health sociology

1. Sociological perspectives of
Drug Abuse
Dr/ Eman M. Mortada
Associate professor
In sociology, public health and preventive
medicine
5th lecture

2. 2.types of abused substances
1.
basic facts
3.
burden
4.
causes
5.
consequences
6.
prevention
Content is provided in six main parts:

3. 1
Basic Facts
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

4. Introduction
 Drug abuse is a major issue in today’s society.
 The most commonly abused substances include:
✓ Alcohol
✓ Illegal street drugs (such as marijuana or cocaine)
✓ Addictive prescription drugs
✓ Over the counter drugs (OTC)
 The most common addiction is to nicotine, found in
tobacco products.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

5. Before After

6. Before After

7. Before After

8. Dr. Eman M. Mortada

9. Drug Use, Misuse, Abuse
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

10. Drug
is a chemical substance
(natural or artificial)
that affects the way the body or
mind function (psychological and
biological function)
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

11. Using Drugs as Medicine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

12. Medicine
 Any drug that is used to cure, prevent, or treat
illness or discomfort
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

13. Prescription Medicine
 Written order from a doctor for a certain medicine or
treatment
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

14. Over-the-counter
 Any medicine that available for sale without prescription
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

15.  Drug Misuse: is the incorrect use of prescription or OTC drug that
might lead to acute and chronic toxicity. As:
1- Taking medicine leftover from the previous illness
2- Using another person prescription drug
3- Mixing medications without consultation
4- Mixing alcohol and prescription drugs to achieve and enhance a
“high”
5- Taking a legal drug for medical reasons but not as prescribed for
example
➢ Misuse of laxatives, diuretics, antacid and vitamins.
➢ Use of codeine cough syrup
➢ Misuse of stimulants to enhance performance
Drug Misuse
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

16. ❑ The misuse of prescription drugs is more prevalent than
the use of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine
❑ The misuse of Rx drugs is an under-recognized health
issue that puts young lives at risk.

17. Drug Abuse:
 The intentional use of the a drug for non-medical purposes
in a way that can injure health or ability to function.
 Both legal and illegal drugs can be abused.
 For sociologists, drug use is considered drug abuse
➢ when acceptable social standards of drug use are violated
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

18. Illegal drugs:
 Chemical substances that people of any age may not lawfully
manufacture, possess, buy, or sell
 There are many illegal drugs abused in many parts of the world,
but the global drug trafficking network primarily centers
on six illegal substances:
➢ Cocaine
➢ Meth
➢ Marijuana
➢ Crack (crack cocaine)
➢ Heroin
➢ Oxycodone (a synthetic analgesic drug which is similar to
morphine in its effects.)
Illicit drug:
called street
drug are those
sold illegally.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

19. Drug Addiction
Uncontrollable, repeated use of a drug even when use:
 harms the user’s health,
 impairs user’s ability to meet academic, occupation, or
family responsibilities, or
 exposes the user or others to danger.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

20.  A person needing a drug in order to function properly
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Drug dependence

21. There are two type of dependence:
Physical Dependence
 the body’s chemical need for a drug.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

22. Withdrawal
 Withdrawal is the negative symptoms that result when a
drug-dependent person stops using a drug.
 Symptoms
 Depression
 Nervousness
 Sleeplessness
 Irritability

23. Psychological Dependence
 Emotional or mental need for drug.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

24. Stopping to use the drug will cause craving for
the drug.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

25. It is harder to overcome psychological
dependency than physical dependency
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

26. Steps to addiction
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

27. Stages of use
Stage 1
Experimental
Use
Person
experiments
with a drug
Stage 2
regular Use
Routine
Part of a
pattern, i.e.,
every
weekend
Stage 3
Abuse –
Use interferes
with
functioning
Loss of
control over
behavior
Stage 4:
Dependency
Person
becomes
addicted –
physically,
psychologicall
y, Needs the
drug daily
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

