...Substance Abuse Adiya Owens PSY/270 July 5, 2015 Mrs. Foley Each of the theoretical viewpoints known as sociocultural, biological, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic can contribute to the causes of substance abuse. Therefore, with so many factors involved it definitely makes it difficult to pinpoint the one with most validity. As a result, there is no theoretical viewpoint that I agree with most. Firstly, the sociocultural view proposes that people are most likely to develop patterns of substance abuse or dependence when they live under stressful socioeconomic conditions. Secondly, the psychodynamic view suggests that people who abuse substances have powerful dependency needs that can be traced back to their earlier years. Third, the cognitive-behavioral views suggest that operant conditioning may play a key role in substance abuse. Whereas, behaviorist argue that the temporary reduction of tension or raising of spirits produced by a drug has a rewarding effect, which increases the likelihood that the user will seek this reaction again. Lastly, the biological view proposes that drug misuse may result from biological causes. Fortunately, many approaches to treat substance-related disorders exist. For example, psychodynamic therapy guides clients to uncover and work through underlying needs and conflicts that they believe have led to the disorder. While, behavioral treatment for substance-related disorders include aversion therapy, which is an approach based on the...
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...and Treatments for Adolescent Substance Abuse Substance abuse is no stranger to today’s society. In fact, substance abuse has been an issue for many, many years now. A somewhat recent issue with substance abuse is that adolescents are becoming more involved. Teenagers, in particular, are more vulnerable to experiment with drugs and alcohol. With adolescents being introduced to such harmful substances it can lead to many problems. Not only does substance abuse pose issues with social problems, it also poses issues with educational issues, and it may even lead to death. While there are many problems with adolescent substance abuse, there are ways to solve this prevailing issue. Toddlers and young children are completely dependent on their parents while teenagers are going through different phases in which they are trying to transition into adulthood. Often detrimental stimuli are being introduced and adolescents are more prone to be susceptible to give in peer pressure because the judging process within the brain is not fully developed. (Kirst-Ashman, 2013). With this being said, the actions of teenagers are mainly based on the people that they hang out with. Therefore, if teenagers are around other teenagers that are smoking, drinking, or using other substances then they are more likely to try those substances as well. While a teenager’s peers have a lot to do with the actions they take other factors can lead to substance abuse too. Gangs have been a huge issue...
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...INSTRUCTIONS: The questions should be answered in essay format. Put some time into your answers, brief answers will receive very limited credit. Get your answers from the provided material, the text book or a very reputable source (i.e., a research based journal article, you may use the internet). (1) Discuss treatment myths relative to ATOD. There are a number of myths about alcohol and other drug abuse interventions that affect the prevention and treatment of the problem. These myths can be held by clients, the general public, and professionals. One myth is that one treatment program is suitable for all clients. This myth does not seem believable because we are all created differently and respond to situations differently. A myth that is challenged daily is that recovered counselors are much more effective in treating recovering clients than are counselors who personally have not experienced dependency. This can be proven wrong, because the effectiveness of treatment depends on the relationship between counselor and client. The most challenging myth of ATOD treatment is related to the fact that many users also have mental health issues. These users must be treated differently, because some of these users will not respond to any form of normal treatment, and must be handled with extreme care. The treatment of ATOD involves a vast amount of time, and patience. ATOD treatment must include each individual users problems, and ways to help each individual. Some users may respond...
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...Drug Abuse and Crime Sometimes drugs can be the best thing to people when they are feeling stressed or it can just be a relief in their lives. Drugs are very dangerous but at the same time good for pain but if it becomes addictive then that’s a problem. Drugs are becoming more and more related to crime. When someone is abusing drugs they aren't really in their right state of mind. One someone is not in the right state of mind they do things they normally wouldn’t do. People commit crimes should as stealing, selling, and sometimes a type of abuse when they are abusing drugs. Drug abuse and crime is very serious and continues to grow in our society. There are certain drugs that we know of but aren’t the only ones people are using. Drug abuse isn’t only affecting your life it’s also affecting some else’s and that crime you commit because you are high off who knows what is also affecting someone. Drug Abuse is very serious problem that can lead to health complications and one health complication is death. But we have to think maybe something happened in one’s life to make them start abusing drugs and maybe crimes is all the know to keep up their habits. Sometimes the outcome of drug abuse and crime can be good sometimes it can be bad but I say it’s not worth it. Drug abuse is an addiction and just stopping won’t work if you’re too far gone. Sometimes there is reason behind everything. I know that not an excuse for people to do illegal things but sometimes that’s just the way...
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...Substance abuse is considered a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested in a twelve month period by at least one of four criteria: (1) recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home (e.g., poor performance at school or work, neglect of children or younger siblings); (2) recurrent substance use in hazardous situations (e.g., driving while intoxicated); (3) recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., DUIs); and (4) continued substance use despite having recurrent interpersonal problems related to substance abuse (e.g., arguments with family members about consequences of intoxication) (Sussman, Skara, Ames, 2008). The most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, and illegal and prescription drugs. Often times, a user will develop an addiction to one of these substances. When an individual abuses a substance or develops an addiction, and require the use of a rehabilitation service, he or she may either be voluntarily or involuntarily admitted, such as through the Department of Corrections or drug courts. Substance abuse treatment has proven to be a successful rehabilitation tool. Empirical evidence has shown that substance abuse treatment is a cost effective method for addressing substance abuse and that treatment is effective in limiting substance abuse, criminal activity, and improving quality of life outcomes for as many as five years...
