More handpicked essays just for you.
The origin of crack cocaine research paper
The origin of crack cocaine research paper
The origin of crack cocaine research paper
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Societal and ethnographic reports have link the arrival of crack to gang violence, high murder rates, poverty, and family disruption. Popular opinion seemed to indicate that the introduction of crack cocaine has led to increases in central-city crime and accelerated trends toward overall inner-city decay in America.. This manuscript will established (1) briefly what crack cocaine is (2) when it was introduced (3) if there is a direct link between the introduction of crack cocaine and an increase decadence in the social and economic life of the American community (4) and why this drug had such a significant influence.
Crack could be known as "the poor man's drug" because it provided an alternative to a more expensive drug, cocaine. The introduction of crack cocaine amounts to a technological innovation in the market for cocaine intoxication. Crack cocaine is a derivative of powered cocaine, made by dissolving cocaine powder in water, adding baking soda, and boiling the mixture until a solid base separates from the solution. This process does not change the chemical composition of the active cocaine alkaloid, but it does change the manner by which it may be ingested. Once converted into crack, the cocaine can be smoked, which allows the cocaine molecules to concentrate in the brain much more rapidly than is possible by taking powdered cocaine intranasally (Stein,1992). Because the euphoric effects of cocaine have more to do with the speed at which the alkaloid concentrates in the brain than with the level of the drug in the body, crack is the more intoxicating form of the drug. This fast delivery to the brain is cause by the large pulmonary area available for diffusion and absorption due to cocaine smoking (Ellwood and Gawin, 1988). Crack cocaine produces feelings of well-being, mental exhilaration, reduced appetite and great physical strength in the short term. The after-effects can include tiredness, depression, panic, anxiety and death. Long term users may believe to have develop tolerance, and therefore, are tempted to increase doses for a more intense effect which can lead to overdose. With continued use of this drug, paranoid psychosis can be seen (Cook and Laub, 1990). Since our course (MCB 165) deals much with the chemical effects of cocaine/crack, there is no need for much explanation on that particular topic.
Crack has become widespread phenomenon because of the user's strong physical dependency to it.
“Just Say No!” A statement that takes us deep into yet another decade in the history of the United States which was excited by controversies, social issues, and drug abuse. The topic of this statement is fueled by the growing abuse of cocaine in the mid 1980s. I shall discuss the effects of the crack cocaine epidemic of the mid 1980s from a cultural and social stand point because on that decade this country moved to the rhythms and the pace of this uncanny drug. Cocaine took its told on American society by in the 1980s; it ravaged with every social group, race, class, etc. It reigned over the United States without any prejudices. Crack cocaine was the way into urban society, because of its affordability in contrast to the powdered form. In society the minorities were the ones most affected by the growing excess of crime and drug abuse, especially African Americans; so the question was “Why was nearly everybody convicted in California federal court of crack cocaine trafficking black?” (Webb: Day 3). The growing hysteria brought forth many questions which might seem to have concrete answers, but the fact of the matter is they are all but conspiracy in the end, even though it does not take away the ambiguity and doubt. I will take on only a few topics from the vast array of events and effects this period in time had tended to. Where and who this epidemic seemed to affect more notably, and perhaps how the drugs came about such territories and people. What actions this countries authority took to restore moral sanity, and how it affected people gender wise.
Drug in the American Society is a book written by Eric Goode. This book, as the title indicates, is about drugs in the American Society. It is especially about the misuse of most drugs, licit or illicit, such us alcohol, marijuana and more. The author wrote this book to give an explanation of the use of different drugs. He wrote a first edition and decided to write this second edition due to critic and also as he mentioned in the preface “there are several reason for these changes. First, the reality of the drug scene has changed substantially in the past dozen or so years. Second much more information has been accumulated about drug use. And third, I’m not the same person I was in 1972.”(vii). The main idea of this book is to inform readers about drugs and their reality. In the book, Goode argued that the effect of a drug is dependent on the societal context in which it is taken. Thus, in one society a particular drug may be a depressant, and in another it may be a stimulant.
Cocaine is a classified ‘Schedule II’ drug, also known as “crack”, and “coke” it is a powerful drug, and addictive stimulant well known as a psychoactive substance. That comes from a plant called coca leaf that has been around since the mid-1800s and throughout the 20th century. “In the mid-1980s, addiction to the drug was seen as exaggerated or dismissed as psychological and not addiction” (Miller, Gold, Smith, 1997, p.62). In the past, cocaine’s original use was for medical purposes as local anesthetic for surgeries. Now its usage is illegal and this drug is immersed into the body through various ways. However,...
Tanning salons have always been popular destinations for those who may not spend a lot of time outdoors, or for those who prefer to be tan year-round. Unfortunately, such a business attracts young adults, especially around the time of high school formals. The dangers of tanning are numerous, and introducing oneself to such dangers so early in one’s life is reckless. Tanning is a risk, and tanning at such an early age can be fatal. Currently, the states of California, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, and Vermont have made the educated decision to ban tanning from minors. It would be wise for all remaining states in the United States to follow suite.
...nts recover completely. Bulimia nervosa patients often do not seek help. When they do, antidepressant medication and psychotherapy are given. Women with this disorder tend to improve overtime, but 10 years after diagnosis, about thirty percent still suffer with the condition. (Alters & Schiff, 2003, pp.36-38)
Indoor tanning is becoming a very popular “hobby”, but most people do not know, or do not care, about its dangerous side effects. Studies show that people who use tanning booths have a much higher chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer. If someone were to start tanning indoors before they turn 30 or 25, the risk of them getting Melanoma peaks, and if they start tanning before they turn 20 or 25, they are much more likely to get basal and squamous cancer.
