Abstract This paper examines how The threat of HIV/AIDS is, without much contest, one of the greatest human health crises in the modern world and how left unchecked, the virus threatens to consume much of the world's population, particularly among populations in Third World countries, which already suffer under less than adequate health care. It looks at how injection drug users (IDUs) account for an alarmingly large proportion of new cases, especially in Third World countries. It also discusses how the relationship between drugaddiction and HIV/AIDS is an important one to understand, as well as the costs that the virus inflicts on societies worldwide.
Abstract This paper states that drugaddiction presents major challenges to psychoanalysts. The paper then notes that there are different techniques used to treat drugaddiction but that the focus of the paper is on psychoanalysis as a mode of treatment for drugaddiction. Next, the paper relates that gradually more experienced psychoanalysts are finding employment in drugaddiction programs, but for them to be successful, they should be aware of different methods used in drugaddiction treatment and try to incorporate them into their daily practice and job. The paper then discusses some of the various treatments available, focusing specifically on psychoanalysis. The paper concludes that people who are in the field of drugaddiction treatment must try to have clear idea about using different methods of treatment as well as how to use and integrate these models effectively.
Outline:
Introduction
Psychoanalysis And DrugAddiction
From the Paper "To be exact, severe drug addiction is considered as being motivated by contradictory and unsettled relational kinematics that drawn from the premature systematizing relations in a individuals lives. As far as drug addiction is concerned, the terms of this disagreement discover solid look in distinguishing actions of using drugs that provide to spread it with the help of the mutual results of reinforcement and disguise. The objective of treatment is for patient and psychoanalyst to uncover the constituents of the relational ties that are embedded in the drug use, to reformulate these forces in figurative expressions, and tore-check them in the kinematics of the change, next to prospects for latest exchange. Seen this way, the treatment requirements of drug users can finely be convened by psychoanalysis, improved by other methods essential for dealing with addiction."
Tags: psychopathology, unsettled, relational, kinematics, traditional
Abstract This paper argues as to whether drugaddiction should be considered a disease or an individual choice. The paper presents and discusses the debate regarding the nature of drugaddiction and how it should be viewed. It concludes that drugaddiction is a disease and not simply a choice made by an individual to become addicted to drugs.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
DrugAddiction is a Disease
The Debate
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Alan I. Leshner, Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse - National Institute of Health states that it is all too common that the individual who first experiments with addictive drugs such as cocaine with the intention of trying it only once "enjoys the drug's euphoric effect so much that in ensuing weeks and months he uses it again - and again. But in due time, he decides he really should quit. He knows that despite the incomparable short-term high he gets from using cocaine, the long-term consequences of its use are perilous. So he vows to stop using it. His brain, however, has a different agenda. It now demands cocaine." (Leshner, 2007) No matter how the individual tries at this point, many are unable to resist using the drug again and they use the drug beyond their own control in a compulsive and addictive manner."
Abstract The paper notes that drugaddiction is both a cultural category and a biological reality. This paper shows that the causative factors in drugaddiction are both social or cultural as well as biological and that these two aspects are often intertwined. The paper comments that from a cultural perspective, drugaddiction is seen as being related to peer pressure and conformity as well as economics and cultural fads. The paper explores evidence to suggest that drug and other addictions are biologically and even genetically based and that certain biological ''types" often have greater propensity and susceptibility to drugaddiction.
Outline:
Introduction
Cultural factors
Biological and physical aspects
Conclusion
From the Paper "The above is also related to other cultural factors, such as the images and subtle messages that are conveyed in the media and which become part of the culturally accepted body of 'knowledge' in a society. A good example of this is that fact that a highly addictive drug like crystal meth is used by teenage girls to become thin and to conform to the cultural stereotypes that are projected by the media. Drugs and drug taking has also become associated with the 'counter-culture' or the rebellion against the norms and values of conventional culture that are perceived to be restrictive and confining. Drugs become a statement of rebellion which can easily become a serious addiction that can threaten health and even cause death."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that there is an ongoing debate in the United States concerning the most effective and most appropriate treatment for those convicted of drug offenses in that it is the belief of some that funding should be increased for treating drugaddiction in prisons. However, the writer points out that the opposing argument holds that this is not the most appropriate manner of addressing drugaddiction. The writer demonstrates that the costs of prison drug- addiction treatment, in monetary terms and in terms of the cost borne by society-at-large far exceed the benefits of prison-based drug-addiction treatment programs. The writer concludes that the research has broadened the knowledge held concerning this issue and has moved the researcher toward more emphatic, confident and further support of alternative sentencing for drug offenders versus incarceration.
