Case Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Case Analysis - Essay Example Yale University determined in a recent study that incidences of weight discrimination rivals race discrimination (the top charge filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission each year), and that women are twice as likely to be discriminated against as are men, and several such claims have been successfully pursued in court. Although federal employment laws and state laws, save Michigan, do not explicitly prohibit weight discrimination, there are however circumstances wherein discriminating according to weight falls under the coverage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Personnel Legal Alert, 2008). The following are among the circumstances wherein discrimination claims may result based on obesity as a protected characteristic under this Act: In the case of Dr. Soysa, we are not given any information about the possible conditions attendant to her obesity, but for the purpose of avoiding litigation, it would be safer to assume that diabetes, heart disease or hypertension may be present. In this case, the Hospital, as employer, may not use her obesity as reason for forgoing awarding her the promotion. There are two pieces of legislation that have to do with discriminating according to age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) applies to employees 40 years of age or older, working for employers of 20 or more employees (EEOC, 2008). The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The Act applies to all ages (DOL, 2010). The ADEA is clearly not applicable here because Dr. Soysa is not being discriminated because she is too old (40 or above), but because she was supposedly â€Å"too young†. And unless the hospital falls under â€Å"programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance†, not

Simulation technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Simulation technology - Essay Example Practically, simulation technology also lets corporations to foresee the unseen. It also lets organization to identify and prioritize corrective action that will create a real imperative to a development in conjunction with actual results that reveals worth of the business (Durlach & Anne 1995). Organizations - in both public and private sectors - have long used such tools for good management science to trim down stupidities and put cost outside of business practices. But regardless of that - and regardless of the huge investment in technology sector that has been made over the past fifty years or so - there is undoubtedly constrictions persist to be present in companies (Moorthy & D. Sly 2000). Simulationoffersaveryrealopeningtotakebusinessmakeoverstoanew height in general.Aswiththe majority ofmultifacetednewwavesit'sapromising assurance that it will get no less than another 5 to 10 years to wholly shape, but the opening subsists nowadays for those companies that are ready to initiate the mission (Moorthy & D. Sly 2000). ... A sound management structure provides companies immediate access to current scholarly material goods that can assist them with their existing work (Cadotte 1995). Providing abilities for decision support is about guaranteeing a product will meet up its serviceable prerequisites; possess most favorable outlay, credence and robustness; and be planned, produced and iterated in the smallest possible amount of time (Cadotte 1995). To prop up these ends, simulation management answers must offer management devices for striking planned goals - that is to say, confirming designs function as intended - and expecting pre-production operations (Cadotte 1995). Those means allow managers and engineers to stare into the future, expect troubles, and make proper decisions early on in the planning process to keep further evils at bay. Integration of a varied set of simulation appliances and successive process mechanization produces a cohesive simulation setting that assists toggling between varieties of schemes to finish a job (Cadotte 1995). Important, most excellent in sort of simulation abilities from appropriate external resources have to be incorporated with simulation developments. Once the entire of the required wherewithal subsist in the same setting, simulation specialist can connect them jointly in mechanized flows of work. Making key developments routinely appends precision and repeatability to simulation, which in sequence perks up excellence and diminishes time to promote (Cadotte 1995). It also lets the simulation society to develop to intend engineers relaxing the time of simulation professionals to build up the next cohort of tough simulation techniques (Cadotte 1995). Product lines model, using simulation technology exactly down to the stages of

Formal essay Essay Example for Free

Formal essay Essay The therapeutic relationship is an important component of nursing. Nurses use their own awareness of self as a valuable tool to build rapport with patients and develop the therapeutic relationship. This essay will demonstrate the importance of self awareness by discussing how it can be developed, the advantages of self awareness, and the consequences of not practising self awareness in nursing contexts. There are a number of ways that a nurse can develop self awareness. Smith and Jones (2012) suggested that self awareness can be developed by †¦ Johns and Harrison (2009) agreed, but also suggested that †¦ would be useful. However, there was some disagreement with these findings. A research study conducted by Marks and Spencer (2010) found that †¦ Although some of these authors disagreed on the methods of developing self awareness, what they did agree on was the advantages for patients if nurses are self aware. When nurses are self aware, benefits for the patient include †¦ The benefit to communication was stated emphatically by Lewis and Carroll (2008) who found that †¦ Similarly, other authors have noted that †¦ (Brown, Green, 2009; Butcher, Baker, 2011). There are also benefits for the nurse who is self aware. For example, †¦ Similarly, healthcare organisations can benefit when their staff are more self aware because †¦ The benefits of self awareness have been clearly demonstrated, but consideration must also be given to what might happen to a therapeutic relationship if nurses are not self aware. If a nurse is not self aware, the ramifications for the therapeutic relationship can be severe. Smith and Jones (2012) reported on an instance where a lack of self awareness on the part of a nurse resulted in †¦ They suggested that greater self awareness on the part of the nurse would have †¦ Other possible results of a lack of self awareness on the part of a nurse include †¦ (Brown, Green, 2009). It is therefore clear that poor self awareness on the part of a nurse can severely influence the development of a therapeutic relationship which can adversely affect the outcomes for the patient. In conclusion, this essay has demonstrated the importance of nurses having good self awareness if they are to develop effective therapeutic relationships