Drugs, Narcotics, and Options for Treatment
Westwood College
Chet J. Willer
CJ321 – Drugs and Narcotics
J. L. Gonzalez, M.A. - Faculty
16 JUL 2012_MP

There is no doubt that America is one of the most sophisticated and advanced countries in the world. Evan as complex and civilized that we are, many of our citizens have succumbed to the evils that are associated with drugs. Drugs have been a part of the American story since Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World and the Natives offered him a gift. It was the gift of tobacco, which would go on to become one of the most commonly used drugs throughout our history. (Shmoop Editorial Team, 2008)
Drugs are a major problem in American life; however this is not necessarily a new problem. What constitutes a new problem in relation to drugs is the advancements in technologies which chemically create new drugs and modify existing ones. Drugs and the elements which surround them engulf and suffocate millions throughout the world in financial greed, criminal behavior, and uncontrollable addictions. These elements all too often lead to unrecoverable financial debts, instabilities in relationships, incarceration, and death.
Many laws have been enacted as a result of the adverse actions and incidents related to drugs. These laws highly regulate the manufacturing of, use, possession, and distribution of drugs. Additionally, there have been strong efforts in attempting to treat those who have been victimized by the ruthless effects of drugs. One form of treatment is through rehabilitation and counseling programs. These programs are offered throughout many cities and in every state. One of those programs, located in California, was researched and concluded with a better understanding as to their mission in treating those affected by addiction.
Part I. Interview with a Treatment Option Moderator or Professional Comprehensive Addiction Programs, Incorporated is a treatment center which was established in 1972 by a group of concerned businessmen. They originally started the program to assist in removing the heavily intoxicated delinquents and homeless people from the streets. This was a long-term recovery program known as Comprehensive Alcohol Program, Incorporated. As society and the types of intoxification evolved, so did the type or programs offered at the facility. The name was changed to Comprehensive Addiction Programs, Incorporated in effort to address the additional battles associated with drug addiction. During a telephone interview with one of their staff, Preston Yanez, a series of questions were asked in relation to the services offered and issues confronted with at this particularly facility. The following are questions asked and the responses to them: * What category or type of treatment or service does your facility provide?
“It is a residential treatment program for all ages where we provide education and support to recover from addiction. We address problems with alcohol, drugs, and some psychological concerns. We have short term, long term, and continuing care programs. The length of the program also varies depending on the individual’s needs and situation. The program isn’t just strictly from a rehabilitative aspect or only concerned with those actually with the problem or addiction. We also support friends and family members who are also affected due to their loved one’s addiction. We are often approached by people who know or believe that their friend or family member may have a substance abuse problem, but do not know how to approach the situation. They are afraid to get the police involved in fear of harsher repercussions, so we offer alternative means of help. We assist them in how to approach their loved one with the concerns of an addiction as well as how to cope during the treatment process.” (Yanez, 2012) * Is there a well-defined structure used for the type(s) of treatment provided?
“Each and every person who becomes a part of the program is evaluated and treated as an individual with specific needs. First the key to successful treatment is the accurate evaluation of the clients. When we are approached by a client, we first have to determine if they are currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We also accept walk-ins who have no other place to turn during their stages of intoxification. To put it crudely, it is a glorified “drunk tank” without actually getting arrested. We have our repeat customers you could say; don’t get me wrong, we still care and treat them with respect and as if it was their first visit. It is just sad and disappointing at times when you see the same ones over and over just looking for a place to crash and sober up. But honestly, that is what we are all about. They have these addictions that have completely taken over their lives. We do our best to reach that inner sole to try and get them to realize that there is another lifestyle outside of alcohol and drugs and that you can change.
As I was saying, those who arrive at our facility that are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs are monitored for medical and safety concerns while they sober up. Some are extremely intoxicated or on an extreme low when they come in and have the potential of vomiting and obstructing their airway. In other words, they can drown or suffocate in their own vomit. After the initial evaluation and detox, a medical questionnaire is completed and followed up by a psychological evaluation. Some patients have been abusing for extended periods of time and may have additional medical concerns. Once this is completed we can create a specific and individualized treatment plan.” (Yanez, 2012) * How does your facility attempt to maintain the motivation to abstain?
