The Role of Gender In Substance Addiction
Socio-Cultural Dimensions in Counseling
Submitted by: D Cooper
December 19, 2013
Introduction
This research paper will examine the issue of gender and its role in influiencing substance use. Specifically, this paper will address the issue as to what gender is more likely to engage in substance use and why, as well as the possible and promising substance abuse treatment options that may be available. Most of he articles that I will be referring in this paper will focus on marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol use in relation to African American, Caucasian, and Latino ethnic groups. This research paper will, in addition, discuss my purpose for this purpose for addressing this issue, how and for whom this issue can be most relevant, the theory from which I felt gave the best framework with regard to shaping this topical area.
Research Significance
The purpose for this research paper is to examine the role of gender with relation to substance usage. In short, does gender a major influence in substance use and abuse and why? Additionally, it would be most beneficial to examine the treatment options that might be best suited for either gender. The knowledge that may be gleaned from this subject might be of interest to many facets of the research community. Researchers who might find this topic as one of interest are professionals in the field of chemical addiction as well as counselors and/or therapists who specialize in substance abuse issues. This research can give professionals insight as to why substance use among certain individuals may occur and thus, who is more susceptible. Other individuals who might benefit from the information tha...
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Social problems include difficulties with family relationships, isolation, interpersonal conflicts, and pressures of social roles. The Latino culture tends to place a higher premium on the well-being of the family unit over that of any one family member, a concept termed familialism (Smith & Montilla, 2006). In general, familialism emphasizes interdependence and connectedness in the family, and often extends familial ties beyond the nuclear family (Falicov, 1998). Given these values, Latinos often describe depression in terms of social withdrawal and isolation (Letamendi, et al., 2013). Social roles also play an important role in mental health, traditional gender roles in particular are strongly enforced and can be a source of distress. In Latino culture, men and women are expected to fulfill the roles outlined in the traditions of Machismo and Marianismo respectively. Machismo indicates that the man is supposed to be strong and authoritative, while Marianismo designates the woman as the heart of the family both morally and emotionally (Dreby, 2006). Although there is little research on causal factors, adherence to these traditional gender roles can pose a psychological burden and has been found to be strong predictor of depression (Nuñez, et al., 2015). The centrality of social problems in the conceptualization of depression for Latinos may be reflective of the collectivistic values that are characteristic of the group. Although these values have the potential to contribute to depression, they also have the potential to serve as protective factors and promote mental health (Holleran & Waller, 2003). Therefore, it is imperative that the counselor carefully consider cultural values, both in terms of potential benefits and drawbacks, to provide appropriate counseling to the Latino
Fortinash, K. M., & Holoday Worret, P. A. (Eds.). (2012). Substance-related disorders and addictive behaviors. Psychiatric mental health nursing (5th ed., pp. 319-362). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
This paper will utilize research-based data presented in the scholarly article "Associations Between Ethnic Labels and Substance Use Among Hispanic/Latino" by Daniel Soto Wood, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, James Thing, and Jennifer B. Unger to explore the relationship between ethnic labels and an increased chances of substance abuse among Hispanic/Latino adolescents in the Los Angeles area. I will analysis and investigate how War on Drug propaganda has contributed to the creation of ethnic labels that stigmatize and oppress Mexican/Hispanic communities today. The topics presented in this paper are controversial and serve to call attention to the ways the Hispanic/Latino individuals continue to be discriminated against and marginalized in the United
Lily, Henrietta M. and Harmon, Daniel E. Alcohol Abuse and Binge Drinking. New York: the Rosen Publishing Group Inc., 2012. Print.
Although there are plenty of populations stagnated with the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse, one that stands out is the epidemic amongst Native Americans. A trivial topic at best when cast in the media and the steady stream of alcoholic advertisement, but this is definitely a topic worth being researched and pulled to the forefront. The onslaught of this issue stems from varying factors of history and circumstance.
