Drugs, Society and Behavior

by WILSON H

• ISBN13: 9780072432992
• ISBN10: 0072432993
• Edition: 16th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-02-01
• Publisher: McGraw Hill College Div

Summary

A collection of current articles from such sources as Journal of Drug Education, The New York Times, American Journal of Public Health, and World Watch.This informative anthology examines the historical evolution of drugs in the United States; major drugs in use; developing patterns of drug use; criminal behavior perpetuated by drugs; the impact of drugs on public and private American institutions; drug-related policy; and drug treatment. A student Web site, Dushkin Online (www.dushkin.com/online/), provides additional support and links to sites related to drug education.

Table of Contents

To the Reader	iv
Topic Guide	2	(2)
Selected World Wide Web Sites	4	(2)
UNIT 1 Living With Drugs
Overview	6	(2)
The Perils of Pills	8	(4)
Nancy Shute
Toni Locy
Douglas Pasternak
Although most drugs are not approved and tested by the Food and Drug Administration for pediatric use, the number of powerful psychiatric drugs prescribed to children is on the rise
Teen Tobacco Wars	12	(2)
Marianne Lavelle
Despite a $246 billion settlement from Big Tobacco to the states, author Marianne Lavelle indicates that only a small fraction is being used to curb youth smoking
Illicit Drug Users Not Idle; Report Says 70% Go to Work	14	(2)
Charles Marwick
According to Charles Marwick's article, the belief that most people who use illicit drugs are unemployed and improverished is a myth; the majority of users are full-time employees
Public Health Then and Now: Historical and Cultural Roots of Drinking Problems Among American Indians	16	(7)
John W. Frank
Roland S. Moore
Genevieve M. Ames
Evidence from historical records indicates that the epidemic of alcohol-related problems among Native Americans was due to many factors, including responses to European arrival and the role of alcohol in frontier society
The Andean Coca Wars: A Crop That Refuses to Die	23	(4)
Drug fighters claim that a combination of repression and social engineering can eliminate coca cultivation, and with it, cocaine. It has not happened yet
Drug-Policy Debate: The Issues	27	(7)
Mary H. Cooper
In a historical summary of U.S. drug policy, Mary Cooper discusses the lessons of the past as they relate to creating a new drug policy of the future
A Drug Trade Primer for the Late 1990s	34	(4)
The drug trade is taking on a noticeably different appearance. Although many large criminal organizations still exist, a massive number of small drug businesses are emerging. The reasons for this transition are discussed in this essay
One Nation Under the Table	38	(4)
John Lilly
This review of Drink: A Social History of America by Andrew barr Summarizes several important issues regarding alcohol and American history, including Prohibition and the legal drinking age
UNIT 2 Addiction
Overview	40	(2)
Science-Based Views of Drug Addiction and Its Treatment	42	(3)
Alan I. Leshner
Drug Addiction affects individuals differently, making a diverse world of treatments necessary. Alan Leshner's article gives an overview of both addiction and treatment
Drugs That Flip Your Switches: Top to Toe	45	(2)
Andrew Derrington
Andrew Derrington explains the mechanisms in the brain that can create addiction. By studying the workings of a wide range of drugs, scientists are now discerning the essential components of addiction
Escaping From the Darkness	47	(4)
Howard Chua-Eoan
Drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and Luvox can work wonders for clinically depressed kids. But what about the long-term consequences?
A Shot of Sanity: You'll Get No Kick From Cocaine If You Take This New Vaccine	51	(3)
Karen Wright
Craving is the essence of addiction. It is thought to be created by as-yet-unidentified changes in the function and perhaps even the structure of the brain. Karen Wright's article reports on an experimental vaccine that is being tested on addicts
Flying High	54	(1)
Some new research on fruit flies reports that an appetite for cocaine is connected to an internal biological clock
The Lure of Ecstasy	55	(4)
John Cloud
The elixir best known for powering raves is an 80-year-old illegal drug. John Cloud reports that it is showing up outside of clubs and advocates claim that it even has therapeutic benefits. Just how dangerous is it?
Methamphetamine Use Could Lead to Long-Term Brain Damage	59	(1)
Marilynn Larkin
This recent study suggests that methamphetamine use may cause long-term neurological damage
New Pieces Filling in Addiction Puzzle	60	(4)
Beth Azar
Research that links specific genes to smoking is helping scientists piece together a biobehavioral model of smoking. The next step is to see how these genetic effects relate to psychological, social, and environmental factors
Addiction and the Brain	64	(8)
Norbert R. Myslinski
What fuels an addict's cravings for substances that cause long-term harm? Norbert Myslinski describes research that attempts to unravel key secrets of how the brain reacts to addictive drugs