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...Skaff October 01, 2008 Chemical Dependency Paper Chemical Dependency Paper This paper will discuss Chemical Dependency or Substance Dependency and Substance Abuse in Adolescents; specifically the development, progression and biopsychosocial of dependency and abuse in the adolescent population. The definition of epidemiology and diagnosis will be addressed. Lastly three treatment options including the range of severity will be provided. There is difference between substance abuse and substance dependence. The distinction between the two is characterized by the role they play in a person’s life. Substance dependence is defined in terms of physiological and behavioral symptoms of substance abuse, and substance abuse in terms of social interaction and consequences. (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance abuse refers to the repeated and excessive use of drugs that are illegal or harmful to the individual and causes significant adverse consequences. Symptoms in adolescents who are abusing and using substances include: “failure to meet family or school obligations, interpersonal conflicts, legal problems. Other adverse consequences include accidents or injuries, blackouts and risky sexual behavior.” (Wikipedia, 2008) Substance dependence is when the frequent and repetitive use of drugs becomes habitual and a physical dependence occurs. Substance dependence in adolescents is identifiable by negative physical symptoms, which usually includes tolerance of the drug (requiring higher...
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...("Cultural Competence", 2014). Organizations must have the capacity to value diversity, conduct self-assessment, manage the dynamics of difference, institutionalize cultural knowledge and adapt to the diversity and the cultural context of the communities they serve. The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) stated that inequities in service delivery and care in the health care system are associated with discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent practices, including a lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity by health care providers (Upsher, n.d). Substance abuse is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences ("The Science Of Drug Abuse And Addiction: The Basics", 2014). This paper will discuss and define the appropriateness of competent care in Substance abuse care and identify the populations served and issues of population vulnerability. In addition, exploration of standards of cultural competence with substance abuse, the delivery of nursing care and potential impact, and the resolutions of implementation of standards that did not met expectations. Substance abuse has negative consequences for both the addict as well...
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...What is substance abuse Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substance use can lead to dependence syndrome a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and that typically include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal state . What happens to the brain during addiction? The first time an individual takes drugs is usually a voluntary decision. With continued...
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...Substance Abuse and Psychosis in Adolescents Over the past several decades, the U.S. population has grown significantly and continues to do so at a rapid pace. The most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures estimate that the population in the United States is currently nearing 304,800,000. Of this tremendous number, approximately one quarter are children under that age of eighteen years and over 40 million are adolescents (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001a). For the purpose of this examination, we will define adolescents as individuals between the ages of ten and eighteen years, although it is important to keep in mind that there are many different definitions and understandings of adolescents, most of which are not as directly related to chronological age (Santrock, 2001). Adolescents are a very special population because these are often the years in which childhood and adulthood become blurred, roles, expectations and needs change, as well as significant physical and psychological growth. As we also know, experimentation is often characteristic of adolescence and this experimentation can be physical, sexual or philosophical; all of which may possibly lead to drug use. This paper seeks to examine the question of whether or not drug abuse is related to psychosis in adolescents. Literature Review Adolescent Drug Use According to a national study in 2006, over 60 percent of reported that drugs were used, kept and sold on their school campuses on a regular basis. ...
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...Substance Abuse By: Ashley Johnson Introduction People abuse different substance/drugs for many reasons. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergency departments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, use of other drugs such as heroin and "club drugs" has increased. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain is functioning. By this definition, some common substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and even caffeine are considered “drugs.” Drug abuse implies “willful, improper use due to an underlying disorder or quest for hedonistic or immoral please” (N. Miller, 1995). Substance abuse is “harmful use of one or more psychoactive substance” (Abadinsky, 2008). The term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use of any substance; it also known as a chemical or drug abuse. Drugs can have the wrong effects on people especially when used improperly. Not only does drug abuse harm you but it also breaks up families. Statement of the Problem According to www.medicinenet.com, the term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use in excess of any substances. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain...
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...Comparison of Assessment Tools Julia Ray Capella University Abstract Julia selected substance abuse assessment tools for this report. She will be comparing two of the eight substance abuse assessment tools used in the mental health counseling field, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory - Adolescent Version and the Adolescent Drinking Index. The comparison will compare the tools based on key test measurement concepts of reliability and validity. There will be a description of the results interpreted concerning both test based on standard statistical methods and procedures including scales of measurement, measures of central tendency, indices of variability, shapes and types of distributions, and correlations as they apply to each assessment tool. Finally, there will be a discussion on which assessment tool is the stronger assessment instrument using measurement concepts based upon the literature gathered. Comparison of Assessment Tools Substance abuse assessment tests are an important tool in the counseling field since many psychological issues occur as the result of drugs and or alcohol. Drugs and alcohol are often used by the client to self-medicate which in turn compounds their psychological issues. Substance abuse assessments can be subjective or objective, meaning they may or may not result in a standardized score. Drug and alcohol addiction is a touchy subject for most; therefore, it is beneficial to build a rapport with the client prior to testing to ensure...