28. Teenagers vs adults.
➢ Teenagers move through these stages at a greater rate of
speed than adults.
➢ It takes 8-10 years for an adult to travel from
experimentation with alcohol and/or other drugs to
becoming chemically dependent
➢ It takes a teenager anywhere from 3-15 months.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

29. Warning signs of drug use
Physical
Behavioral
Psychological
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

30.  Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are
larger or smaller than usual.
 Changes in appetite or sleep
patterns.
 Deterioration of physical
appearance and personal
grooming habits.
 Unusual smells on breath, body, or
clothing.
 Tremors, slurred speech, or
impaired coordination
Physical warning signs of drug use
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

31. Behavioral signs of drug abuse
 Drop in attendance and
performance at work or School.
 Unexplained need for money or
financial problems.
 May borrow or steal to get it.
 Sudden change in friends, favorite
hangouts, and hobbies.
 Frequently getting into trouble
(fights, accidents, illegal activities).
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

32. Psychological signs of drug abuse
 Unexplained change in personality
or attitude.
 Sudden mood swings, irritability, or
angry outbursts.
 Periods of unusual hyperactivity,
agitation, or giddiness.
 Lack of motivation; appears
lethargic or “spaced out.”
 Appears fearful, anxious, or
paranoid, with no reason
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

33. 2
What
Substances are
being
Abused?
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

34. Types of Drugs
Stimulants Depressants Club Drugs Steriods Hallucinogens
All types of drugs can be harmful to physical,
mental/emotional, and social health.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

35. Gateway Drugs
Nicotine, alcohol and Marijuana
Hallucinogens: LSD
Stimulants: Cocaine
Depressants: Alcohol
Inhalant and solvents
Club drugs
Steroids
Commonly Abused Psychoactive Drugs
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

36. Gateway drugs:
 Drugs that often lead to other serious and dangerous drug
use
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

37. National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, 2003.
Age
0.0%0.0%
0.2%0.2%
0.4%0.4%
0.6%0.6%
0.8%0.8%
1.0%1.0%
1.2%1.2%
1.4%1.4%
1.6%1.6%
1.8%1.8%
55 1010 1515 2121 2525 3030 3535 4040 4545 5050 5555 6060 6565
%ineachagegroupwho
developfirst-timedependence
CANNABIS
ALCOHOL
TOBACCO
Age at tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis dependence per DSM IV
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Cigarettes, Alcohol, And Marijuana;
Increase Risk For Harder Drug Use

38. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Smoking Marijuana Cocaine
•Risk to move on to marijuana is 65 times greater for persons
who smoke
•Risk to move on to cocaine is 104 times greater for persons
who used marijuana
65 104

39. A-Nicotine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
 Nicotine is carcinogenic, affecting most
body systems and highly addictive, even
more addictive than cocaine and heroin.
 Nicotine changes the chemistry of the
brain so that a smoker craves cigarettes.
 Withdrawal causes anxiety, insomnia,
headaches, and gastrointestinal
disturbances.

40. B-Alcohol
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

41. Alcohol is the oldest used drug in the world.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

42. Relaxation or
sedation
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Difficulty walking and Loss of
coordination, slurred speech, Sleepiness

43. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Memory impairment
Reduced judgment
➢ Dilated pupils

44. Long-term abuse causes devastating effects.
Cirrhosis of the liver and is potentially fatal.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

45. Withdrawal is severe, including
delirium tremens
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

46. C-Marijuana
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

47. Most commonly used drug by teenagers
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

48. Mild hallucinogen
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

49. Hashish, or hash, is a stronger form of
marijuana.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

50. Superman effects – false sense power that has
resulted in deaths, or accidental suicide
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

51. Long-term effects of marijuana use include:
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

52. Physical Consequences of Marijuana Use
 Marijuana is derived from
cannabis
 THC, the main psychoactive
ingredient in marijuana, is stored
in body fat and traces of it can be
present in the blood for as long as
a month.

