Relationship Between Human Behavior and Drug Use - Essay Example

University Name Department Human Behavior & Drugs Student name & Admission number Date of Submission Introduction The consumption of psychoactive substances like alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is a common human behavior. A large number of people, young and adults dominantly use some substances which have become part of their lifestyle. However, there is a tremendous variation in effect of the level and the kind of drugs that individuals consume at a given time (Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003)Harmful drugs usage may have a negative effect on the wellbeing of individuals, families and community at large, which has turned out to be a growing concern internationally. Drug use happens within a particular social, cultural and psychological context, and the harmful drug usage often occurs a broader cluster of psychological problems (Lawson, J. & Evans, A., 2009) to curb the menace, which tend to be psycho-social in nature, pharmacological interventions are mostly recommended like the use of substitution therapies as well as use of psycho-social interventions. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND DRUG USE In reference to Fisher (2009), alcohol and other drugs is basically a social act, where individuals obtain, consume and construct the experience of using AOD. The rituals connected with the consumption of alcohol and other drugs are a vital part of creating a meaningful relation to a particular human behaviour. The media, cultural and religious practices, and to some extend places of work, families and friends along with the legal and health care systems are part of the spectrum of influences that initiate individuals’ beliefs and actions connected with drug use. There has been numerous concerns in relation with alcohol and other drugs, and how it influences the social and cultural norms of society. The scholars, governments and stakeholders in cultural and social issues are presently involved in a series of deliberations examining the nature and effects through media like alcohol advertising and promotion (Greenfield & Room, 2007: 33). This is believed to occur from advertisement side of it, where alcoholic firms sponsors so many games and students especially in higher learning appear to be attracted to sports so much. Presently, many debates have erupted within UK government, industry groups and public health activists about whether linking alcohol with sport breach the spirit of the advertising set of laws (Black et al, 2009: 201). It has been argued that an association of sports sponsorship and alcohol is indecent since its possible impact on underage consumers and the discrepancy involving alcohol consumption and the physical demands of sports participation. In most countries, alcohol, and the promotion and advertising of alcohol and the sporting events have been linked for many years, to a level where people term it unusual to watch sporting event without seeing some commercial advertisement of alcohol brand like Guinness as it’s the case in EPL games. In Australia, sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry has become the order of the day, and presently many debates have erupted within government, industry groups and public health activists about whether linking alcohol with sport breach the spirit of the advertising set of laws (Black et al, 2009: 201).It has been argued that an association of sports sponsorship and alcohol is indecent since its possible impact on underage consumers and the discrepancy involving alcohol consumption and the physical demands of sports participation. In this paper, we assess whether alcohol could be sponsorship of sport events or not. Supportable facts on the harms of alcohol industry sponsorship of sport Several research findings have been brought forward as evidence on mounting pressure to ban alcohol sponsorship of sporting event. At the same time as policy makers in Australia and UK deliberate on whether alcohol advertising and sponsorship should be banned from sport, latest study gives proof that alcohol companies’ sponsorship is linked with more risky drinking habits among sportsperson weighed against non-alcohol sponsorship. A research entitled Alcohol and Alcoholism conducted in University of Western Sydney by health experts asked Australian sportspersons concerning their drinking habits, their participation in sports and the sort of support they presently receive. According to Black et al (2009: 203), Australian non-elite sportsperson are believed to take excessive levels of alcohol, at the same time as members of male sporting teams feel encouraged to take due to its enhancement in masculinity within the sport. The results were shocking as alcohol industry sponsorship was linked with considerably higher levels of drinking compared to non-alcohol sponsorship among sportspeople. About 30% of sportspeople interviewed as receiving alcohol companies’ sponsorship, 68% met WHO standards for classification as hazardous drinkers. The research findings comes at a time when British Medical Association (MBA) and Australian Preventive Health Taskforce (APHT) made recommendations to governments to have alcohol advertising and sponsorship scrapped off from sports (Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009) Statistics from business analysts shows that most alcohol firms spend about 80% of their advertising budget on promoting alcohol through sports sponsorship. Consumption of beer among the young Australians is typically linked with sport especially as a key component of post-game celebrations (Howard & Crompton, 2005: 268). However, it is also linked by the entire encouragements of being included in the same team that is prone to excessive drinking when socializing with their team mates compared to other groups of friends. REASONS INDIVIDUALS INDULGE IN ALCOHOL AND OTHER RELATED DRUGS) There are many reasons that have presented to support the reason why individuals use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and become addictive to them, or sometimes develop curiosity of what it is all about. The main reasons include: Addiction: majority of people use alcohol and other drugs due to addictiveness of the substances. For instance, researchers show that nicotine is more addictive than any other substance since when smoked it stimulate the brain system and enters the blood and calm the nerves-termed as biphasic symptom-which continue bringing back smokers as their body get used to smoking (Lerman & Berrettini, 2009). Psychologically dependent: majority of users of drugs have been used to the twofold effects of being extra ready to act and at the same time calm. This is the reason behind why individuals prefer using alcohol and other drugs when they feel worried because of an established dependency on AOD to assist them sort out their perceived problems. Stress, loneliness, a sense of not belonging, school failure, rejection, being different, and been excluded from the group are major reasons for depression and use of drugs. Though millions of manage not only to survive but to thrive, too many become casualties. Over time, feelings of hopelessness can occur, leading to thoughts of suicide. The individual comes to view suicide as a viable option to what are perceived as untenable circumstances (Gary et al., 2003). Social integration: taking alcohol and other drugs is thought by many to be a social habit, hence when one’s social group is taking alcohol or smoking; one will feel to do the same. In other words, it’s a bonding action that brings people who are taking alcohol and other drugs together. Mirror others: most young people will want to emulate the activity of those who are close to them. This implies doing as they do or walking the way they walk, whereas to others it entails taking alcohol and other drugs. This has been a reason behind why young citizens begin to smoke or take alcohol, especially when the celebrities they love do the same. Peer pressure: in circumstances where peers are taking alcohol and other drugs, one may start to do the same. Although peer pressure is more rampant amongst youth, this also has the same effect to adults (Fisher, 2009)Majority of individuals experience a natural affinity to be conventional-if friends take alcohol and other drugs, the friend will emulate the same or secure new friends. Smoking in campuses has sometimes been rampant due to peer influence but this has been able to be restrained due to creating campuses a tobacco free zones. Enjoy taking alcohol and other drugs (AOD): individuals who take beer or smoke know the benefits they reap for such habit. When asked the reason why they do so, they are likely to say “they like it that way”. Individuals enjoying doing what they like, hence smokers will feel to smoke to be alert. Weight control: some people engage in drug abuse or smoking so as to control weight. Study indicates that smokers weigh 7 pounds less than those who do not smoke, as it’s believed it reduces appetite by reducing individual’s taste for food and smell (Greenfield, T.K. & Room, R., 2007)This could be a reason behind the much gaining of weight for those who quit smoking, to them, food smells nice and this increases their appetite. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS Alcohol and other drugs have many effects, not only does it affect those who use, but also those individuals who don’t use but spend most of the time with users. Alcohol and other drugs problems may be on the body, heart, brains and skin. 2.1. Body The long-term usage of alcohol and other drugs like smoking affects the body’s blood system by thinning and stickiness of the arteries resulting to accumulation of precarious fatty deposits. Smoking of nicotine also results into blood pressure that sometimes overworks the heart. Similarly, the carbon monoxide inhaled during smoking take away the oxygen from the body; this even overworks the heart leading to inconsistency in heartbeats and sometimes may result into chest pain and sometimes stiffness and poor functioning of the muscles (Janson, C., Chinn, S. & Jarvis, D. 2011) A further blockage in the arteries in arms may cause peripheral vascular disease and at advanced stage, a severe pain could amputation. Smoking also causes cancer to different parts of the body which include lungs, throat, kidney and liver among other parts. 