Essays on Substance

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between religiosity and substance abuse. Data was collected using a drug use questionnaire and a religiosity scale. It was hypothesized that individuals with high levels of religiosity would report lower levels of substance abuse compared to individuals with low levels of religiosity. A one way between subject analysis of variance was conducted and yielded .

Effects of Religiosity on Substance Abuse

The misuse of drug in the United States has exposed the population of all religions and communities to many risk factors. Some of the risk factors are very dangerous to their lives and health. Continue reading...

Descartes, Leibniz and Spinoza on Substance

Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz are the three philosophers that stand out among their contemporaries in the seventeenth century as the greatest rationalists. While constructing their philosophical systems, each of them sought to incorporate philosophical and theological foundations to explain the existence and the essence of substance as regards, mental, physical and moral universe. In discussing their philosophy in relation to substance, the three philosophers are known in their philosophical systems as Leibnizian pluralism, Spinozan monism and Cartesian dualism.

Descartes’ Account on Substance: Cartesian Duality

Descartes’ philosophical system on substance was extremely influential on the subsequent 17 century philosophers who developed their own accounts in reference Continue reading...

Health abnormalities of various kinds possess a deep association with the underlying factors which are of genetic, biochemical and environmental origin. Affected individuals are more prone to suffer from an impaired quality of life (QOL). As a result, their management also places a significant burden on the family members and the healthcare system. Especially, health abnormalities linked with substance abuse present a challenging task. The reason is that people with substance abuse behavior either have or more vulnerable to mental health problems. There is a need to highlight this particular healthcare problem, its challenges, assessment and management with the Continue reading...

(Student’s Full Name)

Introduction
“meeting the health needs of all persons, viewed as free and equal citizens, is of comparable and special moral importance” –Justice and Access to Health Care, Norman Daniels
The above statement expresses the sentiments of persons who concur with the idea that there should be universal access to healthcare. The concept of distributive healthcare prevents this from taking place since it subjects persons to a screening process to determine their eligibility for certain types of healthcare. Additionally, distributive healthcare also promotes discrimination of persons, even substance abusers, in need of dire care at hospitals Continue reading...

Addiction is a dangerous chronic disease which comes in many forms such as drug use, gambling habits, sexual behaviors, the addiction to food and the desire to have an abundance of money that is obtained by any means. Addiction has created destruction in many families, crumbled prosperous lives and has even ended in the death of the addict, Is there a cure for an addict. The answer is no however it can be managed by empowering the addict with knowledge of the disease, taking actions to control the addiction and treating the disease.
2.The difference between addiction and dependency.
Continue reading...

DEFINITION OF SUSBSTABCE ABUSE.

Different people use different substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs for complicated and varied reasons. The level of use of these substances causes substance abuse. Substance abuse refers to a harmful pattern of using any substance or drug against its prescription for alteration of moods. Abused substances intoxicate the users leading to alteration of judgments, lack of physical control, reduced attention, or development of different perceptions (Freeman 2001, pp. 63). This impacts on their performance either at school, work place or home. Substance abuse relates to suffering of many relationships, having trouble with the law, or loss of Continue reading...

Homeless people, by definition do not have a fixed residence, but that is where the simplicity ends.

“A 2008 survey by the U.S conference of mayors asked 25 cities for their top three causes of homelessness. Drug abuse was the largest single cause of homelessness for single adults reported by 68% of cities.”
Homelessness & Substance Use Disorder Treatment (2010)
Drug abuse and homelessness is a sort of chicken and egg debate not only because of its age and importance but because either can result in either one i.e. someone can become homeless as a result of chronic drug use or a homeless person can become dependent on drugs as a result of homelessness and being exposed Continue reading...

Introduction

Despite efforts of the federal government, schools, and parents in preventing the youth from engaging in vices, the youth still gravitates toward abusing substances such as alcohol, cigarette, and drugs due to the $25 billion worth of advertisements that are shown during the airing of movies and television programs. It seems that advertisers discovered that the media depiction of substance use would be more effective than traditional advertising. This is because in general, media contents are seen as positive; otherwise, they would not be released for public viewing. Moreover, media depictions would not induce criticisms as much as advertising Continue reading...