The multi-causal model of drug abuse takes into account social and individual causes of addiction, both distant and immediate, that lead to a disposition to using drugs, drug use and the social and individual consequences. Why a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol is different for everyone. Some are genetically predisposed, some learn it from their environment (i.e. family or friends), and still others use it to avoid a trauma they have experienced. The case history describes a client that had both social and individual causes for her alcohol use and subsequent dependence.
Robert s. Young, Jennie R. Joe. “ Some Thoughts About Epidemiology of Alcohol and Drug Use Among American Indian Population”. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse. Vol. 8 Iss 3:(2009) 223
Hispanic drug use is one of the highest amongst the US population, due in part to the large growing population group as well as poor economic conditions, low educational rates and high drug availability. The impact of racism on self-esteem also makes Hispanics vulnerable to alcohol and other drug use and abuse (Delgado 1995).... ... middle of paper ... ...
The increase consumption of alcohol and drugs by adolescences is not just a problem for the United States it is a multicultural national problem. Separating by race, Native American teens had the highest level of drug use, with nearly 48 percent reporting having used substances in the last year. That group is followed by 39 percent of white teens, almost 37 percent of Hispanics, 36 percent of multi-racial adolescents, 32 percent of blacks and nearly 24 percent of Asians. "There is certainly still a myth out there that black kids are more likely to have problems with drugs than white kids, and this documents as clearly as any study we're aware of that the rate of substance-related disorders among African American youths is significantly lower," ( Dan Blazer from Duke's Department of Psychiatry, a senior author of the study, told the Raleigh News & Observer).
“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a major source of information on substance use, abuse, and dependence among Americans twelve years and older” (DrugFacts 1). Illicit drug use in the United States has been increasing. In 2013, an estimated 24.6 million Americans (9.4 percent of the population) had used an illicit drug in the past month. This number is up from the 8.3 percent in 2002. This is increase reflects the recent rise in the use of marijuana since 2007. In 2013, there were 19.8 million users, making it the most commonly used illicit
Zhong, H., & Schwartz, J. (2010). Exploring Gender-Specific Trends in Underage Drinking Across Adolescent Age. Journal of Youth & Adolescence. 39 (8): 911-26. (49 ref)
Turner; James C. and Jianfen Shu. “Serious health consequences associated with alcohol use among college students: demographic and clinical characteristics of patients seen in an emergency department.” Journal of Studies on Alcohol March 2004: 65. : 179. Expanded Academic ASAP. Cullom-Davis Library. 18 Feb 2005 .
Economic and Social Effects of Prohibition There are many ways in which prohibition of alcohol consumption in the United States of America, damaged the very economic and social aspects of American culture, that it was. designed to heal the body. “Prohibition did not achieve its goals”. Instead, it added to the problems it was intended to solve.”
Over 24 million United States residents 12 and older are facing drug addiction, but shockingly only 10 percent will obtain help from an expert facility (“Substance Abuse and Mental Health”). Abuse and addiction negatively effects the addict along with humanity. An estimated $600 billion is spent annually as a result of substance abuse. As surprising as this number may be, it does not explain the depth of damaging public health and safety implications of drug addiction, essentially there may be child abuse, domestic violence, and loss of employment (“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction”). Addicts face critical health complications, monetary problems, ruined families, illnesses, or even death. As an addict falls further into their addiction, they will lose control of their drug usage, and most times exhibit harm to themselves and others (“Drug Abuse Ruins Lives”). Drug abuse takes a major toll on the addict, their family and on work relationships; on the other hand, there are numerous of people who have dealt with substance abuse overcame their situation and used it as motivation.
This research paper will help enable sociologists to determine what the ongoing effects have on an alcoholic and further provides information on the long-term effects that society has to deal with. The significance of alcoholism and sociology is the ability of sociologists to research and discover how human behaviour is affected on many aspects of its effects on a person. An alcoholic can be described as someone who is addicted to drinking alcoholic beverages in excess. What starts out as social drinking can lead to excessive drinking and the many problems associated with alcohol abuse and i...