...The Social Problem of Substance Abuse Donna S. West WGU GLT1 Task 2 The Social Problem of Substance Abuse Substance abuse and addiction issues impact individuals, families, and communities in many ways and can be directly connected to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems. In addition, substance abuse related issues have an overwhelming impact on the criminal justice system. Describe the social problem of Substance Abuse The way substance abuse is defined or understood can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the person or situation it may be related to. In simple terms, abuse is determined when there is a level of dysfunction related to the person's use of drugs or alcohol. One standard definition, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [HHS/SAMHSA], 1994, describes abuse as "the use of a psychoactive drug to such an extent that its effects seriously interfere with health or occupational and social functioning." The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) is standard in the medical and mental health fields for diagnosing both substance abuse and behavioral health disorders. According to the DSM-IV, substance abuse is "a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by" a variety of possible symptoms of impairment (American Psychiatric Association...
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...and Substance Abuse May 11, 2014 The two theories that I have selected is Psychological and sociological. Will identify each theory and also describe them in this paper. Also with each theory will explain how drug use and abuse. Talk about how each theory may have a support a strong relationship between drug use and crime. Will talk about two different articles that an individual was charged with a crime while under the influence of illicit substances. Psychological Theory Psychological theory focus primarily on the nature of individual experiences which might make one more susceptible to drug use and/or addiction. Based on the notion that addiction is a manifestation of a unique type of personality. More commonly, psychologists have pointed to an addictive personality. Recently, psychologists identify “personality characteristics” that tend to be associated with drug addiction. Jerome Jaffe suggested 3 personality features characteristic of marijuana users: Non-conventionality, open to new experiences, and lower rates of conventional achievement value. Basically, the psychological theory explains that drug use and abuse begins because of the unconscious motivations within all of us. We are not aware of these motivations, not even when they manifest themselves. So, there are unconscious conflicts and motivations that reside within us as well as our reactions to early events in our lives that move a person toward drug use and abuse. The motivations for drug use are within...
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...Connecting Sociological Theory and Social Issues Drug abuse is a topic of sociological significance because it is all around our daily lives whether we want it to be or not. Drug abuse today can influence or impact our family, community, and the economic and political life. Whether the drugs that are being abused are prescribed or recreational it can lead to bad consequences that the abuser may not have intentionally caused. It is also an important aspect to social life which sociologists can analyze with the three main theoretical perspectives of functionalism, conflict, and interactionism. Constructing a clock with its many different cogs and gears together is like the functionalist perspective of sociology because it “emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability” (Schaefer, 14) because without the various parts the clock or society cannot function. Drug abuse, through a functionalist view, may view it as dysfunctional. “A dysfunction refers to an element or process of a society that may actually disrupt the social system or reduce its stability” (Schaefer, 14). But, some people may view drug abuse as functional because this kind of abuse creates employment for police officers, rehabilitation clinics, some therapies, and medical doctors. So, without the drug abusers there would be a lot of uncreated employment. The functionalist view of drug abuse can be contrasted effectively by the conflict perspective of sociology. Sociologists...
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...Drugs and crime Author Institution What 2 theories did you select? Briefly identify and describe them This paper will deal with biological and sociology theories. Biological theory Emerged in 19th century in response to the moralistic nature theories biological theories used a disease model to explain addiction. Sociology theory attempts to create an Understanding on how phenomena such as drug and alcohol use and abuse are defined is important in helping us to discover explanations and creating social policies. How does this theory explain drug use and abuse? Explain in detail For biological theory for the model as an illness, addiction was seen as one thing that was promptly spread. Drugs were seen as toxins that destroyed the body. More modern biological theories have targeted on the subsequent two areas as well as neurochemical bases for addiction and propagation bases for addiction. Neurochemical explanations determine the supply of addiction in neurotransmission, which may be outlined as, the mechanism by that signals or impulses are sent from one nerve cell to a different. Briefly describe the individual, the offense, and the drugs used. State prison inmate reported being under the influence of drugs when committing violent offenses including rape harassment and destruction of properties. How much influence did drugs appear to have on the individual with regard to committing the crime? Explain. These crimes embrace people who are important to the activity of...
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...The theory of functionalism came to be with the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton. Functionalism is when society works together in maintaining a balance. This balance inherently provides a set function that interconnects the dynamics of institutions and families with this theory. One cannot function without the other, since every institution influence just another dynamic. Functionalism also stresses the concepts of functionality and dysfunctionality. There is a dysfunctionality with the number of teenagers that abuse prescription drugs, because it is related to a dysfunctionality in family roles with their upbringings. Even Sherman states that some of the children who abuse the drugs have witness...
