Running head: DRUG ABUSE 1 DRUG ABUSE 3 Drug Abuse Stephanie Rincon Argosy University FP6015 | Psychology of Criminal Behavior Professor Robert Thompson July 25, 2018 Drug Abuse Introduction Drug abuse is of legal and illegal drugs for the wrong purpose. Various factors are noted to cause substance abuse. Some of these factors include genetic predisposition, drug use experimentation, concurring conditions and the environment (Benito, Ballesteros, Callado & Meana, 2014). Drugs can consist of a variety of substances. Some are legal although most are not. Abusing legal or illegal drugs is harmful to the human body and leads to physical, mental, psychological, or social harm to an individual or group. Some individuals use the excuse of using drugs because they are depressed, stressed, in pain or any other reason the person can create to excuse his behavior and drug abuse (Brick & Erickson, 2013). The world today does not realize that most people are all habitual drug users because they are continually ingesting nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. Even simple medicines can be counted. There are different groups of drugs; Soft drugs that include tranquilizers, sedatives, cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol, and tobacco. The hard drugs are the ones to worry most about these are harmful to the body, and they include heroin, cocaine (opium), ecstasy, crack and several others. With the use of the hard drugs, it can lead to criminal activities, murder, sicknesses, and diseases. Research revealed that in 2011, 2.5 million emergency visits were resulting from drug abuse in the United States alone (Sipp, 2017). Besides, only 11 percent of those who are addicted received medical care. The remaining population of 89 percent is too vast to be without rehabilitation as they may result in more severe cases in future. According to Sipp (2017), the number of patients who are affected either directly or indirectly is growing. Therefore it’s essential to increase the rehabilitation centers at a higher rate so that the effects of drug abuse can be reduced through prevention than treatment. Addiction Poor relationships with parents also contribute to substance abuse. Peers and friends who are drug users influence other who becomes vulnerable to indulge in the behavior. Others enter into drug abuse to compensate for their in achievements such as failure to excel in education and other fields (Buccelli, Della, Paternoster, Niola, & Pieri, 2016). Continuous use of drugs leads to addiction (Longo, Wilson, Christopher & Grant, 2016). However the frequency of abuse that causes addition if different in different people. Some people react fast with the drugs hence developing a constant craving for them even after short periods of use. On the other hand, some individuals may use the drugs for a relatively long time before becoming an addict. Apart from addiction, drug abuse can lead to various criminal activities such as juvenile sex offenses, violence, and robbery a ...

1. Running head: DRUG ABUSE 1
DRUG ABUSE 3
Drug Abuse
Stephanie Rincon
Argosy University
FP6015 | Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Professor Robert Thompson
July 25, 2018
Drug Abuse
Introduction
Drug abuse is of legal and illegal drugs for the wrong purpose.
Various factors are noted to cause substance abuse. Some of
these factors include genetic predisposition, drug use
experimentation, concurring conditions and the environment
(Benito, Ballesteros, Callado & Meana, 2014). Drugs can
consist of a variety of substances. Some are legal although most
are not. Abusing legal or illegal drugs is harmful to the human
body and leads to physical, mental, psychological, or social
harm to an individual or group. Some individuals use the excuse
of using drugs because they are depressed, stressed, in pain or
any other reason the person can create to excuse his behavior
and drug abuse (Brick & Erickson, 2013). The world today does
not realize that most people are all habitual drug users because

