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Drugs and Society Learning Journal Entry Mod. 7

During this final module, which included chapters 15 on OTC/prescription drugs, as well as chapter 18 on treating drug dependence, I have learned many things. In chapter 15 we learned about the abuse of OTC and prescription drugs and the federal regulation of these substances. NSAID's anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. In addition to this, the effects of certain allergy medications such as decongestants and their use in the production of harder narcotics such as methamphetamine. We also learned about herbal drugs and their various effectiveness. We learned about drug abuse of certain steroids as well as stimulants and antidepressants. In chapter 18 we learned about the treatment for drug abuse. We learned about the assessment of drug addiction as well as the 13 principles that characterize effective addiction treatment. We learned about the historical approach to drug treatment programs such as AA or alcoholic anonymous as well as short vs. long ...
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Drugs and Society Learning Journal Entry Mod. 6

In this module we learned about various topics such as marijuana, stimulants, and how drugs are used by some athletes. We learned about various stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine, and caffeine, and the effect that they can have on the body. These drugs, in high doses, can be very dangerous as they effect the central nervous system and can cause symptoms such has rapid heart beat, dizziness, heart attack, and even death. From the video presentation the most interesting thing I found is the massive use of prescription stimulants in young adults between 18-34 and are being used in alarming rates. One of the most interesting things that I learned in this chapter was how cocaine was at first used as a medicine first by shamans in the form of coca leaves and then in a more concentrated form in the early 1900's where it was banned shortly after. We also learned about marijuana. Studies have shown that recent marijuana use has increased over the past 30 years, especially in high scho...
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Drugs and Society Learning Journal Entry Mod. 5

In this module, chapters 6, 7, and 8, we learned about CNS depressants and alcohol as well as the dangers such substances can cause. The chapter that I felt I related to the most was 7 and 8, or the chapters on alcohol. The reason for this is I have witnessed many people who are close to me, including friends and family, have their lives destroyed by alcohol. I learned about the different types of alcoholics including the functional subtype as well as the chronic sever subtype. This helped make a clearer picture and I was able to related these types to the people around me and was able to better understand their condition and situation. The mini-lecture helped shed light on the depressants, giving statistical information on depression which could explain why some people lean towards substance abuse. In our discussions we talked more upon the topics of depressants and alcohol, as well as other topics such as cocaine, and other drugs. We discussed the dangers of such, as well as mixing o...
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Drugs and Society Learning Journal Entry Mod. 3

In this section, I have learned about drug use, laws, and regulations as well as how and why drugs work. I have learned about the process of how the FDA regulates the manufacturing of medical grade drugs through pre-clinical research and development, clinical research and human testing, marketing, and post-marketing surveillance. In addition to this, about how various drug abuse laws are tied into these prescription drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) formed in 1973, acts opposite the FDA to help regulate the second hand drug use and distribution. They help enforce laws such as the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (1970), the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (2000), and the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act (2010). Drugs are scheduled into different classes based on dependence, medical effectiveness and usefulness, and safety. These, combined with factors in controlling drug abuse such as supply reduction strategy, demand reduction strategy, and the...
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Drugs and Society Learning Journal Entry Mod. 2

     What I have learned so far in this course is very informational. Drugs in society seems to be a commonplace in today's culture but when we really look back and examine the impact of these factors we begin to reflect and analyze a more deeper aspect of society. Through reading, discussion and research, I was able to learn terminology I was unfamiliar with, able to view the opinion of drugs in society from another viewpoint, and learn pertinent and statistical information on drugs in the home, society, culture, and the world.      I feel through research and discussion I am able to put ample time into formulation ideas and opinions on our drug and society based culture. It is early in the module, but from what I have seen is there are common viewpoints as well as differentiating opinions. I look forward to more thought-provoking discussion with my peers in the future.      Three terms or definitions I have learned this module so far ...
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