Abstract In this article, the writer notes that heroin use is a problem plaguing countries all over the world. One of the most common and successful ways to combat heroin use is with pharmacological measures. The writer points out that naloxone, a narcotic antagonist, is used to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. In 2002 it was approved in a combination tablet with buprenorphine for the treatment of heroinaddiction. The writer discusses that the approval of the combination buprenorphine/naloxone tablet means that more nurses working in an outpatient setting will be administering naloxone to patients seeking help for heroin and opiate abuse. The writer them emphasizes the importance of explaining the indications and possible side effects of any drugs administered to patients, and to know the proper procedures to take should a patient misuse the medication. The writer concludes that hopefully, as the medical community becomes more aware of the problems associated with drug use and dependence, we will be able to come up with better solutions to solving the problem.
From the Paper "In a study done by Cantwell et al., paramedics assessed patients for respiratory status, concurrent drug intoxication, and evaluated the patient according to the Glasgow Coma Scale. Overdose victims were more likely to receive less than the standard dose of naloxone with each single increase in number of breaths. With an increasing Glasgow Coma Scale score, patients were more likely to receive less than the standard dose of naloxone. Patients with concurrent alcohol intoxication were more likely to receive greater than the standard dose of naloxone. It is thought that alcohol combined with heroin causes greater CNS depression than that produced by heroin alone. The trend towards older patients, and male patients receiving higher doses was also seen. The study suggests that patients with a higher level of consciousness and respiratory rate require a smaller dose of naloxone to return to a normal state than those patients with a lower respiratory rate and decreased level of consciousness."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the growing problem of heroin abuse in America. The paper explains what heroin is, how it is made, how it looks and how it is usually injected by the typical heroinaddict. The paper also looks at where most heroin is manufactured and imported, who are the typical drug traffickers and trends in heroin use patterns. Additionally, the paper discusses the tremendous addictive quality of heroin, its effects on users, withdrawal symptoms, the dangers of overdosing and the long term physical and social damage caused by heroin abuse.
From the Paper "A recent National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, estimates that 1.4 million people have used heroin in their lifetime. This estimate was about twice as large as the one conducted almost three short years earlier. With heroin use on the rise, getting the facts about heroin abuse and addiction to the public has never been more important. Heroin use started making a comeback in the mid-to-late 80's, and is becoming the new drug trend. Many substance abuse experts are worried, because the same factors that fueled the crack epidemic are now fueling the new explosion of heroin. Researchers have found that whenever there is a stimulant epidemic, it is usually followed by an opiate epidemic. Why? Because what goes up, must come down. Besides smoking heroin is becoming popular with many who are already abusing crack. Mixing heroin with crack takes the edge off the crack high and mellows the "crash" that follows."
Abstract This paper outlines the Ottawa Charter and focuses on one of the five main action areas, building healthy public policy, as it relates to the issue of heroinaddiction in Australia. The major areas relating to heroinaddiction that have proven to be successful are explored. Firstly, Federal Law Enforcement Policy on the "crackdown" on importing heroin; secondly, the needle exchange program, thirdly, the heroin substitution and maintenance programs, and finally, the medically supervised injecting facility.
From the Paper "Heroin addiction is a huge issue in Australia, the major health implications are both fatal and non fatal overdoses, HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Simpson et al. (2004) point out that of all illicit drugs, heroin has the most severe health consequences, these include collapsed veins, abscesses through injecting and damage to the heart and lungs. Sharing needles and syringes can greatly increase the risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS, these blood borne diseases are transmitted from sharing contaminated injecting equipment. Needles are most likely to be shared due to lack of financial resources or lack of availability of sterile equipment. The risk is not just to the drug users themselves, but also to the non injecting community by way of a flow on effect. "
Abstract This paper researches the use of heroin. It reports that this highly addictive and often fatal drug was first developed in the 19th century from morphine and its abuse has become prevalent in North American society. It explains the effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and a feeling euphoria and reports that tolerance can develop to the drug, and if not treated an individual can die or go into a coma.
From the Paper "Heroin, also known by street names such as "ferry dust", "smack", "brown sugar" and "junk," is the most abused and rapidly acting of the opiates. In its purest form, heroin is a white, fluffy powder with a bitter taste. Most illicit heroin ranges in color from white to dark brown due to the impurities from the manufacturing process as well as additives. Heroin also comes in a dark sticky substance commonly known as "black tar heroin." While injection remains the predominant method of use for addicted users, sniffing and smoking heroin, especially among younger users, is rapidly on the rise."
Abstract This paper discusses heroin, a powerful, highly addictive drug that is derived from opium, which was first synthesized from morphine in the 1890s and was initially considered to be an effective pain killer and cough suppressant. It looks at how its manufacture and sale is now illegal in most countries because of its widespread abuse and habit-forming qualities and focuses on the long-term and short-term, harmful effects on the human body.
From the Paper "In the longer term, the heroin user becomes totally dependent on the drug until his whole life revolves around the effort to get the next ?fix.? Other long term psychological effects of heroin include loss of enthusiasm and involvement in everyday affairs, withdrawal from hobbies and sports, reluctance to make new friends, irritability and overreaction to criticism, sudden changes in mood and compulsive lying. A heroin user goes to great lengths to deny that he is a drug abuser. Devious and manipulative behavior aimed at getting money for supporting the drug is also a typical long term effect of heroin. Distorted perception, hallucinations, and paranoia are the other long-term psychological effects of heroin."
