...‘Illness is simply a matter of bad luck, bad judgement, or bad genetics’ is a statement that expressed how health can be affected by the ‘luck’ of the environment that an individual is born into. The aforementioned statement expressed how health can be affected through a bad judgement of misdiagnoses made by health practitioners. The statement then declared how having bad genes allows an individual to become more susceptible to specific disease (Marvell, 2012). This statement focused on how health is influenced by psychological (bad judgement) and biomedical (bad genes) determinants, for example, being overweight is seen has having bad genes however, sociocultural factors such as gender, media and age can also largely affect an individuals’ health status. In 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) released the Madrid Statement, saying: "to achieve the highest standard of health, health policies have to recognize that women and men, owing to their biological differences and their gender roles, have different needs, obstacles and opportunities." Meaning that the needs and barriers of both women and men (for example, women are more likely to develop breast cancer than males) are a major influence on the health of the individual and if the Government wants to achieve high national health, knowing the needs and overcoming the barriers must be addressed. A bad luck obstacle males have to face is the expectancy to participate in labour intensive jobs such as being a constructor and...
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...structure, and how ill be providing a creative solution. s Illicit drug use is a major problem in Australian culture as a recent study in 2012 by the United Nations has concluded that Australia has the highest rate of recreational drug users in the world (Toohey,2012). An Illicit drug can be defined as “the non-medical use of a variety of drugs which include: amphetamine- type stimulants, cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other opioids, and MDMA (ecstasy) (Hall W, Ross J, Lynskey M, Law M, Degenhardt L.,2000). Australian Governments on all levels including non-governments have been trying to fight this illicit drug problem for many years with different approaches to the epidemic. This case study will be analysing the illicit drug problem in Australia, trends and closely scrutinizing the effectiveness of the Australian Governments National Drug Campaign 2010-15 (NDC) in reaching its target audience. This case study will then be further comparing other Anti-illicit drug Campaigns worldwide and in the past to the NDC and finally providing a creative solution which may help the NDC, which may help this Social Marketing campaign effectively communicate to its target audience. The National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 is a social marketing campaign which is aimed at improving the health, economic and social outcomes for Australians by preventing the uptake of harmful drug use and reducing the harmful effects of licit and illicit drugs in our society. This is a cooperative venture shared between...
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...Problem In the USA Abuse of illicit drugs causes many social problems including crime. Up to 60% of adults in Federal prisons are there for drug related crimes. Crime and violence destroys families and peoples lives. 31% of American homelessness people suffer from drug abuse or alcoholism. These are just a couple of social implications drugs can have on society. Illicit drugs that have high incidence of abuse are: Narcotics, hallucinogenics, stimulants, depressants, bath salts or designer cathinones, DXM and salvia divinorum. In order to research one of the causes of illicit drug abuse I referred to a study conducted in 2012 that presented a lot of useful demographical information. According to the National Institute on Drug abuse, who conduct annual surveys, in 2012 an estimated 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older had used or abused and illicit or psychotherapeutic drug. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Some states permit medical marijuana. Twenty-one states currently have laws legalizing it in some form, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Marijuana is currently legal in Colorado and Washington for recreational use. Research has shown that more than half of new illicit drug users begin with marijuana. The next most common are prescription pain medications. Table1 represents the age and percentage of drug use in the past month. This graph is obtained from data collected during the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We can see from...
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...and Current Drug Trends in America Sarah Pierce PSY425 October 25, 2010 Scharlene De Horney Past and Current Drug Trends in America Drugs come in many forms and from many places. Drugs have been around since the beginning of time and people have been using them since they discovered them. Drug use began thousands if not a hundred thousand years ago as humans started exploring their environment. People would see a new plant or observe an animal’s behavior after consuming the plant, and out of curiosity, they would experiment with it or taste it. This is how some of the drugs we know today came about. Cocaine, opium, LSD, peyote, and marijuana all come from plants that primitive people discovered while tasting the environment around them. This paper will identify the past and current trends in the use and abuse of substances (drugs) in the United States. It will also discuss when it is viewed appropriate to use illicit drugs. Moreover, this paper will analyze the health and social problems in the United States that occur due to drug abuse and addiction. Trends American views on drugs have gone from one extreme to the opposite over a period of about 200 years. In the late 1700s through the 1800s, everyday Americans legally used substances like opium, cocaine, and marijuana for medicinal, spiritual, and recreational uses. At the beginning of the 1900s, the American view on drugs began its dramatic change. As of 1971, America is in an outright “war on drugs”. Past The...