2.1.1. Heart The blockage of arteries within the heart could result into heart attack. Study shows that alcohol and other drugs could results into 40% of heart related complexions for people aged 60 years and above. Smokers are believed to be four times susceptible to cardiac death compared to those who do not smoke. In most cases smokers who are seen to be passive smokers tend to be involved in high risks of being affected by heart diseases (Fisher, 2009) the main cause of coronary artery diseases is smoking. 2.1.2. Skin Beside its effect of heart related problems and cancer, alcohol and other drugs are perceived to cause premature ageing of skin overdue sore healing and other skin disorders like psoriasis (Janson, C., Chinn, S. & Jarvis, D. 201) The ageing of skin among drug users may be in forms of droops in skin, wrinkles and lines as well as uneven skin colorizations. Smoke from other substances and heat from cigarettes or cigars burns the skin, and thus changing the elastic fibres of the skin making it susceptible to harm. 2.1.3. Brain The blockages of blood system especially those heading to brains may cause strokes. A study in Monash University shows that smokers of marijuana amongst student fraternity may be harmful to brains, for example, the inhaled smoke may damage or block some arteries leading to brain alterations and to extreme point develop dependence (Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009) 2.1.4. Respiratory system The effect of alcohol and other drugs like smoking to the respiratory system is perceived to be slow, steadily and fatal. Smoking impairs the tubules traps that cleanse a respiratory system within the body. The smoke then paralyses the cilia leading to increased mucus in the system hence rampant cough (Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009) In the long run; surplus production of mucus blocks the respiratory system. As such, the pathogenic organisms that are curtailed in the normal system will have now easy access of the respiratory surface and could lead to congestion of the lungs. The prolonged cough and congestion in the lungs results into chronic bronchitis because of impaired respiratory cilia. On the other hand, pathogenic organisms and lung congestion may in long run result into lung cancer (Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009). 2.2. Environment Besides being harmful to human body, alcohol and other drugs are also harmful to the environment. Disposal of cigarette filters is destructive to the surroundings. In Africa, tobacco is believed to cause five percent of deforestation. Similarly, plantation of tobacco incorporates immense use of chemicals where majority of such pesticides which considerably cause ozone depletion (Greenfield, T.K. & Room, R., 2007) the chemicals are also harmful to users (farmers) and sometimes may drain into a water source thus contaminating it. Study also indicates that alcohol and other drugs are the second most cause of death around the world, and if the present pattern of taking alcohol and other drugs is maintained, then by 2020 more than 650 million drug users will have died. Additionally, cigarette smoke encloses polonium 210 which is a radioactive substance which is harmful both to the body and the surroundings. 2.3. Society Alcohol and other drugs taking is harmful to the society as it predisposes human beings into problems leading to death and pollution of the environment. Majority of alcohol users and smokers die premature deaths leaving behind dependant who solely depend on the society for help (Black, D., Lawson, J., Fleishman, S., 2009)The rampant smoking habits among women has been associated with earlier menopause which in long run cause depopulation hence lack of manpower within a particular society. Beer taking and smoking among student fraternity could result into addictiveness which affects academic performance in campuses leading to low production of manpower in labour markets. 2.4. Economy Tobacco industry is rated among the most profitable and booming businesses in major economies around the world (Ferry & Johnston, 2008). However, the cost of putting up a smoking habit is much higher compared to the gains acquired from sales of tobacco. In developed nations, study indicates that smoking has raised health costs because of dominance in smoking-related diseases. Similarly, smoking has minimized productivity level of nations in students, smoking tend to cause increased absenteeism of lecturers and students from work and class respectively, and increases use of health services in campuses (Nelson, T.F. & Wechsler, H., 2011).Universities lose money in treating of smokers on campuses and pay more for student health care insurance. SOLUTIONS TO DRUG ABUSE a) Social support of human behavior Social support buffers the severity of the stressful experience and serves as an aid to coping with internal drug thoughts (Black, D., Lawson, J., Fleishman, S., 2009) Social support can facilitate coping by strengthening people's ability to realistically appraise stressful events and develop alternative coping strategies. Thus, the environment becomes less threatening to the users. Social support influences coping ability by altering relationships among stressors, individual perceptions, and coping responses. Social support explains how the opinions and actions of others help individuals to engage in a cognitive relabeling process regarding stressful circumstances, and supportive relationships provide appraisal support or help in redefining role and behavioral