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...Date: Substance abuse refers to the pattern of continued use, despite adverse consequence. Socio-cultural determinants of substance abuse of substance use imply to social factors that affect the outcome of drug abuse. The group characteristic determines social cultural determinants, and the general beliefs in history of the set community. For instance, smoking was considered fashionable in the early times. Currently, it is prohibited in some communities. The alienations of individuals in new environment trigger people to abuse drugs. Emerging adulthood has been a significant contributor to drug abuse widespread. The youths gain freedom during the transition stage of adolescence to adulthood hence they abuse the drugs without fear of the parents. The exposure to colleges where there is so much freedom and culture of excessive drinking is continuously contributing to widespread use. Students abuse drugs while trying to cope with up with the new environments of studies and trying to fit the new social settings. The significant direct cost is arising from substance abuse results from health care. According to (J Rehm et. al, 2006) “The cost of acute care and psychiatric hospitalization, specialized inpatient treatment, ambulatory care and doctor’s fees, visits to a family doctor and drugs prescribed to treat a substance abuse problem.”9(p.5).Absolute proportional cost is spend according to the attributable ratio. Law enforcement cause of direct cost arising from substance abuse...
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...behind why people use substances such as alcohol and other drugs. Many people use substances because they like the way it makes them feel. The substance hijacking their brain’s pleasure system, leaves them wanting to do it again. The use of the substance in such way, influencing the brain to crave the substance, lose control over the use, and continue use despite the consequences. Substance Abuse vs. Substance Use Disorder Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is very prevalent in many countries. A drug is any substance that modifies the body’s normal functioning. As stated in our book, Substance Abuse “is the term that is used when an individual uses a compound when there is no legitimate medical need to do so, or, when that compound is used in excess of the social standards” (Doweiko, 2014, p.13). Substance abuse also indicates that the dependence for the chemical or chemicals being abused is nonexistent at this time. One thing to keep in mind is that excessive substance abuse can lead to developing a substance dependency. Addiction affects all aspects of a person’s life. Substance use disorder refers to the recurrent use of one or more substance leading to significant impairment (Clinton & Scalise, 2013). Substance use disorder is occurring when the substance is continued to avoid withdrawals and to function normally day to day. Diagnosis of substance abuse disorder is becoming more common in our society. When diagnosing a substance use disorder you...
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...Society We have all heard the stories in the news of a robbery or a murder, and the first order of business is to claim the perpetrator must be involved in a drug scheme. The saying usually goes like this “family must have been robbed for drug money” or “that family was killed because they lived in a nice house, it must have been a drug dealer.” Sometimes we find out that the crime was not even drug related, it happened to one of our own in society. However, to blame a crime on drugs has always seemed to be the quick fix to make a case quick, easy, and closed. The relationship between drug abuse and crime is complex. Not all individuals who use drugs become addicted, nor do they commit violent crime. Social and economic concerns, such as crime, illness, premature death, and significant loss in productivity are all affected by alcohol and drug abuse. Drug abuse is implicated in at least three types of drug-related offenses: (1) offenses defined by drug possession or sales, (2) offenses directly related to drug abuse (e.g., stealing to get money for drugs), and (3) offenses related to a lifestyle that predisposes the drug abuser to engage in illegal activity, for example, through association with other offenders or with illicit markets. Individuals who use illicit drugs are more likely to commit crimes, and it is common for many offenses, including violent crimes, to be committed by individuals who had used drugs or alcohol prior to committing the crime, or who were using at the...
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...Adolescent Substance Abuse Isaiah.R 3/27/14 In society today, a common problem among teenagers is the use of drugs. Teen age years are probably the most challenging periods of life. It is a stage of finding yourself versus confusion of knowing oneself. Belonging and being accepted in a group seems to be very important, as well as being “cool”. Troubled, teens turn to things such as drugs to help Suppress or ease the emotional/mental pain of things such as the common rejection. During these years of maturing, teenagers encounter their share of positive and negative experiences. Peer pressure, curiosity, and the availability of drugs are some of the factors that youthful and vulnerable teenagers have to cope with in their young lives. One of the significant reasons for teenage drug use is peer pressure, particularly from the influences among friends, acquaintances, school, and the media. If a teenager’s main social group is using drugs, then there is a strong pressure due to the fact that drugs are present and can easily be offered. Also, the person might get convinced to think that there is nothing wrong with trying drugs because “everybody else is doing it.” In the effect that teenagers will try drugs just to fit in the social norms, they might do it to impress their buddies to be considered “cool” as part of being in the group and gain acceptance by friends. The issue of using drugs is everywhere in this country and around the world. It’s available and accessible...
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