money from somewhere, and crime is often the only answer. Over the past ten years, large efforts have been made by law enforcement agencies to reduce the demand for drugs. Previously, most law enforcement agencies were trying to reduce the supply of drugs into this country. However, by ignoring demand, they ignored one of the basic rules of economics in our society, if there is a demand for a product someone will supply it, regardless of the legality of the product. These efforts, therefore, failed miserably."