expectations (Pearson, 1986). b) A review of the regulation of alcohol advertising in Australia Several associations have erupted in US and Australia to advocate for the ban of alcohol marketing in sports. They have teamed up with policy makers in making sure that their agenda is achieved. For example, in US there is a latest national campaign called Time To End Alcohol Marketing in Sports (TEAMS) was initiated to minimize the promotion of alcohol usage among the young Americans by barring alcohol marketing in sports. The TEAM is also engaged in promoting positive sports role models among young sportspeople. Their main priorities are to eliminate alcohol sponsorship of college and Olympics sports and disallow alcohol advertising in sporting events (Nelson & Wechsler, 2011: 8). Since May 2004 to March 2005, the Australian Federal government closely monitored the alcohol products advertising campaigns on television and magazine both nationally and regionally. Even more concerns relate to present and rising tendency of alcohol advertisements that not only focus on particular sporting events but also encompass players from teams as actors in the advertisements (McDaniel et al, 2001: 307).Yet these sportspeople are broadly recognized as role models for young people, particularly young males. Such instance has potential of increasing the association of alcohol and sports among future population. The results were shocking as alcohol industry sponsorship was linked with considerably higher levels of drinking compared to non-alcohol sponsorship among sportspeople. About 30% of sportspeople interviewed as receiving alcohol companies’ sponsorship, 68% met WHO standards for classification as hazardous drinkers. The research findings comes at a time when British Medical Association (MBA) and Australian Preventive Health Taskforce (APHT) made recommendations to governments to have alcohol advertising and sponsorship scrapped off from sports. Statistics from business analysts shows that most alcohol firms spend about 80% of their advertising budget on promoting alcohol through sports sponsorship. Consumption of beer among the young Australians is typically linked with sport especially as a key component of post-game celebrations (Howard & Crompton, 2005: 268). Alternative sponsorship of sports The key source of finance has seen to be Sponsorship of sports. A number of governments are increasingly encouraging organizers of sports and events to look for funding from private sector. The recommendation if followed could result into a serious gap in funding for sports, thus plugging most teams in hands of alcohol companies. According to many, this would have a substantial adverse impact on social and cultural diversity in such countries. Health specialists believe that sports sponsorship is being used as scapegoat to promote alcohol to sportsperson and the universal population (McDaniel et al, 2001: 307).They argues that public does not need more persuasion to take alcohol, and there are ways in which alcohol advertising and sponsorship can be replaced in sports. A good illustration on longstanding bans of alcohol sponsorship can be drawn from Norway and France and most recent from Turkey. During the 1998 FIFA World Cup, France effectively hosted it with their alcohol advertising and sponsorship ban and presently hosts the universal Heineken Cup Rugby match with alcohol prohibition in place. A number of beer corporations are heavily concerned with sport sponsorship, mostly owning or sponsoring major leagues and teams in Australia, UK and US. Also in most international sport events, alcohol companies have greatly sponsored, for example in 1998 World Cup in France where companies sponsored national teams and most recently the just concluded Olympics in London. A good example can be traced from Kenya, which is a developing country in Eastern Africa whose premier league commonly known as Kenya Premier League (KPL) has now been taken over by a beer company and presently is known as Tusker League. This is an incredible illustration on how beer companies sponsor professional sports in both developing and developed nations around the world (McDaniel et al, 2001: 307).For these companies, sport media is a fundamental means of presenting and promoting their products in association with activities which many people refer to them as healthy. This is an intervention thought to safeguard their product image and thwart any negative perceptions from people. A study conducted in Australia reveals that brands which were popular among the underage are same brands that sponsor major sport leagues in the country. The Federal government of Australia is pursuing an intervention to allot about $25 million to tryout a program to swap alcohol industry sponsorship of community sports and cultural galas. But it could be expanded significantly in future by funds from alcohol excise duty (Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, 2003). Health professionals believes that any serious sporting union should put the welfare of sportspeople first and support calls for governments to offer optional funding for sports. It is merely not worth gambling with future of young people for the sake of some easy money from alcohol industry. c) The impact of awareness campaigns on smoking Promoting the social norm within the