53. Hallucinogens
 Drugs that alter moods, thoughts, and sense perceptions, including
vision, hearing, smell, and touch, distorting reality
 Hallucinogens are associated with psychological dependence
 These agents produce “dreamlike” effects.
 They are all Schedule I drugs with no approved medical use.
 e.g.
➢ LSD: “lysergic acid diethylamide”
➢ Ecstasy
➢ Ketamine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

54. LSD
 Common effects include hallucinations, visions,
afterimages.
 Terrifying, negative experiences may also occur, with effects
lasting up to 12 hours.
 Flashbacks may occur, in which the user experiences the
drug’s effects at a later date without recurrent use of the drug
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

55. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Stimulants

56. CNS Stimulants
A drug that speeds up the
body’s functions
by
Increase level of CNS
activity
are also called
‘uppers’, and ‘speed’.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

57. Physical effects
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

58. Gives a false sense of energy, well-being,
confidence, power
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

59. When a stimulant wears off, the user often feels
exhausted and irritable.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

60. Legally available by prescriptions
Narcolepsy
ADHD (Increase alertness,
improve attention, focusing)
Obesity
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Used to treat

61. Drugs classified as stimulants
Amphetamines
Caffeine
Cocaine
Nicotine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

62. A-Amphetamines
❖ Strong stimulant drugs that Affect the central nervous system
and autonomic nervous system.
❖ Used
 to stay awake and alert
 improve athletic performance
 lose weight: Suppress appetite
 temporary high
❑ Commonly used.
❑ Extremely addictive.
❑ Destroy tissue in the brain and can lead to
brain damage Dr. Eman M. Mortada

63. B-Cocaine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

64. Cocaine is Illegal psychoactive drug made
from the leaves of the coca tree
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

65. A Schedule II drug with limited use,
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

66. Most powerful natural stimulant that
produces euphoria
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

67. but may cause serious nasal problems
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

68. Death from respiratory arrest.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

69. C-Caffeine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

70. The most widely used psychoactive drug in
the world
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

71. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks,
chocolate, and many OTC
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

72. Used to relieve fatigue and increase alertness
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

73. Caffeine is physically addictive
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

74. Coffee nerves
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

75. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Depressants

76. CNS Depressants
A drug that
decrease the
body’s
functions by
decrease
level of CNS
activity are
also called
‘downers’.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

77. During use: giving the user a false sense of well-being
through reduced anxiety and relaxation.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

78. After use: user may experience mood swings
and depression.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

79. Barbiturates
 Strong depressants that are used to treat anxiety: sedatives
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

80. Opiates – highly addictive
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
 Narcotics (Drugs that get rid of pain and dull the senses)
Morphine, Codeine Heroin

81. Heroin:
▪ Usually injected, Needle marks
▪ Gives users instant “high”
✓ contracted pupils
✓ no response of pupils to light
✓ nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting after the effects wear off
▪ Users need more and more to feel the effects
▪ Most dangerous abused drug
▪ Known as the queen of all drugs, heroin is the most harmful
drug in the world.
▪ Many users die of overdose
▪ Getting HIV, the virus that causes aids, is a risk because many
heroin users share needles
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

82. Usually injected, Needle marks
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

83. Gives users instant “high”
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

84. contracted pupils
no response of pupils to light
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

85. Most dangerous abused drug
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

86. Getting HIV,
because many heroin users share needles
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

87. Club Drugs
❑ Illegal drugs that are found mostly in nightclubs
❑ are often made in home laboratories and mixed with other
harmful chemicals.
• Also known as “X”
• has both stimulant and
hallucinogenic effects.
• Can damage organs
• Can make a person
feel anxious and
paranoid
Ecstasy
• AKA date-rape drug
• are depressants, or
sedatives
• Causes blackouts
• Causes memory loss
Rohypnol
• AKA“special K”
• Is an anesthetic
• Causes hallucinations
• memory loss
• An overdose stop
breathing
• Causes death
Ketamine
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

