NUR-631 Discussion On drugs
1. Many argue that using alcohol, marijuana, or other seemingly “minor” drugs acts as a gateway to stronger, more lethal drugs and addictions. Do you believe there is support for this claim? Support your position from a neurobiology point of view.
2. Since addicted persons need more and more prescription painkillers or opiates to get the feeling of being “high” or staying “well,” what are some consequences they may face?
Discussion Forum Sample
Discussion questions in NUR-631 are presented with a range of options.
Read the questions carefully and follow directions regarding whether to select one, two or answer multiple questions for the response. Present responses using the sample format provided below and include at least two citations from peer-reviewed journals published within the last 5 years or from the textbooks. References must be in proper APA format. A substantive responses must be at least 150 words in length and pertain to the topic as it relates to pathophysiology.
Sample DQ
Select one of the following discussion questions for your discussion response.
- What did Mark Twain mean when he said, “the difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug”? Demonstrate your answer by providing an example from your own life when “almost the right word” created confusion, misunderstanding, or adversity.
- How can knowing your fellow students and fostering a sense of community benefit your educational experience?
- Part of effective communication involves knowing how to respond rather than react to something someone has said or written. In the online classroom format, why is it important to read a classmate’s post and assess that person’s intended message before you offer a response? How can this skill of responding help you in your career?
Sample Student DQ Response Format
What did Mark Twain mean when he said, “the difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug”? Demonstrate your answer by providing an example from your own life when “almost the right word” created confusion, misunderstanding, or adversity.
It is very important to use the right words when communicating. If you do not select your words carefully you can end up not getting your point across or miss a great opportunity. Using the right word makes sure you are understood correctly. If you are not careful about the words you use, it is easier for people to misinterpret them. This can have a negative impact in the medical field, as miscommunication affects “patients’ quality of care, health outcomes, adherence to treatment and satisfaction” and is also cited as the “most common reason for patient medical complaints” (Morgan, 2013, p. 123).
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I have experienced what the difference between the “right word” and the “almost right word” can do. A couple years ago I was having a tough time. I was really busy with a lot of different things and my family could tell it was wearing me down. One day my daughter came up and handed me a picture she drew of the two of us. I was in the middle of something and just took it and said, “Oh, that’s nice, thanks.” Later, I could see she was sad. I felt terrible and thought about how much work she put into the picture for me, and how she was trying so hard to make me happy. I used almost the right words, but not the right words. We both felt much better after I took the time to express how I really felt.
Reference:
Morgan, S. (2013). Miscommunication between patients and general practitioners: Implications
for clinical practice. Journal of Primary Health Care, 5(2), 123-128.
Discussion Post
Many argue that using alcohol, marijuana, or other seemingly “minor” drugs acts as a gateway to stronger, more lethal drugs and addictions. Do you believe there is support for this claim?
Alcohol and marijuana are the most frequently misused drugs in the United States (US), particularly among minors. Alcohol use disorder, for example, costs around $250 billion in yearly economic loss and causes more than 80,000 fatalities (Tetrault et al., 2017). These drugs are thought to open the door to more harmful narcotics like methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, which can lead to addiction and other problems. While there has long been debate over this, I agree with the argument owing to their impact on the brain’s dopaminergic levels. These drugs generate pleasure by raising dopamine levels in the brain. The dopamine surge produced by gateway drugs throughout adolescence makes the brain produce less dopamine during adulthood, culminating in a negative feedback loop (Cappelli et al., 2021). This is what causes people to seek out harder chemicals that that has potential of producing more remarkable dopamine releases.
Since addicted persons need more and more prescription painkillers or opiates to get the feeling of being “high” or staying “well,” what are some consequences they may face?
Opioids alter the chemistry of the brain and cause drug tolerance, which is why the dose must be gradually raised to obtain the same effect. Opioid medication can have a negative impact on much system in the body including respiratory, and gastrointestinal. Its use has been associated with a greater risk of intestinal obstruction (Sullivan, 2018), which can result in death. It’s also allied to a number of sleep-disordered breathing including ataxic breathing, and hypoxemia. It also increases risk of fractures owing to its effect on central nervous system symptoms such as dizziness and diminished consciousness. Furthermore, opiate abuse raises the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
References
Cappelli, C., Ames, S. L., Xie, B., Pike, J. R., & Stacy, A. W. (2021). Acceptance of drug use mediates future hard drug use among at-risk adolescent marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol users. Prevention Science, 22(5), 545-554. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11121-020-01165-9
Sullivan, M. D. (2018). Depression effects on long-term prescription opioid use, abuse, and addiction. The Clinical journal of pain, 34(9), 878-884. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000000603
Tetrault, J. M., & O’Connor, P. G. (2017). Risky drinking and alcohol use disorder: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, assessment, and diagnosis. U: UpToDate, Saitz R, ur. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham, MA: UpToDate. https://www.medilib.ir/uptodate/show/7809