UNIT 3 The Major Drugs of Use and Abuse
Overview	70	(2)
The Call of the Andes	72	(2)
Max Frankel
Critics claim that escalating the drug war in Colombia will only divert attention from present efforts to reduce demand. Are attacks on the supply of drugs more effective than major efforts to reduce demand? Max Frankel advises a more indepth look at this question
A Carpet of Cocaine	74	(1)
Tim McGirk
Colombia's jungles are teeming with rich, armed, drug-dealing rebels. Tim McGrik asks, Can the United States really win the drug war in Colombia?
A Dangerous Drug Hits the Heartland	75	(3)
Per Ola
Emily D'Aulaire
From its start on the West Coast, methamphetamine is sweeping across the country, reaching deep into the middle class
Drinking to Get Drunk	78	(1)
David L. Marcus
Despite unprecedented campaigns against alcohol abuse at colleges, David Marcus reports that heavy drinking has increased
The Drug That Pretends It Isn't	79	(2)
Anna Quindlen
Even Though legal, alcohol is a mind- and mood-altering drug, and can be more dangerous than illicit drugs when too much is consumed
Clandestine Drug Labs: Chemical Time Bombs	81	(4)
Guy Hargreaves
Because of their unpredictability, raids on clandestine drug labs have become some of the most dangerous operations a law officer can undertake
The Holy Men of Heroin	85	(2)
Jeffrey Bartholet
Steve LeVine
Afghanistan has been ruined by war. But it does one job better than anyplace else in the world-it produces opium
Resisting Cocaine's Tragic Lure	87	(4)
Jan Farrington
Few ``recreational'' drugs are more dangerous than cocaine. This article discusses why people who have used cocaine say, ``Stay away.''
Hidden Dangers of Over-the-Counter Drugs	91	(5)
William Ecenbarger
Almost half of all adults who use over-the-counter drugs do not follow the instructions printed on the label. Consumers who fail to read these instructions before they swallow, spray, sip, insert, or inhale one of the 100,000 over-the-counter remedies are taking risks
UNIT 4 Other Trends and Patterns in Drug Use
Overview	94	(2)
Date Rape Drugs: A Global Phenomena	96	(2)
Monica Ho
Cindy Moors
Colorless, odorless, and tasteless, date rape drugs pose a new and dangerous threat
Drugged-Out Toddlers	98	(2)
Claudia Kalb
Some experts are claiming that frustrated parents, agitated day care workers, and 10-minute pediatric visits have contributed to quick fixes for childhood emotional and behavioral problems
Ritalin for Toddlers	100	(1)
Ian K. Smith
Hyperactive kids are being given stimulants at younger and younger ages. Dr. Ian Smith Questions the wisdom of this practice
It's All the Rave	101	(2)
John Cloud
Ecstasy, once a club drug for the elite, is suddenly flooding colleges and high schools. John Cloud tells why
The Irresistible Rise of London's Drug Culture	103	(3)
Justin Davenport
Keith Dovkants
Evidence from club-goers suggests that cocaine is returning to replace Ecstasy as the most favored recreational drug associated with clubs and bars
Are You Man Enough?	106	(4)
Richard Lacayo
Testosterone can make a difference in bed and at the gym. But it is also a risky substance. Is it really what makes men manly?
Women and Smoking in Hollywood Movies: A Content Analysis	110	(6)
Gina Escamilla
Angie L. Cradock
Ichiro Kawachi
Smoking is highly prevalent in Films featuring popular actresses and may influence young audiences for whom stars serve as role models
UNIT 5 Drugs and Crime
Overview	114	(2)
Sex, Drugs, and Sudden Death	116	(1)
Angie Cannon
GHB can get you high, turn you into a rapist's victim, or kill you. One narcotics detective calls it the most dangerous drug he has dealt with in 25 years
Organized Crime in Narcotics Trafficking	117	(4)
Julie Salzano
Stephen W. Hartman
These authors suggest that the effects of drug trafficking in the United States have often been difficult to understand and categorize. This article draws together some criminal justice and public health connections
Valley of Death	121	(2)
Elaine Shannon
Tim Padgett
This article provides an illustration of how arrogance and violence bred a massive drug war slaughter
Trail Spotting	123	(1)
Donatella Lorch
Donatella Lorch describes how the U.S. Customs Service's Native American trackers go after drug smugglers
Drugs, Crime, Prison, and Treatment	124	(3)
Charles Blanchard
While no one factor can explain criminal behavior, study after study shows that drug addiction is an important factor in explaining crime and violence. Treatment is necessary to help reduce crime that is related to drug use
Doping Kids	127	(5)
Kelly Patricia O'Meara
Though shocked by bizarre shootings in schools, few Americans have noticed how many shooters were among the 6 million kids now on psychotropic drugs, such as Ritalin, Prozac, and Luvox
UNIT 6 Measuring the Social Costs of Drugs
Overview	130	(2)
Heavy Time for Crack Convictions	132	(1)
Marc Mauer
Sacramento Bee
Marc Mauer suggests that having tough on crack sentencing may make for good politics, but it doesn't result in good crime control
Drug Labs and Endangered Children	133	(3)
Tom Manning
