Abstract This paper discusses the issue of the legalization of recreationaldrugs. According to this paper, the use of recreationaldrugs has become increasingly popular in the United States and there is no compelling reason to believe that this trend will not continue. The paper examines the arguments in favor of recreationaldrug legalization versus the arguments against the legalization of recreationaldrug use. Specifically, the paper considers the costs of enforcing tough laws against the legalization of recreationaldrugs and weigh this cost against the social and fiscal price society pays as a result of individuals engaging in pernicious behavior brought about at least in part by the abuse of recreationaldrugs.
Abstract This paper examines the arguments both in favor of legalizing recreationaldrug use and in opposition to its legalization. The author of the paper then draws his own conclusion, based on the arguments reviewed, that for the overall good of society, we should not decriminalize illicit narcotics.
From the Paper "In 1920 the sale and consumption of alcohol was criminalized across the United States pursuant to the 18th Amendment. Consumer demand nevertheless presented a ripe opportunity for criminal usurpation of the illicit production and distribution of alcohol. Consequently, by the time Prohibition was subsequently repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, the criminal enterprises that it had spawned were so firmly entrenched into the landscape of the American economy that most of them still retain considerable power even today (Dershowitz, 2002)."
This paper explores some of the leading theories that attempt to explain why people use recreational chemicals and why they might become addicted to these drugs.
Abstract This paper reviews several factors that help to modify individual's substance-use pattern including the physical reinforcement value of the drugs being abused, the social reinforcement value, cultural rules that govern recreational chemical use and the individuals life goals. The author points out that the medical or disease model of addiction plays an important role in the treatment of substance abuse. The paper relates that most recently, drawing on medicine's growing understanding of human genetics, scientists have attempted to identify the genetic basis for alcoholism and the other forms of drug addiction.
Table of Contents:
Factors That Influence RecreationalDrug Use
The Process of Becoming a Drug Abuser
Biological/Physiological Theories of Substance Abuse
The Medical Model of Drug Addiction
The Biological Differences Theories
The Physical Reward Potential
Sociological/Cultural Theories of Substance Abuse
The Social Learning Components of Drug Use
Cultural/Social Influences on Chemical Use Patterns
Relationship between Different Social Groups and the Parent Culture
Social Feedback Mechanisms and Drug Use
Personality/ Individual Theories of Substance Abuse
Individual Expectations as a Component of Drug Use
Individuals' Life Goals as Helping to Shape Chemical Use
The Chemical Use of Decision-Making Process
The Personality Predisposition Theories of Substance Abuse
Ego State and Drug of Choice
Conclusion
From the Paper "In support of the psychoanalytic model of addictions, an impressive body of evidence suggests that certain personality traits do seem to predispose the individual to specific forms of drug abuse. When forces conspired to limit the amount and quality of heroin available in Australia's capital territory, heroin addicts did not appear to switch their drug of choice in large numbers, suggesting that the particular drug played a specific role in their lives that could not be fulfilled by other chemicals. ... found that heroin-dependent people demonstrated higher scores for the traits of novelty-seeking and self-directedness on the Cloninger TCI personality test than did alcohol-dependent people..."
Tags:recreational, scores, withdrawal, alcoholism, medical
Abstract This paper explains that the term 'drug' is extremely broad and can be used to describe nearly any substance, which has a discernible effect on the person using the drug. The author points out that the legalization status of drugs in general is widely varied: Some drugs are entirely legal, others are legal but require a prescription and still others are completely illegal. The paper states that if drug use is legalized, drug abuse would become a public health problem; therefore, the benefit to society is that the treatment of drug abusers would become health-focused rather than criminally-focused as it is now.
Table of Contents
Stimulants
Caffeine
Amphetamine
Other Stimulants including Ecstasy and Cocaine
Depressants
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepiness.
Drug Legalization
Definition of Drug Legalization
Arguments For and Against Legalization
Potential Effects of Drug Legalization
Drug Abuse after Legalization
From the Paper "Caffeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the United States. It is a stimulant found in coffee, black tea, many soft drinks, and some other consumables. There are two primary steps in the way caffeine works. First, the drug interrupts a process in the nervous system that generally stems the body's release of adrenaline, causing more adrenaline than usual to be released into the body. Additionally, caffeine inhibits the reuptake of adrenaline by the nervous system, causing the heightened amounts of adrenaline to have a prolonged effect. ("Caffeine"). The purchase and consumption of caffeine is legal for all ages in the United States."
