Chapter 3 Alcohol and Other Drugs

1. Chapter 3 Alcohol and Other Drugs • The Global Context: Drug Use and Abuse • Sociological Theories of Drug Use and Abuse • Frequently Used Legal and Illegal Drugs • Societal Consequences of Drug Use and Abuse • Treatment Alternatives • Strategies for Action: America Responds

2. Cultural Definitions of Drug Use • Use of some drugs (e.g. Heroin and crack) is condemned. • Other drugs (alcohol and tobacco) are tolerated and even encouraged. • Opium and morphine used as medicine in 1800's and early 1900's.

3. Structural Functionalist Perspective • Drug abuse is a response to weakening of societal norms (anomie). • Drug use is a response to the absence of a perceived bond between the individual and society.

4. Conflict Perspective • Drug use is a response to political, social and power inequality. • Drug use is an escape from alienation from work, friends and family and frustration caused by inequality. • Most powerful members of society influence the legal definition of drug use.

5. Symbolic Interactionist Perspective • If the label “drug user” is internalized drug use will continue or even escalate. • Drug users learn motivations and techniques of drug use through interaction with others. • Symbols may be used for political and economic agendas (e.g. D.A.R.E. Campaign against drugs).

6. Biological Theories • Genetics may predispose an individual to alcoholism. • Some individuals are physiologically “wired” to get more pleasure from drugs thanothers.

7. Psychological Theories • Some personality types are more susceptible to drug use. • Positive reinforcement: drug use results in pleasurable experience. • Negative reinforcement: drug use reduces pain, anxiety, loneliness and boredom.

8. National Household Survey Results • Of the 105 million Americans who used alcohol at least once in past 30 days: • 12.4 million were heavy drinkers. • 45 million were binge drinkers. • The earlier the age of onset, the more likely a person will become dependent on alcohol.

9. Tobacco • 30% of those ages 12 and older are smokers. • 1991 to 1999, number of adolescent smokers increased by 27%. • By 2030, smoking will be the number one cause of death worldwide.

10. Marijuana • Most commonly used and trafficked illicit drug in the world. • Use dates back to 2737 B.C. in China. • Use among 12- to 17-year-olds decreased 26%. • Use among 18- to 25-year-olds increased 28%.

11. Costs of Drug Use and Abuse • Alcoholics are more likely to separate or divorce. • 25% to 50% of domestic abuse cases involve abusers with substance abuse problems. • 1999: 38% of all traffic crashes were alcohol related.

12. Legalization: Benefts • Affirms the rights of adults to make informed choices. • Money from drug taxes could be used to benefit all citizens. • Would result in decreased drug prices and decreased crime. • Drugs would be regulated and safer.

13. Decriminalization: Benefits • Promotes a medical rather than criminal approach to drugs. • Would encourage users to seek treatment.

14. Decriminalizationand Legalization: Risks • Would be construed as government approval of drug use. • Not all drugs would be decriminalized; illegal trafficking would still exist. • Would require costly bureaucracy to oversee drug use/production.