In increasing numbers, children of methamphetamine producers have become victimized by their parents' illegal manufacture and use of the substance. Tom Manning describes how these parents continually place their children in dangerous living conditions
The $10,000 Dare	136	(4)
Gini Sikes
Big bucks, a free vacation under the sun with every detail taken care of. It's all yours if you've got the nerve-and guts of steel. This is a report on women who smuggle drugs in their stomachs
Does Stress Up R.Ph.s' Substance Abuse?	140	(1)
Carol Ukens
With long hours, no breaks and high stress, chemical dependency among pharmacists is becoming an occupational hazard
The Casualties of War	141	(3)
Ellis Cose
This article discusses how using prisons to solve the drug problem hurts not only the African American and Latino communities but also all of America's neighborhoods
UNIT 7 Creating and Sustaining Effective Drug Control Policy
Overview	142	(2)
A Slippery Latin Slope	144	(2)
Douglas Waller
Backed by U.S. dollars and training, Colombia's army will wage a war on the drug traffickers and on Marxist guerillas. Douglas Waller asks, What exactly is the United States buying into with its deal with Colombia?
The Impact of a Needle Exchange's Closure	146	(8)
Robert S. Broadhead
Yael Van Hulst
Douglas O. Heckathorn
Because the needle exchange program no longer provides new syringes and since almost no pharmacies will sell syringes over-the-counter, there is pressure on drug injectors to increase their rate of reusing and sharing dirty syringes
This Is no Way to Fight the Drug War	154	(4)
Daniel Levine
Daniel Levine suggests that programs that give free needles to help addicts prevent disease may end up feeding their habit
DWI Enforcement: Battling Hardcore Drunk Driving	158	(4)
William P. Georges
John C. Lawn
While law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in reducing alcohol-related fatalities, efforts to thwart the chronic drunk driver have resulted in only limited success
Beyond Legalization: New Ideas for Ending the War on Drugs	162	(3)
Michael Massing
This article proposes rethinking the war on drugs. Michael Massing suggests that the first goal should not be to abolish drug laws but to make them more rational
Prospects for a Public Health Perspective on Psychoactive Drug Use	165	(4)
Don C. Des Jarlais
Continuing advances in science will provide many opportunities for improving public policies with regard to psychoactive drug use. However, translating scientific knowledge into policy is not a simple task
Marijuana on the Ballot	169	(5)
James R. McDonough
Many claim that marijuana can be a good medicine; however, smoking it may increase some health risks while adding legal consequences. James McDonough points out that it is the nonsmoked chemical compounds found in marijuana that have potential medical use
More States Turn to Treatment in Drug War	174	(2)
Alexandra Marks
As Alexander Marks reports, the governor of New York has proposed easing strict drug sentencing laws, signaling a move away from previous ``stay tough'' approaches to sentencing
The Buzz on Drugs	176	(4)
Jonathan Alter
Because narcotics destroy so many lives, the drug war cannot be abandoned. It can, however, be reevaluated so that it can be fought without savage indequities and mindless human warehousing
UNIT 8 Prevention and Treatment
Overview	178	(2)
What Really Keeps Kids Off Drugs	180	(3)
Linda Bernstein
More than 2 million American teens have smoked pot at least once last year. Linda Bernstein tells parents what they need to know to protect their children
An Expensive Policy: The Impact of Inadequate Funding for Substance Abuse Treatment	183	(4)
Hortensia Amaro
Substance use is a devastating public health problem. How does a shortage of treatment options relate to the tremendous costs to society?
The Glass Half Empty	187	(2)
Caroline Knapp
A new approach to substance abuse may be coming soon to a pharmacy near you: antiaddiction drugs such as those that can mop up cocaine before it hits the brain. Can a problem like drug addiction be fixed by using other drugs? Should this be one way addicts are treated?
Talk to Kids About Drugs? Parents Just Don't Do It	189	(2)
Stacey Schultz
Good evidence suggests that parental communication is the single most important factor in keeping young people from using drugs. But why don't more parents do it?
We Can Conquer Drug Addiction	191	(3)
Alan I. Leshner
A new understanding of Addiction will make it easier to reduce drug abuse in the years ahead, according to the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
In the Nation's Battle Against Drug Abuse, Scholars Have More Insight Than Influence	194	(4)
D. W. Miller
A Delaware prison program puts theories to work in a real life setting. D. W. Miller reports on what has been learned about trying to keep addicts clean
Deep Cravings	198	(7)
Craig Lambert
New research on the brain and behavior clarifies some of the mysteries of addiction. It is beginning to show what makes addicted brains, bodies, minds, and spirits so different
Glossary	205	(4)
Index	209	(3)
Test Your Knowledge Form	212	(1)
Article Rating Form	213