Criminal Justice Issues - Assignment Example

Running head: Criminal Justice Criminal Justice (School) Criminal Justice Substance abuse versus substance dependence Substance abuse is the “harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs” (WHO, 2010). Using psychoactive substances can often create a dependence syndrome which manifests as behavioral, cognitive, and physiological symptoms seen after repeated substance abuse (WHO, 2010). It is also the habit or practice of using substances in order to alter moods. It is also about the use of illicit drugs and other over-the-counter drugs other than for the purpose for which they were prescribed or directed (Buddy, 2009). On the other hand, substance dependence is described by the DSM-IV-TR as “a maladaptive pattern of substance abuse, leading to clinically significant impairment” (Gray & Zide, 2008, p. 330). Substance dependence is of a much more insidious and harmful scale than substance abuse. In dependence, the user usually persists in using the drugs or substance despite substance-related problems manifesting (Gray & Zide, 2008). It is usually seen with behavior involving marked tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, inability to stop using, disruption in everyday life, and similar symptoms (Reynolds, 2007). Total abstinence versus harm reduction Total abstinence is advantageous for alcoholics and substance users because it potentially serves to detoxify the body from the harmful effects of alcohol. Consequently, it enables the former abuser to restore his appetite and energy – making his workday easier and more productive (Carey & Hart, 2008). However, total abstinence also causes the user much pain and may also deny him some health benefits from the use of some drugs (Laaser, 2009). Harm reduction is seen as a better option for most clinicians because it focuses on giving a person control over his life – allowing the user to look at drugs and see them for their health benefits – not as potential substances to abuse; and to look at alcohol and be able to control their consumption (Laaser, 2009). Harm reduction is about making educated decisions about drug and alcohol use. It is however a more difficult method to implement and for those who have little control over their substance abuse, it is close to impossible to implement. Moreover, it is a method which tolerates clients who do not chose to abstain from their substance use (Marlatt, 1998) Assessment of an alcoholic client In assessing the alcoholic client, it is important for me to recognize that the client may not be open about his habits. It is therefore important to make the client comfortable by listening carefully to what he has to say; to use open-ended questions to explore his problem; and to ask questions in a matter of fact manner (National Health Committee, 1999). The assessment process should also include the following areas: frequency of drinking/drug-taking; quantity consumed; pattern of consumption; situational triggers; duration of harmful drinking/drug-taking; previous attempts to stop; adverse consequences of substance abuse on family, work, social relationships; and patient’s perceptions of his behavior (National Health Commission, 1999). The client’s history includes: personal, family, substance consumption, substance-related problems; and previous treatment history (National Health Commission, 1999). Theories of alcoholism Theories explaining alcoholism include the psychodynamic model which explains that different personal conflicts can lead to fixation and oral dependence which can be gratified by alcohol dependence (George Mason University, n.d). The social learning model explains how drinking behavior is learned as part of the socialization process. Tension reduction theory explains how anxiety can lead to alcoholism as a means to relieving stress. The disease model is a mixed model which identifies types of alcoholics (George Mason University, n.d). These models are not anymore as relevant in contemporary times because other theories and models are being used in order to more accurately explain alcoholism. Other more appropriate models are now more reliable in explaining the issue of alcoholism. Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity refers to the “brain’s ability to reorganize itself, generate new cells, new neural pathways, and to change which areas control which functions” (Deaux, 2007). The assumption about the brain is that it is set in its ways, and it is often difficult to change the functions of its parts. One area is charged with our mobility, another to our sight or organ functions. Damage to such areas can subsequently cause impairment in our normal functions. Neuroplasticity is about teaching the brain to take on other functions. Neuroscientists now believe that the adult brain can be flexible and can reorganize itself after injury or trauma. “It can form new connections, change wiring, eliminate old wiring” (Deaux, 2007). Proof of this can be seen among stroke patients who are able to regain relative mobility based on the neuroplasticity concept. In applying neuroplasticity to alcoholism, it is possible for the brain to unlearn what it has been used to for many years and to change its usual pattern of behavior to