Answer the following question in no less than 250 words: 1. Identify the three c
ID: 359900 • Letter: A
Question
Answer the following question in no less than 250 words:
1. Identify the three categories of criminological theory used to explain drug use, and explain the different perspectives on drug use shared by each category. Which category offers the best opportunity to develop drug policy for the purpose of treating and preventing drug use?
In addition, choose one of the following questions and answer in no less than 250 words:
2. Discuss the three biological factors used to explain drug use, and whether biological explanations alone are sufficient to explain why an individual uses drugs.
3. Compare and contrast the three psychological perspectives for drug use. Which of these perspectives offers the best explanation for individual drug use, and why?
4. Select one sociological theory for drug use discussed in the text and explain how that theory could be used to both understand and prevent drug use.
Explanation / Answer
Answer 1)
Criminological Theory on Drug Use
Crimes relating to drugs take place because of the illicit use of drugs undoubtedly. The theory can be discussed into three types:
It is to be noted that economic-compulsive crime can be related to any types of consumption, for not only the illegal drugs but some people also commit the crime for money to purchase tobacco, clothes or alcohol. For this use of unusual medicines, there is a long-run indirect effect can happen which is hard to evaluate. For example, use of illicit drugs may lead to impairing of intellectual ability, effect the achievements in education and the employment prospects, etc.
Categories of Drugs
The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971 categorises drugs into three classes, namely:
Class A: This category includes cocaine and crack, LSD, heroin, methamphetamine (crystal meth), ecstasy, methadone, magic mushrooms that contain the ester of psilocin and any injected Class B drug. Class A drugs are characterised as most dangerous among all the classes.
Class B: This includes codeine, amphetamine (not methamphetamine), ketamine, cannabis and barbiturates. In this class, we also find the drugs like mephedrone, methedrone, methylone and MDPV, which are controlled by the Class B drugs since 2010.
Class C: We can describe minor tranquillisers, anabolic steroids, GHB and GBL, and khat in the Class C category
Offences under the Act
The Misuse of Drugs Act includes the following offences:
Possession of the Controlled Drugs
Possession of drugs intending to supply to the other person
Cultivation, production or production of the controlled drugs
Supply or proposal to supply the controlled drugs to another person
Export or import of controlled drugs
Allow any premises occupied by one to use for consumption of some of the controlled drugs, such as smoking of opium or cannabis, or production and supply of any controlled drugs
Certain controlled drugs may be consumed, which can be obtained by the prescription of a doctor. In that case, the possession is legal.
ANSWER 2)
Over the past several decades, substantial research has investigated the biological factors leading to and resulting from addictions Despite significant efforts, excessive patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use have been estimated to cost the United States alone >$400 billion annually. Worldwide, addictions are prevalent, and low- and middle-income countries may not have the resources to adequately address these disorders. The impact of addictions typically is widespread, with some estimates indicating seven people being affected for each identified addicted individual, and there often exist substantial social consequences. As biological studies identify specific brain pathways and chemicals that may underlie specific aspects of addictions and addiction vulnerability, the knowledge gained holds significant potential to advance prevention, treatment, and policy interventions.
BIOLOGICAL MODELS OF ADDICTION
Multiple biological models have been proposed to understand addictions and addiction vulnerability, and many of these models are complementary and not mutually exclusive. As an extensive review of each of these models is beyond the scope of this article, interested readers are directed to the references cited for additional aspects of each model.
Early reward-centric models focused on pleasurable aspects of taking drugs and proposed that drugs may “hijack” brain circuits involved in responses to “natural” rewards like sex or food.