Assignment 2: LASA I—Amphetamine Use And Abuse

Assignment 2: LASA I—Amphetamine Use and Abuse

Examine the change in amphetamine use and abuse in the U.S. from the 1950s to the present. Explain to which schedule amphetamines belong and why they are on the Schedule of Controlled Substances. Explain the effects Aaliyah might be experiencing as a result of her regular amphetamine use. Be sure to include: â—¦Acute effects, chronic effects, and withdrawal â—¦Effects on physiology (brain and body), behavior, mood, and toxicity. Give at least three indications from the case study suggesting there may be a problem with Aaliyah's substance use. Describe at least three likely behaviors that Aaliyah is likely to exhibit if she is misusing amphetamines. Determine whether Aaliyah has an abuse problem or a dependency problem, including a discussion of DSM-IV-TR criteria.

Paper For Above instruction

Amphitamin use and abuse have evolved considerably in the United States from the 1950s to the present day. Initially introduced in the early 20th century for medical purposes such as weight control, nasal decongestants, and stimulant therapy for various disorders, amphetamines gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. During these decades, their recreational use increased, leading to widespread abuse. The late 20th century marked a crackdown with regulatory measures, including scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act, due to their high potential for dependence and adverse health effects. Today, amphetamine use persists both medically and illicitly, with emergent concerns about misuse among adolescents and young adults, exhibiting patterns of dependency and substantial health risks (Johnson & Smith, 2018).

According to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs. This classification is attributed to their high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, yet they retain legitimate medical uses under strict regulations. Medical uses include treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, with prescriptions monitored carefully to prevent diversion and misuse. The classification underscores the significant risk associated with their recreational use and dependence potential (DEA, 2020).

Aaliyah’s case exemplifies the typical progression associated with prolonged amphetamine use. Initially, she used the drug to enhance focus and academic performance temporarily. However, continued use led to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Such chronic use can produce a range of effects, including acute stimulant symptoms like increased alertness, decreased fatigue, and euphoria. Conversely, chronic effects may include cardiovascular strain, hypertension, anxiety, restlessness, and potential neurotoxicity. Withdrawal symptoms can manifest as fatigue, depression, increased appetite, and sleep disturbances when use is discontinued (Klein, 2017).

On the physiological level, amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system by increasing the release and decreasing the reuptake of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This leads to heightened alertness but also cardiovascular stress, increased heart rate, and potential for neurological damage with prolonged use (McGregor et al., 2019). Behaviorally, Aaliyah might exhibit signs of agitation, irritability, or paranoia, alongside risky behaviors due to impaired judgment, which can heighten toxicity risk.

Three indicators from the case suggest a problematic substance use include her increasing dosage (more pills), the continued use despite recognizing health issues like headaches, and her reliance on the drug to maintain academic success. These behaviors mirror patterns of dependence, including tolerance development, continued use despite adverse consequences, and compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Based on DSM-IV-TR criteria, Aaliyah’s behaviors align more closely with substance dependence rather than abuse. Dependence involves tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use, which is evident in her increasing dosage and continued use despite health problems. She exhibits symptoms of physiological dependence, as her need for higher doses indicates tolerance, and she continues use despite negative health effects (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Her pattern suggests she is transitioning from use to dependence, warranting intervention and treatment.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., text rev.).
• DEA. (2020). Controlled Substances Scheduling. Drug Enforcement Administration. https://www.dea.gov
• Johnson, L., & Smith, R. (2018). Historical perspectives on amphetamine use in America. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 85, 45-52.
• Klein, R. (2017). Neuropsychological effects of chronic stimulant use. Neuropharmacology Reviews, 23(2), 134-148.
• McGregor, P., et al. (2019). The physiological impacts of amphetamine misuse. Journal of Brain Chemistry, 31(4), 211-222.