88. • Watery eyes
• secretions from the noseor rashesaroundthe
noseand mouth
• headachesand nausea
• Drowsiness
• poor musclecontrol
• Anxiety
• irritability
Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors )
The vapors of chemicals that are sniffed or inhaled to get a “high
Most inhalants come from household products that are not meant to
be taken into the body.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

89. Inhaling solvents, aerosols, glues, paints,
varnishes, and gasoline can cause
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Brain
Damage
Liver And
Kidney
Damage
Blindness
Paralysis
Cardiac
Arrest
Death

90. Drugs and Sport
 The rewards of competitive sport, both financial and in
personal and national prestige, are the cause of determination
to win at almost any cost.
 Drugs are used optimistically to enhance performance
1. “Anabolic steroids” for weight lifting, rowing, shot putting
2. Stimulants
Amphetamine – taken for “explosive” events (e.g., 100m sprint)
Caffeine – swallowing caffeine in a tablet
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

91. Steroids
 Synthetic substances similar to male sex hormones
 steroids can result in unnatural muscle growth.
People who use steroids may have problems controlling anger.
The effects of steroid use include:
Shrinking testicles, reduced sperm count,
baldness, development of breasts, increased
risk of prostate cancer
Facial hair, baldness, menstrual cycle changes,
a deepened voice
Effects on
Females
Effects on males
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

92. Dr. Eman M. Mortada

93. 3
Burden of
Substance
abuse
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

94. World Drug Report
 The use of now illegal substances spread until it became
a worldwide phenomenon.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

95. It is estimated that 1 out of 20 people between
the ages of 15 and 64 years, used an illicit drug.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

96. 1 out of 10 drug users is a problem drug user.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

97. Trafficking
 Trafficking involves production, distribution
and sales, a complex international network.
 Some of the largest producers in the
world include:
➢ Afghanistan: opium
➢ Paraguay: cannabis (for South American
market)
➢ Columbia: cocaine
➢ Kazakhstan: cannabis
➢ Mexico: opium (second largest)
➢ Morocco: hashish
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

98. The U.S. has:
❑ 4% of the
world’s population
and
❑ consumes 63%
of the world’s
illegal drugs.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

99. heroin
amphetamine
alcohol
cannabis
 “Drugs is certainly a problem in Saudi Arabia
 While drug abuse made up the majority of cases, drug
trafficking was also found to be on the rise. .
Common substance abuse in KSA
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

100.  The problem is more pronounced in
Mecca
 Saudi capital Riyadh to be second in
the number of drug-related cases,
 Followed by:
➢ Jazan,
➢ Asir,
➢ Madinah,
➢ Tabuk,
➢ Al-Qassim and
➢ Al-Jouf.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

101. 4
Consequences
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

102. Current Use in Ohio
Consequences
❑ Neurotoxicity
❑ AIDS,
❑ Cancer
❑ Mental illness
❑ Health care
❑ Productivity
❑ Accidents
❑ Homelessness
❑ Crime
❑ Violence
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

103. Addiction
 Addiction is defined as The irresistible Continued use
of drugs despite negative consequences
Addiction is A Brain Disease
 Characterized by:
 withdrawal symptoms,
 tolerance,
 inability to quit or cut back
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

104. Essential Criteria For Drug Addiction:
The ABC’s of Addiction
The Addiction
Cycle As the effects of
the drug wear
off, the user then
experiences
symptoms of
withdrawal.
The user takes
the drug again to
relieve
withdrawal
symptoms and
repeat the feelings of
short-term
pleasure.
Abuse of Intended Use: A user takes a drug
to experience short-term pleasure.
Use for non-therapeutic purposes
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

105. ADIS
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Drug Use Has Played a Prominent
Role in the AIDS Epidemic

106. 4 Out of 10 U.S. AIDS Deaths Are
Related to Drug Abuse
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

