Exam Notes: Drug-Related Topics

Drug Crime Nexus and Drug Violence Nexus

• Distinguish between the drug crime nexus and the drug violence nexus.

Drug Control Act vs. Scheduling

• The Controlled Substance Act is also known as the Drug Control Act.

• Do not confuse this with scheduling (likely discussed earlier in the semester).

Three Models in the Drug Control Act

• Legal drugs.

• Prescription drugs.

• Moving towards decriminalization, diversion, and less incarceration.

Nexus between Heroin and Violence

• There is a nexus between heroin and violence.

• The drug trade is primarily controlled by demand.

Paper-Related Issues

• No need to focus on issues from papers besides the one about NA/AA meetings.

Predisposition and Availability of Drugs

• There are no absolutes; neither predisposition nor availability guarantees drug use.

Marijuana Scheduling

• Marijuana is still a Schedule I drug.

Decriminalization

• Full decriminalization is equivalent to laissez-faire, meaning virtually no regulation.

• Laissez-faire: L-a-i-s-s-e-z F-a-i-r-e

Prescription and Maintenance Model

• Ensure understanding of the prescription and maintenance model.

Harm Reduction

• Harm reduction is used in Switzerland, Netherlands, and Portugal, and it is also being implemented in the US with safe injection sites.

Factors of Abuse

• Factors of abuse to consider:

  • Human nature.

  • Drug use and effects.

  • Hassle factor: keeping drugs prohibited increases costs.

Drug Assimilation into Society

• Consider if/how a drug can be assimilated into society.

• Alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana (to a degree) assimilate into society.

Drug Abuse Example

• If a person who doesn't use cocaine occasionally uses it, it could be considered abuse.