Abstract This paper argues that, solely based on its chemical effects and the potential for violence and crime which it can hold, PCP is the most dangerous drug available on the market for addicts and recreational users, alike. The effects of PCP are discussed, as are a couple of recent criminal cases that have been tied to the use (or misuse) of this illegal and unpredictable substance.
From the Paper "Some might say that the most dangerous drug is crack cocaine. This could be argued as fact because of the awful effects it has had on America's inner cities and ghettos, how it has created addicts in nearly every metropolitan area and created thriving crime-related business for gangs and organized crime. Some might say that alcohol is the most dangerous drug, albeit a legal substance, as it probably leads to more deaths, from disease or accidents than any illegal drug. The same can be said for the legal drug nicotine, whose negative health effects are now widely known and warned against by medical authorities. Yet, this paper will argue that, solely based on its chemical effects and the potential for violence and crime which it can hold, PCP is the most dangerous drug available on the market for addicts and recreational users, alike."
Abstract In this paper, the advantages of therapeutic recreation for people with physical disabilities are analyzed. The paper discusses how recent legislation forbidding discrimination against those with disabilities has impacted this field. The legislation has stimulated recreational therapists, specialists and educators alike to take on a more active role in providing a wide range of physical and recreational activities for people who have physical disabilities. These activities typically work to help promote the quality of life among people who have disabilities and improve participation, interaction and understanding among their able bodied peers.
Outline:
Causes and Characteristics of Population - Physically Disabled
Importance of Recreation for Population
Role and Place of Recreation in Life
Overview of Legislation Affecting Disabled
Role and Use of Therapeutic Recreation Specific Recreation Activities to Improve Functioning
Conclusions
From the Paper "A person who has a physical disability may be defined in multiple ways. Henderson (1999) suggests that a disability can be defined "as a physical or mental impairment that restricts one or more aspects of a person's life" (22). This definition is supported by others who suggest that people who are disabled generally are limited with respect to their ability to participate in certain physical and recreation activities; this suggests a need to explore new ways for identifying how to help people who are disabled experience a full range of activities including physical and therapeutic recreational activities (Henderson, 2002; Austin & Crawford, 1996; Smith, Austin & Kennedy, 1996). "
The paper discusses the drug problems of the people of the Caribbean and the drug trafficking that goes on there. It also deals with the dangers that drug trafficking causes to other countries and their people.
3,650 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 101.95
Abstract This paper is about the drug trafficking problems of the Caribbean. The author examines the Caribbean region as a long standing area where illegal substances have been grown and sold. The people are poverty stricken and sell drugs as a means to make money. The author looks into the Caribbean's climate and location which make it an ideal place to grow and sell drugs. The people are able to transport drugs to other countries through the use of planes, boats, etc. The paper goes on to discuss how this poses as a threat to all countries because it makes drugs available which leads to drug problems for their citizens.
From the paper:
"The Caribbean is known for its agriculturally equipped weather conditions, which makes for most islands to be very fertile. Many farmers in the Caribbean grow drugs as part of their produce to earn more money. They can then sell the illegal substances to islanders, tourists, and then ship the rest off to be sold to other countries? citizens. This poses as a threat to the health of all people who are able to buy drugs as a result of drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It also poses a threat to governments because they have to use their funding on programs to educate citizens about the dangers of drugs as well as rehabilitate those citizens that are addicted to drugs and suffer from drug abuse."
This paper explores drug prohibition in America. It is written from a point of view that supports the legalization of drugs. Political, constitutional and financial affects on American government are discussed.
3,087 words (approx. 12.3 pages), 11 sources, 2001, $ 90.95
Abstract This paper examines the repercussions of drug prohibition. This paper is written from a point of view that supports the legalization of drugs. It explores the history of America's ?War on Drugs? from a political and financial standpoint. Crime, civil liberties, foreign countries economies and medical uses for illegal drugs are discussed. Many of the statistics that are studied in this paper are taken from the DEA's web site and proven to be invalid through outside sources. This paper looks at where the government funding for drug prohibition goes; it also looks at drug prices, crime rates and statistics pertaining to the inmate population of drug offenders.
From the Paper "Every year America's drug policies are debated in Washington. These drug policies are never debated seriously, the only aspect our elected representatives focus on is how much more money should America spend battling drugs. Outside of Washington there is a growing unease about the war on drugs. Many Americans are concluding that the drug war has been given a fair chance to work and has failed. America's war on drugs is an unsuccessful battle, and it's time for a governmental reform."