This paper is a literature review studying the relationship of heroinaddicts and either their D (disorganized) type attachment, or factors that might be assumed to denote D type behaviors.
Abstract This paper examines dysfunctional attachment, especially the D (disorganized) form, as an a priori factor in the psychology of heroinaddicts and as an impact on the therapeutic relationship. The author points out that Goodman and Hans (1999) investigated infants exposed to methadone in utero did not differ from comparison infants in indexes of proximity-seeking at reunion but did display higher scores on indexes of disorganized and avoidant behavior and lower scores on indexes of contact-maintaining behavior. The paper relates that because some people who can control their habit, indulging in heroin only on weekends, all addictions may not be allied to dysfunctional attachment patterns.
From the Paper "Carswell et al (2002) investigated a social control model for dealing with serious addiction in youthful abusers. They noted that some "argue that delinquency and substance abuse are learned behaviors produced by continued exposure to multiple risk factors associated with problems or deficits within the individual, family, peers, school, and community." Among these was conflict-ridden families, arguably resulting in dysfunctional attachment patterns. They investigated whether the standard protective factors-supportive parental relationships among them-were mitigating factors for both the dysfunctional behaviors and resulting abuse problems."
Tags: priori, therapeutic, studies, control, family
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at heroin. According to the paper, heroin, like all drugs, knows no social, ethnic or economic barriers. The paper goes on to discuss the history of the drug, as well as the abuse of the drug.
From the Paper "In the November 1998 issue of The Journal of Psychology, Frank Patalano reported the results of a study conducted to study cross-cultural similarities in the personalities of heroin users in the United States and India. Findings indicated that Indian heroin users were more neurotic, impulsive, sociable and extraverted than their American counterparts, and that both male and female heroin users readily admitted personal difficulties (Patalano). Moreover, there were differences regarding the level of emotional distress, depression, and sensitivity (Patalano). According to the study, users showed less emotional stability and were more easily upset. They also had less ego strength, were more insecure, more frustrated, and had weakened superego strength (Patalano). These findings were similar to the results of earlier studies of hard core heroin addicts in the United States and later studies of male and female multiple-substance abusers, who used heroin as well as other illicit drugs (Patalano)."
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 takes a look at addiction to prescription drugs. According to the paper, many people are addicted to pain relieving drugs such as OxyContin. The paper reports that according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly one-quarter of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 take painkillers for recreational purposes.
Outline:
A Brief History of Substance Abuse
What is Addiction?
Drugs with Addictive Potential
Prescription Drug Abuse by Adolescents, Women, and the Elderly
Drug Seekers
Pharmaceutical Involvement
Society's Role: A Pill for Every Ill
From the Paper "Generally, addicts prefer drugs that have "a rapid onset of action, high potency, brief duration of action, high purity, water solubility (for intravenous use) or high volatility (ability to vaporize if smoked)" (Longo et al, 2000, p. 2402). Among benzodiazepines, Valium, Ativan and Xanax cross the blood-brain barrier more rapidly and have a high potential for abuse. Longo argues that a significant number of addicts started out using street drugs and progressed to prescription drugs as they became chronically ill. Sometimes, prescription drugs are used in conjunction with street drugs to heighten euphoric effects, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, augment alcohol effects synergistically, or temper cocaine highs."
Abstract This paper takes the position that Martha Stewart, while not considered a heroine by many, actually has more characteristics of a heroine than many people who are famous today. The paper acknowledges that Steward did make many mistakes, which include lying about insider trading and being a difficult manager, but she also worked her way up from being a housewife to going to prison to making a comeback, and this certainly, makes her a heroine. The paper asserts that Martha Stewart can be called a heroine because she creative, influential, and courageous -- all qualities of a hero.
From the Paper "Martha Stewart is creative. Martha Stewart took an American Dream and made it come true. She is an entrepreneur who is creative in the arts of cooking, gardening, crafts, and home decoration. Her name is on many products that women buy for their homes. Martha Stewart came from a poor, Polish-American family that had six children."
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."
Abstract This paper explores the possibility of addiction to video games. Research articles are presented that look at the addictive qualities of the games and who is susceptible. The author also compares this addiction to drug and alcohol abuse and pathological gambling. This literature review combines information from various articles to take a closer look at this issue.
Outline:
Description of Video Games
Definition of Addiction The Players
Who is Susceptible to Addiction?
Measuring Levels of Addiction Areas for Further Research
From the Paper "Video games are designed with many levels, appealing characters, interesting storylines and state-of-the art graphics. Some games use characters and movies that are already familiar and known to potential players. All of these factors have been designed to provide the user with a form of appealing entertainment that they want to purchase and then repeatedly to play. Video games are heavily advertised to attract a player's interest and then influence users into trying them."
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 discusses the concept of internet addiction, where by people become addicted to surfing the internet for hours on end, affecting the way in which they relate and interact with their family, colleagues, friends and society in general. According to this paper, internet addiction should be treated in a similar manner to other types of addiction.
From the Paper "Addiction may take on a variety of forms. People might become addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. Addictions, in fact, have become almost expected. However, the continued rise in the advancements of technology has brought about concerns relating to video games, pornography, and the Internet. As with addictions related to substances, many people become addicted to computers. The Internet provides a lure for them that they cannot ignore. Furthermore, as in all other addictions, Internet addiction affects the ways in which people interact in society, how they function within their families, and how they conduct their lives. It is evident that Internet addicts share many of the same traits correlated with other addictions, and therefore, the problem is one that needs to be addressed."