Trilobites are extinct sea creatures that were one of the first forms of life on earth.
The Ebola Virus is an extremely deadly virus found in Africa. There have been multiple outbreaks across Africa and one in the United States. The Ebola virus basically causes uncontrollable bleeding externally and internally. Then your organs become liquefied. This usually results in death(www.encyclopedia.com). The following report contains info on the characteristics and history of the Ebola Virus.
The social desirability of a tan is a modern phenomenon, beginning in the 1920’s when the French designer Coco Chanel decreed it as a fashion look. The concept of obtaining a tan without going outdoors became increasingly attractive (Aldige). Today’s media influences everyone, but especially young people, to feel like they need to have that beautiful dark skin color to look good. Teenagers, caring more about their social status and appearance, are looking past the obvious risks of skin cancer. Teenagers ages 12 to 17 are visiting tanning salons in record numbers. This trend presents a huge level of concern, as studies have shown that the risk for skin cancer increases when tanning begins at a younger age. With this fad being so popular, teens are always finding themselves at the tanning salons, becoming nice and crispy.
Sunbeds were first created in Europe (“History of” n.pag.). They are a primary cause of many types of skin cancer such as melanoma and other dangerous and undesired health conditions (“Sunbeds, tanning” n.pag.). It is mistakenly assumed that tanning beds have less of a negative affect from UV rays than UV rays from the sun (“Sunbeds” n.pag.). Only 36 states have a law prohibiting minors’ use of tanning beds (“11 Facts” n.pag.). The negative effects of the use of sunbeds seem to greatly outweigh the positive effects. The damage from tanning beds is long-term and irreversible (“Sunbeds” n.pag.). Rules and regulations regarding tanning beds have not, in the past, been enough to prevent numerous cases against tanning bed companies from arising. Sunbeds are a growing problem in America that is greatly ignored (“Sunbeds, tanning” n.pag.).
Weintraub, Karen. "The Toll of Tanning." Boston Globe. 23 May. 2013: G.16. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 22 May. 2014
Some of the techniques used include using needles to insert DNA into an ovum; hybridomas and recombinant DNA, in which the DNA of a desired gene is inserted into the DNA of a bacterium.(Columbia University, 2007) Genetic Engineering can do some undeniably wonderfully sounding things like repairing a genetic defect, picking a select group of genes to achieve a specific outcome in the case of designer babies, curing diseases by altering the gene, and testing for inherited diseases. Genetic engineering has given scientists the power to alter the very basis of life on earth. While the chance at perfecting the human gene is intoxicating, it can also be alarming. For example you could determine the extent of the potential of your child's future simply by paying to specify their gender, skin, eye and hair colour as well as their level of intelligence. There are currently few laws pertaining to the collection and use of personal genetic information, so this is a modern and cutting edge idea that we get to work with. While that can be exciting in terms of academic achievements that are available and unclaimed, we also have a lot less to draw on morally from our preceding
These indoor tanning facilities are taking a toll on the health status of individual’s, which in turn, results in a huge financial burden on the United States health costs due to the necessary treatment these cancers (Watson et, al., 2014, p. e4). It is difficult to reinforce this knowledge to adolescents because they seem to believe that they are invincible. Teens attending these indoor tanning facilities are focused on the here and now motto. Being tan makes these adolescents feel more attractive in their “golden years.” They are more concerned with that notion rather than what is to come in the later years of their life. However, what if a family member or even themselves were to be diagnosed with skin cancer, which later lead to death? Are these tragic circumstances the only means to making adolescent realize how serious this issue is?
The use of drugs is a controversial topic in society today. In general, addicts show a direct link between taking drugs and suffering from their effects. People abuse drugs for a wide variety of reasons. In most cases, the use of drugs will serve a type of purpose or will give some kind of reward. These reasons for use will differ with different kinds of drugs. Various reasons for using the substance can be pain relief, depression, anxiety and weariness, acceptance into a peer group, religion, and much more. Although reasons for using may vary for each individual, it is known by all that consequences of the abuse do exist. It is only further down the line when the effects of using can be seen.
Traditional methods of waste disposal have proven to be ineffective and have caused harmful effects on the environment. The most popular and inexpensive way to get rid of garbage is burial, but burying your problems does not necessarily mean getting rid of them. Landfill sites pose as severe ecological threats as these mass garbage dump yards overflow with trash and frequently contaminate our air, soil and water with hazardous wastes. About 400 million tons of hazardous wastes are generated each year1. A large-scale release of these materials can cause thousands of deaths and may poison the environment for many years. For example many industrial companies around the world cannot afford to enforce the strict pollution regulations set by many developed countries. This usually forces these types of companies to move to developing countries where pollution regulations are very lenient. These developing countries knowingly accept environmentally hazardous companies usually because they are in desperate need of employment. The harmful effects of these companies were clearly illustrated in the 1960s and 1970s when residents living near Minamata Bay, Japan, developed nervous disorders, tremors, and paralysis in a mysterious epidemic. The root was later found to be a local industry that had released mercury, a highly toxic element, into Minamata Bay. The disaster had claimed the lives of 400 people1. Since 1970 you can bet that a lot more than 400 people have died as a result of waste disposal. If the type of waste disposal were cheaper and effective we wouldn’t have to deal with waste problems, which still plague mankind today.