The+Injected+Truth

Kaitlin Loch n8908095 Tutor : Dr. Mangalam Sankupellay

The injected truth

//"Drugs don't work, they just make things worse" // **//The Artefact //** The portraits above are a part of a London-based photographer's project, “Half”, which highlights the drastic physical effects of substance abuse. Roman Sakovich (the artist) created split images using professional make-up to portray an individual prior and post addiction, leaving the viewer with a stark visualization of the damaging effects. The project itself was inspired by the experience of the artist’s own friends and focus on the dramatic change in appearance that a person undergoes while addicted to crystal meth.
 * = [[image:http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/262786/slide_262786_1748365_free.jpg?1352746225792 width="430" height="355" align="center"]] ||= [[image:http://www.romansakovich.co.uk/files/gimgs/50_roman-shoot-5-8460.jpg width="464" height="354"]] ||

**//The Public Health Issue //** The health and social impacts of drug use is substantial, in 2004-2005 the total cost of drug use (including alcohol and tobacco) was $55.5 billion (Queensland Government, 2013). The National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS) showed that 2 out of 5 Australians had used illicit drugs at some point in their lifetime (Australian Government, 2010). With these alarmingly high rates of drug use in Australia it raises the issue of “drug addiction”. The artefact above shows the effects to an individual physically through the use of drugs but little is explored into the physiological, psychological and social effects these “drug addictions” have on the individual but also the people around them.

//**Literature Review**//  People with an addiction or substance dependence do not have control over what they are doing, taking and using. Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive uncontrollable use of a drug, despite harmful results (Cami & Farre, 2003). According to Koob (2000) addiction occurs in three stages: the preoccupation and anticipation stage; the “binge” stage or intoxication stage; and the withdrawal negative affect stage. The preoccupation and anticipation stage is defined as the recreational use of the drug, the initial taking of the drug. From there it becomes the intoxication stage, where the individual is reaping the rewards from the drug and delivering the pleasurable effects (Koob, 2000). Finally there is the withdrawal stage, neurologists suggest that this is the “addiction” or problematic stage.

 Koob (2000) goes on to explain a classic experiment using rodents was used to measure the reinforcing effects of addictive drugs. The experiment allowed the rodents to self-administer the drug by stepping on a lever, an intravenous catheter would then measure and inject the drug into the model (Koob, 2000). The experiment showed that people used drugs based on a pleasurable activation of the brain’s reward system. The main question however is where the use of the drug for the pleasure becomes an addiction. Theories of addiction have mainly been developed from neurobiological evidence and data from studies of learning behaviour and memory mechanisms (Cami & Farre, 2003). First it the pharmacological and physiochemical properties of drugs. The chemical makeup such as rabid onset and intensity of effect increase the potential for abuse (Cami & Farre, 2003). Therefore, substances that rapidly reach high levels in the brain are often preferred. In addition to this, Cami and Farre suggest that personality traits and mental disorders are a major conditioning factor for drug addictions. Risk-taking or novelty-seeking traits facor the use of addictive drugs. Additionally, psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and ADHD (attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder) are all associated with an increased risk of abuse (Cami & Farre, 2003). Finally the article argues that genetic factors also play a role on the susceptibility to addiction. Genetic factors include an individual’s metabolism, the effects the drug has on the individual but also their parent’s genetics have an influence. None of them alone can explain all aspects of addiction, but each can help with the understanding.

 Once these factors have taken effect and resulted in a problematic addiction there are many effects on the individual that can both consume the lives of the individual but also the people around them. There is often a link between illicit drug use and mental health disorders (Copeland, Geber & Swift, 2006). Copeland, Gerber and Swift (2006) argue that cannabis use may cause symptoms similar to those observed in psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and impaired reality. A 1996 community study in New Zealand reported that one in seven (14%) of cannabis users reported ‘strange, unpleasant experiences such as hearing voices’ or ‘becoming convinced that someone was trying to harm them’ (Thomas, 1996). Copeland (2007) states that this is a plausible statement as cannabis stimulates increased production of dopamine (like all drugs) which is associated with psychotic disturbances. Although drugs, like cannabis, produce mental disorder-like symptoms when used, they have also been shown to be linked to long term mental complications (Copeland, 2007). An Australian Prevalence study conducted in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra found that 25% (1 out of 4) who screened positive for a psychotic disorder also met the criteria for cannabis abuse or dependence at some point in their lives (Jablensky et al., 2000). In addition to this McKetin (2007) states that methamphetamine can induce a paranoid psychosis in some people who take the drug. While on the drug they can experience paranoia, hallucinations with social withdrawal and increased philosophical concern (McKetin, 2007) Although the individual will develop these symptoms while on the drug they can last weeks to months with often long-term effects or a medically diagnosed mental disorder. Even though drug use will affect the individually different under the dosages, situation, current mental state and the environment the drug is taken, in there has been high links to the development of disorders in the long-term.

