...Drug-Free Workplace Evaluation Andrew Rhea, Rebecca Chiavetta, Jami Krebs, and Lisa Meier PSY 425 November 12, 2012 Dr. Elizabeth Riegner Drug-Free Workplace Evaluation Imagine an employee is returning from a lunch break, and a coworker is collaborating with this individual in an erratic manner. The coworker’s actions make this employee feel unsafe, and cause him or her to become unproductive. The coworker has an accident, and the company is shutdown to investigate the accident. The previous scenario has often occurred throughout the United States, causing companies to lose money from possible lawsuits, and decreased productivity in the workplace. Illicit, and prescription drug use is prevalent in the United States, and causes absenteeism, accidents, downtime, turnover, theft, morale issues, and decreased productivity in the workplace (University of Phoenix, 2012). This proves that companies benefit from instituting drug-free workplace policies with mandatory drug testing within the workplace. Creating a drug-free work environment is a cost-effective necessity in the workplace, and establishing a drug-free work environment will have positive effects on a company. Prevalence of illicit and prescription drug users in the United States workforce Prescription drugs are "dispensed to the public only with an order given by a properly authorized person" (The Free Dictionary, 2012, p. 1). In 1999, American's spent nearly $104.7 billion on prescription drugs, which soon...
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...Research and analyse debates on the current 'war against drugs' and its success or otherwise, globally and/or locally. Explain the debate and present an argument, supported by evidence, for either the continuation of a 'war against drugs' or for an alternative. Introduction The use of prohibited drugs has been predominant in Western society since the 19th century, with cannabis introduced to the United States in 1839, while opium was introduced to Europe and the United States through trade with China. These drugs were initially used for pharmaceutical benefits, but over time various legislatures introduced laws to administer, regulate and prohibit the use of various drugs. The declaration of ‘war on drugs’ took place in the United States of America (USA) in 1971. The historical response to the ‘war on drugs’ has been prohibition: the complete banning of drug use. This approach, which involves strict enforcement of illegal drug laws, has proven costly and ineffective (RCAP & RANZCP, 2004). This essay will focus on Australia’s current drug debate regarding the legalisation of certain prohibited illicit drugs. Whilst examining the Australian position, this essay will use international examples to illustrate how the current strategy fails and survey workable solutions. Firstly, this work examines the historical position of the ‘war on drugs’. It will outline the history of drug use in Australia and the nation’s current drug policy. This essay will then discuss the criminal, social...
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...1545-0848 online DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2011.554778 Ingestions of Hydrocodone, Carisoprodol, and Alprazolam in Combination Reported to Texas Poison Centers Mathias B. Forrester, BS ABSTRACT. The combination of hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and alprazolam is subject to abuse. Ingestions of this drug combination reported to Texas poison centers during 1998–2009 were identified (totaling 1,295 cases) and the distribution of ingestions by selected factors was determined. The number of cases increased from 0 in 1998 to 200 in 2007, and then decreased to 132 in 2009. The counties in eastern and southeastern Texas accounted for 80.9% of the cases. Of the patients, 57.3% were women and 94.6% were age 20 or older. Suspected attempted suicide accounted for 59.3% of the cases and intentional misuse or abuse for 27.3%. KEYWORDS. Alprazolam, carisoprodol, hydrocodone, poison center INTRODUCTION Abuse of prescription drugs is increasing in the United States. Rates of overdose deaths involving prescription drugs increased during 1999–2006.1 Emergency department visits involving the nonmedical use of opioid analgesics increased during 2004–2008.2 There has also been an increase in prescription drug abuse among adolescents.3,4 Hydrocodone is a prescription narcotic pain reliever sold alone or in combination with other medications known by the brand names Vicodin (Abbot Laboratories, North Chicago, IL), Lorcet (Forest Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, MO), Lortab (Mallinckrodt Inc., Hobart, NY), and...
