Chapter 2 Alcohol, Drugs and Our American Society At-Risk Factors

Chapter Objectives Identify the problems related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Identify the scope of problems and risks related to nicotine dependence and cigarette smoking. Classify the at-risk factors for developing problems with alcohol and drugs. Explain trauma, violence, and violation as at- risk factors for developing substance abuse and addiction.

Chapter Objectives Explain the problem of using a supply-side approach to the drug problem while neglecting the demand side. Identify the importance of meeting the special alcohol/drug treatment needs of people of color and those suffering from systemic socioeconomic inequities. Describe the impact of academic failure and the educational system’s struggle to motivate young people.

Chapter Objectives Classify the characteristics of the four basic perspectives of alcohol/drug use and abuse. Cite examples of each perspective and problems inherent in each perspective. Complete the Fifth Perspective Worksheet and identify the dimensions of your personal perspective about alcohol/drugs.

Alcohol and Nicotine Emotional, political and moral judgments block the perception of the two most problematic drugs - alcohol and nicotine.

Alcohol Problems with alcohol in society are well- documented. –Child and spouse abuse –Aggression and violence –Driving under the influence –Teenage drinking and driving –Homicides –Accidents –Suicide –Crimes –Traffic accidents

Tobacco As the Most Deadly Drug 20% of the deaths in the U.S. are caused by cigarette smoking. 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

At-Risk Factors Denial of parental alcoholism and addiction Academic failure Trauma, violence, and violation

Emphasis on Supply - Neglect of Demand The emphasis on the supply of drugs fails to adequately address and fund programs dealing with prevention, intervention and treatment of substance dependence.

Neglect of Treatment for All People Historically, drug use by people of color and minorities have been neglected. It is only when drugs impact mainstream Caucasians that the government seems to create programs and make funding available.

Major Perspectives of Alcohol/Drug Use Moral - Legal Perspective Medical - Health Perspective Psychosocial Perspective Sociocultural Perspective Personal Perspective Perspective of Hope

Moral - Legal Perspective Law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Medical - Health Perspective Medical and health treatment fields.

Psychosocial Perspective Alcohol and drug treatment agencies Mental health agencies

Sociocultural Perspective Most social service agencies and institutions

Your Personal Perspective What is your perspective on alcohol and drugs? Complete the Fifth Perspective Worksheet on pages 50 and 51 of your book to clarify your perspective on alcohol and drugs.

Perspective of Hope Millions of Americans are recovering, or have recovered from alcoholism and drug addiction. Families are successfully developing functional and healthy systems for the next generation, helping their children to be less vulnerable to the familial problems of dependence and addiction.