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...Crimes Theory Ontavia Johnson Strayer University Information Technology in Crime 170 Dr. Wesley E. Phillips, Jr. Crime Theory There are many digital crimes that are produced through the life of technology. Differential Association Theory is well known to be the cause of digital crime. This theory originated in the Chicago School of Criminological Theories, which embraces the sociological approach, that criminologist use to analyzing criminality. Differential Association Theory was introduced by Edwin Sutherland in 1947. He was one of the first to take an interest in the classical individualist theories of criminal behavior and concluded the Differential Association Theory. The Differential Association Theory is recognize the most relevant terms of digitals crimes, and well as can be used to clarify non-digital crimes using motivation, rationalization, and attitudes necessary for the crime. Testing several criminological theories, including strain theory, techniques of neutralization, social learning theory, and self-control theory, Morris and Higgins found that differential association was the most pronounced theoretical predictor in self-reported piracy (Morris, R. G., & Higgins, G. E. 2009). Normative conflict at the individual level is translated into individual acts of delinquency through differential association learned through communication usually in intimate groups (Sutherland, 1947). In further arguments peer pressure and peer attitudes are an influence...
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...(Homelessness in the United States, 2016). B. Analyze the extent to which the social problem affects the Untied States. Homelessness affects a range of people. Around 75% of the homeless are adults. The number of children is also climbing but very difficult to collect adequate data. Males make up 60% will a large amount of these being veterans, the number of families is on the rise. Women are usually a result of domestic abuse accounts for 25%. The average age is 30-50 years with 64% of them being one person households. 62% of these people are in minority and 38% have some type of disability. Causes of homelessness include affordable housing, community -based treatment for mental health opposed to institutionalized treatment, veterans that need mental health care or job training, foster children after age of 18, domestic abuse, individuals with alcohol or drug abuse, individuals with prior criminal activity and unable to obtain employment and this is not all (Homelessness in the United States, 2016). C. Use a sociological theory to help explain at least one of...
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...Substance Abuse: A Public Health Problem Description, Effects, and Sociological Theory Substance abuse and addiction is a major public health problem that has a grave impact upon multiple levels of our society. Every community and every family is either directly or indirectly affected by substance abuse and addiction. This essay takes a look at this massive social problem and the extent to which it affects our country and its citizens and will also explore different causes of addiction. A. Description Addiction can affect a person of any age group, though most analysts gather data on the population of those age 12 and over. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), describes substance abuse as an abnormal pattern of substance use that leads to clinical impairment or distress that manifests itself with the following within a 12 month period: 1. Repeated substance use that results in a failure to meet obligations at work, school, or responsibilities at home. 2. Repeated use of a substance even during situations proven to be physically dangerous. 3. Continual legal problems related to the use of a substance. 4. Sustained use despite social or personal problems caused by a substance use. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) We see two aspects that must be present in order for a behavior to be considered addictive. First, the behavior must be counter-productive to the individual. It will actually inhibit...
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...When it comes to Domestic violence, there is an automatic thought of just physical abuse. In an online course given by Innovative Educational Services, the course instructor defines domestic violence as “A pattern of coercive behavior designed to exert power and control over a person in an intimate relationship through the use of intimidating, threatening, harmful, or harassing behavior.” When hearing the words “Domestic Violence” people minds imagine a man abusing a woman in the worst way. Although women are the most effected by domestic violence, they are not the only ones that can be affected. Do individuals stop and think about a man playing the role as a victim? What about children that grows up in the household where domestic violence...
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...10C - Child Maltreatment P3: Explain the factors that would lead to suspicion of child maltreatment or abuse. Child maltreatment, also referred to as child maltreatment and neglect, includes all the various forms of abuse ranging from physical, emotional and sexual abuse to neglect and exploitation. This type of abuse can result in the potential or actual harm to a child's health, there development and dignity. Physical Abuse: Physical abuse also defined as non-accidental trauma or physical injury, of which can be caused by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or harming the child. Physical abuse is the most visible and second most common form of child maltreatment. In most cases, physical abuse is the result of inappropriate or excessive physical discipline. The child's parent or caregiver may strike out in anger, unaware of the magnitude of the force in which they strike the child. There are other various factors which can contribute to child abuse; this includes the immaturity of the parent(s), lack of parenting skills, poor childhood experiences and social isolation, as well as drug or alcohol problems and domestic violence. Other signs that would lead to suspicion of child maltreatment or abuse include: ● Unexplained bruises ● Unexplained burns – this would include cigarette burns or immersion burns ● Unexplained fractures, lacerations or abrasions ● Swollen areas ● Evidence of delayed or inappropriate treatment for injuries ● Withdrawn...
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...Sociological Perspective of the Blind Side Social problems within our society continue to arise. In an ideal world, it is appropriate to say that as individuals we all wish to live life in peace. Unfortunately, getting a whole nation to come to a consensus is nearly impossible. Social problems are controversial societal or behavioral related issues, which can affect the environment, people and social institutions (Leon-Guerrero 2013). These social problems can range from global concerns to racial issues such as discrimination and through our sociological imagination we are able to differentiate problems using our own discretion (Leon-Guerrero 2013). Choosing a movie to analyze from a sociological perspective was an interesting experience because you become aware of the many social problems that were always there and never paid attention to. The movie "The Blind Side" is a great example, which highlights the three main social problems that will be analyzed and interwoven in this paper: social class and poverty, education, and alcohol and drug abuse. "The Blind Side" is based on a true story, outlining Michael Oher’s life from an impoverished child to a successful athlete with the help of the Tuohy Family. The Tuohy family took Michael in and ended up adopting him. Michael came from a broken home, growing up in the inner city of Memphis, Tennessee with a mother who was a drug addict and an absentee father. After running away from several foster homes, Michael was fortunate...