 In addition, to these mental effects of drug use, problematic drug use hits families like a tidal wave, leaving those involved floundering in a sea of anger, frustration, fear and isolation (Barnard, n.d). The United States Government, drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) (n.d) argue that drugs alter the brain, so it stands that they also change the way that humans interact with one another. Drug abuse can radically impact the way your children interact with parents, family and friends, the way that parents respond to their spouse and family, and the way that friends interact with each other (DEA, n.d). An example of this used by the DEA (n.d) is children and their social interaction with families, academics and peers, but this only a small example of the social interactions that the child would encounter. Antitei (2007) argues that “drugs can corrode a whole society, hitting in all that a normal human society requires: stable families, healthy work hand, trusty governments, honest polices, and law respecting citizens.” Drugs are connected with disunited families, as addicted parents can seldom offer a stable family life to their children, additionally, children often run away, living on the streets (Antitei, 2007). Brain topographies showed drugs like ecstasy and amphetamines destroy brain cells and can often result in memory loss and depression, again resulting in negative social effects.

 In conclusion, drugs have an effect on not only the individual using the drug but people around them. Research, such as that from Koob (2000) showed that test subjects who used the drug continued to use the drug to reap the rewards the drug offered. Although there are many reasons for individuals to develop drug addictions it is unlikely to determine who will or how and individual will develop the addiction despite their situation. Drugs have been proven to mentally effect the individual, not only for a short-period of time (like that of symptoms of some drugs) but also long-term effects. In addition to the effects mentally, drugs affect the people around the user. Barnard (n.d) rightly states, “Drug use hits families like a tidal wave,” leaving them confused, frustrated, scared and isolated. There needs to be a social and cultural approach that reaches all these individuals by looking at the individual and not “drug addicts” as a whole. //**Cultural and Social Analysis **// <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">History has recorded numerous events that verify that our present drug problems are not new or unique to us. Drug use and abuse have always been part of society and may be two features that all cultures have in common. People have always exhibited the compulsion to go beyond their consciousness periodically to enhance perceptions and mood. Until the 1960’s recreational drug use was confined to a small minority of the population (Sheldon, n.d). In the 1960’s the public’s attitude toward drug use shifted to a higher tolerance level. The media introduced empathy for drug users arguing the effects of drugs was mostly to heal social ills from war, violence and alcoholism (Sheldon, n.d). From there the face of drugs took a whole new meaning with Poly-Drugs (synthetic drugs such as LSD, cocaine and amphetamines) developing into the 1970’s. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Rock music and its related lifestyle and a supportive media focused on drugs, drug users and many new believers generated a bandwagon effect that supported decriminalization and legalization of marijuana (Sheldon, n.d). From there drug use took a whole new meaning with generations addicted to synthetic drugs and moving from the recreational use to problematic use.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Although it is most common for Indigenous Australians, people with criminal backgrounds, homeless individuals and people with mental disorders to be associated with drug use and addiction, it could affect anyone but concerns everyone. ‘//Drug addictions and Families’// written by Marina Bernard explores how families are affected by drug users and abusers. She explores how families are often the ones feeling alone, scared, frightened and unsure what to do (Banard, 2006). Drug addictions do not only affect the family of the individual but a wider social group, such as friends, teachers, educators, students, doctors and even complete strangers. It is obvious to say that not everyone is effected the same by the actions of the drug addicted individual but it is unfair to say that only family and close relatives are the only ones. Researchers have often argued the six degrees of separation between oneself and anyone else. Adapting this further if one drug addicted is affecting the lives of six more individuals then each one of those individuals will have six more people to confide in thus creating this never ending connection and world-wide problem.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">In order to make a difference to the overwhelming statistics of drug addictions there needs to be a target for change. Historically drugs have tried to be irradiated by new legislation and rules but instead we have only seen an increase in both the usage but also the drugs produced and available. There have been numerous attempts at new treatments and everyone has their own solution to the problem. The problem however lies within the approaches society is taking towards the drug addicted individuals. All too often we categories “drug addicts” and finding a solution for them as a whole instead of looking to the individual and sourcing a treatment for them or a smaller community group. Public health experts should look at more specific individuals and their situation to try and find a treatment that will solve the reason they took the drug in the first place instead of taking a categorised approach. **//<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Analysis of the Artefact //** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The portraits taken from Sakovich’s project “Half” are representation of physical changed an individual goes through while addicted to crystal meth or other drugs. The artist created these photos with the help of professional make-up artists and costume designers. The images which are a part of an extensive series portray the “idea” of what society views drug addicts look like. It reflects this “idea” of how respectable, “decent” people become the stereotypical addict.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">My personal understanding of this photo was exactly what the artist was trying to portray. It shows the breakdown of an individual’s life, the loss of jobs, homes and families all because of drug use. To view this images with a better understanding I placed my hand over one side of the portrait and then the other. The first image (female) looks like a teenage girl who is smart, confident and respectable. Once looking at the second half of the image I see a “nobody”, someone who has sold their lives to drugs, they barely have enough clothing to cover their back. In the second image (male) I see a happy business man, successful and charming, someone who has their lives together. Again, once I look at the second half of the image I see someone who I would be scared to cross on the streets: a homeless, jobless individual. This image captures perfectly the stereotypes associated with a drug user, the photos are confronting and really open the viewer’s eyes to not only the physical effects of drugs but the effects on the individual’s lives.

