Author Question: Identify and discuss the various theoretical explanations for the onset of drug use. What will be ... (Read 41 times)

KWilfred · **on:** Aug 17, 2018

Identify and discuss the various theoretical explanations for the onset of drug use.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the research on drug use through life course. Identify the various pathways that may affect ones propensity to desist from using drugs.

What will be an ideal response?

prumorgan · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 17, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The answer should contain the following points:

cognitive-affective theoriesrelate to how the perceptions about the costs and benefits of drug use contribute to adolescents decisions to experiment with these substances

addictive personality theory the typical addict has an addiction prone personality and suffers from some deep-rooted personality disorder or emotional problems

stress relief theorythe desire to get highas a means to relieve stress, depression, or the boredom of everyday lifeis common in adolescent culture

social learning theorythe adolescents involvement in substance abuse begins with observation and imitation of substance-specific behaviors, continues with social reinforcement, and culminates in a juveniles expectation of positive social and psychological consequences from continued drug use

social control theoriesemotional attachment to peers who use substances is a primary cause of substance abuse

social disorganization theorythe bleak economic environmentdoubt, hopelessness, and uncertaintyrelief in drugs

integrated theoriesElliot and colleagues use strain, social control, and social learning theories to form a perspective that accounts for delinquent behavior and drug use

Answer to Question 2

The answer should contain the following points:

research of Marvin and othersuse of alcohol and drugs in early adolescence

research of Krohn and colleaguesthe cumulative impact of experiencing various early transitions

research of Gary and others:

substance use starts from tobacco and alcohol to marijuana and then to more dangerous substances

substance use and abuse in early adolescence is associated with serious delinquency, deviant careers, antisocial personality disorders and risky behaviors in later life

substance abuse is associated with poor academic performance, serious criminal offenses in general and higher rates of psychiatric disorders and disorders of greater severity

five groups identifiednonviolen t, late-onsetters, desisters, persisters, and one-time offenders

drug addicts, like those with a history of delinquency and criminality, sometimes have a turning point or change, except for those deeply entrenched in drugs as adolescents

religious experience or an extremely positive experience in a therapeutic community for drug addicts

two basic pathways

They may restrict themselves to substance abuse and not be involved in other delinquent activities; these offenders may desist from substance abuse after their adolescent years or continue to use drugs as adults.

Alternatively, substance-abusing youths who also participate in other delinquent activities may desist from one or both types of activity during adolescence or continue to be involved in one or both as adults.