with their patients. The main methods for developing self awareness were reviewed, including †¦ When nurses have developed good self awareness, there are benefits for patients, nurses and health organisations, including †¦ However, if nurses do not have good self awareness, possible adverse influences on the therapeutic relationship and on patient outcomes can include †¦ Thus, it is undeniable that self awareness is a significant skill that nurses need to acquire. Reflection (200 words) There has been an enormous change in my perception of the role and function of nurses since I started university. I initially regarded registered nurses as mainly providers of medication who comfort patients in pain. Moreover, I always thought that patients would be cordial to nurses. The idea that nurses could face violent patients was totally new to me. However, I now comprehend that nurses need to employ effective communication strategies to  coordinate the care of patients and also deal with the possible threat of aggressive patients. As a result of this learning, I have realised that I do not know how to deal with aggressive patients, so I will attend a workshop to start developing skills in this area. I was always under the impression that nurses went into hospital wards and directly commenced treatment. On the contrary, from readings that I have done, I understand that it is important to obtain patient permission before commencing treatment. Some patients make decisions about treatments themselves, while others might consult with family members. This could be for cultural reasons, but I have realised that I lack knowledge about other cultures. Therefore, I will try to learn more about the different cultures of the people with whom I work and study. Andre, K., Heartfield, M. (2011). Nursing and Midwifery Portfolios: Evidence of Continuing Competence. Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier. Bulman, C., Schutz, S. (2013). Reflective Practice in Nursing. Chichester, UK: WileyBlackwell. Dempsey, J., Wilson, V. (2009). Thoughtful Practice: Self-awareness and reflection. In J. Dempsey, J. French, S. Hillege, V. Wilson (Eds.) Fundamentals of Nursing and Midwifery. Broadway, NSW: Wolters Kluwer. Johns, C. (2009). Becoming a Reflective Practitioner. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Timmins, F. (2008). Making Sense of Portfolios: A Guide for Nursing Students,Nursing Students. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press. Usher, K., Holmes, C. (2010). Reflective practice: what, why and how. In J. Daly, S. Speedy, D. Jackson (Eds.) Contexts of Nursing. Chatswood, NSW: Elsevier

Substance Abuse And Addiction Psychology Essay

Substance Abuse And Addiction Psychology Essay To gather information on substance abuse and addiction, a literature review was conducted of online informational sources, including federal agencies, and numerous electronic databases for scholarly articles including (CINAHL, PubMed, Medscape, and Medline) published between 1999 and 2012. Categorical search terms employed included addiction, substance abuse, opioids, alcohol, prescription drugs, impaired nurse, cost of drug use, treatment of drugs use, and others. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has selected substance abuse as one of the countries ten leading health indicator (Hutchison and Blakely, 2010). Reducing substance abuse is one of the Healthy People 2010 goals (Healthy People 2010, n.d.). Alcoholics Anonymous defines the chronic, relapsing brain disorder known as addiction as powerful, cunning, and baffling (ASBN, 2012). Society lacks the understanding that this disease is not a lack of willpower or morals but is an obsessive, compulsive, and complex disease that destroys the lives of families, friends, and individual users (NIDA, 2011). People are most likely to use when drugs and alcohol are easily accessible, convenient, and inexpensive leading to an impact on society that cost millions (Birckmayer et.al, 200; Goulding and Hudson, 2010). Overview Terminology Definition The use of certain terms when discussing addiction and substance abuse provides a means for all that are involved to understand. The DSM-IV is the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders a set of standards for professional to make a formal diagnosis for dependence of substance abuse (DSM Library, n.d.). Substance abuse and addiction has been used interchangeable for persons addicted to drugs (Kranzler, H. Li, T., 2008; Maddux, J. Desmond, D., 2000; ASBN, 2012). Although addiction involves physical dependence and tolerance, the physical dependence and tolerance does not involve the drug seeing and compulsive behavior of addiction making it difficult for physicians to identify the real issue (Shurtleff, 201; Maddux, J. Desmond, D., 2000;). Substance abuse means using any type of illicit drug and intoxication, enhancement of the end result occurs with multiple drug use (Substance Abuse Prevention Curriculum Guide, n.d.). Substance The mind and mood altering drugs or chemicals of abuse are the substances that are referred to in a substance abuse or dependence (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; Mosbys Medical Dictionary, 2009). Tolerance Tolerance is the bodys need for larger quantities of drug for the same effect (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; Mosbys Medical Dictionary, 2009). Abuse vs. Dependence Substance abuse is when the improper use of substance is affecting a persons life in a negative manner, such as decrease job function, poor parenting skills, and problems with law enforcement (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2003). Substance dependence is the beyond abuse where a person relies or dependents on a drug including increased tolerance, withdrawal, in ability to stop, devotion to using, and neglecting responsibilities (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2003). Addiction Addiction is a compulsive and maladaptive dependence with resulting in psychological, physiological, sociological, and legal consequences (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2003; Goulding and Hudson, 2010). Risk factors There is no individual risk factor that can predict whether a person will become an addict. That is based on the vulnerability of each individual in the area of genetics, demographics, family, social, and psychological (ASBN, 2012). The early age of initial use along with the combination of risk factors leads to a greater chance of addiction (ASBN, 2012; NIDA, 2011) Drugs of Abuse Alcohol Alcohol is legal, socially acceptable, and has the least stigma of all drugs in the United States and worldwide (Alcohol Answers, 2009; Bennett and McNeese, n.d.). It is addictive and depresses the central nervous system (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.). Alcohol is a legal, addictive drug that depresses the central nervous system (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.). One drink causes impairment and driving while intoxicated is illegal in the United States (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.). The social impact of the intoxicated person affects the drinker and all involved (Kelly, 2011; Chan, 2011; Harrington, et.al, 2010). Drinking alcohol is associated with child abuse and neglect, absenteeism from work, and violence (Kelly, 2011; Chan, 2011; Harrington, et.al, 2010). More than 30 conditions with alcohol as an underlying factor are listed in the World Health Organizations 10th Edition of International Classification of diseases (Rehm, 2011). Chronic alcohol use is a poisoning that weakens the immune system and results damage to the neurological and physical systems that are irreversible (Bennett and McNeese, n.d.; Kelly, 2011; Chan, 2011; Harrington, et.al, 2010; Rehm, 201; Dawson, 2011). Scheduled Drugs Depressants are the illicit drugs that depresses the central nervous system(CNS)causing decrease pulse, respiration, and blood pressure (UNODC, 2012). The CNS system effect relaxes the person and decreases anxiety and tension (UNODC, 2011; NIDA, 2011). The drugs include alcohol and narcotics (UNODC, 2012). Narcotics or opiates are derived from the opium poppy or may be synthetically manufactured includes codeine, oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, and methadone (Goulding and Hudson, 2010; UNODC, 2012; Hall, 2009). The drugs are pain killers, anesthetics, and cough suppressants, used medically except heroin (UNODC, 2012; Hall, 2009). The route used is oral, nasal, intravenous, and transdermal (UNODC, 2003). Users experience constipation, dilation of blood vessels, constricted pupils, and decreased respiration that may lead to an overdose with produces shallow breathing, coma, clammy skin, respiratory failure, and possible death (UNODC, 2012;UNODC, 2003; Hall, 2009). Sedative- hypnotics, referred to as sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers, are another type of CNS depressants (UNODC, 2003; Goulding and Hudson, 2010). The purpose is to decrease anxiety, relax, or promote sleep. These drugs categories include barbiturates (Seconal and Nembutal) and benzodiazepines (Valium and Librium) (UNODC, 2003; Goulding and Hudson, 2010). Symptoms associated with withdrawal from these drugs are seizures, convulsion, heart attack, or death (UNODC, 2003; Goulding and Hudson, 2010). Overdose is common when used with alcohol (Goulding and Hudson, 2010). Heroin Heroin is a very addictive drug processed from morphine, a substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin produces a feeling of euphoria (a rush) and often a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and heavy feelings in the arms and legs. After the initial euphoria the user may go into an alternately wakeful and drowsy state. Heroin is the second most frequent cause of drug-related deaths. Prescription Drugs The abuse of prescription pain medications and sedative hypnotics, such as, Klonopin and Xanax, prevalence rate has increase in the United States for persons 12 and over higher than any other illicit drug, surpassing even marijuana (Holmes, 2011). The Centers for Disease Control and prevention has identified these drugs as an epidemic due to the rate of increase of use. United States is the epicenter for prescription drug use with 80% of Americans using drugs for the first time that were prescribed for someone else. The increase in these drugs has shown a decline in cocaine, cannabis, and heroin causing more persons to die from opioid overdose than motor vehicle accidents (UNODC, 2012; Holmes, 2012). Using a prescription drug in a manner other than the intended prescription constitutes drug abuse. Some of the more commonly abused prescription drugs are: Pain-relieving narcotics (Percodan, Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet) Tranquilizers and sedatives (Halcion, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Phenobarbital) Muscle relaxants (Soma) Prescription amphetamines (Ritalin, Cylert, Adderall) OxyContin Cocaine Cocaine was considered a safe recreational drug in the 1980s and 1990s with declining use with the turn of the century (NIDA, 2006; SAMHSA, 2001; The Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999). Cocaine is a powerful and addictive drug that approximately 21 percent of persons eventually become addicted after the first use (Prevention Handbook, n.d.; The Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999; NHSDA, 2000. The route of use for cocaine is nasal, smoke, or intravenous. At small amount the drug can produce increased energy, alertness, and euphoria (Prevention Handbook, n.d.; The Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999; NHSDA, 2000). The central nervous properties of dilates pupils, constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, body temperature, decrease appetite, loss of sleep, and increased pulse (Prevention Handbook, n.d.; The Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999; NHSDA, 2000) . Although the use has declined, the drug is still the most frequently encountered illicit drug with the following medical complications: cardiac arrest, stroke, and respiratory failure (Prevention Handbook, n.d.; The Harvard Mental Health Letter, 1999; NHSDA, 2000). Cannabis Cannabis or marijuana is one of the most used drugs in the United States and considered a gateway drug (NIDA, 2012). Chronic use cause respiratory issues of cancer, asthma, or other lung diseases. The prevalence of marijuana use has increased among all populations from 13.7 percent in 2009 to 14.1 per cent in 2010 (36,37 ). Long term effects includes loss of ambition, apathy,, difficulty concentrating, and decrease in school and work performance. Marijuana (weed, or cannabis) is one of the most common drugs of abuse . Marijuana looks like a dry, shredded green/brown blend of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of a particular hemp plant. It usually is smoked as a cigarette, pipe, or in blunts, which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with marijuana. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, and on to organs throughout the body, including the brain. Some of the short-term effects of marijuana use include problems with memory and learning; bizarre or distorted perceptions; difficulty in problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. A study has suggested that a users risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana. Manufactured Drugs The amphetamine like drug, methamphetamine rate has doubled from 1990-2002; 71 percent of new users of inhalants in 2002 were under the age of 18; Club drugs MDMA and GHB have leveled off but are not just used in the club culture; Ecstasy use has risen and has been associated with brain damage , kidney failure, and elevated body temperature; Rohypnol association with sexual assault has led to legislature that has made it the least available club drug. From 1998 to 2000 the number of the easily overdosed drug GHB emergency room visits quadrupled to approximately 5000 (Brown University Health Education, n.d.). Methamphetamine Methamphetamine (meth)is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is often taken orally, snuffed, or injected. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear crystals resembling ice, can be inhaled by smoking, and is referred to as ice, crystal, and glass.Use of methamphetamine produces a fast euphoria, and often, fast addiction. Chronic, heavy use of methamphetamine can produce a psychotic disorder which is hard to tell apart from schizophrenia (methamphetamine induced psychosis). The drug also causes increased heart rate and irreversible damage to blood vessels. Ecstasy Ecstasy (MDMA)is the so-called party drug, It has both stimulant (like cocaine) and hallucinogenic (like LSD) effects. Ecstasy is neurotoxic (poisonous to brain cells), and in high doses it causes a steep increases in body temperature leading to muscle breakdown, and possible organ failure. Side effects may last for weeks after use, and including high blood pressure, faintness, confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, Hallucinogens Hallucinogens have existed for years. the drugs includes LSD, PCP, ketamine, and amphetamine variants(MDA,MDMA, and ecstasy). The use of these drugs takes you on a trip leading to pleasurable or a terrifying experience. The drugs are not always distinguishable by their color, odor, or taste. The CNS effects increases heat rate, respiration, pulse, blood pressure , and temperature leading to possible stroke, convulsions, heart attack, respiratory failure, or coma. Ketamine has been used as a date rape drug due to the dissociative anesthetic properties. Hallucinogens may lead to insanity or mental health disorders. and paranoia. Acid Acid (LSD)LSD, also called acid, is sold in the street in tablets, capsules, or even liquid form. It is clear and odorless, and is usually takenby mouth. Often LSD is added to pieces of absorbent paper divided into small decorated squares, each containing one dose. LSD is a hallucinogen and a very powerful mood-altering chemical. Over the Counter Drugs Many different types of over-the-counter drugs and other substances can be abused. Just a few examples include: Inhalants (paint thinners, nitrous oxide, model glue, magic marker fluid, spray paints, propane, butane, etc.)Dramamine, Mouthwashes, Diet aids Cough and cold medications (especially those containing DXM, like Drixoral Cough Liquid Caps, Robitussin AC, Dectuss, Phenergan etc.) Inhalants Inhalants are common household products that are huffed or sniffed that give a high or head rush. Included in this category of drugs are insecticides, paints, and aerosols products that when consumed causes lightheadedness. The drunken high is usually not long but due to the nature of the vapors may cause headaches, unconsciousness, suffocation, violent behavior, and death. Replacing the oxygen with inhalants depresses the CNS and may lead to the user to stop breathing. Long term use of inhalants causes brain damage, weight loss, and fatigue. Adolescent believe inhalants are safer. Concepts of Substance Abuse Four Dimensions of Addiction Chronic A disorder that is chronic continues for a long time. The opposite of chronic is acute, which means relatively sudden and short. Lets look at other examples of chronic vs. acute disorders Chronic: diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy Acute: flu, food poisoning, concussion Notice that acute disorders are treated once and theyre gone. Chronic disorders are managed, not cured. Primary A disorder that is primary means that it is not the result of something else. It is a disorder in its own right, requiring specific treatment. For example, a man may start drinking to control the painful feelings of depression. However, when that man becomes an alcoholic (addicted to alcohol), he now has a separate and primary disorder that needs treatment. Treating the depression does not mean the alcoholism will also go away. Progressive A disorder that is progressive tends to get worse over time. With drug addiction, we see that the consequences of the addiction tend to worsen over time. One important mechanism of this progressive quality is tolerance, which weve discussed. The development of tolerance tends to ensure that a person has to get more, spend more, hide more, and use more over time. Later well look at some of the particular consequences of progression, including medical problems. Incurable We say that addiction is incurable because the biological changes involved in addiction tend to be permanent. As a result, an addict will never be able to safely use the drug of abuse (or any other drugs of abuse). An alcoholic will never be able to drink normally. Likewise, a cocaine addict will never be safe using stimulating drugs (for example, ephedra, which is an over-the-counter stimulant). A person addicted to one drug can easily switch over the another drug and still be an addict. This is called cross-addiction(more on this later). We said incurable not untreatable. Remember the comparison with diabetes? We dont cure diabetes, we manage it with proper diet, blood sugar monitoring, and other acts of discipline. Unfortunately, the addict rarely wants discipline. Thats what makes it so hard. By definition, an addict wants to keep using! Stages of Change In order to determine the proper intervention the stages of change model is a means of describing the process to overcome addiction (Hartney, 2013 ; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O., 2011), The stages suggest that a person will go through the changes in sequence, but realistically they jump between stages and the stages will be different for everyone (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O., 2011). Precontemplation This is the first phase of change where the persons has not had any negative consequences and does not see the addiction as problem (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O, 2011). The experience is still pleasurable and leaves the person close-minded to any conversation on any negative consequences (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O., 2011). During this stage the person needs encouragement to see the personal risk and self-awareness Contemplation Contemplation is the stage where the person thinks or contemplates changing the addictive behaviors by quitting, moderating use, or cutting down (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011),). A person in this stage requires being give encouragement on the analysis of the pros and cons of the addictive behavior to promote a new goal (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011),). Preparation After a person has contemplated a person makes preparation to follow through on the changes that were contemplated (Hartney, 2013Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011). At this phase a person is trying to make decisions on how to proceed forward (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011),). The stage is a time for encouraging the need for social support and taking small steps. Action The action stage is a time for following through on the preparations made by possible entering