SSE – 110 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work

1. SSE – 110Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work Chapter 8 Drug Abuse and Drug Treatment Programs

2. Drugs and Drug Abuse • Pharmacologically, a drug is any substance that chemically alters the function or structure of a living organism. • In a social problems approach, a drug is any habit forming substance that directly affects the brain and nervous system. • Drug abuse is the regular or excessive use of a drug when, as defined by a group, the consequences endanger relationships with other people, are detrimental to the user’s health or jeopardize society itself. • OTC – over the counter drugs (aspirin). • Abuse of prescription drugs (valium).

3. Drugs and Drug Abuse • A characteristic of habit-forming drugs is that they lead to a dependency, with the user developing a craving for them. • This dependency may be physically, psychologically, or both. • Drug addiction is the intense craving for a drug that develops after a period of physical dependency from heavy use.

4. A Brief History of Our Drug-Taking Society • The pilgrims – 1620 – wine and beer. • Civil War – soldiers treated with narcotics and many became addicted. • In 1900, about 1% of the population was addicted to a narcotic drug. • Marijuana use has occurred throughout our history. • Marijuana use became popular, after being made illegal to use early 20th century, during the 60’s and 70’s. • Alcohol use (prohibition from 1919 – 1933).

5. Sociological Theories of Drug Abuse • Anomie Theory – (seeking of life’s goals through inappropriate / deviant means). People use drugs or alcohol due to frustration of not being able to attain their goals. • Labeling Theory – (self-fulfilling prophesy). • Differential Association – (birds of a feather flock together). Take on the values of your sub group. Drug Subcultures • A group of peers who advocates the use of one or more drugs can be called a drug subculture (most drug taking occurs in a social group that approves the use of the drug). • Juvenile gangs and drug use and selling of drugs.

6. Facts about and Effects of Commonly Used Drugs • Depressants (alcohol, PCP, tranquilizers, barbiturates). • See table 8.1 – page 253-254. • 1990 – study found that women’s stomachs are less effective at neutralizing alcohol than men, thus they become intoxicated quicker. • See table 8.2 – page 255 – B.A.L. • See pages 274 – 275 – Who Drinks? • Case Exhibit 8.1 – page 257. • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – page 258.

7. Facts about and Effects of Commonly Used Drugs • Stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines, cocaine and crack, amyl nitrate and butyl nitrate). (poppers). • Narcotics (heroin, opium, and morphine). • The opiates are in all derived from the opium poppy, which grows in many countries (Turkey, Southeast Asia, and Columbia). • Crack babies – exhibit 8.4 – page 265. • Hallucinogens (psychedelic drugs – LSD). • Tobacco • Marijuana (comes from the hemp plant). • Hashish • Anabolic steroids - synthetic derivatives of the male hormones – testosterone.

8. Rehabilitation Programs • Alcohol Treatment Programs (AA) • Other drug treatment programs • Inpatient programs • Outpatient programs • Self-help programs • Therapeutic Communities – long term programs • Half houses • Treatment using drugs • Understanding and treating codependency

9. Suggestions for Curbing Drug Abuse in the Future • Educational Programs (DARE). • Prevention of illegal drug trafficking across borders. • Employee drug testing programs. • Stricter laws and enforcement. • Decriminalization of drug use. • The Netherlands approach vs. the U.S. approach.