Abstract
This paper explains that one of the more serious effects of drug and alcohol abuse is the phenomena of co-dependence; others members may resort to drug and alcohol consumption to relieve stress, and this may lead to the spread of this disease in the whole family. The author points out that children in such families are more seriously affected than adults because of the children's inability to comprehend the situation or cope with it. The paper stresses that drug and alcohol addiction can have negative impact on the community as well, as illustrated by the well-documented correlation between addiction and increased criminal behavior.

From the Paper
"Children may even begin holding themselves responsible for drug abuse within the family. This is because the child is cognitively unable to make sense of the situation and thus he loses self-esteem, becomes socially isolated, and develops feelings of intense guilt and shame. Children in affected families exhibit poor academic performance, social isolation, psychological and emotional problems etc. Disintegration of family unit and increased domestic violence has also been found to result from the presence of a drug addict within the family. Research found that children with a drug addict parent are likely to take over as parent to fill the vacant space in the family unit. Drug addicts usually shun their important responsibilities as parents, which results in children taking on the role of a responsible adult. However, this can be detrimental in the long run when these children become parents themselves. The research found that such children might abandon their own families once they become parents."

Tags:co-dependence, spread, crime, self-esteem, guilt

Abstract
This paper explains that it is important to recognize how the more known and dangerous drugs influence neurochemistry. For example, heroin increases the release of dopamine by increasing the firing of dopamine neurons. The postsynaptic neuronal receptors are then inundated to levels far higher than normal; therefore, heroin usage is associated with the feelings of mood elevation and euphoria. The author points out that drug and alcohol metabolites, which are residual substances of drugs that remain during the drug and alcohol metabolism that takes place in the liver, are implicated in problems during withdrawal, remission, and craving. The paper recommends that treatment modalities should include pharmacotherapeutic as well as psychological and emotional support structures, including family involvement and 12-step programs such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and CA (Cocaine Anonymous).

From the Paper
"From the above therefore, a new motivational perspective of drug abuse emerges. It can be classified as two fold: extreme motivational strength and extreme motivational toxicity. Motivational strength is associated with the extent to which addiction can replace other basic motivations such as food, sex and the need to maintain a career. Motivational strength is also associated with to what lengths an addict will go to procure drugs. The psychosocial ramifications (as mentioned above) are a consequence of motivational strength. Motivational toxicity, on the other hand, can be defined by how it can be disruptive. Cocaine affects the user differently than heroin and methamphetamines. Typically, addiction can be towards anything. Most people are addicted to mild sedatives, cigarettes (though some aver that it is more addictive than cocaine), coffee, shopping, chocolate and gambling. Any of these addictions can be measured based on motivational strength and motivational toxicity."

Tags:dopamine, tolerance, metabolites, motivational, twelve-step

Abstract
A personal account of one man's struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. The writer tells this story in the narrative form, using references from literature and statistics to compound his story. After a brief introduction, the paper tells of the experience of becoming an addict and the aftermath and consequences of this time period. The writer includes reflective observations on those around him experiencing similar pains and then offers an insight into the treatment and recovery program.

From the Paper
"I can sometimes tell which people are going to accept the AA program most readily and make good use of it. Certainly people who are at the very bottom are likely candidates, like a friend of mine whose wife left him with the children. He had nothing and he was willing to try anything to put his life back together. At the same time, I am not infallible. There are people I would never have thought would obtain sobriety who have now been sober for many years."

Tags:anonymous, treatment, therapy, support, group, crigger, community, hope, suffer

Abstract
This paper describes strategies for coping with the underlying health risk factors that have been deemed related to the high drug and alcohol abuse rates among the young women of Australia. The paper uses these strategies as a basis for the methods suggested for decreasing the risky behaviors of these women. Finally, the paper also considers the role that general practitioners should have in identifying and preventing these behaviors.

Introduction
Identifying the Appropriate Media for Communicating with the Target Population
Strategies for Coping with the Depression-Based Risky Behaviours
Conclusion

From the Paper
"According to Australia's Teen Challenge Web site, "Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia." Unfortunately, because it can be used in socially acceptable ways, it is not often recognized as a drug, especially by those abusing it. So it is not surprising that a 1998 survey commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care found that the use of alcohol was of special concern in teenagers and young people up to the age of 25. The young adults described alcohol as a catalyst for social gatherings, although overall, fewer young adults were drinking (down from 77 percent in 1988 to 71 percent in 1998) but that those who were drinking were drinking more."

Tags:adolescence, damaging, solutions, marijuana, psychological, illicit, inhalants, heroin, amphetamines, cocaine, lsd

Abstract
The paper discusses how many women in our society are abused in the domestic sphere, as well as suffer from a dependency on alcohol. The paper highlights how social institutions need to change in order for women to start having a greater sense of their own identity. The paper explains that this would be directly connected to lowering the chances of women being victims of domestic abuse and becoming dependent on drugs and alcohol.

From the Paper
"Today, many women in our society are abused in the domestic sphere, as well as suffer from a dependency on alcohol. For instance, one third of all alcoholics are women. In this context, it is important to point out that alcoholism has traditionally been seen as a greater shame for women than for men. Indeed, in the past, most women were in the home and that is why alcoholism was less likely to be identified in women. But overall, women were perceived to be more "moral" than men, and they were held up to a higher ideal. It is important to understand this cultural aspect, since it leads us to understand how a sociological perspective can ultimately help women who are victims of domestic violence and alcohol abuse."

Tags:gender, alcoholism, social, institutions, relationships, self-esteem, self-identity

Abstract
The paper looks at how PBS reports that one in five students in elementary school have at least one parent that is a substance abuser. The paper discusses how, because these students are exposed to drugs and/or alcohol on a consistent basis, the students are considered at risk for becoming substance abusers themselves. The paper focuses on how PBS states that this abuse can begin for children as early as kindergarten and that once students enter the public school system they should begin receiving instruction on drug and alcohol prevention.

