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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010
Chapter 8Alcohol and Other Drugs
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Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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.
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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”
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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