treatment for detox (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011),). Living without the drugs and the drama of addiction is a strange feeling with the change of lifestyle(Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011), ). This is a real change of addictive behaviors which needs reinforcement and support to handle feelings and self-efficacy. Maintenance The maintenance phase is the time to seeks changing addictive behaviors through abstinence and changing behaviors (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011), ). The person learns how to cope and not return to old behaviors when there is a resurfacing of addictive behavior (Hartney, 2013; Norcross, J. C., Krebs, P. M. and Prochaska, J. O. (2011),). Helping the person via support, encouragement, and internal reward reinforcement is required. Biological Bases of Addiction Addiction is associated with permanent changes in the brains neurochemistry. The addict is biologically programmed to need the drug in order to feel normal. This point that addicts just want to keep using brings us to an important point about addiction and its biological roots. Lets take a quick look at what happens in the brain of an addict (without getting too technical). Weve seen now how repeated drug use causes permanent biological changes in the brain. An important implication of these changes is this: An addict can never assume its safe to resume using addictive drugs. Using even once will get the addict back to Square One. 12-Step programs call this waking the tiger. In 12-step programs, a person commemorates the beginning of sobriety with a sobriety date. If a person relapses, he or she starts with a new sobriety date. This tradition emphasizes the fact that addiction never goes away. Reward Center First lets take a look at a part of the human brain which has been called the reward center deep in the brain. This area includes specialized neural pathways which process experience of pleasure. The reward center seems to process many experiences of pleasure, such as eating and sex. Experimental rats trained to stimulate their own reward centers with electric switches have been known to press on the switches thousands of times per hour! They neglect all other activities in order to keep stimulating themselves. (11) ). Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes the distribution of the chemical dopamine that is affects the brains pleasure center by causing constant signals of pleasure creating the intense cocaine high(The Science of Mental Health, 2003) Now, you may not be surprised to learn that many drugs of abuse stimulate the reward centers. As a result, using mind-altering drugs is pleasurable. The addict is almost like one of those experimental rats, stimulating itself again and again, neglecting anything else. Repeated use of certain drugs of abuse can result in depletion of brain chemicals that allow the experience of pleasure. What happens next is this: more and more of the drug becomes necessary to generate pleasure, and other sources of pleasure lose their effects. Eventually, the addict cant even feel just normal without the drug. As a result, the addict needs the drug to feel normal, and without it, they feel bad! Its no longer a matter of pleasureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦its a matter of avoiding pain. This is the mechanism for tolerance. Dopamine The brain chemicals that help generate pleasure are called dopamine, a brain chemical belonging to a group called neurotransmitters. For example, both alcohol and heroin result in a build-up of dopamine, resulting in (temporary) pleasure. ). Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes the distribution of the chemical dopamine that is affects the brains pleasure center by causing constant signals of pleasure creating the intense cocaine high(The Science of Mental Health, 2003) As we discussed above, the brain adapts to this higher level of dopamine in the system. Its almost as if the body tries to normalize the new levels of pleasure by raising the bar to experience pleasure. These changes are referred to as neuroadaptation. In other words, neuroadaptation means that it gets harder and harder to experience pleasure as you use more drugs. Addicts get the point that only their drugà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.in ever-increasing amountsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦makes them feel good. Trap of addiction In a sense, addicts get trapped by their own drug. They started using it to feel good, but end up needing it just to avoid feeling bad. Addicts can learn to experience pleasure in ways other than using. Unfortunately, research and clinical experience shows that the biological changes are permanent. This is why addiction is considered incurable, as we discussed before. Cravings Giving up drugs isnt just a matter of giving up on the pleasure. It can be a very painful experience because of cravings. As weve discussed, the brain becomes used tothe drugs of abuse after repeated use. If an addict stops using, the brain (and the mind) will put pressure on the person to start againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦to restore the balance. This pressure is experienced as cravings. Cravings can be very painful and difficult to resist. Managing and resisting cravings are an important aspect of treatment. Cravings are painful but manageable with training and discipline. A helpful thing to remember with cravings is that they come and go like a wave: they approach, get stronger, reach a crescendo, and then taper off. Knowing this, a person can ride outthe cravings by several means: Distract herself with something interesting (movie, game, etc) Contact someone else for support (sponsor, supportive friend) Go to a safe place where giving in is less likely Disease Model In many different treatment models, addiction is seen as a disease. It may be hard to appreciate why at first, because it seems different from other types of diseases like cancer or bronchitis. One of the reasons for defining addiction as a disease is in order to ensure that addiction is treated as a healthcare problem, thus allowing addicts access to the healthcare system. (13)Addiction is widely considered a disease, by such organizations as the World Health Organization (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA), and American Psychiatric Association (APA). Defining addiction as a disease carries several implications which tend to increase the healthcare available to addicts: it follows a predictable course of development, it causes disorder of bodily functions (affecting not only the brain but typically the liver, pancreas, and other organs), it causes significant mortality and morbidity (alcoholism is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.),it can be tracked and measured by epidemiological research, it has a significant genetic loading . We wont settle the question of the Disease Model here. However, now you are familiar with the idea and some of the arguments on both sides. At any