higher learning institutions has been vital in reaching out those who want to be new users of alcohol and other drugs by insisting through campaigns on need to create free-tobacco surroundings. Ibrahim and Glantz (2007) argue that campaigns have emphasized that smoking is prohibited within the campus facilities and as such help to minimize the smoking instances within the university. Study shows that smoking among students have declined presently in major campuses due to campaigns that have been launched around this campuses to educate students on need to quit smoking and stay healthier (Ibrahim & Glantz, 2007). The campaigns have also focused on educating students on benefits of not smoking and keeping the environment clean free from smoke. A tobacco free campus has termed to be healthier surroundings for students, staffs and visitors (Ibrahim & Glantz, 2007). Though the smoking habits among students have been secretive, majority of campuses have helped to reach out to those who want to quit by supporting them and as such reducing the number of new users. Quit smoking Smoking is a twofold practice that involves both physical addiction as well as psychological habit. To get rid of smoking, smokers should follow suggested processes that assist in physical withdrawal from cigarettes and cut short craving to smoke. Majority of campuses have initiated programmes to help students quit smoking which include guiding and counseling. Several processes have been presented to help quit smoking among campuses (Ferry & Johnston, 2008). The processes are embossed in the word START where’s-Setting of quitting date: someone may be required to select the exact date to prepare on quitting the habit of smoking. T-Tell those who are close to you: friend, family or colleagues at campus may help one by encouraging him or her to quit the habit. A-Anticipate by planning: one should make a decision of quitting to smoke by focusing on the likely challenges of withdrawals from cigarettes (McGuifficke, A., Rowling, L. & Bailey, M., 2012) R-Remove cigarettes: this entails now getting rid of cigarettes in your home, room, car or bag, and thereafter cleaning oneself from any smoking smells. T-Talk to a counselor or doctor: the two will help one within guiding and counseling and prescribing of any medication where need be. Conclusion Alcohol and other drugs tend to have several side effects to individuals body and everyone should take a responsibility of safeguarding his or her neighbors’ wellbeing by helping to root out unbecoming behavior amongst ourselves. Government and other stakeholders involved in fighting the menace should work hand in hand to ensure that society is a safer place for human coexistence. Alcohol companies should abide by the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code in their commercial speech to tell consumers about their products. If a product is legal to produce and healthy for distribution, it should then get a legal status within the market. Hence, the only exceptions may apply whereby an overriding public policy reason such as public safety is. While there is no doubt that misuse of alcoholic beverages can lead to health problems and social concerns, responsible drinking may cause no such problems Alcohol companies should continue to show a strong and clear commitment to promote sensible drinking habits, thus supporting to minimize alcohol misuse and fostering a balanced understanding of alcohol issues. For instance brands which are well known such as Johnnie Walker and Fosters tend to use advantage during the their motor sports sponsorships in the process of promoting alcohol therefore Banning alcohol sponsorship would impact negatively on economy and perception of the country. Bibliography Batra, V., A. A. Patkar, W. H. 2003. The Genetic Determinants of Smoking. London: Wiley, pp 1338-1340 Black, D., Lawson, J., Fleishman, S., 2009, Excessive alcohol use by non-elite sportsmen, Drug and Alcohol Review, vol.18, pp.201-205 Borland, R. and Banford, J. 2003. Understanding how mass media campaigns impact on smokers. Tobacco Control 12:ii45 Friend, K. & Levy, D.T. 2002. Reductions in smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption associated with mass-media campaigns. Health Education Research, 17(1): 85-98 Fisher, J.C., 2009, Advertising, Alcohol Consumption, and Abuse: A Worldwide Survey. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, p. 150 Greenfield, T.K. & Room, R., 2007, Situational norms for drinking and drunkenness: Trends in the US adult population, Addiction, vol.92, pp.33-47 Ibrahim, J.K. & Glantz, S.A. 2007, The rise and fall of tobacco control media campaigns, 1967- 006. American Journal of Public Health. 97(8):1383-96 Janson, C., Chinn, S. & Jarvis, D. 2011. Impact of passive smoking on respiratory system: A survey on Respiratory Health. Lancet 358 p. 2103 Lerman, C., & Berrettini, W. 2009. Role of Genetic concerns in smoking. American Journal of Medical Genetics 118-B, pp 48-54 Lawson, J. & Evans, A., 2009, Prodigious alcohol consumption vol.11, pp.193-195 McGuifficke, A., Rowling, L. & Bailey, M., 2012, Drug Education Journal of Australia, vol.5, pp.103-112 Amazon Publishers New York City. Nelson, T.F. & Wechsler, H., 2011, School spirits: Alcohol and collegiate sports fans, Addictive Behaviors, vol.28, pp.1-11 Read More