The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Adolescents - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1481 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/08/08 Category Health Essay Level High school Tags: Sleep Deprivation Essay Did you like this example? Does the amount of sleep adolescents get cause or contribute depression and/or anxiety? I became interested in the topic of sleep because I have not been getting enough of it myself and I wanted to know if it was affecting the way I think. I feel that knowing the contribution that sleep has on the brain development of adolescents would help me understand if my lack of sleep is contributing to my anxiety. In addition to that, studying sleeps effect on brain development might help the education system improve the way they teach children with the work they give them to do outside of class.. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Adolescents" essay for you Create order Natural Sciences Allen, Nicholas B, et al. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Adolescent Cognitive-Behavioral Sleep Interventions. Clinical Child Family Psychology Review, Vol. 20 Issue 3, September 2017, p227-249. 23p. Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1007/s10567-017-0234-5 The article states that most youths get around 9 hours of sleep when unrestricted and less than 8 hours of sleep when restricted, typically on school nights. Adolescents are recommended to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night and the article proclaimed that approximately 30% of adolescents suffer from a sleep disorder being either insomnia or delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPS). The article also states that adolescents are susceptible to the same physiological, psychological, and environmental vulnerabilities that cause these disorders as adults as well as still developing responsibilities and social interests, still developing as human beings, and the amount of hormonal changes leading to a perfect storm of sleep imbalance. The article was last updated in September of 2017 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of sleep on mental illnesses. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences a part of the University of Melbourne and Oregon Research Institute, several of which have written other credible articles. Since the article focused mostly on the results of their meta-analysis the results may vary from others who recreate it but not by enough to discredit this source and was peer reviewed to add credibility. This article exists to inform of the connection between sleep and some mental disorders. Boynton, Marcella H., Leslie A. Lytle, and Deshira D. Wallace. Multilevel analysis exploring the links between stress, depression, and sleep problems among two-year college students. Journal of American College Health. Vol. 65 Issue 3, April 2017, p187-196. 10p. Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1080/07448481.2016.1269111 This article covers the connections between depression and stress and sleep issues in college students. Through their study they deduced that in 2-4-year college students 30% of them reported being so depressed that it was difficult to function at some time in the past year (11). It also states that the causes for depression among young adults may be the result of poverty, stressful life events, maltreatment, and family dysfunction (187). With this information the researchers tested a group of 440 college students with 70% of the subjects reporting insufficient sleep. Through their study they found the depression does not affect the quantity of sleep, but it affected the quality. The article was last updated in April of 2017 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of depression on sleep. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, several of which have written other credible articles. Since the article focused mostly on the results of their two year study the results may vary from others who recreate it but not by enough to discredit this source and was peer reviewed to add credibility. This article exists to inform of the connection between depression and sleep quality. Carper, Matthew, Philip Kendall, and Jeremy Peterman. Anxiety Disorders and Comorbid Sleep Problems in School-Aged Youth: Review and Future Research Directions. Child Psychiatry Human Development. Vol. 46 Issue 3, June 2015, p376-392. 17p. Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1007/s10578-014-0478-y The article begins by outlining general issues, such as sleep problems in youths without anxiety, sleep across a youths development, sleep measurement, and negative functional outcome related to sleep disturbances. Questioning into these topics will provide context to understand the current state of the anxiety and sleep literature, including methodological shortcomings and areas that need further investigation. Second, the article explores associations between anxiety and sleep among youth with anxiety disorders, with an emphasis on studies collective strengths and limitations. The article was last updated in June of 2015 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of sleep on an adolescents development. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with Temple Universitys Child Psychiatry Human Development research program, several of which have written other credible articles. The article used their own research and multiple other articles to confirm their findings along with being peer reviewed. This article exists to inform of the connection between sleep and anxious tendencies in adolescents. Lehto, J. E., and L. Uusitalo?Malmivaara. Sleep-related factors: associations with poor attention and depressive symptoms. Child: Care, Health Development. Vol. 40 Issue 3, May 2014, p419-425. 7p. Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1111/cch.12063 This article aims to add to the missing area of research of childrens sleep related problems and co-occurring emotional and behavioral disturbances. There is mounting evidence showing that children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have sleep problems. There is also evidence suggesting that the symptoms of ADHD are related to sleep factors in children with no diagnosis of true ADHD and this article intends to prove it. The article was last updated in May of 2014 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of depression on sleep. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with the Special Education Section of the University of Helsinki, both of which have written other credible articles. The article is based off previous articles relating to the subject along with their own research that has been peer reviewed. This article exists to inform of the connection between sleep quantity and behavioral disturbances. Social Sciences Gayathri, R., and Abigail Nirandhi Ranasinghe. Awareness of effects of sleep deprivation among college students. Drug Invention Today. Vol. 10 Issue 9, September 2018, p1806-1809. 4p. Academic Search Complete This article explains the effects of sleep deprivation on college aged students. This article shows that sleep deprivation can be either chronic or acute which changes the effect it has. A chronic sleep-restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness, and weight loss or weight gain. It adversely affects the brain and cognitive function. Sleep deprivation tends to cause slower brain waves in the frontal cortex, shortened attention span, higher anxiety, impaired memory, and a grouchy mood. The article was last updated in September of 2018 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation on the lives of college students. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, both of which have written other credible articles. The article references other articles relating to the subject and has been peer reviewed. This article exists to inform of the connection between sleep deprivation and the mental state of college students. Louca, Mia, and Michelle A. Short. Sleep deprivation leads to mood deficits in healthy adolescents. Sleep Medicine. Vol. 16 Issue 8, August 2015, p987-993. 7p. Academic Search Complete, doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.03.007 The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of thirty-six hours of sleep deprivation on the discrete mood states of anger, depression, anxiety, confusion, fatigue, and vigor in healthy adolescents. This study provides empirical support for the notion that sleep loss can causally affect mood states in healthy adolescents, with females having heightened vulnerability. The article was last updated in August of 2015 and has not been revised. The article focuses on the effects of sleep on adolescents moods. The source used many statistics that younger students would not understand so the intended audience might be high school or college students. The authors of this article were researchers associated with the Centre for Sleep Research at the University of South Australia, both of which have written other credible articles. The article was mostly their own lab work that was peer reviewed with the help of previous articles on similar subject matter. This article exists to inform of the connection between depression and sleep quality.

Essay about Huxleys Message in Brave New World - 971 Words

Huxleys Hidden Message Aldous Huxley has a humanistic, deep and enlightened view of how society should be, and of what constitutes true happiness. In his novel, Brave New World, he shows his ideas in a very obscure manner. Huxley presents his ideas in a satirical fashion. This sarcastic style of writing helped Huxley show his views in a very captivating and insightful manner. The entire novel describes a dystopia in which intimate relationships, the ability to choose ones destiny, and the importance of family are strictly opposed. In Huxleys mind, however, these three principles are highly regarded as necessary for a meaningful and fulfilling existence. Intimacy and Relationships are a major theme in Brave New World. In the New†¦show more content†¦Even prior to birth, they are genetically and physically conditioned to a certain degree, depending on their predestined caste and occupation. Once born, they are conditioned, by caste, to each bear identical morals using a technique called hypnopaedia, or sleep-teaching. These morals are indoctrinated into their brains, and follow them throughout their entire lives. The peoples existence is now secured, as there is little the individual can do to change anything about his or her life. Even a persons emotions have been decided for them, primarily through the use of the quick fix happy drug, Soma. Happiness, however shallow it may be, prevails over any other emotion. And that, the Director explains sententiously, that is the secret of happiness and virtue-liking what youve got to