copyright © allyn & bacon 2007 chapter 8 alcohol and other drugs this multimedia product and...

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Chapter 8

Alcohol and Other Drugs

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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.

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.

Objective component is physical, psychological, or social evidence of harm

Subjective component is people’s perceptions about the consequences


Major Patterns of Drinking

Social drinkers: Drink primarily on social occasions, 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 Consumption and Class, Gender, Age and Race The wealthy have greater resources and privacy than

lower-income individuals to avoid a “drunk” or “alcoholic” label

US Census Bureau 2004 43.4% of people between the ages of 12-18 reported using

alcohol once 17.6% reported bring current users

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


Figure 8.2: Percentage of Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes with Blood Alcohol Levels of 0.08 or Higher, 2003, by Age Group

Source: National Center for Statistics and Analysis, 2004.


Alcohol-Related Social Problems 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

Family problems Domestic abuse and violence, patterns of codependency when

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


Figure 8.1: Alcohol Consumption and Smoking Among First-Year College Students. Based on survey responses of 281,064 freshmen entering four-year institutions in the fall of 2001.

Source: Chronicle of Higher Education, 2002.


Major Hazards Associated with Tobacco Use

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

Shortened life expectancy Low birth weight babies Environmental tobacco smoke is highly dangerous

Why do so many people still smoke? Nicotine is highly addictive Good marketing

More than 4 billion dollars is spent annually by companies


Problems from Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs Iatrogenic addiction

Occurs from long-term use or high dosages of prescription drugs

Drug controversies Ritalin and Prozac are being over-prescribed

Long-term effects on adolescents is still unknown Prescription drugs are being used illegally by teenagers

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

Caffeine is a dependency-producing psychoactive stimulant Heavy caffeine use can increase risk of heart attack and

osteoporosis


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


Stimulant Use and AbuseCocaine and amphetamines are among the major

stimulants abused in the U.S.

Cocaine comes in two forms: power and crack The increase use of crack cocaine lead the Reagan

administration in 1982 to implement the “war on drugs” Research shows that crack use is higher among inner-city,

African American and Latino/a users Law enforcement policies and practices may be prejudice

towards minorities

Children born to crack-addicted mothers usually suffer painful withdrawal at birth and later show deficits in cognitive skills

Chronic amphetamine abuse can result in amphetamine psychosis (e.g., paranoia, hallucinations, and violent tendencies)


Depressants Most common include:

Barbiturates (e.g., Nembutal and Seconal) Anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers (e.g., Librium.,

Valium, and Miltown)

Users may develop both physical addiction and psychological dependency

Potentiation, or the drug interaction that takes place when two drugs are mixed, is a risk because of the greater effect


Biological and Psychological 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)


Sociological Explanations for Drugand Alcohol Addiction

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 for Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Cont’d.

Functionalist Social institutions of control (e.g., family, education, and

religion) have become disorganized External law enforcement controls are now necessary Illicit drug activities serve important societal functions

(e.g., government jobs)

Conflict People in positions of power make some drugs illegal Corporate interests perpetuate use and abuse of legal

drugs


Purpose of Prevention and Treatment Programs 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 Programs that seek to limit relapses by individuals in

recovery


Map 8.1: Main Sources of Illegal Drugs Imported into the United States. Amounts shown in parentheses represent metric tons.

Sources: U.S. Department of State, 1996; New York Times, 1996b.


Structural Factors that Contribute to the Drug Problem

Dramatic changes in the economic and technological bases of society

Growing gap between the rich and the poor

Inequalities based on race, ethnicity, and gender

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