“We have different settings and approaches in helping patients stay focused and motivated to stay clean. You must treat everyone equally, yet individually and with respect. Patients come for different reasons; some are appointed by the courts to attend a treatment program, others are forced by friends and family to seek help, and there are those who just wake up one day and say to themselves, “I need help”. It takes courage to seek treatment but it takes even more courage to admit it. With this, many feel ashamed or that they are being punished. So we cannot look at them like they are the bad guy or girl, that they are defective, or anything negative of being human. (Yanez, 2012) * How does your facility address coping with urges?
“Before we can address urges, we first have to discover what triggers the urge(s). For the simplest cases, it is simply the environment and peer pressures. Once they are removed from that environment or dissolve unhealthy friendships, then they tend to succeed rather quickly and with good success. It can be harder when it is a spouse or very close family member that is the influence or trigger; because for some, they refuse to change and the patient is forced to remove this person from their life in order to change their own path.
We also really push peer and group support. Addicts have a different perspective then the staff at times, because they have experienced the same urges, withdrawals, and demons that others patients are confronting. So with the old cliché, I know how you feel and what you’re going through; these patients can bring a special motivation to each other, because they have been in each other’s shoes. We also have a great group of volunteers, who are former patients and success stories that volunteer their time to come back to the facility and share their experiences at focus groups and even one-on-one with patients who struggle. They are our living proof that you can overcome the addictions of alcohol and/or drugs.” (Yanez, 2012) * What problem-solving techniques are discussed for managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?
“This we often start in small group setting and eventually discuss in detail with individual patient situations. We obviously want them to commit to abstinence, so a “cost to benefit” analysis and comparison is simulated to provide the reality of the economic damages that occur from addictions. There are a lot of psychological ties with addiction; therefore we strongly encourage group and family support to get the patient through these difficult challenges.” (Yanez, 2012) * What are some of the most common symptoms or behaviors associated with the individuals that come to your facility or treatment center?
“I don’t know if there is really any such term as common when it comes to substance abuse. Alcohol symptoms and behaviors have more traditional classifications, whereas drugs bring out indescribable behaviors. Alcohol is a little simpler in that it is not too altering and comes in one form (other than the actual percentage of alcohol content). It is a depressant by classification, but effects people differently. I guess if you were to segregate the behaviors of alcohol from a non-scientific or medical angle, you would have happy, depressed, and violent. Some consume alcohol to loosen their mood and become the life of the party; others seclude themselves and go into a depressive state and then there are the violent ones who are like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The slightest thing can trigger them into wild physical rampages against people and property.
Drugs themselves, have their own classifications and what they do to one’s behaviors. So it really depends on what type of drug or combination of drugs that the patient is under the influence of to describe the behaviors. Like with alcohol, there are those who are mellow as a result of some form of depressant, violent driven ones who are under the influence of stimulants, and those who hallucinate. They are the really unpredictable ones. Hallucinations can be euphoric or leave one very schizophrenic and paranoid which can trigger an instant rage in a “fight or flight” type situation. There have even been situations when patients harm themselves through self-mutilation or by punching themselves, because of the effects of drug and alcohol.” (Yanez, 2012) * Would you say that you have seen a connection between crime and drug or alcohol abuse with the individuals that attend or participate in the treatment or services that your facility provides? Is this connection addressed or discussed explicitly?
“I personally feel that there is some form of connection between the two elements, if not they are definitely gateways to each other. When experimenting becomes use, then use become abuse and then addiction, there are a number of reactions. Like I mentioned earlier, substance abuse can overcome and consume your life; which includes family relations, employment, and simple daily activities. These addictions become so strong that everything is placed second to supporting that next drink or hit of a drug. It starts out by skipping on paying bills, and then they start pawing property. Once they have no more property to pawn or sell, criminal behavior gets introduced. They steal or shop lifts property to pawn and sell to make just enough money to support their addiction. This can go on every day and all throughout the day. It can also lead to prostitution in both males and females. This in itself leads down an additional path of destruction and hazards.” The concern for the potential of criminal behavior is brought up, but the focus is more on the elements of substance abuse and addiction. We don’t necessarily provide legal advice or counsel for those who have been ordered by the court to attend a treatment program or have criminal history in relation to their addiction.” (Yanez, 2012) * In General, how successful would you say that your treatment or program has been? Is this something that your facility monitors?
