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Homework answers / question archive / Assignment title: The Heroin Epidemic Learning objective(s): Consider the causal factors in substance abuse disorders as well as the factors that maintain addiction
Assignment title: The Heroin Epidemic
Learning objective(s): Consider the causal factors in substance abuse disorders as well as the factors that maintain addiction. Reflect upon your level of empathy for those with addiction issues. Explore whether the criminalization of substance abuse is helpful for harmful when it comes to preventing substance abuse disorders in wider society.
Submission details: Please complete these questions in the discussion board below and respond, in-depth (per the criteria outlined in the course welcome letter) to at least ONE classmate.
Scoring criteria/rubric: A rubric is attached to the discussion board. The assignment is worth 10 points.
Restrictions: You must complete this assignment INDIVIDUALLY. You are not to work in pairs or groups.
Length: Your answers to each question should be thorough yet concise. There is no length requirement, but all aspects of each question must be addressed completely.
Resources: Please refer to chapter 11 and 12 when answering these questions. Be sure to integrate concepts from the readings as well as any outside sources that are relevant. If you use outside sources, please cite the sources and provide and APA style reference.
Please watch this documentary (Links to an external site.), then discuss:
1) Did watching this documentary increase your empathy for those with substance abuse problems?
2) How might society better address substance abuse treatment?
3) Do you think decriminalizing drug use would improve outcomes for those with substance abuse problems? Or do you believe prison is a helpful deterrent?
4) Compare and contrast substance abuse diagnoses with schizophrenia/psychosis.
1.) Did watching this documentary increase your empathy for those with substance abuse problems?
Watching this documentary did increase my empathy for those with substance abuse or problems. It made me more aware of how people really struggle with addiction. In the video it talked about one girl who hung around the wrong group and slowly started to use heroin. It started off as marijuana then turned into harder drugs. This also shows how it is used as a gateway drug because soon a person will want something stronger that gives them a better high. In Chapter 11 , it says that marijuana is the most frequently used drug. The gateway drug theory states that marijuana is likely used before advancing on to more harder drugs(Jaffe, 2018).
The two proposed reasons for this is experimentation, and social groups. Experimentation because trying a drug like marijuana increases the taste for other drugs, leading to further experimentation. Social groups is a reason because when a person is using marijuana with other people who use it as well, then it is likely they will become exposed to other drugs and substances too(Jaffe, 2018). This means there's an increased opportunity and access to "heavier" substances.
2.) How might society better address substance abuse treatment?
I believe society should better address substance abuse treatment by creating more programs for people who struggle with addiction. Another way that could help is group sessions when they go to therapy or talk with a professional. I believe if you see others talk about the same issues you have you don't feel as alone and you'll want to get help even more.
3.) Do you think decriminalizing drug use would improve outcomes for those with substance abuse problems? Or do you believe prison is a helpful deterrent?
I don't think decriminalizing drug use would improve outcomes for those with substance abuse problems. However, I don't think prison is going to help them with their addiction either. I think they should be put in programs to get clean, I feel like that is the best way for them to deal with it. It will be a comfortable environment for them to clean up and get sober.
4.) Compare and contrast substance abuse diagnoses with schizophrenia/psychosis.
Being diagnosed with substance abuse or schizophrenia both affects all members of their families. They also both have symptoms of aggression. The differences between the two are when their is substance abuse involves tolerance of the substance and physiological dependence.
Jaffe, A. (2018, July 24). Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug. Retrieved from Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-addiction/201807/is-marijuana-gateway-drug
