CCJ 4934 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Social Disorganization Theory, Social Learning Theory, Differential Association
29 Mar 2016
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Biological theories: explanations that postulate specific physical mechanisms that influence them to experiment with drugs or abuse them, constitutional. Based on mechanisms present at birth: environmental. Genetic factors: genetic makeup that predisposes them towards drugs/alcohol abuse, adopted children have high rates of alcoholism, alcoholism only give a predisposition. Metabolic factors: postulates metabolic imbalance as a possible causal factor in narcotic addictions, only certain individuals begin taking narcotics. Biochemical process kicks in and the physiologically they crave opiate drugs: treatment, methadone maintenance, helped with a certain portion. Those that stress of the abuser/addict are different from abstainer, hence causal relations: reinforcement. Reinforcement: psychological theory, reinforcement can explain continued cause, positive. Individual receives a pleasurable sensation so repeats the behavior: negative. Does something to seek relief or avoid pain. At first drug is good then develops physical dependence in order to feel euphoria, doses increased. Takes drug just to feel normal": maintenance. Take enough drug to avoid withdrawal distress.