Abstract This paper describes the need for fighting drug use in America. It details the facts on different drugs, illegal drug use. It also details drug addiction and the effects it has on people. The paper studies the three basic categories of health risk of Drug Abuse: simple side effects, overdose, and the ability to react correctly to danger. It describes the efforts America has made to render drugs illegal. It discusses the comparison of drugs to alcohol and the necessity of rendering all drugs illegal.
From the Paper "The South is no longer trying to secede. The Germans aren?t going to bomb us; the Great Depression has been relieved; the "Japs" have been bombed; and the communist scare is over. Cuba is just an island nation now, and only threatens us with prepubescent refugees. However, no nation can keep its citizens happy for long without some kind of external threat -- something to explain the high taxes and low public services. So it is that at the dawn of the new millennium, America finds itself facing one of the greatest dangers known to mankind: mind altering drugs. To protect itself, the nation is waging an expensive, high-profile, and full-out war on drugs. "
Tags:Drugs, America, Addiction, DEA, legal, illegal, Abuse, health
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that the ongoing war on drugs has not succeeded and that drug use should be prevented rather than made illegal. This paper also examines the argument that drug use will dramatically decrease if all illegal substances are legalized. This paper also discusses how school programs educating students on the risks of substance abuse has had a dramatic impact on teenage drug use.
Topics covered in this paper include:
The War On Drugs The Drug Business
Alcohol and Drugs The Effect of Drug Education
Drugs and Jail
Addiction
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Because drugs are illegal, their cost is astronomical, providing enormous profits to those engaged in the business of importing, exporting and selling drugs. There is no question that legalization of drugs would put an immediate stop to this rich source of economic gain. Legal drugs could be sold at a reasonable price to those who choose to use them, and the illegal drug community would not be able to compete."
Abstract The paper discusses how an employer might be considered an enabler of employee drug use through his or her attitude toward drugs. The paper explains how this could be a refusal to take action when drug use is suspected, or his or her neglect at establishing drugs policies within the workplace. In reference to attitude, the paper notes that if the employer is known to have a personal acceptance of a drug culture, it may have a profound affect on the freedom that employees feel they have in using drugs. By announcing his or her agreement with a drug culture, the employer is suggesting that employees have the support of the workplace in any drug activity.
Abstract The paper discusses that drug abuse 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 drug abuse. 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 The paper discusses how the United States' government as a federal employer instituted a drug free workplace program in the 1980s under President Ronald Reagan. The program was intended to focus on the growing concern of individuals being addicted to drugs using drugs during working hours and the consequences of drug use was to include health issues. The paper explains how the federal government believed at the time that if a drug free workplace program were created for federal employees, other employers throughout the country would follow suit developing national awareness regarding the issue. The paper notes that the federal drug free workplace program has clearly defined policies regarding drugs and government employment.
Abstract This paper argues that the current war on drugs has been an extremely costly failure for the U.S. According to the author, current anti-drug policy -- which includes the use and sale of controlled substances -- is simply impossible to enforce. The author looks at the cost of the war on drugs, both in terms of lives and dollars that could be saved from switching priorities. Then the paper debates medical statistics, citing that (currently) illegal drugs result in many fewer deaths each year than legal ones, such as alcohol and tobacco. Finally, the paper deconstructs the commonly held belief that marijuana is a gateway drug. The paper concludes with the author's recommendation that drug use be decriminalized.
From the Paper "The United States has been engaged in a "war on drugs" since the mid-1970s. The reported 59 percent decrease in illegal drug use has been achieved at a cost of an increase of 12,000 percent in the enforcement budget between 1973 and 1993. Attorney General Janet Reno has quoted federal officials as saying that in order for the interdiction of drugs entering the country to be effective, a total of 75 percent would have to be achieved. Since the amount officials claim has been interdicted is only 25 percent, even law enforcement policy makers admit that a successful interdiction program would be cost prohibitive."
Tags: war, on, drugs, law, education, treatement, marijuana, economy, police, enforcement, agency
Abstract The paper discusses the history of Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel and then examines the influence of both on the war on drugs. The paper explores drug cartels of Latin America.
From the Paper "The term "war on drugs" has become commonplace in American society and for many college-age Americans it is difficult to remember a time when there was not a war on drugs. Today drug arrests and drug-related offenses account for many of the prosecutions that are undertaken in our justice system and many of those who are incarcerated are in prison for drug-related crimes."
