The Days of D.A.R.E. Are Over: Drugs and Youth

Catalog description

Drug abuse is a more acute problem and more widespread than in any previous era of our country. Just as technology continues to evolve, drug use follows similar paths of evolution. Today, there are thousands of new drugs available that are used for medicinal purposes, recreational purposes, and other uses that affect the health of our citizens. The impact of drug use and/or abuse on the lives of ordinary people with be explored both through academic readings as well as biographies of young people who have dealt with the problem of drug abuse. Material will be presented from a wide range of disciplines and theoretical perspectives highlighting the bio-psycho-social nature of the problem--both the etiology as well as the effects of addiction. The impact of both macro (society) and micro (family and friends) on drug use of both licit (alcohol, over the counter drugs, and prescription) and illicit (marijuana, hallucinogens, and cocaine) on various subcultures such as sports/athletics, college students, women, adolescents, etc. will be explored. Course content will be covered via lectures, classroom discussions as well as appropriate guest speakers.