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN NURSES

Introduction
Nursing is a career which involves the daily routine of meeting people who are facing vulnerable and resilient moments in their lives. They face personal challenges in their lives just like patients. The frustration and pressure on nurses is the resultant cause of them finding solace in substance abuse. Healths professionals particularly nurse have the major problem of drug and substance abuse (Daniels, 2011). 10 to 15 percent of certified nurses in the United States are addicted to drugs and chemically reliant. They are also unreliable in the discharge of their duties.
Addiction is the application of mood Continue reading...

Substance abuse in Durham

Over 20,000 people living in Durham are affected by the substance abuse, which has become a common problem in the community. 19,500 residents are regular users of substance, including middle school and high school students. In this county, the common illicit drugs include cocaine, marijuana and heroin. Smoking and alcohol abuse are widely exercised by the residents of Durham County (Kleiman, & Hawdon, 2011). Durham County is ranked among the top three counties that are mostly affected by the drug abuse in the state.
Substance abuse and use has resulted to more than 30% cases of domestic violence Continue reading...

Abstract

Researchers showed that genetics has a strong influence on individual’s behavior when it comes to addiction. Substance abuse and dependence are disorders that are usually manifested together with some other psychological disorders such as antisocial personality disorder, depression, anxiety and others. Patients who suffer from depression or schizophrenia more often manifest addictive behavior. Explanation for this co-morbidity is found in genetic polymorphism. There are alterations in recorded activity of the brain in individuals who abuse substances. Their brainwaves are abnormal so was the brainwaves of their children, who never tried psychoactive substances. Biology is the basis of the Continue reading...

Abstract

There is a strong mutual relationship between substance abuse and psychology. This study has found that the problem of substance abuse is caused by psychological contexts in which an individual undergoes and, therefore, psychological interventions are necessary as ways to control it. In the study too, it has been found that substance abuse has accounted to many mental and other psychological problems to addicts. The research has reviewed literatures from various sources: online psychological periodicals, research articles, white papers, books and experts views from psychologists. In this regard, it has defined substance abuse and discussed ways in which psychology Continue reading...

In Support of Legalizing Marijuana

Abstract
Marijuana and it medicinal use continues to be a controversial topic. Surprisingly, marijuana has been around for centuries and many early doctors used the substance to treat a number of medical ailments. The Chinese wrote numerous literatures on the medical uses of marijuana and it is no surprise that modern-day doctors seek to improve to the ancient art of using marijuana for medical purposes. However, as with all substances, there are side effects that cause damages in its users. The excessive use of marijuana cause serious hallucinations, but these dangers are not fatal. There are no records to Continue reading...

INTRODUCTION

Substance abuse, be it alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is a serious problem in almost every neighborhood, community, town, city, or state in the United States and all across the globe. The types of drugs and the environments may change, but the outcome is always the same; addiction usually, leads to or stems from economic instability and poor decision making, which goes hand-in-hand with substance abuse. People across all demographics are affected by substance abuse in this modern age. People from all walks of life, different races, ages, genders, and religious backgrounds, all can be affected by substance abuse. This Continue reading...

Henrietta Murphy-Jones

Grand Canyon University
PCN 531
Family Issues and Addictive Disorders
- Abstract
The goal of this research paper is to look into the different reasons for HIV and substance abuse and the way that family therapy can help a person in need when it comes to the problems that the former places. It has been shown that family therapy helps solve problems when it comes to the social and psychological wellbeing of a person, two fields that is greatly affected by the contraction of HIV or the addition to an illegal drug.
Furthermore, the paper was able to find Continue reading...

The social issue that I have decided to identify and discuss is abuse. Abuse can be defined as, to use wrongly or improperly or can also be defined as treating in an injurious or harmful way. There are various types of abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and substance abuse just to mention but a few. Abuse is susceptible to anyone at any age and different types of abuses have become big social issues in our society that needs to be handled. I am going to discuss substance abuse as a social issue.
Drug or substance abuse as Continue reading...