Outline:
Overview
Arguments and Evidence in Support
Critical Analysis of Protest against Prison-Based Treatment
Strongest Point Against
Weakest Point
Critical Analysis of Opposing Group's Position
Strongest Point
Weakest Point
Conclusion
From the Paper "The strongest point against prison-based treatment is the interruption of working, productive individuals, father and mothers, in fulfilling their daily responsibilities to their families, their employers and society-at-large, specifically when drug court or other treatment programs are readily available to assist these individuals in becoming drug-free. Drug court and other treatment programs have been found to be more effective, less costly, and more effective in the long-term than imprisonment for drug offenses. Since nearly 1/2 of drug offenders are employed full-time according to the literature in the foregoing review and many of these individuals do have children or are neighbors who care for children and positively contribute to society, imprisonment at a higher cost in monetary terms in addition to the other costs to society make prison sentences for drug offenses ludicrous placing a very large question mark above the 'intentions' of laws and policies that mandate prison sentences for drug offenses. Furthermore, privatization of prisons in the United States has turned prisons into a competitive business with quotas of prisoners needed to fill the capacity of these prisons so that prisons will receive funding for the prisoner's incarcerated to ensure their profits and incoming funds. "
Abstract The paper begins with an explanation of the drug problem in today's society. It then goes on to discuss the negative impact of drugaddiction on American culture (such as violence, drugaddicted babies and the learning disabilities they develop). The cost of drugaddiction to society (such as theft, accidents while under the influence and calling in sick at work) is looked at and the paper concludes with a synopsis of the paper's arguments.
From the Paper "The war on drugs continues to hold the line with neither side able to declare victory. Young teens are experimenting with drugs despite programs of prevention such as DARE and Just Say No. Drug addiction crosses all boundaries including economic, racial, and lifestyle. It knows no limits and it affects every aspect of life from the ability to work, to the little children being raised by dealers. The drug addiction problem in this nation continues regardless of the efforts to stop its progress. It has a negative affect on American culture on every level."
Abstract The paper explains that whether a particular practice is regarded as an accepted activity or as deviant antisocial behavior is largely a function of culture and social norms. The paper then discusses how genetic predisposition and external environmental factors contribute to make some individuals more predisposed to addiction than others, but defining addiction as a disease still involves amorphous criteria and subjective determination. The paper concludes that ultimately, what matters more than a definitive classification of drugaddiction, is that its symptoms be addressed in a manner conducive to their relief and to ending the addiction.
Outline:
Introduction
Distinguishing Disease and Behavior in DrugAddiction Conclusion
From the Paper "Drug addiction is unlike other medical diseases, primarily because it is the result of voluntary behavior rather from exposure to bacterial organisms, viruses, or from a genetic disorder. Whereas symptoms normally associated with organic diseases are well defined in strictly objective terms, the symptoms of addiction rely on subjective definition, and to a large degree, on cultural norms and expectations (Reinarman, 2005)."
Abstract This paper addresses the effects of addiction on members of a family and the methods family members may use to cope. It begins by pointing out that no one person can will another to change his behavior and it stresses acceptance of this fact as the first step on the road to living with a drugaddicted family member. It discusses the various ways that families respond to addiction, such as denial or "enabling" the addict. It explores the family's constant state of conflict and chaos and looks at the stigma attached to addiction. The paper concludes by addressing the guilt feelings on the part of the addict's family.
From the Paper "Loving and living with an addict can skew the other family members? view and expectations of a "normal" family life. Living with active addiction is traumatic. In many families, living with addiction is like living in a constant state of emergency, always staying prepared for the unexpected and unpredictable.
Families respond to addiction in a variety of ways, ranging from healthy confrontation and intervention to unhealthy adaptations to the addiction (Landry, 1994). One of the most often used coping strategies which family members use is denial. In various ways, family members may develop unconscious ways of denying their family member's addiction which has taken control of the entire family."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of drugaddiction and crime, with particular reference to crack cocaine addiction and property theft. It discusses these issues with reference to previously published literature in the form of reviews of the research conducted on this issue. The paper finds that there is a complicated link between drug use and crime, with no directly discernible causative link between the two, i.e., drug use does not necessarily lead to crime, just as crime does not necessarily lead to drug use. The paper ends by looking at various recommendations.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Findings/Results
Conclusions
Recommendations
Bibliography
From the Paper "Illicit drug use is widespread in the young adult population; there are, for example, around four million regular illicit drug users in Great Britain (Hough et al., 2000). The most commonly used illicit drugs are cannabis and ecstasy; large minorities of the teenage and young adult population also admit to other forms of offending, though only a very small proportion are persistent or serious offenders (Hough et al., 2000). Those who use illicit drugs are more likely than others to be involved to some degree in crime, and vice versa, however, in general there is no significant causal link between use of either cannabis or ecstasy and property crime (Hough et al., 2000)."
Abstract This paper explores biological and learning theories to gain an understanding of addiction especially crack cocaine addiction. The author investigates biological models, which refer to the genetics of behavior and neurons and hormones that make some people much more prone than others to crack cocaine addiction. The paper also discusses learning theories, which focus on how persons learn to think and behave in particular ways. The paper further relates that these learning theories consider environmental, ritualized conditioning that depends upon a group or social framework, which can make an individual more susceptible to addiction. The paper concludes that it is important to see a phenomenon from more than one theoretical position.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Biological Theories and DrugAddiction Learning Perspectives
Discussion
Concluding Note
From the Paper "In some patients of the kind, where the brain's dopamine levels are lower than average, or dopamine is very sensitive to fluctuation, the person sometimes trying to raise his or her spirits by way of alcohol, most often, or marijuana or the cocaine that often proves very dangerous. Crack cocaine immediately affects the brain's dopamine processes so that the user soon feels extremely produced, longing for a new dose of the drug that is known to produce a feeling or normality and in some, euphoria."