From the Paper
"PBS reports that one in five students in elementary school have at least one parent that is a substance abuser ("Preventing", n.d.). Because these students are exposed to drugs and/or alcohol on a consistent basis, the students are considered at risk for becoming substance abusers themselves. PBS states that this abuse can begin for children as early as kindergarten and that once students enter the public school system they should begin receiving instruction on drug and alcohol prevention ("Preventing", n.d.). This instruction should include: * A concentration on good health habits...."

Tags:edu, drugs, students

Abstract
This paper reviews several studies looking at the causes of adolescent drug and alcohol use. The paper explains that the studies revealed that factors related adolescent drug use fell into two major categories: external, or environmental, and internal, which are the qualities of the individual. The paper then explains and examines these two categories and the implications of the studies. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for children to bond to peers, parents, and others who have drug-resistant attitudes. A successful bond to wholesome individuals will yield adolescents with good habits, and possibly an invulnerability to drug and alcohol use. The paper also concludes that a strong positive relationship between parents and their children will lead to low drug and alcohol use. It also comes down to the internal cues of the individual. A person with low self-esteem is at a higher risk of being an alcohol or drug abuser.

From the Paper
"Parental attitudes and substance use also have been linked with adolescent drug use. Several studies indicate that when adolescents perceive that their parents' attitude toward substance use is favorable, they also tend to use substances at a higher rate. Previous studies have found that parental drinking patterns were predictors of frequent and heavy drinking in adolescent offspring. This link was backed up several years later when a team of researchers found that youths whose parents had drinking problems also tended to be heavier drinkers in high school."

Tags:self-esteem, boundaries, bonding, experimenters, internalities

Abstract
This paper explains that anyone driving a vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which includes semi trucks, buses, and other larger transportation vehicles, must pass a substance abuse test and continue to pass the tests throughout their employment. The author stresses that another reason testing is vital for public safety is because, once a driver is impaired, it is often difficult to detect, even by trained police personnel. The paper concludes that the merits of substance abuse testing for those who desire or already own a CDL are clear; they keep substance abusers off our roads and highways and help ensure the safety of the public.

From the Paper
"Obviously, one of the most important issues facing successful testing is the validity of the results, as this situation with a bus driver who was suspended because his urinalysis showed marijuana in his system clearly indicates. "News of his suspension and the test results spread to the bus driver's family, co-workers, and acquaintances. Two weeks after the first urinalysis, the bus driver was retested. The results were negative and the company reinstated him (Angarola, 1991, p. 171). Clearly, a company must be absolutely sure their results are correct, and they must be scrupulous in maintaining the privacy and anonymity of the employee, or they are open to litigation and personnel consequences. Therefore, while substance testing makes sense and is the law, there are still precautions that must be taken to ensure the results are correct, and the employee's rights are not violated."

Tags:urinalysis, marijuana, validity, personnel, employment

Abstract
The paper focuses on a recent report entitled "Wasting the Best and the Brightest: Substance Abuse at America's Colleges and Universities" that divulged a disturbing public health crisis concerning alcohol abuse among college students on campuses across America. The paper reveals the findings that school administrators facilitated or accepted alcohol and drug abuse. The paper goes on to lay the blame on parents as well and discusses the effects that alcohol abuse has on the adolescent/young adult brain. Finally, the paper examines the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence.

From the Paper
"Excessive or risky drinking takes the lives of approximately 85,000 Americans per year, making it the third leading cause of death in the US (SciTech Book News, 2006). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 18 million Americans are dependant on alcohol--people who are addicted to alcohol cannot control their drinking, and can't stop drinking even when it's negatively disrupting their lives (McCollum, S., 2007). "Alcohol abuse is any drinking that causes problems with work or school work, your relationships, or leads to legal problems or dangerous situations" (Harvard Reviews, 2006)."

Tags:addiction, dependence, substance, abuse, binge, drinking, brain

Abstract
This research paper focuses on the problem of teenage alcohol abuse and what we can do to keep teenagers from abusing alcohol. The paper looks at a number of different aspects of the problem including the age children start drinking, why they start drinking, the relationship between crime and alcoholism, how widespread it is and whether it is an inherited disease. The paper then takes a look at what recommendations have been made that could help prevent teenage alcoholism.

Table of Contents
Age of First Use of Alcohol
Peer Pressure and Advertising
Teen Drinkers and Crime
Who Use Alcohol More Frequently Males or Females?
Teen Drinkers and Sex
How Widespread is Teen Age Alcoholism
What is the Real Cost of Teen Age Alcoholic Use?
How Many Teenagers are Treated for Alcoholism
Is Alcoholism Inherited?
What Can Be Done To Prevent Teen Age Alcohol Consumption?

From the Paper
"According to Teenage Alcohol Use in South Carolina Some of South Carolina's young people start using alcohol as early as 10 or 11 years old, most begin around age 14 or 15. ) Beer is overwhelmingly the most popular kind of alcohol used by teenagers (especially young males) and all other age groups in South Carolina. Wine coolers and new malt liquor products have become popular recently among young females. These sweet and fruity drinks are marketed deliberately to young drinkers who typically don't like the taste of beer. Many teenagers don't realize that these products contain more alcohol than regular beer. "Alcohol Use Among Teenagers" says that Junior/middle and senior high school students drink 35% of all wine coolers sold in the United States; they also consume 1.1 billion cans of beer."

Tags:death, injury, experimentation, beverages, high, school, drug, problem, wine, coolers