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...Drugs in AMerica | From Sea to Shining Sea | Patricia Diaz | 000348122 | GLT 1 111.6.2 | 2/5/2014 | | “Drugs in America from sea to shining sea” Drug use in the United States has been on a steady rise. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of Marijuana. Marijuana was on the decline from the 1990s to mid to late 2000s but has been on a steady increase since then. This is due to the changing perception and attitudes towards marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2013, 7.0 percent of 8th graders, and 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in the last month. Why this sharp increase? This is related to state’s passing of legislation for the legalization of marijuana. This cannot help in the war on drugs. The use of marijuana has been shown to be the gateway to other more illicit drugs. Medical Marijuana has been in use for many years in the United States. It has been touted as the new miracle drug. While there are benefits to this drug the long term effects are still being analyzed. It has been said to help prevent blindness from Glaucoma; an appetite stimulant in Aids patients; and helps controls muscle spasms in Multiple Sclerosis patients. It can also have negative side effects such as paranoia, feeling of panic, hallucinations, and anxiety. People also have complained to short term memory loss, mood swings, perceptions and information processing. Why are there two different spectrum of the “miracle...
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... & W White (1999) ‘The Marijuana Legalization Debate: is There a Middle Ground’. In JA Inciardi (ed), The Drug Legalization Debate. Sage Publications. Ferguson, D.M.. & L.J. Horwood (2000) ‘Does Cannabis Use Encourage Other Forms of Illicit Drug Use?’, Addiction, 95(4): 505-520. Gerber, R.J. (2004) ‘History of Demonizing Drugs’. In Legalizing Marijuana: Drug Policy Reform and Prohibition Politics, Westport, CT: Praeger, pp. 1-16. Hall, W. (1997) ‘The Recent Australian Debate About the Prohibition on Cannabis Use’, Addiction, 92(9): 1109-1115. Hall, W. (1998) ‘Cannabis Use and Psychosis’, Drug and Alcohol Review, 17: 433-444. Hall, W. & R.L. Pacula (2003) ‘Policy Alternatives’. In Cannabis Use and Dependence: Public Health and Public Policy, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 183-226. Himmelstein, J.L. (1983) ‘From Killer Weed to Drop Out Drug’, Contemporary Crises, 7(1): 13-38. Sarre, R. (1990) ‘A Review of the Cannabis Expiation Notice Scheme in South Australia: Research Note’, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 299-303. MacCoun R.J. and P. Reuter Drug War 'Heresies: Learning from Other Vices, Times, & Places', Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. McGeorge, J. & C.K. Aitken (1997) ‘Effects of Cannabis Decriminalization in the Australian Capital Territory on University Students’ Patterns of Use, Journal of Drug Issues, 27(4): 785-794. Cannabis has had a long history in Australia, dating back to the First Fleet, where...
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...Pregnant Mothers Who Use Drugs During Pregnancy: Should They Be Prosecuted? English Composition I June 3, 2012 What are the long-term effects on children who were drug exposed in utero? Are criminal charges for child abuse the best solution for pregnant mothers who use illicit drugs during pregnancy? This is a question that has become a hot topic and cause for controversy among the medical community, legal community, and society in general over the last 20 years. For example, South Carolina has defended their actions in the criminal convictions of women charged with child abuse for using drugs, such as crack cocaine, during pregnancy, while states like Wisconsin and South Dakota have taken less drastic measures. Almost all states agree that some sort of action needs to be taken to protect unborn children, but what those actions should be are widely varied and debated. Although personal feelings and emotions often lead us to immediately draw one conclusion; thorough research and doing what is best for women, children and their families are a strong argument for looking at other alternatives to this problem. South Carolina has long been at the forefront of the movement to criminalize prenatal substance abuse, using a broad range of laws to enforce a policy that began at one or two hospitals in the state and, over time, has expanded to a statewide initiative [Contemporary Women’s Issues] 1998. However, states such as Wisconsin are wrestling with when the criminal...
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...alcohol and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state . What happens to the brain during addiction? The first time an individual takes drugs is usually a voluntary decision. With continued...
