Analyzing Traditional & Social Approaches to Prevent Drug Addiction

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of traditional and social approaches to drug addiction prevention. It begins by defining drug abuse and categorizing drug types as soft and hard, highlighting the dangers of hard drugs. The presentation then contrasts traditional approaches, such as acupuncture, refuge recovery utilizing Buddhist principles, and Chinese herbal medicine, with social approaches including direct confrontation, state-funded rehabilitation centers, and helpline numbers. Strengths and limitations of both approaches are discussed, followed by an outline of government policies and programs aimed at combating drug addiction, including the National Ice Taskforce and Needle and Syringe Programs. The presentation concludes by emphasizing the need for implementing social approaches to support addicts in their recovery, while acknowledging the role of traditional methods in relaxation and stress reduction. References to various studies and government resources are provided to support the information presented. Desklib offers more solved assignments and resources for students.

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Objective
• The objective of the presentation is to gain a
sound understanding of the traditional and social
approaches, beneficial for preventing drug
addiction.
• Drugs have been part of the human culture since
the beginning of the last century.
• Drug abuse refers to the non-permissible
consumption of substances that lead to
psychological or physical dependence (Gauffin,
Vinnerljung, Fridell, Hesse & Hjern, 2013, p.1441).
• These were popularized in the 1960s by mass
media and music
• According to the WHO, at least 15.3 million
people suffer from drug abuse related disorders
(WHO, 2017).

Drug types
• Soft drugs- They produce no or
little significant physical or
psychological dependence and are
illicit. e.g., marijuana, caffeine,
nicotine, and alcohol.
• Hard drugs- These are highly
addicitve and often injectable.
They cause great damages. e.g.,
heroin, cocaine, morphine, opiates,
codeine, and methamphetamine.
• Use of these hard drugs are
considered as an illegal behaviour.

Approach to drug prevention
• Traditional approach- Urges the youth to
withstand their peer pressure and makes them
say no to drugs and alcohol. Also includes
various therapeutic approaches that are based
on Buddhist, Taoist, Islamic, Hindu and
Shamanic traditions.
• Social approach- Focuses on the role of the
family, and social norms to prevent use of
drugs.

Traditional approach 1
• Acupuncture- Conventional
approach that is used for addiction
recovery programs (Lua & Talib,
2013, p.28)
• Involves shallow insertion of thin
needle at various skin locations
• Helps in easing withdrawal
symptoms and also reduces cravings
• Eases physical pain
• Decreases stress and anxiety

Traditional approach 2
• Refuge recovery- Mindfulness-based
addiction prevention program that
utilises and practices Buddhsim
philosophy as the foundation for
recovery (Shonin, Van Gordon, Slade
& Griffiths, 2013, p.367)
• Empathy and knowledge are
considered as the best means to
overcome drug addiction
• These attempts help to escape
craving

Traditional approach 3
• Chinese herbal medicine- promotes
detoxification of the body
• The bring about heightened sense of ease or
relaxation in the body
• These herbs also stimulate production of
endorphine, which helps to overcome addiction
• They improve circulation, promote mental
health and helps to cope with stress

Strength and Limitations
• Strength- Help in relaxation; eases escaping
craving; reduces anxiety and stress
• Weakness- Difficult to convince addicts to
adhere to the traditional philosophies of
Buddhism or Taoism; Chinese herbal
medicines may show adverse effects; Might
lead to relapse of addiction in the long run

Social approach 1
• Direct confrontation- Help from
healthcare professionals are taken by
the family members and friends of the
addicts, to confront them regarding
their dependence on drugs (Rigter et
al., 2013, p.86).
• This approach helps in exploring their
addiction and involves an informed
conversation
• The recovery options and insurance
coverage are explored in the same

Social approach 2
• State funded rehabilitation centers- These are
built by using funds from the government and
support the addicts
• Inpatient, outpatient, and facilities of partial
hospitalization are made available by the
government that aids the people to recover
• Professionals extend their help to facilitate easy
conduction of the drug addiction program

Social approach 3
• Helpline numbers- Acts as a significant
step for helping people recover from
drug addiction (Van Boekel, Brouwers,
Van Weeghel & Garretsen, 2013,
p.25).
• Listens to the demands and
preferences of the patients and
reduces their drug dependency,
thereby enhancing their rehabilitation
• Counseling- Conducted within the
auspices of mental health addiction
models and takes into account help
from family members to treat
addiction

Strengths and Limitations
• Strengths- Provides exhaustive information to
the patients and their family on the effects of
addiction on the physiologic system; family
therapy sessions facilitate easy recovery of the
person; helps in addressing multiple facets of
the human life
• Weakness- Might lead to strained relationship
with friends and family; patients might show
noncompliance to the counseling strategies