“From a statistical standpoint, that is a really difficult one to answer. I can say that I have seen an increase in abuse and addiction among military combat veterans and many who have lost their jobs and homes as a result of war and economy over the past few years. We do see some who relapse, along with many who are successful at overcoming their addictions. Since each patient is distinct with different severities of addiction and needs, putting a true number or percentage of success is tough to answer. However, without a doubt it is imperative that programs such as ours continue their efforts in treating addiction. By no means is our program or any program defective or a failure. Without program such as ours, there would be additional criminal behaviors.” (Yanez, 2012)
Part II. - Reflection on Drugs, Narcotics, and Treatment Options
Drugs come in many different shapes and forms and methods of delivery. There is no single definition since there are different meanings of the word "drug", with regard to medicine, government and street usage. Generally speaking, it is any substance that alters the central nervous system, brain chemistry or bodily functions. Dictionary.com defines a drug as "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being." The Drug Enforcement Administration is responsible for suppressing illegal drug use and distribution by enforcing the Controlled Substances Act. This act is the federal United States drug policy which regulates the manufacturing, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain substances. (Abadinsky, 2010)
Most drugs are considered a controlled substance which is defined by United States Legal, Incorporated as drugs which are regulated by state and federal laws. Some of these substances have been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed by a pharmacist under a physician's prescription. The purpose of regulating controlled substances is to control the danger of addiction, abuse, physical and mental harm, the trafficking by illegal means, and the dangers from actions of those who have used the substances.
The drugs and substances that are considered “controlled substances” under the Controlled Substance Act are divided into five schedules. These schedules are described by the United States Department of Justice as the following:
Schedule I Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or substance Schedule II Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Schedule III Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a potential for abuse less than substances in schedules I or II and abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Schedule IV Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances in schedule III.

Schedule V Controlled Substances
Substances in this schedule have a low potential for abuse relative to substances listed in schedule IV and consist primarily of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. These are generally used for anti-tussive, anti-diarrheal, and analgesic purposes. (USDOJ, n.d.)

The more generally known classification of drugs would be considered as: Stimulants, Barbiturates, Cannabis, Hallucinogens, Anti-depressants, Depressants, Narcotics, and Inhalants; each of which have their own definition and elements. Stimulants are a class of psychoactive drug that increase activity of the central nervous system.(Schmallerger, 2009) Caffeine, like that in coffee, soda, and energy drinks along with nicotine found in tobacco products are two of the most commonly encountered and available stimulants to society. An example of illegal stimulants would be cocaine and methamphetamines. Barbiturates are used to sedate patients prior to surgery as well as to produce general anesthesia, and to treat some forms of epilepsy. These drugs are highly addictive and are often abused as recreational drugs. Cannabis is a common street and recreational drug that comes from the marijuana plant. The pharmacologically active ingredient in marijuana is tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC). Marijuana is used to heighten perception, affect mood, and relax.(Abadinsky, 2010) There are a multitude of dangers with this plant that many debate as safe and natural; however farmers and illegal sellers of marijuana alter the genetic compounds of this plant and add other chemicals to increase the effects. In recent times, cannabis has been up for numerous debates and controversies as to its legalization and medicinal properties.
Hallucinogens are drugs that cause distortions in a person's perceptions of reality by disrupting the interaction of nerve cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin. This is what controls the behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems, including mood, hunger, body temperature, sexual behavior, muscle control, and sensory perceptions.(Schmallerger, 2009) Under the influence of hallucinogens, people see images, hear sounds, and feel sensations that appear to be real but do not exist. Some hallucinogens also produce rapid, intense emotional swings.
An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication used for alleviating depression. Despite the name, antidepressants are often used in the treatment of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and chronic pain. Some have also become known as "happy pills". Narcotics are highly addictive analgesic drugs derived from opium or opium-like compounds. They decrease the senses, relieve pain, induce drowsiness, and can significantly alter moods and behavior. These are often referred to as pain killers such as Vicodin or Morphine.
Lastly there are inhalants which consist of chemical vapors that are inhaled for their mind-altering effects. These are commonly found in household products like spray paint, paint thinner and nitrous oxide. All of these classifications of drugs have properties and effects that can lead to addiction. There are also many other factors that can increase the probability of creating an addiction such as purity, potency, and dose. Many classifications include drugs that are used for medicinal purposes; however when one takes these drugs when not prescribed or not in the manner as prescribed, it could be a sign of abuse or addiction.