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...Psy/425 May 20th, 2013 Barbara Nosal Past and Current Trends Illicit drug use in the United States has been around for many years. Just because it has been around for this long does not mean that it is good for the people. This type of illegal activity has been known to bring around violence, gangs, prostitution, and other illegal activities. To see how the use of illegal drugs has evolved, one must look at the past trends of drug use and the current trends as well. Past and Current Trends The past trends of drug use can be seen from the 1960s. During this time, recreational drug use was thought to have been the thing to do. Drugs such as LSD and marijuana were the mainstays of drug use. Throughout the years new drugs were created that became just as popular. Drugs such as ecstasy, crack, and even the newer bath salts became popular choices in drug use. Each of these drugs have their own side effects, some worse than others. An example of this would be bath salts. The side effects of this can cause a person to go temporarily insane, and also cause the user to become very sick. There even has become a trend to use everyday household items as inhalants to try to get high. Cultural Uses of Illicit Drugs Many different cultures use illicit drugs in their own ceremonies and religious practices. This has been done over and over throughout the history of their culture. For these people, the drugs that most people would consider to be illegal are a normal part for...
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...Literature Review Paper Mitchell Adair Advanced General Psychology PSY492 A01 Argosy University 1 Each class of drugs has a property that is very distinguishing, and drugs that are within each class more than often produces effects that are similar. However, all substances that are controlled, despite of their class, share quite a few number of features that are common. This introduction will familiarize you with these features that are shared as well as define them in terms that are associated frequently with these drugs. All substances that are controlled have abuse that is potential or are precursors that are immediate when it comes to abuse that is potential. With the exception of anabolic steroids, substances that are controlled are abused when it comes to mood altering, feeling, and thought through their actions on the CNS or central nervous system, which is the brain and spinal cord. Some of these drugs are relievers of pain, depression as well as anxiety. Some are energizers and some are inducers of sleep. Even though some substances that are controlled are useful therapeutically, the effects that considered to be “feel good” of these drugs will more than likely prove to be primary contributors when it comes to their abuse. The extent to which ...
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...Shakib Hossain Causal Argument English 191 February 2015 Why the War on Drugs Failed “For every prohibition you create, you also create an underground”. These words by famous musician Jello Biafra may sound prejudiced, but it is the truth we all live and have lived by since the prohibition era. The war on drugs has become a significant issue in today’s society, but people are not completely sure why the war on drugs has failed. In reference to Jello Biafra, the war on drugs is a type of a prohibition, but the real question is how big of an underground has this war created that it has ultimately failed. The start of the war on drugs can officially be dated as far back as 1971 when Richard Nixon declared drug abuse as “public enemy number one”, and he increased the size and presence of federal drug control agencies (Drug Policy Alliance, 2014). Later, during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the number of people incarcerated for drug abuse shot up sky high due to his zero tolerance policy, and the unpredicted rise of illicit drug use. When we say the war on drugs has failed, we usually consider that the use of illicit drugs could not be reduced and is on the rise. However, it is also because it is costing more and more lives every day in addition to all the resources used coming out of the taxpayers’ pockets. In short, the war on drugs has failed because the government enforced punishment instead of prevention, which led to creating a black market that increased crime and corruption...
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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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...Michael Moore was the Minister for health, he advocated for the use of prescribed heroin to be used as heroin dependence treatment (Jiggens, 2008). Mr Moore was greatly opposed by the media and the Howard government whose main focus was on the use of Law enforcement to tackle heroin problem (Jiggens, 2008). Mr Moore argument was dismissed when the 2001 heroin shortage was announced and the government at the time argued that law enforcement was the best way to tackle heroin issue. However some researchers have argued that the heroin shortage was not due to the law enforcement seizer alone, but mainly due to the change in the drug market to Methamphetamines and cocaine (Jiggens, 2008 and Ritter, 2011)....
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...Title: Harmful affects of illicit drugs Claim: Illicit drugs should stay illegal Argument: P1: Drugs are addicting and can cause overdoses P2: Drugs have harmful impact on the body. C: Legalizing drugs would give the wrong message to young adults. Discussion: Illicit drugs are non-medical drugs that are prohibited by law. "Drug abuse kills about 200,000 people worldwide each year, according to a new United Nations (UN) report. Global treatment for drug abuse would cost $250 billion per year if everyone who needed help received proper care, according to the UN" (drugfree.org). (P1), Drugs can be addicting, especially to teenagers because they are going through a rough change in life. Most teenagers turn to drugs to help them cope with the challenging difficulties they face. Some are peer pressured into using illicit drugs. Young adults can be hooked onto these "frenemies" and be distracted from their life goals. However, it only takes one mistake to put all their life to an end when they are "unknowingly" handed and overdose of that drug. If illicit drugs were legalized, the it would give more reason to...
