Chapter 8

Transcript Chapter 8

Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Chapter 8 Outline

Drugs Legal drugs Illegal Drugs Sociological Explanations

• Definition • Abuse • Addiction • Subjective vs. objective view • Alcohol • tobacco • Prescription • over the counter • Marijuana • Stimulants • Depressants • Narcotics and Hallcinogens • Biological and Psychological • Interactionist • Functionalist • Conflict Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Drug Use and Abuse

 Drug: Any substance, other than food or water, that when taken into the body alters its functioning in some way.

 Therapeutic vs. recreational (purpose vs. pleasure)  Licit and Illicit (legal vs. illegal)  Drug abuse: Excessive or inappropriate use of a drug that results in some form of physical, mental, or social impairment.

 Drug addiction: Psychological or physiological need for a drug to maintain sense of well-being and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Subjective vs. Objective View of Drug Abuse

 Objective component is physical, psychological, or social evidence of harm  Subjective component is people’s perceptions about the consequences Example: Marijuana vs. Alcohol Subjectively our society believes that marijuana is harmful and should remain illegal, while alcohol is harmless and should stay legal Objectively no little evidence that marijuana is harmful but much evidence of alcohol and it’s dangers.

Major Patterns of Drinking

 Social drinkers: Drink primarily on social 0ccasions, from occasionally to frequently  Heavy drinkers: Consume greater quantities of alcohol and are more likely to become intoxicated  Acute alcoholics: Have trouble controlling use of alcohol and plan their schedule around drinking  Chronic alcoholics: Have lost control over drinking and hide or sneak drinks Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Alcohol: Class, Gender, Age and Race

 The wealthy have greater resources and privacy than lower income individuals to avoid a “drunk” or “alcoholic” label  More men than women drink, and men are more likely to be labeled alcoholic.

 US Census Bureau 2004  Vast majority of persons between the ages of 18-25 have tried alcohol once  Over 60% are current users  Before age 30, Whites consume more alcohol than Blacks  After age 30, Blacks have higher rates of heavy drinking Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Alcohol-Related Social Problems

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Health problems

 Nutritional deficiencies, adult-onset diabetes, alcoholic dementia, cardiovascular problems, alcoholic cirrhosis, and fetal alcohol syndrome 

Alcohol in the workplace

 Lost productivity and cost of treatment, and workplace injuries 

Drinking and driving

 19% of fatal motor vehicle accidents in which the driver was between the ages of 16 and 20, the driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.08

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Family problems

Tobacco Use as a Social Problem

    Health Problems:   Cancer of the lungs, larynx, mouth, and esophagus Bronchitis, emphysema, ulcers, and cardiovascular disorders Shorter life expectancy  ½ pack a day reduces lifespan by 4 years.

Low birth weight babies Environmental (second hand)tobacco  75% of nicotine ends up in the air Why do people still smoke?

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

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Iatrogenic addiction

  Occurs from long-term use or high dosages of prescription drugs Initially prescribed by a physician for a medical purpose 

Controversial Drugs

 Belief that Ritalin and Prozac are being over-prescribed 

Teens and Prescription Drugs

Over the Counter Drugs

 These types of drugs are not linked to significant addiction.

 Most popular OTC drugs: sleep aids, aspirin and ibuprofen, cold medication.

 Caffeine is a dependency-producing psychoactive stimulant   Heavy caffeine use can increase risk of heart attack and osteoporosis Found in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Marijuana Use and Abuse

 Most users are between 18 and 25  Use by teens (12–17) has doubled over the past decade  Heavy use can impair concentration and motivation  High doses during pregnancy can disrupt fetal development  Inhalation has been linked to lung problems Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Stimulant Use and Abuse

Cocaine and amphetamines are among the major stimulants abused in the U.S.

 Cocaine comes in two forms: powder and crack     23 million people in U.S. over 12 years old have tried cocaine Men more likely to use than women Research shows that crack use is higher among inner-city, African American and Latino/a users Law enforcement policies and practices may target minorities   Amphetamines come in form of diet pills and pep formulas Chronic amphetamine abuse can result in amphetamine psychosis (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, and violent tendencies) Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Depressants

 Most common include:  Barbiturates (e.g., Nembutal and Seconal)  Anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers (e.g., Librium., Valium, and Miltown)  Low doses produce relaxing feeling, higher does result in sedation.

 Users may develop both physical addiction and psychological dependency  Rophynol: “date rape drug” used in combo with alcohol very dangerous and can cause death.

Narcotics and Hallucinogens

 Narcotics:  Natural forms: opium, morphine, codeine   Opiate Derivatives: heroin and Percodan Heroin is the most widely used drug.

 Abusers usually young male, under 30, minority, living in a low income area.

Perspectives on Drug Abuse

Biological

 Genetic factors through impaired enzyme production, brain function, and physiological response  Drugs such as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine act directly on brain mechanisms responsible for reward and punishment

Psychological

 Social learning and reinforcement on drug-taking behavior  Personality disorders (e.g., impulsivity and anxiety)  Social psychologists state that individuals who define drug behavior as good are more likely to abuse.

Sociological Explanations

Symbolic Interactionist

 Drug behavior is learned and influenced by families, peers, and others  Spending time with members of a drug subculture increases attitudes and behaviors favorable to drug use  Once one is labeled an “alcoholic” or “drug addict,” he or she will have difficultly discontinuing use Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Sociological Explanations (cont.)

Functionalist

 Drugs serve functions in society    Prescription and over the counter drugs help patients They help doctors treat patients, justify their fees Provide jobs for pharmacists  Drugs are also dysfunctional    Dysfunctional because people can become addicted Illicit drug activities serve important societal functions (create jobs for DEA agents) Dysfunctional because they are linked to crime, addiction, and other social problems.

Sociological Explanations, cont.

Conflict

 People in positions of power determine what is legal and illegal.

  Make drugs used by the powerless illegal.

Change in marijuana penalties over time.

Prevention and Treatment Programs

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Primary prevention

 Programs that seek to prevent drug problems before they begin 

Secondary prevention

 Programs seek to:    Limit extent of drug abuse Prevent spread to other substances beyond those already experienced Teach strategies for responsible use of illicit drugs 

Tertiary prevention