Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010 Alcohol and Other Drugs This multimedia product and its contents are...

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010

Chapter 8Alcohol and Other Drugs

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Chapter 8 Outline• Definition• Abuse• Addiction• Subjective vs. objective view

Drugs

• Alcohol• tobacco• Prescription• over the counter

Legal drugs

• Marijuana• Stimulants• Depressants• Narcotics and Hallcinogens

Illegal Drugs

• Biological and Psychological• Interactionist• Functionalist• Conflict

Sociological Explanations


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


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 2004Vast 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 BlacksAfter age 30, Blacks have higher rates of heavy drinking


Alcohol-Related Social ProblemsHealth problems

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

Alcohol in the workplaceLost productivity and cost of treatment, and workplace

injuries

Drinking and driving19% 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

Family problemsDomestic abuse and violence, patterns of codependency

when family members unwittingly aid the alcoholic’s excessive drinking and resulting behavior



Tobacco Use as a Social ProblemHealth Problems:

Cancer of the lungs, larynx, mouth, and esophagus Bronchitis, emphysema, ulcers, and cardiovascular disorders

Shorter life expectancy½ pack a day reduces lifespan by 4 years.

Low birth weight babiesEnvironmental (second hand)tobacco

75% of nicotine ends up in the air

Why do people still smoke? Nicotine is highly addictive Good marketing by tobacco companies



Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Iatrogenic addictionOccurs from long-term use or high dosages of

prescription drugs Initially prescribed by a physician for a medical purpose

Controversial DrugsBelief that Ritalin and Prozac are being over-prescribed

Teens and Prescription DrugsPrescription drugs are being used illegally by teenagers

2.3 million youths between the ages of 12-17 take legal drugs illegally each year


Over the Counter DrugsThese 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

osteoporosisFound in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate


Marijuana Use and AbuseMost 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


Stimulant Use and AbuseCocaine 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 womenResearch shows that crack use is higher among inner-

city, African American and Latino/a usersLaw enforcement policies and practices may target

minorities

Amphetamines come in form of diet pills and pep formulasChronic amphetamine abuse can result in amphetamine

psychosis (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, and violent tendencies)


DepressantsMost 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 HallucinogensNarcotics:

Natural forms: opium, morphine, codeineOpiate Derivatives: heroin and Percodan

Heroin is the most widely used drug.Abusers usually young male, under 30,

minority, living in a low income area.

Hallucinogens:Produce hallucinationsLSD, “angel dust”, and “ecstasy”



Perspectives on Drug Abuse

BiologicalGenetic factors through impaired enzyme production,

brain function, and physiological responseDrugs such as alcohol, heroin, and cocaine act directly

on brain mechanisms responsible for reward and punishment

PsychologicalSocial learning and reinforcement on drug-taking

behaviorPersonality 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


Sociological Explanations (cont.)

FunctionalistDrugs 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 dysfunctionalDysfunctional because people can become addictedIllicit 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.ConflictPeople in positions of power determine

what is legal and illegal.Make drugs used by the powerless illegal.Change in marijuana penalties over time.

Corporate interests perpetuate use and abuse of legal drugsManipulation of nicotine levels to addict users


Prevention and Treatment Programs Primary prevention

Programs that seek to prevent drug problems before they begin

Secondary preventionPrograms 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 preventionPrograms that seek to limit relapses by

individuals in recovery

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