Introduction

I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?

The modern pharmaceutical industry has currently developed several medications in an effort to address a wide array of concerns—concerns that they hope could be addressed by medications. However, along with that development is the ever-increasing number of individuals resorting to substance abuse. A number of substances, Continue reading...

Ethical, Legal, and Utility Issues in Assessment

Substance abuse, especially addiction of is a serious problem in the society. Substance abuse is due to addiction, which is a disease procedure characterized by habitual use of a particular psychoactive substance. The person who has the problem of substance addiction engages in a sequence of behaviors concerning the substance abuse, which leads to dependence syndrome or abuse disorder. Therefore, there is the need to develop appropriate and reliable assessment instrument and mechanism, which will enable the physician to address the problem of substance addiction. Therefore there is a great need to consider the element of uncertainty in evaluation Continue reading...

In every society, various unique characteristics that define communities and individuals living there. In this case, Native Americans have several things that differentiate them from other cultures; these include norms, values, roles, rules, as well as beliefs. Additionally, their designation of authority, control and power gives them a unique brand. To begin with, Native American is a diverse culture, whereby approximately 500 recognized tribes make up the society. Each of these groups has diverse languages, beliefs, customs as well as beliefs. Native Americans have tremendously experienced substantial issues in relation to substance abuse and addiction. The settlers who settled Continue reading...

Abstract

Drug addiction is not only common in men but also in women. However, it does not happen accidentally. Certain factors influence women’s engagement in drug initiation and even addiction: natural physical susceptibility; personality measure of women; peer relationships; family relationships; marital relationships; social media and marketing; discrimination; acculturation; socioeconomic condition; and victimization in sex and prostitution. These factors have different influencing ways upon women. Likewise, the effects these have upon women have varying degrees as well. Seeing these factors does not only imply knowledge of the issue, but brings forth the need to deal with it.
The term ‘ Continue reading...

Introduction

Pregnancy is a special period in women’s lives and while for some women it represents a time to increase their health and safety strategies for protecting themselves and their unborn babies, for others this period is solely stressful as they are trying to cope with their substance use. The alcohol and drug consumption among pregnant women is an increasingly concerning issue, as it affects both the child-bearing women’s health and the development of the fetus and later, of the child. This essay examines three research articles that discuss the effects of alcohol and drug use during and Continue reading...

1.0 CHAPTER I
1.1 Combating Criminal Narcotics Activity along the Southern Border
Drug trade has been rife with violence for decades, though the level of violence we experience today are extraordinary. Without working on minimizing the severity of the problems that confront us today, it is critical to understand the background of the culture of violence and the cyclical nature of the violence epidemics. Substance abuse is one of the major problems facing nations while costing them a lot of money in health care costs, lost productivity, related crimes, and other social costs. It also contributes to high death Continue reading...

Introduction

Alcohol and substance abuse is a health problem of concern to the community. Alcohol and substance abuse not only affects the health of the users directly, but also predisposes them to other life threatening situations. The prevalence of alcohol dependence in the community and at national levels is worrisome. In response to the worrying statistics, this project was designed to raise the awareness of people on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse, hoping for behavior, attitudes and change in practices.

Rationale for Intervention

The future of any nation is vested in their young population (Nies & McEwen, 2013). As such, the health Continue reading...

- Define substance abuse and how this health problem affects the community
Substance abuse is the excessive use of chemical substances that increase the risk of problems and lack of the ability to control the substance. It includes the misuse of medications, alcohol and other illegal substances. Further, substance abuse has a significant impact on the individuals, families and communities. The impacts of substance abuse are cumulative and contribute to costly social, physical, mental, as well as public health problems (Abadinsky, 2008). For example, substance abuse affects a person’s physical health and social relationship. They include teenage pregnancy, Continue reading...

More Information about affiliation, research grants, conflict of interest and how to contact.

