Sociologists Who Studied Drug Use in the 1950s and 1960s

question 24

Essay

Sociologists who studied drug use in the 1950s and 1960s emphasized that the neophyte user had to learn to enjoy the effects of drugs before he/she became a regular user. Does this model still hold up as an adequate explanation for understanding drug use today? Or is it obsolete? Or does it need to be supplemented with other factors rather than being replaced?

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Definitions:

Mood Swings

Rapid and often unexpected changes in emotional state, ranging from feelings of happiness to feelings of sadness or irritability.

Outbursts

are sudden, forceful expressions of emotion or activity, often as a result of pent-up feelings.

Self Management

The process of controlling one's own behavior, emotions, and thoughts in the pursuit of long-term goals.

Legitimate Power

The capacity to influence others by virtue of formal authority, or the rights of office.