DRUG ABUSE AND SOCIAL POLICY IN AMERICA by Barry Stimmel ( 9780789060310 )

Item Details

Title:

DRUG ABUSE AND SOCIAL POLICY IN AMERICA
THE WAR THAT MUST BE WON

By:

Barry Stimmel

Format:

Hardback

List price:

£65.99

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£59.39

Discount:

10% off

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£6.60

ISBN 10:

0789060310

ISBN 13:

9780789060310

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Publisher:

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Pub. date:

7 November, 1996

Pages:

232

Description:

An analysis of US drug policy addressing the differences between decriminalization, legalization, and zero tolerance while arguing for an understanding of drug abuse as a societal rather than individual problem. Stimmel (Dean, graduate medical education, Mount Sinai School of Medicine) draws attention to the alcohol, tobacco, and sports industrie

Synopsis:

Illicit drugs, despite the "war" waged by the United States government, remain a tremendous drain on the American economy and continue to take their toll on the lives of countless Americans. A comprehensive text with an instructor's manual, Drug Abuse and Social Policy in America analyzes why current US policy on the use of licit and illicit mood-altering drugs has failed. This groundbreaking book addresses differences between decriminalization, legalization, and "zero tolerance"--areas and philosophies that are poorly understood--and suggests a multipronged approach to diminish inappropriate drug use. Physicians, health care providers, teachers, law enforcement officers, policymakers, social service providers, and students of public policy and health will gain a better understanding of substance abuse as a societal problem, rather than an individual problem, and see that the billions of dollars spent on law enforcement would be better spent on education, prevention, treatment, and providing alternatives to drug use. Currently the leading risk factor associated with the transmission of HIV, illicit drugs continue to destroy the fabric of life in many inner-city communities.Yet, drugs are a problem for Americans from every corner of society, from suburban teenagers to pro athletes to homeless people. Author Barry Stimmel demonstrates in Drug Abuse and Social Policy in America that the drug problem is not being addressed adequately because of a lack of commitment from the majority of Americans and government leaders. The issues Drug Abuse and Social Policy in America asks readers to confront include: * Why do we provide insufficient treatment facilities and incarcerate users, yet wonder why more prison space is needed? * Why do we readily agree to build more prisons rather than community centers that provide alternatives for youths? * Why are we concerned with teenage smoking and drinking, yet allow advertising of these substances? * Why do we advocate rehabilitation, but not hire people in recovery? * Why do we ask pregnant women with drug problems to seek help, then try to take custody of their children rather than provide social support while they receive treatment?Drug Abuse and Social Policy in America challenges academics, practitioners, and future social service providers and policymakers to rethink their entire conception of the problem of substance abuse in America with a cutting question: "Have we made any substantial progress in diminishing the sue of nicotine, the excessive consumption of alcohol, or the inappropriate use of prescription drugs, all of which are responsible for more illnesses and societal costs than all illicit drugs combined?" Identifying this as the place where all efforts to curb drug use must start, Drug Abuse and Social Policy in America offers readers many ways that individuals, communities, organizations, and society can take action and be more effective in convincing both those who consume drugs and those who profit from their sale that their actions are inappropriate and unacceptable.

Publication:

Imprint:

Routledge Member of the Taylor and Francis Group

Returns:

Returnable

Some other items by this author:

ADDICTION POTENTIAL OF ABUSED DRUGS AND DRUG CLASSES