rate, the Disease Model is so prevalent today that most treatment programs you are likely to encounter in the State of Nebraska use the model. Whats more, the Disease Model is supported by the worlds largest organization devoted to helping people with addictionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Alcoholics Anonymous (and other 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous). Psychology of Addiction Progression of addiction Weve already discussed how addiction is a progressive disorder (getting worse over time). As such, we can identify certain characteristics of early stageand late stageaddiction. However, its important to keep in mind that some people progress quickly to more serious problems, while others follow along progression. Early Stages A person uses drugs of abuse to achieve a feeling of euphoria or to relieve stress. Using is escapist, sociable, and fun. However, the person begins to need more and more. The fun begins to go out of the situation as the person realizes she cannot feel normal without her drug. The person begins to feel guilty and ashamed, and increasingly uses denial.There may be the first damaging consequences (problems at work, in the family, etc). (16) Late Stages Using drugs feels more like a necessity of survival than a form of recreation. The problems often begin tomount, and the person becomes increasingly unable to function. The addict loses interest in anything besides using. If the addict has been able to hide her using, this becomes more and more difficult as the addiction progresses.Typically, the later stages of addiction are characterized by increasing physical problems and illness. For example, an alcoholic may experience liver failure or hepatitis. Defense Mechanism Defense Mechanisms are psychological strategies for dealing with stress. These strategies are used by the mind (often unconsciously) to keep us from being overwhelmed with stress. Defense mechanisms are normal and necessary. We cant worry about everything at once, or we couldnt function! There has to be some filterfor keeping things from becoming too intense or too painful. However, sometimes defense mechanisms become so rigid that we lose our flexibility, and we find it hard to changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦even when change would be good. (17) All defense mechanisms distort reality to some extent, because they tailorreality to feel a little more comfortable. The question becomes, just how much distortion is safe?In addiction, defense mechanisms often distort reality to a dangerous extent. It gets harder to cover up the truth when the consequences start to pile upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦broken families, legal charges, ruined careers .Also, the defense mechanisms in addiction can harm the addicts loved onesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦some of them start to wonder if they are the crazy ones, because the addict is so adamant that they have no problems. Lets look at a list of some of the defense mechanisms that are commonly used to promote addictive behavior. Denial Denial is an example of a defense mechanism that is often seen with addiction. The defense of denial is to deny the truth. Denial is useful to an addict because it serves to cover up the extent of the problem, and allow the using to continue.Remember that in addiction, people become biologically programmedto need their drug at all costs. Denial is a powerful way of keeping the pressure offso the addict can continue to use. Rationalization is another example of a defense mechanism that is often seen with addiction. The purpose is to make the irrational sound rational through the uses of justification and excuses. Many addicts have a ready supply of rationalizations to use on themselves and others, such as:à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢Im not hurting anybody.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢I can stop anytime I want (I just dont want to yet).à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢I had a hard day today. I deserve a drink.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢It relaxes me. Isolating is a behavior that also serves to protect the addiction. Although drug use may start out as a social behavior, addiction ends up driving a wedge between the addict and others. Efforts to hide and maintain the addiction distances them from loved ones, and the company of non-addicts becomes too intrusive and painful. As a result, some addicts end up shooting themselves up in dark rooms, or drinking alone, far from others. Others sink into a drug subculture,in which there are no true friendships, but only alliances of convenience in the continuing drive for self-gratification. Blaming It can be very convenient to point the finger at someone else, when we want to avoid notice! Blaming takes the heat off by putting it on someone else. Naturally, this is painful and frustrating for others, and self-defeating to the addict.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢If my husband had fixed that tail-light, I wouldnt have gotten this DUI.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢If you lived here, youd drink too.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢If my wife/husband treated me right, I wouldnt have to do this. Minimizing involves watering downthe problem by acting cavalier about the consequences, or dismissive of the wreckage caused by addiction.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢All my DUIsare five years apart.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢I never drink before noon, I cant be an alcoholic.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢At least I dont use as much as X.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢I may miss some work, but I still get more work done than all those other slobs. Relapse The disease model of addiction, discussed above, encourages us to think of relapsesin addictive behavior. A relapse is a return to a previously abusive level of using or drinking. The very idea of relapse suggests the idea of the disease model, because it describes addiction as a chronic condition that never goes away, but can only lay dormant. Relapse is a very important concept

Essay --