2. they are continually ingesting nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine.
Even simple medicines can be counted.
There are different groups of drugs; Soft drugs that include
tranquilizers, sedatives, cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol, and
tobacco. The hard drugs are the ones to worry most about these
are harmful to the body, and they include heroin, cocaine
(opium), ecstasy, crack and several others. With the use of the
hard drugs, it can lead to criminal activities, murder,
sicknesses, and diseases. Research revealed that in 2011, 2.5
million emergency visits were resulting from drug abuse in the
United States alone (Sipp, 2017). Besides, only 11 percent of
those who are addicted received medical care. The remaining
population of 89 percent is too vast to be without rehabilitation
as they may result in more severe cases in future. According to
Sipp (2017), the number of patients who are affected either
directly or indirectly is growing. Therefore it’s essential to
increase the rehabilitation centers at a higher rate so that the
effects of drug abuse can be reduced through prevention than
treatment.
Addiction
Poor relationships with parents also contribute to substance
abuse. Peers and friends who are drug users influence other who
becomes vulnerable to indulge in the behavior. Others enter into
drug abuse to compensate for their in achievements such as
failure to excel in education and other fields (Buccelli, Della,
Paternoster, Niola, & Pieri, 2016).
Continuous use of drugs leads to addiction (Longo, Wilson,
Christopher & Grant, 2016). However the frequency of abuse
that causes addition if different in different people. Some
people react fast with the drugs hence developing a constant
craving for them even after short periods of use. On the other
hand, some individuals may use the drugs for a relatively long
time before becoming an addict. Apart from addiction, drug
abuse can lead to various criminal activities such as juvenile
sex offenses, violence, and robbery among others (Buccelli et
al., 2016). Drug abusers will misuse not only illegal drugs but

3. also the legal ones. They will take excessive amounts of over-
the-counter or prescription medication to get high. Contrary to
what some of the drug abusers believe most drugs worsen
anxiety, depression, impulsive behavior, and antisocial
behavior. For drug abusers, the only thing that matters to them
is getting their next high at any cost. Most users will lose
everything they have to get high; this is why they most often
require professional help.
On the other hand, analgesics are essential remedies for
relieving pain; however, users are advised to be cautious since
continued use of this form of medication is increasingly
addictive. Since relief from pain occurs upon simple ingestion
of the painkiller, people tend to prefer them over other non-drug
pain management techniques. As such, instances of addiction
are higher, calling form extra care to avoid such occurrences
since overdosing can result in serious complications that put
one's life at risk. Addiction is caused by our culture of
considering medical remedies for treating simple pains that can
be suppressed by other methodologies (Agbonghale & Okaka,
2017). Moreover, addiction to prescription medication is
heightened by the relaxation feeling registered upon the use of
analgesics. Besides, the euphoric side effects caused by many
opioids bring about certain aspects of excitement in users
similar to that achieved from intense physical exercise.
However, the relaxation and pleasure derived from the use of
medication require no effort contrary to that obtained from
physical activities. The nature of human beings of using
shortcuts to attain specific desires increases their preferences of
using analgesics in place of physical exercise. The effect is an
addiction, which is characterized by intense side effects on
one's health. Therefore, usage of painkillers should be limited
only to prescription by health physicians to protect individuals
from any resulting side effects.
Distribution of the Drugs
The area of concern that needs to be addressed is the
distribution of the drugs. The government plays a huge role in

4. licensing the legal drug distributors (Sipp, 2017). But
unfortunately, the licensed individuals also participate in the
distribution of the illegal drugs or foster the illicit use of legal
drugs. Equally, there are other unlawful distributors of the drug
that needs to be investigated and taken through the judicial
process. The efficient way of reducing the rate of drug abuse in
different states is through preventing the distribution process
(Longo et al., 2016). High penalties should be imposed on
distributors of the drugs rather than the users. In the supply of
the drugs is reduced or stopped, an equal effect will reflect
among the users. After which the addicts can be taken through
the suitable rehabilitation processes.
There are also serious consequences for drug traffickers trying
to bring drugs into the United States for profit. Becoming a
drug trafficker can lead to prison or death at the hands of police
or someone trying to steal the drugs. Drug traffickers are
sometimes abusers as well. They go to any lengths to get the
drugs into the United States for sale or to abuse themselves.
They then distribute them to dealers who distribute them to the
abusers.
The Effects of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse among the youth has more drastic effects on the
future of the society hence should be addressed. Young people
are the most affected social group, and they are easily
influenced to indulge in the offensive act. Some of them are not
mature enough to make rational decisions before committing the
crime. Therefore, the society and government should act in
unison to save the generation.
Drug abuse affects a person physically, mentally and socially by
impairing his ability to function, concentrate, and perceive
things around them. The behavior in humans is very complex
such that when they abuse drugs, there is a reaction of multiple
genetic and environmental influences on how the person reacts
to the substance. The effects of drug abuse have personal
factors that affect each person’s psyche, behavior, and
emotions. These factors bring about changes in a person’s

