Introduction to Drugs and Society Chapter 1

Drug Use Anyone can become dependent on a drug. Drug users are found in all occupations and professions, at all income and social class levels, and in all age groups. Thus, drug use is an equal-opportunity affliction. The dependence on a drug is preceded by a desire to use the drug Most people do not realize that they are susceptible to drug dependency, and do not realize that the drug dependency “changes” their life.

Drug Use Causes Three Major Simultaneous Changes in the User Most people do not realize that drug use causes at least three major simultaneous changes: 1. The social and psychological rewards from the effects of the drug “high” results in the illusion of temporary satisfaction and postponement of social pressures and anxieties leading to a superficial belief that problems and/or concerns are non-problematic. 2. Pharmacologically, the nonmedical use of most drugs, alters body chemistry largely by interfering with (affecting) its proper (homeostatic) functioning. Drugs enhance, slow down, or distort the reception and transmission of reality. 3. Using a drug may satisfy an inborn or genetically programmed need or desire.

Drug Insiders vs. Outsiders: Drug Insider: People who approve and/or use drugs. Drug Outsider: People who do not approve and/or use drugs Does Perspective Matter ?

Key Concepts to Address in Chapter One What constitutes a drug? When does drug use lead to drug dependence? What are the most commonly abused drugs? When does drug addiction occur? What are designer drugs? What are the costs of drug addiction to society? How widespread is drug use? What is the extent and frequency of drug use in our society? What can be gained by learning about the complexity of drug use and abuse? What are the current statistics and trends in drug use? What types of drug users exist? How does the media influence drug use? What attracts people to drug use?

Four Principle Factors That Affect Drug Use 1. Biological, Genetic, and Pharmacological Factors: Substance abuse and addiction involve biological and genetic factors. The pharmacology of drug determines how the ingredients of a drug impact the body and the nervous system, and likewise, how a person experiences the drug. 2. Cultural Factors: How do societal views, determined by custom and tradition, determine the initial approach and use of the drug?

Four Principle Factors That Affect Drug Use 3. Social Factors: What are the specific reasons (needs) why someone uses a drug (e.g., curing an illness, self-medicating, escape from reality, peer pressure, family upbringing, membership in drug-abusing subcultures)? Attitudes / beliefs about drug use develop from values and attitudes of other drug users, community norms, subcultures, peer groups, families, and the drug user’s personal experiences using the drug. 4. Contextual Factors: Specific contexts: (the circumstances that form the setting for an event (ie. drug use) in terms that can be fully understood and assessed) define and determine personal disposition toward drug use, as demonstrated by moods and attitudes. These factors influence drug use social behavior that develops. For example, drug used may be perceived more “acceptable” at fraternity parties with other friends.

Discussion (P.S. – This is an example of a small group exercise) Give an example of a person you know (DO NOT USE THEIR NAME – “Person X” ) who uses drugs by how they may be effected by: 1) Biological Factors 2) Cultural Factors 3) Social Factors 4) Contextual Factors

Drug Use The previous four factors may help define the “how” and “why” drugs may be appealing, repetitively used, and may lead to dependency.

Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive drugs (impact the central nervous system) are classified as either: Licit (Legal): Examples may include coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and over-the-counter drugs. Illicit (Illegal): Examples may include marijuana, cocaine, and LSD. © Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Photographed by Kimberly Potvin

Psychoactive Drugs and Addiction Psychoactive drugs alter mood, consciousness, thought processes, perception, and/or behavior. Psychoactive drugs can be used to treat physical, psychological, or mental illness. Repeated use of these drugs can build drug tolerance requiring the user to consume higher amounts and at more frequent intervals to achieve the same “desired” drug effect This increased use can lead to drug addiction, and diminished use can promote withdrawal symptoms.

Psychoactive Drugs: Addiction / Withdrawal Addiction (aka. Substance Use Disorders – SUDs) : Generally, becoming psychologically and physically dependent on drugs. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. VIDEO on Addiction (FYI only- but related to class material in the future) from Addition Policy Forum. Withdrawal Symptoms: psychological and physical symptoms that result when a drug is absent from the user’s body. Drugs that promote higher dependency (example: Heroin) facilitate more intense withdrawal symptoms

Why do people take drugs? (source: www.drugabuse.gov) “To feel good. Drugs can produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine, the high is followed by feelings of power, self- confidence, and increased energy. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opioids such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction.”

Why do people take drugs? (source: www.drugabuse.gov) “To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression start using drugs to try to feel less anxious. Stress can play a major role in starting and continuing drug use as well as relapse (return to drug use) in patients recovering from addiction.”

Why do people take drugs? (source: www.drugabuse.gov) “To do better. Some people feel pressure to improve their focus in school or at work or their abilities in sports. This can play a role in trying or continuing to use drugs, such as prescription stimulants or cocaine.” “Curiosity and social pressure. In this respect, teens are particularly at risk because peer pressure can be very strong. Teens are more likely than adults to act in risky or daring ways to impress their friends and show their independence from parents and social rules.”

Common Terms and Concepts: Drug misuse vs. Drug Abuse Drug misuse is the unintentional or inappropriate use of prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) types of drugs. Examples Taking more drugs than prescribed Using OTC or psychoactive drugs in excess without medical supervision Mixing drugs with alcohol or other types of drugs Using old medicines to self-treat new symptoms of an illness Discontinuing prescribed drugs at will and/or against physician’s orders Administering prescribed drugs to a family member without medical consultation and supervision © Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Photographed by Kimberly Potvin

Common Terms and Concepts: Drug misuse vs. Drug Abuse Drug abuse is also known as chemical or substance abuse is the willful misuse of either licit or illicit drugs for the purpose of recreation, perceived necessity, or convenience. Drug abuse refers to a more intense misuse of drugs—often to the point of addiction. Also known as chemical or substance abuse. © Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Photographed by Kimberly Potvin

Gateway drugs are types of commonly used drugs that are believed to lead to using other more powerful mind-altering and addictive drugs, such as hallucinogens, cocaine, crack, and heroin. Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most commonly used gateway drugs.

Discussion Why do you think Americans use so many legal, gateway drugs even though the use may increase the risk of using “harder” addicting drugs? What are the contributing factors for using these gateway drugs? (Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most commonly used gateway drugs.) End of PPT Series 01A