Although most of the chapter focused on illegal drugs, we do know that even lega

Question

Although most of the chapter focused on illegal drugs, we do know that even legal stimulants can lead to serious problems. For example, the U.S. Public Health Service considers cigarette smoking the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States (Herbst et al., 2014; Pearson et al., 2013; Toll et al., 2014). Like smoking, chewing tobacco is also extremely dangerous, as evidenced by the death of famous baseball player Tony Gwynn, who died of mouth cancer in 2014.

Given these well-known health hazards, why do people ever start using tobacco? Researchers have found that nicotine activates the same brain areas as cocaine (David et al., 2013; Herman et al., 2014; Li et al., 2014). Nicotine's effects—relaxation, increased alertness, and diminished pain and appetite—are so powerfully reinforcing that some people continue to smoke even after having a cancerous lung removed.

1. Do you think the drinking age should be raised to at least 21 for all countries? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think alcohol is more popular and culturally acceptable than the other drugs discussed in this chapter?

Please provide references with your argument.

Explanation / Answer

1. I do agree with the view that the drinking age in each county should be raised to at least 21 years of age. The ill-effects of alcohol are not unknown to the government and policy makers, and individuals should attain some amount of maturity before they begin drinking.

2. The primary reason why alcohol is more popular and culturally endorsed is because it has become what a norm in our society, a view supported by health beliefs and behavioural models (Glanz, Lewis, Rimer & McGinnis, 1997). In fact, liberalisation of alcohol in terms of having more hours, more outlets, more places we expect to drink, to large extent normalises drinking and consumption becomes enmeshed in the daily fabric of life.

References;

Glanz, K., Lewis, F. M., Rimer, B. K., & McGinnis, M. J. (1997). Health behaviour and health education: theory, research, and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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