//**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 130%;">Reflection **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">This assignment has really helped my understanding of drug addictions and their effects. I have learnt about specific drugs and how they can affect not only and individual’s mental well being but also their social interactions. Research into this topic has provided me with a broadened knowledge of this topic and will help me in future assignments but also when I go out into the teaching field.

** //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13pt;">References // ** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Australian Government. (n.d). //Drug and Alcohol Use//. Retrieved from Australian Government: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> http://australia.gov.au/topics/health-and-safety/drug-and-alcohol-use

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Barnard, M. (2006). Drug Addiction and Families. //Jessica Kingsley Publishers//, 1-179.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Cami, J., & Farre, M. (2003, September 4). Drug Addiction. //The New England Journal of Medicine//, 975-986.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Copeland, J. Gerber, S. & Swift, W. Evidence-Based Answers To Cannabis Questions. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Canberra: Australian National Council on Drugs

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Copeland, J. (2007). Chapter 4: Cannabis. In J. Ross, //Illict drug use in Australia: Epidemioligy,// //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> use patterns and associated harm //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> (pp. 10-23). Barton: Commonwealth of Australia.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Koob, G. (2000). Drug Addiction. //The Scripps Research Institute.// //7//, pp. 543-545. California: Neurobiology of Disease: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> doi:10.1006/nbdi.2000.0351

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Jablensky, A., McGrath, J., Herrman, H., Castle, D., Gureje, O., Evans, M., Carr, V., Morgan,

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">V., Korten, A., & Harvey, C. (2000). Psychotic disorders in urban areas: An overview of the Study on Low Prevalence Disorders. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 34(2), <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5;">221-236.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">McKetin, R. (2007). Chapter 5: Meth/amphetamine. In J. Ross, //Illict drug use in Australia: Epidemioligy, use patterns and associated harm// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> (pp. 24-31). Barton: Commonwealth of Australia

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Ross, J. (2007). Illict drug use in Australia: Epidemioligy, use patterns and associated harm. //National Drug & Alcohol Research// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> //Centres//(2nd Edition), 0-80. Retrieved from: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.health.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Stefan Anitei. (2007, November 15). //The effects of drugs on Sex, Health and Social Life//. Retrieved from Softpedia: <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Effects-of-the-Drugs-on-Sex-Health-and-Social-Life-70913.shtml

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Thomas, H. (1996). Psychiatric symptoms in cannabis users. Drug & Alcohol Dependence, <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> 42(3), 201-207

//**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 140%; line-height: 25.55555534362793px;">Discussion **// <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5;">[]