be less substance-abusive. Stages of Change The stages of change was set forth as a way of “staging” people and to prescribe treatment based on needs and on their stage in the change process (Family Health International, 2004). The first part of the stage is the precontemplation stage wherein the individual has a problem and has no intention of changing. There is the rising of consciousness, dramatic relief, and environmental reevaluation in this stage (Family Health International, 2004). Contemplation follows when the individual recognizes that he has a problem and is seriously thinking about changing. In this stage the abuser reevaluates himself and assesses his feelings (Family Health International, 2004). Preparation for action follows next and is marked by self-liberation. Action is seen next and is marked by reinforcement management, helping relationships, counterconditioning, and stimulus control (Family Health International, 2004). Finally, the maintenance stage commences with the ability of the individual to maintain his new behavior for six months or more. The stages of change are being used in order to assess the person’s mental mind-set and to use such mindset to introduce new activities and eventually advance the individual in the treatment and behavior modification process. Crystal Methamphetamine Crystal methamphetamine or ‘crystal meth’ belongs to the family of drugs known as amphetamines which are strong stimulants for the central nervous system. Its effects last up to 6 to 8 hours when taken orally and when smoked, its effects can last up to 10 to 12 hours (CAMH, 2006). This drug can make users feel euphoric and ‘high’. The rush and high is said to be caused by high levels of dopamine in the brain which increases a person’s pleasure (CAMH, 2006). It is different from other stimulants in the sense that, its effects on the body are usually more prolonged. Moreover, a major percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body (Urell, n.d). As compared to other stimulants, ‘crystal meth’ has a longer stimulant effect on the brain due to the higher levels of dopamine in the nerve cells. It blocks dopamine reuptake at lower levels, however it also increases release of dopamine at the synapse and this can be toxic for nerve terminals (Urell, n.d). Some of the long term-effects of meth use include mental illness, malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers, hallucinations, disorganized lifestyle, violent and aggressive behavior, suicide, and death (KCI, 2009). Works Cited Buddy, T. (2009) What Is Substance Abuse?: The Difference Between Substance Use and Abuse. About.com. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/drugs/a/aa030425a.htm Carey, E. & Hart, A. (2008) The temperance textbook: a collection of facts and interesting anecdotes, p. 18. Boston: Harvard University Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2006). Information about Crystal Meth. CAMH. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.camh.net/about_addiction_mental_health/drug_and_addiction_information/crystal_meth_information.html Deaux, T. (2007) What Is Neuroplasticity?. Mind Tweaks. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.mindtweaks.com/wordpress/?p=484 Family Health International (2004) Behavior Change -- A Summary of Four Major Theories. Family Health International. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.fhi.org/nr/rdonlyres/ei26vbslpsidmahhxc332vwo3g233xsqw22er3vofqvrfjvubwyzclvqjcbdgexyzl3msu4mn6xv5j/bccsummaryfourmajortheories.pdf George Mason University (n.d) Explanatory Models of Alcoholism and/or addiction. GMU.com. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.gmu.edu/resources/facstaff/facultyfacts/1-1/models.html Gray, S. & Zide, M. (2008) Psychopathology: A Competency-Based Assessment Model for Social Workers. p. 330. California: Thomson Higher Education California KCI Anti-Meth Site (2009) Methamphetamine / Crystal Meth Effects: Including Long Term. KCI. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.kci.org/meth_info/sites/meth_facts2.htm Laaser, M. (2009) Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction. eCounseling. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.ecounseling.com/articles/608-abstinence-vs-harm-reduction-a-clinical-and-ethical-analysis Marlatt, G. (1998) Harm Reduction: Pragmatic Strategies for Managing High-Risk Behaviors. p. 74. New York: Guilford Press National Health Committee (1999) Guidelines for Recognising, Assessing and Treating Alcohol and Cannabis Abuse in Primary Care. New Zealand Guidelines Group. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.nzgg.org.nz/guidelines/0040/full_guideline.pdf Reynolds, C. & Fletcher-Janzen, E. (2007) Encyclopedia of special education: P - Z, Volume 3, p. 1934. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Urell, B. (n.d) Is Crystal Meth Or Methamphetamine Different From Other Stimulants, Like Cocaine?. Addiction Recovery Basics. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://addictionrecoverybasics.com/is-crystal-meth-or-methamphetamine-different-from-other-stimulants-like-cocaine/ World Health Organization (2010) Substance abuse. WHO. Retrieved 03 August 2010 from http://www.who.int/topics/substance_abuse/en/ Read More