Ted Bundy was born on November 24, 1946 in Burlington, Vermont. He was famous for being a well-known American serial killer. Bundy murdered numerous young women and girls during the 1970s. He is said to have murdered 36 young women and girls that have spanned across four states. The biggest question in anyone’s mind would be why would such a person do something so heinous and horrendous? According to psychologists Bundy’s to have had multiple theories on his motive. This essay will look at two of those theories which are Necrophilia, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. The first theory is that Bundy was driven to kill in order to satisfy his urge to have sex with dead bodies. The second theory is that he had antisocial personality disorder which devoids this person from feeling a lack of remorse or guilt. Theory one suggests that Bundy was a necrophiliac. That is, he was someone who needed to have sex with dead bodies in order to fulfill a deep urge. According to Dr. Robert Keppel a psychologist who interviewed Bundy, â€Å"It was the one part of his criminal behavior that truly embarrassed him because, as ugly as it was, it satisfied him sexually†. Serial killers get pleasure from different elements of a murder (Keppel, 2010). â€Å"All of Bundy’s lures, traps, and murders all came secondary to his sexual satisfactions at having a dumpsite where his victims would wait for him in silent decay†. Bundy would feign an injury, to help attract young women to help him to his car. Once the women were by his car, that’s when he would make his move of attacking the women and rendering them unconscious (Hinchliffe, 2011). In one instance Bundy seized a young girl and took her into a wooded area where he intended to rape and release her but ended ... ...RESSION OR ANGER; THEY ARE TRYING TO FILL AN EMPTINESS IN THEIR SOULS: [Final Edition]. TO HAVE AND TO KILL SEXUAL SERIAL KILLERS AREN'T ACTING OUT RANDOM BURSTS OF DEPRESSION OR ANGER; THEY ARE TRYING TO FILL AN EMPTINESS IN THEIR SOULS: [Final Edition]. Michaud, S., & Aynsworth, H. (1990). Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer. Signet. Rule, A. (2009). The Stranger Beside Me . Nrew York: Pocket Books . Staff, M. C. (2011, November 4). Narcissistic personality disorder. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/narcissistic-personality-disorder/DS00652 Vorvick L. MD. & Merrill D.B. MD (November, 2010) Antisocial personality disorder. Sociopathic personality; Sociopathy; Personality disorder – antisocial. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD, 20894 USA.

Scientific Empiricism Essay -- Essays Papers

Scientific Empiricism In 1513, Nicholas Copernicus, composed a brief theory that stated that the sun is at rest and the earth is in rotation around the sun. In 1543, just days before his death, Copernicus published this theory in On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. This theory was meant to dissolve the long lived belief in Ptolemyà ­s theory which stated, "The earth was at the center because it was the heaviest of objects(Kagan331)." This was a common belief at that time, which supported the religious beliefs that the earth was the center of the universe and God in the heavens were surrounding the earth. Copernicusà ­s theory was shocking, but he published such a controversial theory without sufficient evidence, it had to be considered invalid. Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer, held a great belief in the importance of empiricism in relation to scientific theories. He was one of the greatest opposer of Copernicusà ­s On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. Brahe believed the Copernicus theory was not founded on a sufficient amount of "practice." Charles W. Morris, an author of The Encyclopedia and Unified Science who specialized in Scientific Empiricism, believes that practice is found at the heart of empiricism. Morris defines the importance of practice in scientific theories as: "The activity which gives rise to the sentences of science is, like any other systematic activity proceeding in terms of rules or canons(72)." It was based on these feelings of empiricism that inspired Brahe to, "collect the most accurate astronomical data that have ever been acquired by observation with the naked eye(Kagan331)." Brahe held the common belief among empiricist that, "It is willing and able to admit i... ... been the underlying factor in many scientific advancements. Morris believes that, "It is an empiricism which, because of this orientation and the use of powerful tools of logical analysis, has become positive in temper and co-operative in attitude and is no longer condemned to the negative skeptical task of showing defects in the methods and results of its opponents(Neurath68)." The great accomplishments of Brahe, Kepler, Newton and the many others are due to the advancement of scientific empiricism. Works Cited - Kagan, Donald, Ozment, Steven, and Turner, Frank M.. The Western Heritage. Vol. 2. New Jersey:Prentice Hall, 1996 - MacKinnon, Edward A.. The Problem of Scientific Realism. New York: Appleton-Century- Crofts, 1972. - Neurath, Otto, et al. Encyclopedia and Unified Science. Chicago:University of Chicago Press, 1938. Scientific Empiricism Essay -- Essays Papers Scientific Empiricism In 1513, Nicholas Copernicus, composed a brief theory that stated that the sun is at rest and the earth is in rotation around the sun. In 1543, just days before his death, Copernicus published this theory in On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. This theory was meant to dissolve the long lived belief in Ptolemyà ­s theory which stated, "The earth was at the center because it was the heaviest of objects(Kagan331)." This was a common belief at that time, which supported the religious beliefs that the earth was the center of the universe and God in the heavens were surrounding the earth. Copernicusà ­s theory was shocking, but he published such a controversial theory without sufficient evidence, it had to be considered invalid. Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer, held a great belief in the importance of empiricism in relation to scientific theories. He was one of the greatest opposer of Copernicusà ­s On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres. Brahe believed the Copernicus theory was not founded on a sufficient amount of "practice." Charles W. Morris, an author of The Encyclopedia and Unified Science who specialized in Scientific Empiricism, believes that practice is found at the heart of empiricism. Morris defines the importance of practice in scientific theories as: "The activity which gives rise to the sentences of science is, like any other systematic activity proceeding in terms of rules or canons(72)." It was based on these feelings of empiricism that inspired Brahe to, "collect the most accurate astronomical data that have ever been acquired by observation with the naked eye(Kagan331)." Brahe held the common belief among empiricist that, "It is willing and able to admit i... ... been the underlying factor in many scientific advancements. Morris believes that, "It is an empiricism which, because of this orientation and the use of powerful tools of logical analysis, has become positive in temper and co-operative in attitude and is no longer condemned to the negative skeptical task of showing defects in the methods and results of its opponents(Neurath68)." The great accomplishments of Brahe, Kepler, Newton and the many others are due to the advancement of scientific empiricism. Works Cited - Kagan, Donald, Ozment, Steven, and Turner, Frank M.. The Western Heritage. Vol. 2. New Jersey:Prentice Hall, 1996 - MacKinnon, Edward A.. The Problem of Scientific Realism. New York: Appleton-Century- Crofts, 1972. - Neurath, Otto, et al. Encyclopedia and Unified Science. Chicago:University of Chicago Press, 1938.