5. responsibilities toward like such as school, work, and home life.
It can cause a person to become completely unaware or uncaring
about the people around him. A severe drug abuser will even
steal from their own families to obtain what they want.
Most hard drugs can cause a person to hallucinate and become
completely out of touch with reality (Brown et al., 2018). Some
people go insane because of over abuse of drugs. They cannot
function in the everyday world with other people because they
cannot think clearly. Abusers most often cannot hold jobs
because of failing a drug test, not doing their job correctly,
their abnormal interaction with other people, or from stealing.
Crime and death are most often associated with drug abusers
because these are two of the most common consequences of
abusing drugs.
Abusing drugs can affect many aspects of a person’s life as
mentioned before, but it also affects him legally, socially, and
causes physical harm to the body. Drugs can cause heart attack,
diseases like HIV attack or murder another individual
(Golichenko, Stolz, & Ezer, 2018). Some of their social
behaviors can lead to jail or prison time because an individual
will commit a crime to support their drug of choice and all of
the hard drugs are illegal in all 50 states.
An abuser will go to any lengths to get their drug of choice.
They will even go as far as to neglect their life responsibilities
like, whether it is their family and spouse or their social
responsibilities; they will go to any length to achieve their next
high. Neglecting family members is one of the saddest
consequences. Mothers who abuse drugs while pregnant either
have miscarriages, have children with congenital disabilities or
mental retardation and even get their children taken from them.
For older children with drug abusing parents, it can affect them
psychologically. To see their parents abusing drugs and how the
parent's act causes the child to fail to have the right kind of
common example that he should have.
Abuse of Analgesic Drugs and Their Effects
Analgesic drugs, also known as painkillers refer to any form of

6. medication used to relieve individuals from pain (Trotto, 2015).
Painkillers function in different ways on an individual's central
and peripheral nervous system, with the effect of relieving one
from pain. Analgesics are distinct from anesthetics known to
eliminate the sensing abilities of the nervous system whose
result is the inability of the body to perceive pain. However,
painkillers achieve the elimination of pain in different ways
depending on the group of medication used. Despite the vital
role played by painkillers, excessive intake of the same amounts
to drug abuse and can have adverse side effects on users
(Trotto, 2015). Therefore, it is essential to consult a
professional physician to provide the best prescription on the
best analgesic to use.
History of Painkillers
Since time immemorial, people across the world considered
using biological mechanisms to fight pain. People in ancient
Egypt utilized leaves from the myrtle bush while Native
Americans used the backs of the birch tree. On the other hand,
Europeans cured pain by chewing hunks of willow barks.
Scientists in the nineteenth century managed to isolate salicin
chemical believed to relieve pain from the plants. The isolation
opened ways for the discovery of reasons behind the side effect
of terrible digestive problems upon intake of the above-stated
pain remedies. After independent researches, a relatively less
harmful derivative chemical was synthesized by a scientist at
Bayer Pharmaceutical. Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) was dubbed
aspirin by the organization and was commercialized as an anti-
pain remedy for human beings (Trotto, 2015).
How Painkillers Work
Painkillers achieve elimination of pain in various ways
depending on the group of drugs taken. Opioid drugs constitute
heavy duty drugs such as codeine and morphine mostly used in
treating severe pain (Trotto, 2015). Opioids work in two ways
towards the primary objective of relieving pain. When part of
the body registers an injury, nerve ends at the region quickly
perceive the message and transfer the signal to pain receptors in