A review of 'The Man with the Golden Arm' (1955) by Otto Preminger in order to gain a better understanding of crime and the level of drugaddiction in the 1950s.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper brings forth the elements of psychological and cultural significance in Preminger's film, which was an important aspect of crime cinema being created in the 1950s. This paper reports that understanding the basis of the film in relation to drugaddiction, it is clear that Preminger offers an insightful and modern interpretation of drug use in the post World War II period. This is how 'The Man with the Golden Arm' became a new form of film making through the French New Wave movement, and through the opening new psychological portrayals of criminals through drugaddiction.
From the Paper "This film study will examine the nature of the crime genre and the French "New Wave" as depicted in the 1950s era of filmmaking in Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm. Through this aspect of Hollywood filmmaking, one can realize the aspects of innovation that create a movie based on deviant acts through the drug induced behaviors of its central characters. By exploring this genre of filmmaking that gave license to the horrors of drug addiction in the 50s, one can realize the impact on culture and society this "French New Wave" styled film created."
Abstract This paper examines the life of star comedian Sid Caesar from the 1950's. It produces theories and working examples of how someone becomes susceptible to a drugaddiction and how Sid Caesar fit these theories. It looks at what in the comedian's life made him need and thrive on the drugs and how these eventually failed him.
From the Paper "Drug abuse and addiction affects every American either directly or indirectly with the economic burden alone for drug abuse estimated to exceed $109 billion in the latest estimate. Scientific advances, particularly over the past decade, have catapulted both our understanding and our approaches to addiction. Research has in fact come to define addiction as a chronic, and for many people reoccurring disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use that results from the prolonged effects of drugs on the brain. A variety of studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that chronic drug use does in fact change the brain in fundamental ways that persist long after the individual has stopped taking drugs. By using advanced brain imaging technologies we see what is believed to be the biological core of addiction. This paper will utilize the addiction process of Sid Caesar and present a prognosis of the process of addiction as a whole. (National household survey on drug abuse, preliminary results 1997)"
Tags:drug, substance, abuse, addiction, star, comedy, comedian, film, movie
Abstract The paper discusses the article; "Survey reveals public misperception about addiction treatment availability," in which the anonymous author reports on a survey commissioned by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence New Jersey (NCADD NJ) and conducted by the Rutgers University-affiliated Eagleton Institute's Center of Public Interest Polling. This survey sampled views across the state of New Jersey on alcohol and other drugaddiction.
From the Paper "The poll showed that an overwhelming majority saw alcoholism and drug addiction as major problems, but also found that actual knowledge of the issue was often wrong, with people believing there was more assistance available to addicts than is the case. Two-thirds of those surveyed thought that they could easily find assistance if they had an alcohol or drug problem, though other evidence shows how difficult it is to get such treatment in New Jersey."
Abstract This paper briefly looks at what it means to be an addict and describes various forms of addiction. It looks at some sociological theories about addiction and quitting an addiction and applies these to cigarette and drugaddictions.
From the Paper "Addiction is a strong word, with huge meaning behind it. Saying a person is addicted to something can have very different meanings to everyone. Addiction is an overwhelming craving that makes a person feel out of control. The argument develops around the point of whether a person has control over their addiction or if the addiction controls the person."
Abstract This paper explores the literature related to substance abuse treatment in the prison system in order to learn which programs are most effective in helping drug-addicted offenders achieve and sustain sobriety. It discusses how there are an increasing number of individuals serving time in jails and prisons for drug-related crimes and how the majority of these individuals have never received treatment for any form of substance abuse problems outside of the prison system. It examines the barriers to creating effective programs and how some model programs such as IMPACT in Chicago and the Delaware program, have incorporated the best understandings of effective drug treatment services for a prison population.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Problem
Assumptions
Delimitations of the Study
Definition of Terms
Review of Related Literature
Introduction
Obstacles
Legal Problems
Referral and Screening
Some Specific Programs
The Therapeutic Community Model
Other Models
Meditation
Analysis Evaluation and Findings
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Yet another program is the Jail Substance Abuse Program (JSAP). In this program, developed by the Washington County Health Department in Hagerstown, MD, there is an in-jail program of six weeks in a 17-bed treatment unit. This is followed by an aftercare treatment component. Again, most JSAP referrals come from the court, up to 80 percent, with the other referrals primarily from jail medical departments, classification officers, or self-referral. Potential clients are screened with a questionnaire that looks at drug and alcohol history, prior treatment experience, and withdrawall symptoms. They receive a comprehensive assessment that may include the Addiction Severity Index, the MAST, or the Mortimer-Filkins Test. Admission to the program is based both on the screening document and the assessment. Inmates who have long jail sentences, are on psychotropic medication, or have a history of violence are denied admission."