Influence of Culture on Substance Abuse
Introduction
Culture significantly influences the lifestyle and habits of a person. Thus, it also has a role to play in the substance abuse behaviour among adolescents. The paper attempts to understand the influence of culture on substance abuse in adolescents. The paper is divided into six sections. The first section highlights the knowledge, skills and attitude pertaining to cultural competencies. The second section mentions the dimensions of culture that impact adolescent treatment. The third section indicates the cultural groups that influence adolescent attitude and behaviour. The fourth section discusses explanatory models of substance Continue reading...

In January 2013, there were a total of 610,042 homeless people in the US (Henry, Cortes & Morris, 2013). 394,698 of the homeless individuals lived in sheltered locations while 215,344 of them lived in unsheltered locations (Henry et al., 2013). According to the US Conference of Mayors (2008), the leading causes of family homelessness in 25 cities surveyed include lack of affordable housing (72%), poverty (52%), unemployment (44%), and low-paying jobs (36%). For single adults, the leading causes of homelessness are substance abuse (68%), lack of affordable housing (60%), mental illness (48%), and poverty (44%) (US Conference Continue reading...

Reflection Analysis

Since theoretical study on child abuse and neglect is extensive, there exist different theoretical explanations and understandings to every child maltreatment incident. Before we decide in which theory of child abuse and neglect an article falls, we should first consider some general points such as causation, possible outcomes and context of the article, then we apply particular theories.
We need to take into account the multiplicity of how maltreatment has been understood because theories are made from homogenous research samples that restrict their soundness and application. This reflection analysis will cite five different articles concerning child abuse and neglect; Continue reading...

Carroll, K. M., Ball, S. A., Nich, C., Martino, S., & Frankforter, T. (2006). Motivational interviewing to improve treatment engagement and outcome in individuals seeking treatment for substance abuse: A multisite effectiveness study. Drug and Alcohol Dependency, 81(3), 301-312.

This study examines the hypothesis that manual-guided behavioral therapies have the ability to improve outcomes to substance abuse treatment. A multisite randomized clinical trial was conducted wherein motivational interviewing (MI) techniques were integrated into normal clinical practice of substance abuse treatment. The participants who went through the MI intervention had better retention ratings given the 28 day follow up than Continue reading...

Legal and Ethical Issues of Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction has for a long time already been a topical issue in many countries around the world. Schools are important sites, where governments and various organizations concentrate their preventive efforts, as it is a key of health promotion in these institutions. It is important to realize such prevention programs in this environment, as schools provide its students with important models of behavior, various possibilities to bond with people of different interests and views (Strang et al., 2012).
National research of tobacco policies in schools in different developed countries show that the prevailing majority of institutions have Continue reading...

Despite the fact that most of college students avoid unsafe use of drugs, they have high likelihood to be affected by the consequences of the high-risk conducts of their peers (Borsari, and Carey, 2001). Students engaging in substance abuse do not just harm themselves but also their peers, and not just occasionally, but with a frequency that is truly disturbing. If the college campus management and the students become informed about prevention of substance abuse, potential college students can increase the chances that they will avoid problems related with substance abuse and their college expectations and dreams will be Continue reading...

Psychology

The authors are recognized and very educated health personnel trained in the field of cognitive group therapy. They both practice in the Volatile Addiction Treatment and Research Center in Istanbul. They based their research on a group of young males that were admitted for volatile substance abuse in Istanbul. They were divided into two groups. While the first group was treated using cognitive research method integrated with education, the second group was involved with the education program only. The first group had a high success rate of 38% of members who continued with the substance abuse while the second Continue reading...

Abstract 3

Research proposition .. 4

Research hypothesis. 4

Literature Review..5

Variables. 6

Testing of variables.. 7

References. 8

Abstract
In the recent past, family structures have become complex, shifting from the traditional form of nuclear family to stepfamilies, foster families, single families and multiregional families. As such, whenever a family member engages in activities of abusing drugs, the impact has different effects. Substance abuse contributes to these problems that are experienced in families. This research seeks to discuss the issues that are likely to arise in families where substance abuse is rampant. In achieving this, a comparison will be made with families where substance abuse is not Continue reading...