7. the brain. Opioids accomplish their desired function of killing
pain by either interfering with or blocking the transmission of
the pain message through the nervous system (Trotto, 2015). As
a result, the signal fails to reach the brain for interpretation;
thus no pain is felt. The second method of functioning for
opioids is by changing the manner in which the brain functions.
By doing so, normal pain perception by the brain is altered.
Primarily, opioids do not cause ill pain. However, they only
change and reduce the user's perception of pain, which brings
about a sensation of relief.
On the other hand, aspirin drugs such as ibuprofen constitute
over the counter drugs that many people sought to cure pains
such as headaches and back pains. Contrary to the functioning
mechanism for narcotic opioids, aspirin manages to eliminate
pain from the site of injury by actually damaging it. When body
cells are destroyed, large quantities of an enzyme called
cyclooxygenase-2 are released from the cells (Trotto, 2015). In
turn, the enzyme produces prostaglandins chemical that is
responsible for transmitting pain signals from the site of injury
to the brain for interpretation. Prostaglandins chemical also
stimulates the release of fluids from the blood to act as a
cushion to prevent the damaged cells from any further beating.
It is the fluid cushion that is responsible for the inflammations
and swellings that characterized by immense pains and aches.
When we intake aspirin, it is dissolved in the stomach and
transferred to all parts of the body via the blood system. Even
though the drug finds its way to all body parts, its effect is only
felt at the point of damage. Aspirin cures intense pain by
attaching itself to the molecules of cyclooxygenase-2 chemical,
thus preventing further production of prostaglandins (Trotto,
2015). By inhibiting secretion of prostaglandins, no more pain
signals are transferred to the brain. Consequently, the victim
will not perceive any form of pain from the area of injury.
Despite the elimination of pain, cells in the region of injury will
remain damaged, and the resultant inflammation persists.
Aspirins ability to prevent secretion of prostaglandins makes it

8. an essential requirement for fighting the risk of suffering heart
attacks. Higher contents of prostaglandins in the body increase
possibilities of clotting that may cause blockage of blood
vessels. Besides, aspirin reduces production of thromboxane
chemical that has the effect of making platelets sticky (Trotto,
2015). This reduction is dangerous to people's health since
sticky platelets increase occurrences of blockages in blood
vessels that cause heart attacks.
Drug Abuse Prevention Measures
The problem can be prevented in various ways. Reduce the
access of the young people who are the most vulnerable to these
drugs. It can be done through revoking all licenses held by
people who are found to be the perpetrators of the crime.
Besides, they should be judged for going against the law and
conducting unethical business which endangers other people's
lives either directly or indirectly (Sipp, 2017). Another way of
reducing the problem is through rehabilitation of the addicts.
Once the drug supply has been cut off, the drug users may not
adapt to life without drugs. They will require medical attention
and therapy to recover from addiction. Otherwise, they will
incur psychological problems.
Treatment for Drug Abusers
There are different treatment options for drug abuse. They have
in-patient clinics, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers as
well as self-help books and hotlines (Golichenko, Stolz, & Ezer,
2018). Rehabilitation centers as well as in-patient treatment
clinics house the patients for a certain amount of time and offer
meetings with a professional one-on-one or group therapy.
These places help the patients by weaning them off the drugs.
Letting a user stop taking the drug too quickly can result in
sickness or even death. Self-help groups like AA/NA are for
abusers who have been released from rehabilitation centers or
the ones that are strong-willed enough to help themselves. The
people within these groups will help each other get through
their daily lives without using the drugs.
Conclusion

9. Drugs affect the people who abuse them as well as the people
surrounding them. They have physical, mental, and
psychological effects. Abusing drugs is dangerous and should
be avoided. Abusing drugs can cause sicknesses, diseases, jail
or prison time, the loss of everything and even death (Scherer,
2012). If an abuser is not strong-willed enough to help
themselves or allow family members to help them, seeking
professional help may be their only option. A person can
contact his local clinics or rehabilitation centers to get more
information on how to begin the programs. Painkillers are
essential anti-drug remedies for different forms of pain. Many
types of analgesics exist with prescriptions determined by the
nature of illness to be treated and the responsive of the patient.
Painkillers function in different ways that include inhibiting the
transmission of pain messages through nerves, preventing the
production of prostaglandins, and changing the brain's
perception of pain. In all cases, a person achieves relief from
pain, which is essential for healthy living. Despite the relieving
effect, cases of addiction are high especially for prescribed
medication. Use of non-medication pain management measures
is thus advised to save people from corresponding side effects
of overdosing that may be extremely dangerous.
References
Agbonghale, G. O., & Okaka, R. O. (September 01, 2017).
Effects of Drug Abuse on Academic Performance of
Technology Education Students in Nigerian Public
Universities. Journal of Psychology, 5, 1, 79-83.
Benito, M., Ballesteros J., Callado, L. F. &Meana J. J. (2014).
Recent cocaine use is a significant risk factor for sudden
cardiovascular death in 15-49-year-old subjects: a
forensic case-control study. Addiction 109(12), 2071-078.
Brick, J., & Erickson, C. K. (2013). Drugs, the brain, and
behavior: The pharmacology of abuse and dependence. S.L:
Routledge.
Brown, J. L., Eriksen, M. D., Gause, N. K., Brody, G. H., &