Go Greek

Becca Papineau English 101-18 Schwaller Essay Draft 3 October 26, 2012 Go GREEK!!! Being a part of something, and knowing you will always be accepted for who you are is one of the best feelings in the world. Learning life-long skills that you know that will benefit you in the future is also a rewarding experience. Joining a sorority or fraternity is something most people don’t regret. You have to give it a chance, in order to succeed. People judge the Greek system before they learn anything about it.They make assumptions that are most likely not true. They make assumptions from hear say only. You need to experience it, before you judge. Lauren Border’s negative outlook on the Greek system is mistaken, because she overlooks the positives like sisterhood and brotherhood, scholarship, and leadership, and what they have to offer. In â€Å"Pledging to never rush: a criticism of Greek life at Tufts†, published in The Tufts Daily, student at Tufts University Lauren Bord er writes how she is against the Greek life establishment at Tufts.She doesn’t understand why people would want to join an establishment that gives you so many bad names, and separates women from men, and men from women. In the article she did want to make clear that she does not dislike the people in the Greek life establishment. She has nothing against them; she is just against the establishment. She doesn’t like how the sexes are separated. She doesn’t understand that women are still trying to make a step up in the world and become equal to men, but then they have these establishments that separate them.She is also very against the hazing aspect on both sides of the Greek system. Girls’ egos are shut down, and men have to prove something, just to be part of something. She is stating that you can feel belonged to something and not have to partake in any of these things. In the article she states, â€Å"I am convinced that Greek life usually does much m ore harm than good. † She wants a change at Tufts and she is hoping that this article will make people wake up and see that there are other options out there. Border’s opinion on he Greek system lacks credibility when she points out the flaws of the Greek system. For every point she makes, she does not have any proof to back it up with. Also Border makes all of her judgments based off of the Tuft University Greek Life, when in reality not all Greek Life is the same on every campus nationwide. She is judging without knowing. Unlike Border I am currently part of a Greek establishment and it is the best decision I have ever made. I have only been in the house for three months, and I have experienced things I don’t think I would have ever experienced if I didn’t join.I don’t know if it’s because I go to the University of Idaho, but some of the stuff she mentions are not true. For example, Border states in the article that girls have it way worse in the Greek system than guys, but here at the University of Idaho, it’s the complete opposite. Absolutely no hazing is allowed, and if the house gets caught it will be shut down. No exceptions what so ever. There are many benefits for joining a Greek establishment. Border only looks at all the negatives, and doesn’t even bother to consider the positives.One of the multiple benefits for joining a Greek establishment is friendship and sisterhood/brotherhood you gain. When joining a house you have the advantage of meeting people of various backgrounds with both different yet similar interests. The ideal of sisterhood/brotherhood is the principal foundation upon which each fraternity/ sorority is built and from which you will receive the greatest benefit. You will always have people pushing you to be the very best you can be, and will be there when the going gets tough.Another benefit for joining an establishment is the academic side of it. One of the main purposes of the fraternity or sorority community is to develop and encourage high scholastic achievement among the members. Within the house you have the opportunity to take advantage of peer tutoring, upperclassman counseling, and chapter study hours. Those chapter study hours give the newest members a good sense of the change of study habits they are going to have to become accustom to in order to be successful in college.Also, there is the fact that your brothers/sisters can offer all kinds of academic advice after their experiences. There are so many benefits in joining a house, but I am only going to mention one more. When you join a fraternity or sorority you will be offered the opportunity to take on a leadership position. Leadership positions range from president to vice president of finance all the way to purchase chairman. Everyone in a fraternity or sorority is a leader, whether you’re an officer, on a committee, or just a participant. You will learn by doing.You will learn how t o manage a budget, run effective meetings, speak in public, and motivate others. These are skills that will help you not only within the university but throughout your life. These days it takes more than just a degree to get a job, it takes leadership experience. Being a part of something that has a lot of meaning behind everything is an amazing feeling. Being a part of a sorority/ fraternity and forming that sisterhood/ brotherhood is such an amazing thing. You know people have your back all the time, and you know you are not alone.Everyone is going through the same thing. Learning life skills while being part of a Greek establishment will help you so much later down the road. Whether you hear good or bad things about joining a house, give it a chance. You will never understand the meaning behind everything if you don’t give it a try. Lauren Borders negative outlook on the Greek system is mistaken, because she overlooks the positives of what it has to offer. Everything was b ased on hearsay and personal opinion. She had nothing to back up any of her points.