107. • Disease Transmission
- IV Drug Use— Needle sharing
- Impaired judgment,
disinhibition, leading to risky
sexual behaviors having
unprotected sex
• Disease Progression
• Neurological Complications
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

108. Why do Mental Illnesses and Substance
Abuse Co-occur?
 Self-medication
 substance abuse begins as a means
to alleviate symptoms of mental
illness
 Causal effects
 Substance abuse may increase
vulnerability to mental illness
 Common or correlated causes
 the risk factors that give rise to
mental illness and substance abuse
may be related or overlap
substance abusers experience higher rates of
other comorbid mental illnesses
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

109.  Miscarriages
 Premature birth
 Low birth weight
 Birth defects
 Developmental problems
 A baby’s health problems, if caused by a drug will continue
to grow as the child grows.
❑ A pregnant female who shares needles with other heroin
users risks infecting herself and her baby with HIV.
Effects Of Drug Use On fetus
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

110. 5
Causes
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

111. Causes
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

112. Addiction Involves Multiple Factors
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

113. Perspectives on Drug Abuse
Structural functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic Interactionsim
Biological Perspective
Psychological Perspective
Sociological explanations Non-sociological explanations
Focus on the role
society and social
interaction have on
participating in drug abuse
Focus on
characteristics of
individuals that influence
participating in drug abuse

114. Genetic Predisposition to Addiction
▪Studies have shown that 40-60 percent of the predisposition
to addiction can be attributed to genetics
▪Identical twins twice as likely as fraternal twins to have
similar drug-usage
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Biological Theories

115. 1
10
100
Child Teen Young Adult Adult
1.5%
5.5%
<12 12-17 18-25 >25
26%
67%
Age: Addiction is a Developmental Disease: It Starts Early
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

116. Past Month Use of Selected Illicit Drugs and Alcohol among
Youths Aged 12 to 17, by Gender and Age Group: 2012
# Difference between this estimate and the male estimate
is statistically significant at the .05 level.
Source: SAMHSA. (2013c). Results from the 2012 National Survey
on Drug Use and Health: Mental health findings, NSDUH Series H-47.
Highest Risk Periods for Drug Abuse Among Youth

118. Risk of addiction is higher because young brains
are still developing- can alter brain development

119. Gender
Women have lower rates of substance use than men.
8.5
10.2
3.4
4.4
3.3
1.9
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
past year alcohol dependence past month heavy alcohol use past year illicit drug dependence or
abuse
men women
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015a). Behavioral health barometer:
United States, 2015. HHS Publication No. SMA-16-Baro-2015. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

120. Personal factors
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

121. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Curiosity

122. Experimentation

123. Prove their independence
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

124. Overcome feelings of insecurity
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

125. Get high=pleasure-seeking
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126. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Improve creativity

127. Escape reality= Escapism
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128. Dr. Eman M. Mortada
Influence of Family

129. A poor family life
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130. Unhappy childhood
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

131. Parental drug use and a positive attitude
toward use
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132. Family management problems
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

133. Environmental Factors Contribute to
Addiction
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

134. Peers
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

135. Availability
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136. Movies and TV shows that glamorize drug
use
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

137. Cultural Beliefs & Traditions
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

138. Culture of self-diagnosis and self-
prescription
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

139. Sociological Explanations
Structural Functionalism
 Drug abuse is a response to:
◼ Society not working properly
◼ Weakening of societal norms (anomie).
◼ The absence of a perceived bond between the individual and
society.

140. Structural Functionalist Perspective
 Drug use may be functional
◼ Drugs help to relax,
◼ They might help to focus better,
improve alertness
◼ Prescription and over the counter
drugs help patients, pain relief
◼ They help doctors treat patients,
justify their fees
◼ Provide jobs for pharmacists

141. Structural Functionalist Perspective
 Drug abuse can be dysfunctional
◼ Dysfunctional because people can
become addicted
◼ Dysfunctional because they are linked
to crime, violence, and other social
problems.