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...United States Drug Policy on Mexico and Colombia Drugs are not new to this Earth. Mankind has grown and consumed drugs for millennia. Marijuana, or more appropriately Cannabis, is indigenous to Central and South Asia, and has been consumed widely since 3000 B.C.E. (ElSohly 8). In more recent times (1938), Albert Hoffman synthesized Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, while searching for treatments for psychiatric diseases (Hoffman). Initially, many drugs were used in religious/spiritual functions. In several instances, the strong fibers of the Cannabis plant were used for building, much like jute, and the narcotic aspects of the plants were not even explored (ElSohly 8). However, today, drugs are frequently used recreationally, and as a result are highly profitable commodities. It is common knowledge that across the world, the vast majority of drugs are illegal or are restricted in some way. Almost nightly, proponents for the legalization of drugs, decriminalization of certain drugs, and the continued ban on drugs debate their positions through the media. This debate is a hot button issue that is almost entirely centered upon the views and policies of the world’s largest drug consumer, the United States of America (CIA Factbook). Governments and the media very often focus on drug consumption trends and drug flow into the United States, while largely ignoring Latin American perspectives and impacts on Latin America. Though drug production and drug use are major...
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...I S S N 1725 - 5767 Travel and drug use in Europe: a short review 1 THEMATIC PAPERS Travel and drug use in Europe: a short review Travel and drug use in Europe: a short review emcdda.europa.eu Contents 1. Introduction 2. Travelling and using drugs Young people Problem drug users 3. Examples of drug-related destinations 4. Prevalence of drug use among young travellers Young holidaymakers in Europe Young backpackers Young clubbers and partygoers 5. Risks associated with drug use while travelling Health risks Risk related to personal safety Legal risks Risks related to injecting drug use Risks to local communities 6. Potential for prevention interventions 7 Conclusions . Acknowledgements References 3 4 4 4 6 9 9 10 11 13 13 14 14 14 15 17 19 21 22 Travel and drug use in Europe: a short review emcdda.europa.eu 3 1. Introduction Recent decades have seen a growth in travel and tourism abroad because of cheap air fares and holiday packages. This has been accompanied by a relaxation of border controls, especially within parts of Europe participating in the Schengen Agreement. As some people may be more inclined to use illicit substances during holiday periods and some may even choose to travel to destinations that are associated with drug use — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as ‘drug tourism’ — this means that from a European drug policy perspective the issue of drug use and travel has become more important. This Thematic paper examines travellers...
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...Maternal Substance Abuse During Pregnancy The choice to use drugs is just that—a choice. Pregnant women who make the conscientious decision to abuse substances shall realize that when they chose to use drugs, they assumed responsibility for the natural consequences and shall be held accountable for their own actions by law. It is fair to assume that the mother also made a choice to be sexually active, allowing the opportunity to become pregnant; and, regardless of whether or not she planned the pregnancy, she allowed the pregnancy to come to term. “Children, like all people, have the right to be free from having drugs introduced into their systems by others,” (Merrick, 1993). For the reason of choice and this reason, the rights to freedom, there shall be criminal penalties for mothers who give birth to substance-exposed infants. Janna Merrick (1993) accurately stated that, “pregnancy is unlike any other medical condition in that care must be provided simultaneously for both the woman and the fetus.” Because a fetus is unable to protect or fend for itself prior to birth, it becomes the mother's obligation to do so for their unborn child. Mother’s that are unable to properly care for their child in utero are clearly unfit mothers from the very start; and, adding any form of substance abuse to that mix only puts the child at greater risk for medical complications and suffering post delivery. If, as a society, we work to reduce the incidence of maternal substance abuse by prosecution...
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...with Drugs . The effect of a drug is caused solely by its pharmacological properties and effects. . Some drugs are instantly addictive . The gateway/ stepping stone theory - the use of 1 drug leads to the use of other more dangerous drugs What are drugs ? Krivanek's definition : Drugs are substances that are introduced into the body knowingly but not as food. Therefore illicit drugs, legal recreational drugs and legal but regulated pharmaceutical drugs that aren't recreational at all. - Whether if a drug is considered bad and is prohibited depends on the culture of the society in a particular period. What is culture ? The definition of culture = Through Roger keesing and Andrew Strathern's definition it is a system of shared ideas, rules and meanings that underlie and are expressed in the ways that human live. - This includes : law, beliefs, political economy, media and popular culture - this perceives ideas about what is normal and abnormal to society. " Culture is always changing and contested, not unified" Enthography as a method for studying drug use It is a process of observing, recoding and describing other peoples way of life through intimate participation the community being studied". - Participation observation, involving yourself in the life of the community , taking up the life of the other person, observing their actions, asking questions and learning what questions to ask. Zinberg's theory of drug use Effect of drug use...