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...Substance Abuse and Effects on Society Tracy Moore SOC203: Social Problems Brianne Larsen November 24, 2014 Social Problem Substance abuse leads to an inability for the user to be responsible. The behaviors can lead to dangerous situations, legal problems, and social or interpersonal problems. After time substance abuse can have a physiological symptoms including tolerance that leads to addiction. The cost of this personal decision causes the government millions in the criminal system, destroys families and children involved, and causes more deaths a year than car accidents. Qualifying Social Problem Goldstein talks about the tripartite model to describe the characteristics, behaviors, and events associated with social institutions and/or influences. The model represents the psychopharmacologic, economic compulsive, and systemic dimensions that link substance abuse to crime. There is the psychological and biological effects that cause anger, violence, and lack of self-control. There are crimes committed to obtain money to buy drugs. Followed with the violent crimes related to trafficking and distribution of drugs usually involving violence, guns, and death (2012). Core values are also violated because of the behavior of addicts. There is a lack of; self-control, responsibility, consideration for others, proper parenting that would ensure the safety of their children and family. Those who abuse substances also disrupt institutions associated with the health...
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...of why abuse occurs. Psychological theories suggest that the motivation for abuse are biological or instinctive. It may also be related to caregivers’ inadequate learning experiences. The social psychological theory focuses on the abuser, child, and environment. The sociological perspective is more focused on social and political situations as the reason for neglect. Specific risk factors for abuse include family conflict/violence, drug/alcohol abuse by child/parent, changes in family structure, poverty, changes in finances, physical accommodation, unwanted pregnancy, disabilities, attitude of the community towards family/child, isolation, age of parents, and poor parenting history. The effects of abuse on a child are unique to the individual. Factors that influence the effects include association between abuser/child, duration, frequency, brutality of abuse, age, and developmental stage. There are also protective factors that come into play. These include there community support, independence, high sociability, assertiveness, reflective learning style, and positive self-image. There are four types of abuse physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect. Physical abuse is the physical harm of the child and may be suspected with bruising and unconvincing account of injury. Emotional abuse is when there is constant negative emotional/verbal behavior towards the child. This is harder to identify then physical abuse but is usually implicated with every other form of abuse. Sexual...
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...Drugs in AMerica | From Sea to Shining Sea | Patricia Diaz | 000348122 | GLT 1 111.6.2 | 2/5/2014 | | “Drugs in America from sea to shining sea” Drug use in the United States has been on a steady rise. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of Marijuana. Marijuana was on the decline from the 1990s to mid to late 2000s but has been on a steady increase since then. This is due to the changing perception and attitudes towards marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2013, 7.0 percent of 8th graders, and 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in the last month. Why this sharp increase? This is related to state’s passing of legislation for the legalization of marijuana. This cannot help in the war on drugs. The use of marijuana has been shown to be the gateway to other more illicit drugs. Medical Marijuana has been in use for many years in the United States. It has been touted as the new miracle drug. While there are benefits to this drug the long term effects are still being analyzed. It has been said to help prevent blindness from Glaucoma; an appetite stimulant in Aids patients; and helps controls muscle spasms in Multiple Sclerosis patients. It can also have negative side effects such as paranoia, feeling of panic, hallucinations, and anxiety. People also have complained to short term memory loss, mood swings, perceptions and information processing. Why are there two different spectrum of the “miracle...
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...referred to as juvenile justice. The reasons behind any young person becoming involved in crime are varied and complex. For example, possible factors such as poor parental supervision, drug and alcohol abuse, neglect and abuse, homelessness, negative peer associations, poor personal and social skills or difficulties in school and employment. There are several sociological theories that back these factors, such as Social Learning, Differential Association, Containment, Social Control, and Labeling. The Labeling theory is defined as, “A social process perspective that sees continued crime as a consequence of the limited opportunities for acceptable behavior that follow from the negative responses of society to those defined as offenders.” ( Schmalleger). In 1938, Frank Tannenbaum first introduced the Labeling Theory. Tannenbaum stated, "The process of making the criminal is therefore the process of tagging, defining, identifying, segregating, describing, and emphasizing any individual out for special treatment becomes a way of stimulating, suggesting, and evoking the very traits that are complained of. A person becomes the thing they are described as being." The Labeling theory is a sociological approach to explaining how criminal behavior is perpetuated by the police and others. This theory looks at how labels applied to individuals influence their behavior; particular negative labels (such as "criminal" or "felon") promote deviant behavior. When an individual become...
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