Connections between Drug Use and Criminal Behavior in Our Society
Drugs and crime are of concern to all communities; however what exact elements connect the two is uncertain. The manufacturing, distribution, possession, and use of drugs are enough to be considered criminal behavior. There is supply and demand for drugs. People want them for the effects that they produce and are willing to pay for them. This then creates a market for production and distribution. I completely concur with the response provided during the interview in regards to the connection between addiction and criminal behavior. Drugs control and consume people physically, mentally, and financially. Addicts resort to fueling their addictions at all costs. In the more extreme cases, one would not hesitate to initiate criminal behaviors in effort to support their addictions.
“In 2010, an estimated 1.5 million adults aged 18 or older were on parole or other supervised release from prison at some time during the past year. More than one quarter of these (27.0 percent) were current illicit drug users, with 20.6 percent reporting current use of marijuana and 9.8 percent reporting current nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic drugs. These rates are higher than those reported by adults not on parole or supervised release during the past year (8.7 percent for illicit drug use, 6.7 percent for marijuana use, and 2.7 percent for nonmedical use of psychotherapeutic drugs).”
( National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010) The Role the Criminal Justice System Can Play In the Treatment of Addiction
There are so many issues and concerns that we have besides addiction which require support, treatment, or some form of intervention; however everything revolves around economics. This is one of the leading factors to many problems that we are faced with around the world. All elements of the criminal justice system require funding. This includes detection, deterrence and enforcement of criminal law regarding drugs. Those apprehended are processed through judicial proceedings and from there determine a form of sentencing. Probation, incarceration, and parole are all an extension of the effects of drugs which require budgeting. With any form of sentencing, there is the concern of recidivism. To assist in this we turn our focus on rehabilitative efforts. Once again we are faced with the need for staff, facilities and budgeting. The current economic status of our nation is unstable and these educational programs, enforcement and rehabilitative treatment measures are being affected drastically due to the lack of budgeting.
The Effectiveness of Accepted Treatment Options
Education and treatment interventions may not alleviate all drug and criminal behaviors; however they can succeed in reducing the problems associated with drugs and addiction along with decreasing the likelihood of an offender's return to criminal behavior, particularly when treatment continues as the person transitions back into the community. Substance abuse is a difficult issue to address. The reason is that it is not only an issue of illicit drugs that we are being confronted with. Some drugs such as methamphetamines use base components and additives that are found in just about every household. It is an extremely dangerous and hazardous process [manufacturing of methamphetamines] but relatively easy to produce. There is the need of chemistry and agriculturally knowledge needed in the production of some drugs, but even without any of this knowledge people can still achieve mind and mood altering effects with household products. It can be as simple as “huffing” a strong marker or aerosols to the recent trend of bath salts. Your typical bath salts such as Epson salt were designed to work by stimulating the central nervous system and relieve mild pain and muscle soreness. However it was discovered in other bath salt products that there were chemical compounds that resembled the effects of illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. Once this was discovered, “illicit chemists” would continue to alter these chemical compounds and label them as bath salts since they were yet to be regulated. In other words, they were able to legally manufacture and distribute a product that’s intended use was to achieve a mind / mood altering state of being. (Haiken, 2012)
In conclusion, not only does the criminal justice system have to continue to evolve as they are faced with the evolution of criminal behavior, but they must also progress and advance with the growing trends of newly created drugs and their effects. This in conjunction with the joint efforts of treatment programs are the only ways America can prevent itself from being completely consumed by greed and addiction. The chances of having a drug free and addiction free society are highly unlikely; however we have the potential to limit their repercussions.

Reference

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Controlled Substances Law & Legal Definition. (n.d.). US Legal Inc. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from USLegal.com website: http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/controlled-substances/
Definition of Controlled Substances. (n.d.). United States Department of Justice. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from deadiversion.usdoj.gov. website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html
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Haiken, M. (2012, June 04). 'bath salts' a deadly new drug with a deceptively innocent name. Forbes, Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2012/06/04/bath-salts-a-deadly-new-drug-with-a-deceptively-innocent-name/
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Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008). History of Drugs in America Timeline of Important Dates. Retrieved July 14, 2012, from http://www.shmoop.com/drugs-america/timeline.html
Yanez, P. Telephone interview. June 28, 2012.