The issue of marijuana and its effect on users is one of the most controversial issues to date. The substance is one that has different effects on different people, however within the last twenty or so years, scientists have tested and proven that marijuana is more likely to have a negative effect on the behavior of its user than positive effects. People use marijuana for different purposes. The medical field uses marijuana the help to reduce the severe side effects of chemotherapy and other medical related ailments and the behavior of these users leaves no cause for concern. Rastafarians Continue reading...

Introduction 3

Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy 3
Summary of Model 4
Strengths and Weaknesses of Treatment 6
Medication Treatment Approaches 7
Medication Assessment Treatment 8
Strengths and Weaknesses of Treatment 11
Therapeutic Modality use with a patient with a Substance Disorder 11
Ethical, legal, Individual and Socio-Cultural Implications 12
Conclusion 12

References: 13

Addiction Treatments
Introduction
In the past, there were times when the society actually looked at drug addiction as some kind of a flaw that was moral. Research shows that popular "treatments" did things much different than they did today. For instance, it involved imprisonment, sentencing to drug users to the Continue reading...

Introduction

Kahn, Kernan, Arnoff and Griswold (2008) scrutiny culture as a set of behaviors and beliefs that typify, characterize and distinguish a particular age, social or ethnic group. These behaviors and beliefs that are put together are learnt or taught by associating with precise groups. According to culture, persons should conduct themselves in accordance to set rules and regulations. Consequently, culture becomes a very strong contributor on substance abuse by the adolescence. Griswold et al. (2009), states that cultures permit the consumption of prohibited substances as a cultural practice. They go ahead to give examples of some countries in Middle Continue reading...

Effect on the Youth category of campus substance abuse

Crime in many campuses is mainly related to acts of drinking and other substance abuse. Most of the students that have been victims of crime in campuses tend to report of being intoxicated at the time the crime was committed. Further, substance abuse increases the aggressiveness of the students who in the end may engage in violent activities such as fights looting and destruction of property. In cases of intoxicated women students, the situation may involve sexual assault and rape. Additionally, campus students are more likely to be involved in risky sexual behavior that may contribute to transmission of Continue reading...

Substance abuse, alcohol, and crime have long been linked. Alcohol use and drug abuse make it more likely for a person to commit criminal acts, such as assaults, domestic violence, DUI, prostitution, rape, and robberies. Of course, it is also a crime to possess, manufacture and/or distribute drugs, and punishable by law. However, establishing a relationship between alcohol and drug use, and crime is not easy. Does alcohol or drugs lead to criminal activities, or is the opposite true?
In simple words, substance abuse can be defined as a pattern of overindulging in addictive substances, such as alcohol or Continue reading...

Introduction

The co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental disorders is a common and growing problem among Americans that should be given attention as it impairs the life of those affected. One of these is the co-occurrence of substance abuse disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. In this regard, this paper provides an overview of this co-occurring disease in terms of its criteria for diagnosis, its incidence, causes, treatment, and the considerations for assessment.

DSM-IV Criteria for Generalized Anxiety

“Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic and impairing disorder, independent of its substantial comorbidity with other mental disorders” (Andrews et al., 2010, p. 134). According to DSM- IV ( Continue reading...

Sociological causes of drug use & abuse among college students: An Introduction

The college students, particularly those between the age-group of 18 and 24 are normally registered in colleges and universities. They are at increased risk for involving in risk drinking and other substance use than their non-college peers. These students have a tendency to involve in binge drinking and other drugs than other age-groups, whether or not they are registered in college. Normally, this predisposition arises because of:
- Developmental traits of puberty and maturity, consisting of ongoing brain maturity through in the early 20s and the progress towards greater freedom and independence
- Social and cultural standards of college Continue reading...

Drugs and Alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse is connected to emotional or psychological issues (Watts, 2014). There are some people who are able to use prescription drugs recreationally, without reaping negative consequences. However, there are others who experience addiction which can cause problems at home, work, school and in significant relationships. Drug and alcohol addiction usually starts with recreational use, until a dependency on the substance is formed. This is when the user or addict is unable to function without having the substance in their system.
Some individuals are more prone to drug and alcohol addiction than others ( Continue reading...