142. Conflict Perspective
 Drug use is a response to
◼ Political, social and economic inequality.
◼ Escape from frustration caused by inequality.
Sociological Explanations

143. Conflict Perspective
 Most powerful members of society
◼ influence the legal definition of
drug and legality of drugs use
Sociological Explanations
Groups that
benefit from
drug
use the power
to keep it
available

144. Drug control.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada
is a tool
used by
the most powerful groups
to control others and
serve political and economic interests

145. Conflict theorists also stress that:
politicians
Use
drug laws
to control what are called
“the dangerous classes.”

146. Formulation of drug policies.
 In addition to social class, conflict theorists point out the
influence of race and ethnicity in the formulation of drug
policies.
◼ Since crack cocaine is more likely to be used by African
Americans and powder cocaine more likely to be used by
whites, this was recognized as racial discrimination.

147. Symbolic Interactionist
Sociological Explanations
Cultural Definitions of Drug Use
 Our understanding of drug use based on the meanings that people
attach to it
 The meaning of a drug depends on who is defining it
◼ Is it the government?
◼ A doctor?
◼ peers?

148.  Changing Social Definitions:
◼ What is normal at one time, might be
viewed as abuse in another time
◼ Even what is legal and illegal have
changed over time:
1. Opium and morphine -1800s – early 1900s,
used as a pain killer
2. Cocaine - active ingredient in Coca-Cola until
1906
(replaced by another drug–caffeine)
Symbolic Interactionist
Sociological Explanations

149. Symbolic Interactionist
Sociological Explanations
 Drug abuse is learned behavior
◼ through interaction with others.
◼ influenced by families, peers, and others
 Once one is labeled an “alcoholic” “drug
addict” or “drug user”
◼ the label is internalized,
◼ drug use will continue, even escalate
◼ will have difficultly discontinuing use

150. 6
Prevention
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

151. Prevention
The good news is…
Drug Abuse is a
preventable behavior
and
Drug Addiction is
a treatable diseaseDr. Eman M. Mortada

152. Prevention and Treatment Programs
 Primary prevention
 Programs that seek to prevent drug problems before they
begin
 Secondary prevention
 Programs seek to:
 Limit extent of drug abuse
 Prevent spread to other substances beyond those already experienced
 Teach strategies for responsible use of illicit drugs
 Tertiary prevention
 Programs that seek to limit relapses by individuals in
recovery

153. Primary prevention
To prevent initiation of substance use or delaying the age at
which use begins.
Two Strategies
1- to reduce supply
based on the principle that
the decreased availability of
substances reduces the
opportunities for abuse and
dependence
e.g. Law Enforcement
Efforts
2- to reduce demand
including health promotion
and disease prevention
=
educating potential users and
convincing them to “say no” to
drugs
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

154. To target individuals in the early stages of psychoactive
substance use, in order to prevent substance use becoming a
problem and thereby limit the degree of damage to the
individual.
Before a person can be helped, the person needs to
acknowledge that he or she has a drug problem.
 Many abusers deny their behavior; others deny the underlying
problems that led them to drug abuse.
 The next step would be for the person to explore possible
treatment options.
Secondary prevention
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

155. Treating a Biobehavioral Disorder Must Go Beyond Just
Fixing the Chemistry
Pharmacological
Treatments
(Medications)
We Need to Treat the
Whole Person!
In Social Context
Behavioral Therapies
Social ServicesMedical Services
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

156. Drug Treatment
Detoxification – ridding the body of drugs
Starting point – works through withdrawal
Therapeutic Communities
Drug free residential treatment facilities
Psychological Interventions
Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches
Antidepressants – treatment of cocaine addiction
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

157. Tertiary prevention
To end dependence and minimize problems resulting
from use/abuse.
This is to enable the individual to achieve and maintain an
improved level of functioning and health.
This is also called rehabilitation and relapse prevention.
Dr. Eman M. Mortada

158. Dr. Eman M. Mortada