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...survey comprising of questions regarding alcohol consumption and completion of the Risk Taking Questionnaire 18. The hypothesis that alcohol consumption in a single sitting would be higher in the high propensity group in comparison the low propensity group was supported. The hypothesis that alcohol mixed with energy drink consumption in a single sitting would be higher than alcohol only consumption in a single sitting was rejected. It was concluded that an individual with a higher pre-disposition for risk-taking behaviour would consume more alcoholic beverages in a single sitting than an individual without the pre-disposition to risk-taking behaviour. Future research should examine the effects alcohol has on energy drinks in comparison to individual consumption in order to truly understand the effects it has. Energy drinks (ED)’s are a relatively new concept in the overall soft-drink market, but are essentially rebranding and reselling caffeine to a different target market with an entire new sense of appeal. This appeal seen by the younger demographic of consumers is being combatted with the potential health risks of consumption, especially combined with the depressant, alcohol (McCusker, Goldberger & Cone, 2006).These energy drinks claim to provide the consumer with bursts of energy through the use of caffeine and guarana as the principle ingredients, while also using simple sugars such...
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...nature of each type of addiction and determining the best course of treatment for the individual is important to ensure success. For opioid addiction, maintenance based programs, though controversial, show high rates of treatment retention, reduction in criminality, gainful employment, and improvement in health; offering an alternative to those who have not had success in abstinence based programs. Addiction is a challenging and complicated health issue. It affects people physically as well as mentally and socially, impacting nearly every aspect of life. Families can be torn apart. The effects of addiction can cause a person to lose employment and fall into poverty. Health issues such as HIV and hepatitis can affect addicts who share needles, or engage in prostitution to obtain drugs. The greatest consequence of addiction is death. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states, “Drug overdose death rates in the United States have more than tripled since 1990 and have never been higher.” The negative consequences of addiction are many. This highlights the importance of proven, effective treatment methods. Each type of addiction is different, and each has its unique behaviors and treatments. Opioid addiction affects the brain and body differently than any other type of addiction. Opiates bind to specific receptors in the brain, causing an addiction that it one of the most difficult to overcome. If a...
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...Introduction As nerve cells in the brain begin progressively degenerate many physical, emotional and mental symptoms begin to occur. There are many reasons as to why nerve cells fail; this has been linked to old age and illicit drug abuse. However many patients are also diagnosed young and healthy and the reasons are still unknown. Nerve cells in the brain produce neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Serotonin and Norepinephrine. The Monoamines are chemical messengers that transmit signals around the brain and affect a person’s emotions including their mood, alertness and motivation. When nerve cells begin to fail and the production of Dopamine in the brain is reduced the symptoms are both emotional and physical and can be known as Parkinson’s disease....
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...comes from "coca" and the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic. Biologically, cocaine acts as a serotonin–norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor, also known as a triple reuptake inhibitor (TRI). It is addictive because of its effect on the mesolimbic reward pathway. Formulations COCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE Topical Solution CIIRx only [Lannett Company, Inc.] Each mL contains:Cocaine hydrochloride 40 mg or 100 mg As aqueous solution.The topical solution contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Green No. 3, sodium benzoate, and water. Methamphetamine Methamphetamine (USAN) also known as metamfetamine (INN),meth, ice, crystal glass, tik, N-methylamphetamine, methylamphetamine, and desoxyephedrine, is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs. Methamphetamine occurs in two enantiomers, dextrorotary and levorotary; dextromethamphetamine possesses the well-known psychostimulant effects of the drug, while levomethamphetamine is CNS-inactive. Although rarely prescribed, dextromethamphetamine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD and obesity under the trade name Desoxyn, while levomethamphetamine is a non-prescription over-the-counter nasal decongestant. Formulations Methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets contain 5 mg of methamphetamine hydrochloride, USP for oral administration...
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