Psych 345 Drugs Intro: Drug Propaganda and Social Harm

What is propaganda?

The deliberate attempt to control and alter the attitudes of others through communication.

What are the key characteristics of propaganda?

It is deliberate, aims to control or alter attitudes, produces predictable behavior, and does not rely on violence or bribery.

What is a common misconception about lying in the context of helping others?

Lying to help may invalidate one as an expert.

What is a common similarity between fentanyl and heroin overdoses?

Users often consistently consume alcohol, increasing overdose risk - though we don't see alcohol as part of the problem

What does Rat Park demonstrate about drug use?

Rats in enriched environments (Rat Park) are less likely to choose drugs or avoid the drugs entirely compared to those in isolation - drugs are the symptom of a lack of community and resources

What are pharmacological effects of drugs?

How a drug alters the physiological function of cells/neurons.

What are societal effects of drugs?

How society impacts the user of illicit drugs, including crime, violence, and financial deprivation.

What is a common societal blame regarding drug use?

Society often blames drugs for behaviors rather than addressing systemic issues - homelessness, prostitution, unsafe needle usage

What did Freud say about cocaine?

He praised its use for providing lasting euphoria and increased self-control.

How does alcohol relate to drug overdoses?

Alcohol can increase the chance of overdose when combined with other depressants like fentanyl and heroin.

What is the significance of the phrase 'it's not the drugs - it's the system'?

It emphasizes that societal conditions, not just the drugs themselves, contribute to drug-related issues.

Why do some drugs remain legal while others are illegal?

Legality can depend on various factors including societal perceptions and the effects of the drug.

What is the role of community in drug use?

Community resources and support can significantly affect drug use and choices.

How do societal attitudes affect perceptions of legal and illegal drugs?

Societal attitudes can lead to double standards in how different drugs are viewed and treated.

What is the impact of isolation on drug consumption based on Rat Park?

Isolation led to increased drug consumption, including choosing drugs until it caused death

Drug illegalization based on race

First anti drug law - illegal for "anyone of Chinese origin" to have opium, afraid they used it to lure white woman into prostitution

Cocaine laws - afraid black men high on cocaine were stronger and more dangerous

Marijuana laws - repressive measure against Mexican workers

Failure of the War on drugs

Nixon declared drug use the number one public enemy - resulted in mass incarceration, corruption, political destabilization and violence

Focused on eradicating supply of drugs while leaving demand untouched, encouraging production

Many problems associated with drugs are result of the war itself - increased drug potency, murder rate