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...Cause of Social Vices At the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Ogun State Government warned residents against the use of hard drugs. Government said this was to reduce social vices associated with indiscriminate drug use. The government gave this warning through the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tunde Olowonyo, during a public awareness campaign at Kuto Market, Abeokuta, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Olowonyo described drug abuse as the use of illicit drugs, abuse of prescription or use of drugs in an illicit manner. He warned that social problems and health danger that could result from drug abuse include violent behaviour, panic attacks, mood swings, heart attack and stroke. “It is necessary for people to abide by laws guiding drug intake, as its indiscriminate usage poses health dangers to humanity, constitutes serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, particularly the young generation, and it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development,” the medical practitioner said. Olowonyo, who was represented by the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Modupe Olurin, disclosed that the government was working assiduously to create a healthy environment and ensure that residents avoid harmful lifestyle. Also, the Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Mr. Olayiwola Adewunmi, urged market women to always educate...
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...1)a. Summarize the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. b. Opponents of the legalization of marijuana argue that marijuana is a gateway drug, because to leads to the use (and abuse) of other, more serious drugs. Research marijuana as a gateway drug. Based on your findings, do you believe marijuana leads to the use of other drugs? Why or why not? Explain your answer. c. Offer your position on this topic: Do you think marijuana should be legalized? Why or why not? Use facts (i.e., sound research) to support your answer. Do you think marijuana is a gateway drug? Levinthal (2014) expressed the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. When it comes to cons, Levithal stated that the use of marijuana works as a gateway for the abuses of illicit drugs. Moreover, he also mentioned “marijuana users tend to undermine traditional values of school achievement and long-term aspirations” (p.187). In the other hand, Levithal also mentions that smoking marijuana and having small amounts of it has become more accepted in today’s society. Also, marijuana has been approved to be used as medicine, creating a more acceptable...
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...In Defense of Recreational Drugs If illicit drugs are harmful to the mind, body and soul, than why do people continue to manufacture, distribute and use these substances? The prohibition of these illicit substances as outlined in the Controlled Substances Act of the United States goes against all logic. Propaganda across the United States promotes the myth that psychotropic drugs impair moral judgment and is a cause of destructive deviant behavior. There is evidence that refutes this claim, illustrated by findings in several of the government’s own studies. The truth is that the majority that dabbles with these intoxicants is misrepresented by the media and politicians as delinquents, but are respectable citizens with jobs to work, bills to pay, and classes to attend, and are indistinguishable from the general population. Their use is not accounted for as many are reluctant to admit to it, due to the illegality and prejudice against use of controlled substances in our society. Such illicit substances must have some intrinsic value because of their continued use. Just as prescription pharmaceuticals can prove to be valuable in a specific context, so can all classes of illegal drugs. The poison is in the dose not the chemical itself. The unconstitutional War on Drugs in the United States needs to cease, because it is based on heresy and fear mongering. This calls for reeducation of the American people about the true nature of drugs; for this legalization and regulation of all...
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...legalizing any of the other major illicit drugs. Not that the consequences of marijuana legalization would be small or easy to project; legalization would be a big change with unpredictable results. Many have supported the marijuana legalization they actively encourage the non-medical use of drugs. Even worse, they will discover that most of the public who listen to views that are sympathetic to drug legalization and or decriminalization perceive these views to be pro-drug, no matter how often the speakers disavow this interpretation of their views. A principal argument for legalization of drugs generally is the anticipated reduction in crime, violence, corruption and other problems associated with black markets associated with cocaine/crack, heroin, and meth not marijuana, so legalizing marijuana would not do much to solve those problems. Support for the legalization of currently illegal drugs strengthens those forces in the society that want to see the use of illicit drugs go up, including those who benefits from the lucrative but deadly illicit marijuana traffic. Aside from impairment and harm, marijuana prohibitions believe in the gateway theory in which users of a substance are introduced to more harmful drugs through underground trade. Marijuana consumption leads to situations in which users are presented harder drugs. As the theory goes, an individual slowly experiments with more drugs as he or she is surrounded by a variety of drugs and over time addiction ensues due...
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...Introduction Marijuana is one of the most controversial drugs in the world and is a subject to serious discussion in the United States today concerning its illegal status. Marijuana should be legalized in all 50 states because the positive effects outweigh the bad effects, especially when it is associated with medicinal usage. “In the last two years, four states have voted to decriminalize it within their specific jurisdictions” (Allen, 2015). “In December 2013, Uruguay, a South American country, became the first country to make marijuana possession and use nationally legal. In other countries such as the Netherlands, retail sales are allowed but commercial production is still widely prohibited” (Netzley, 2014). Marijuana growth and use in...
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