Examine The Change In Amphetamine Use And Abuse In Th 052617

Examine the change in amphetamine use and abuse in the U.S. from the 1950s to the present

Assignment 2: LASA I—Amphetamine Use and Abuse Aaliyah continues to struggle with balancing her work hours and her schoolwork. She has been drinking coffee to help her stay awake, but it is no longer working. She has an exam coming up and needs to stay up to study. Aaliyah decides to take an amphetamine to stay awake to study for the exam. She promises herself that she will only take it this one time for the exam.

The drug allows her to stay awake and alert while she is studying for the exam. She also feels that she is learning the material better as a result of the amphetamine. When the grades are in, Aaliyah receives an A on her work. As the semester continues, Aaliyah turns to amphetamines more and more often to help her stay awake to complete her schoolwork. Soon, Aaliyah finds that one pill no longer keeps her awake as long as she needs.

She starts taking more than one pill at a time. She knows that taking amphetamines so often is not good for her health, and she finds she experiences an increase in headaches when she takes them, but she continues to take them because they are helping her be successful in school and at work. Based on the case study, prepare a paper that addresses the following: 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: Acute effects, chronic effects, and withdrawal 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. That is, 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. Include a discussion of DSM-IV-TR criteria. Use the template to help you make the assessment. Write a 4-5-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M3_A2.doc. By Wednesday, April 2, 2014, deliver your assignment to the M3: Assignment 2 Dropbox.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of amphetamine use and abuse in the United States has been marked by significant changes since the 1950s. During the 1950s and 1960s, amphetamines gained popularity as over-the-counter medications for weight loss and stimulant purposes. Their popularity increased among military personnel and the general population, often leading to misuse and dependency (McCabe, 2008). In the 1970s, recognition of their harmful effects prompted stricter regulation, culminating in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified amphetamines as Schedule II substances. This classification was based on their high potential for abuse, risk of dependency, and accepted medical uses under strict regulation (United States Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], 2020).

From the 1980s onward, patterns of amphetamine use shifted with the advent of illicit manufacturing and the rise of methamphetamine abuse, particularly in rural areas and the Western United States. Methamphetamine, a powerful derivative of amphetamine, surged in popularity due to its high potency, addictive potential, and low cost of production. The epidemic of methamphetamine abuse in the late 20th and early 21st centuries underscored the need for reinforced law enforcement efforts and public health interventions aimed at reducing abuse and dependency (Burnett & Johnston, 2014).

Amphetamines, classified as Schedule II under the Controlled Substances Act, are designated as such because of their recognized medical utility—treating ADHD and narcolepsy—yet they have a high potential for abuse and dependence (DEA, 2020). Schedule II drugs are characterized by a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Their prescribing is strictly regulated, with limitations on prescriptions and dispensing controls to prevent misuse.

In Aaliyah's case, her regular use of amphetamines as an academic stimulant illustrates some of the typical effects associated with long-term use. The acute effects of amphetamines include increased alertness, decreased fatigue, euphoria, increased energy, and decreased appetite (Kalant et al., 2017). These effects explain Aaliyah’s initial success in staying awake, performing well academically, and feeling more capable of learning material. However, repeated use leads to chronic effects, such as cardiovascular issues (e.g., increased blood pressure, tachycardia), mental health challenges like anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, along with neurotoxicity affecting dopamine pathways (McCann et al., 2018).

Furthermore, withdrawal effects in individuals like Aaliyah can be severe and include fatigue, depression, increased appetite, and psychomotor retardation. These symptoms are a result of the brain's dependence on the excess dopamine and norepinephrine released under amphetamine influence. Over time, dependence may develop, characterized by craving, continued use despite harm, and difficulty stopping the drug (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000).

In terms of behavior, Aaliyah exhibits at least three indicators of problematic amphetamine use: she increases her intake beyond the initial one-pill promise, experiences physical symptoms such as headaches, and continues to use despite harmful health effects. These behaviors suggest she may be developing a substance use disorder. According to DSM-IV-TR criteria, substance abuse involves a maladaptive pattern of use leading to significant impairment or distress, manifested by at least one of a range of symptoms such as failure to fulfill major role obligations, continued use despite social or interpersonal problems, or hazardous use (APA, 2000). Similarly, substance dependence extends this pattern with criteria including tolerance, withdrawal, and unsuccessful efforts to cut down (APA, 2000).

Based on her increasing dosage, continued use despite physical health issues, and potential for dependency, Aaliyah appears to be transitioning from abuse to dependence. She exhibits signs consistent with the DSM-IV-TR criteria for dependence, including tolerance (needing more pills to achieve the same alertness), and possibly withdrawal symptoms if she tries to stop. Her behavior indicates an escalating pattern of use that could lead to severe physiological and psychological consequences if unaddressed.

In conclusion, Aaliyah's case underscores the risk factors associated with amphetamine misuse, the importance of understanding the drug's classification and effects, and the need for early intervention. Recognizing behavioral signs and applying standardized diagnostic criteria are essential for effective treatment planning and preventing progression to dependency. Continued education on the risks of stimulant misuse remains vital in combating the rising tide of prescription drug abuse in the United States.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.).
• Burnett, L., & Johnston, L. (2014). The methamphetamine epidemic: Trends and issues. Journal of Substance Abuse Research, 19(2), 123–135.
• Kalant, S., Thomasius, R., et al. (2017). The neuropsychopharmacology of stimulants. Pharmacological Reviews, 69(1), 128–174.
• McCann, U. D., et al. (2018). Long-term neurotoxicity of methamphetamine: Evidence from clinical research. NeuroToxicology, 65, 292–303.
• McCabe, S. E. (2008). Trends in prescription drug abuse in the United States. Annals of Epidemiology, 18(5), 343–349.
• United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Controlled Substances Act: Scheduling of controlled substances. DEA.gov.