10. Sales, J. M. (January 01, 2018). Impact of Behavioral Drug
Abuse Treatment on Sexual Risk Behaviors: An Integrative
Data Analysis of Eight Trials Conducted Within the
National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials
Network. Prevention Science: the Official Journal of the Society
for Prevention Research, 19, 6, 761-771
Buccelli, C., Della, C. E., Paternoster, M., Niola, M., & Pieri,
M. (January 01, 2016). Gender differences in drug abuse in
the forensic toxicological approach. Forensic Science
International, 265, 89-95.
Golichenko, M., Stolz, S., & Ezer, T. (January 01, 2018).
Addressing Human Rights Abuses against People Who Use
Drugs: A Critical Role for Human Rights Treaty Bodies and
Special Procedures. Journal of Human Rights
Practice, 10, 1, 83-102.
Longo, D. L., Wilson M. C., Christopher M. J., and Grant T. B.
(2016). Relationship between nonmedical prescription-opioid
use and heroin use. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(2),
154-63.
Scherer, L. S. (2012). Drug abuse. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Sipp, W. (January 01, 2017). Co-operation group to combat
drug abuse and illicit trafficking in drugs (Pompidou Group).
The Council of Europe: Its Law and Policies, 413-425.
Trotto, S. (January 01, 2015). Prescription painkillers and the
workforce: Experts say policies and education can help
combat opioid abuse. Safety & Health, 192 (4), 42-44
Introduction to Marketing Design
Module 04 Course Project - Arrangement: Composition in the
Design

11. 1
Introduction to Marketing Design
Module 04 Course Project - Arrangement: Composition in the
Design
Overview:
In this assignment, you will work in the "Module 04 Course
Project Data File" download where you will apply your
knowledge about design color, composition, and arrangement.
This document provides detailed instructions accompanied by
relevant screenshots. You may also wish to view the video
(available on the same page in the course where you
downloaded these instructions) demonstrating the process.
Instructions:
Download and open the "Module 04 Course Project Data File"
(available on the same page in the course where you
downloaded these instructions).
Part 1
In the data file, you will need to select an object in the image
and go to the Drawing Tools tab where you will select Shape
Fill.
The More Fill Colors selection under shape fill allows you to
select from multiple colors.

12. 1. Repeat this process for each object and add color to each
image. Color the objects in the image so they reflect a specific
color scheme of your choice. The example below reflects a
Primary Color Scheme.
2. Once you have finished coloring the objects, add the text
"Rack 'em up!" and change the color of the text to coordinate
with the color scheme you are using.
3. Save the files as: Part 1 Color Scheme 1
4. Repeat the process above to create two (2) more files (Part 1
Color Scheme 2; Part 1 Color Scheme 3). Change the color of
the elements in the image so that each has its own distinct color
scheme.
Part 2
1. Select one (1) of the three (3) color schemes you created in
Part 1. Open it and save the file as: Part 2
2. Rearrange the elements of the image to create a new design.
3. Change the font, selecting a new type-design.
4. Add an appropriate background color by selecting the Design
Tab, then clicking on Page Color. Be sure to select a color that
coordinates with the color scheme used.
5. Save the changes you made to your Part 2 document.
6. Please combine your files listed below into a .zip file before

13. submitting to the drop box. For help with zipping or
compressing your files, visit the Rasmussen College Answers
page: How do you zip files?
a. Part 1 Color Scheme 1.docx
b. Part 1 Color Scheme 2.docx
c. Part 1 Color Scheme 3.docx
d. Part 2.docx