Chapter 2 Drug Use as a Social Problem

Drugs in Our Society Drugs are widely used (legal/illegal) Social conflict (why?) –Laissez-faire of U.S. government

3 Main Concerns that Aroused Public Interest 1.Toxicity (endangerment to public) 2.Addiction (inappropriate to society) 3.Increased crime

Categories of Toxicity Behavioral toxicity Physiological toxicity Difference between acute (short-term) vs. chronic (long-term) toxicity

Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) Collects data on drug-related deaths/crises –Alcohol not counted if it is the only drug used –More than one drug may be mentioned per incident and counted as separate “mentions” –Alcohol is counted if in combination with other drugs –Half of emergency room episodes are multiple-drug combinations

DAWN Report Results Identifying the most deadly drugs –Cocaine is many times more deadly than marijuana –Heroin causes increased death but users decreased compared to cocaine –Total annual death rate for all drop = 15,000 –Alcohol responsible for 100,000 deaths annually

Relationship Between AIDS and Drug Use HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is capable of spreading via addicts who share needles Infected host can be asymptomatic for years AIDS, Hepatitis B responsible for many deaths among drug users

Relationship Between AIDS and Drug Use, cont’d Public at large is at risk of infection Promotion of needle exchange programs may decrease infection

Drug Addiction Problems of definition –Drug users become enslaved –Dealers were assured a steady market –Drugs were singled out due to addictive results compared to others –Psychoactive drugs were classified into categories of “dependence potential” (Table 2.3)

Does Drug Use Cause Crime? Possibility that drug use may change the user’s personality in a lasting way Person may act criminally while under the influence of a drug

Does Drug Use Cause Crime?, cont’d Drug use may cause crime for purpose of obtaining money for drugs Illicit drug use is a crime –1 million arrests per year for drug law violations

Why We Try to Regulate Drugs Concerns about toxicity, addiction, and crime Aroused public awareness and concerns Public officials may incite attention –Allows them more control, responsibility, or bigger budget

Chapter 2 Drug Use as a Social Problem