do. All conditioning aims at that: making people like their inescapable social destiny (Huxley 16). On ly the individuals whose conditioning has been flawed, such as Bernard for example, have the ability to see beyond the workings of society and question their lives and surroundings. John the savage also notices the defects in the New World Society. Defying the moral values of the New World Society, John wishes for godÂ…poetryÂ…dangerÂ…freedomÂ…goodnessÂ…sin (Huxley 237). Although these individuals may not always be happy, Huxley uses them to represent a more humanistic and benevolent type of existence, which isShow MoreRelatedBrave New World - Huxleys Message1253 Words   |  6 PagesA protagonist is described as the prominent character in a novel or text. In Aldous Huxley’s â€Å"Brave New World†, John the Savage is the central protagonist opposed to Bernard Marx or Helmholtz Watson because he symbolizes cultural difference amongst the World State and the Savage Reservation. Although Bernard and Helmholtz demonstrate differences that would not be accep ted in the civilized society, they are only seen as leading characters. Huxley uses John’s character to point out the short comingsRead MoreBrave New World Idiocracy Analysis849 Words   |  4 Pageswhen comparing Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World to Mike Judge’s Idiocracy. Both manifest a problem of their society through the use of satire. Satire is a method of ridiculing a problem to people to prompt them to protest for change. Although Brave New World’s universe is a polar opposite of Idiocracy and their satirical plots effectively evoke denunciation of problems, Idiocracy more persuasively expresses their overarching satirical message. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is conveying the problemRead MoreBrave New World By Aldous Huxley968 Words   |  4 PagesAldous Huxley’s utopia in Brave New World foreshadowed and illuminated the complications within modern day society. Upon its release, the narrative became widely banned all over the United States due to the unorthodox thoughts and actions of multiple characters in it. Early readers, as well as modern day audiences, feared and rejected the ideals that Huxley incorporated into his perfect society; however, our society today is heading towards the dark paths the older generations desired to avoid. Read MoreThe Poignant Prophet By Aldous Huxley1680 Words   |  7 Pagesmajority of Huxley’s popular works contain a few themes that are consistent throughout his writings. Among them, Utopian society, mysticism, and modern change in society are the most popular subjects discussed by critics. Huxley’s most popular novel Brave New World is the c enter of many of these debates; his other works reflect his philosophy by different methods. Utopian society is best represented in Huxley’s works by the novels Brave New World and Island. The first work, Brave New World, was writtenRead MoreBrave New World Discussion Questions1321 Words   |  6 PagesBrave New World Discussion Questions Question 1: Each novel immerses us, instantly, into a world that simultaneously is foreign and familiar. Establish the characteristics of the society that the author creates and analyze the intricacies (complexities) of the society being presented. In what ways is it like and unlike our own society? In Aldous Huxley’s science fiction novel Brave New World, a distinct society is illustrated. The author depicts a civilization that is specifically based on severalRead MoreThe Social and Political Attitudes of Brave New World1373 Words   |  6 Pagesspeech, or happiness in general? In the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, there are many different attitudes portrayed with the purpose to make the reader think of the possible changes in our society and how they could affect its people. Brave New World is an unsettling, loveless and even sinister place. This is because Huxley endows his ideal society with features calculated to alienate his audience. Typically, reading Brave New World elicits the very same disturbing feelings in theRead MoreBrave New World by Aldous Huxley1093 Words   |  4 Pages Numerous connections can be drawn between the film production The Truman Show by Peter Weir and Aldous Huxley’s novel Brave New World. In each media, the society depicted seemed outwardly perfect, and the citizens were content. The individuals remained content through complete government control. With every society’s strength is a weakness, interestingly enough, the Achilles’ heel of both perfect societies is totalitarianism and social conditioning. The fact of the matter is that not everyone willRead More We Are Living in a Corporate Dystopia Essay1495 Words   |  6 Pagesto the Brave New World. Ignoring this threat and treating it as either non-existent or only minimally significant is tantamount to inviting Huxleys dystopian vision into our own world. In so doing, we set ourselves up for a decidedly dark tomorrow.    To the uninitiated, the society of Huxleys Brave New World at first seems to be only pure science fiction with no visible ties to reality. After all, we have no government-controlled genetic engineering of human beings in our world. We doRead MoreBrave New World Essay1091 Words   |  5 PagesA smart, scholarly and skillful author named Aldous Huxley once said â€Å"Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards†. The advancement, improvement and the wrong use of technology has affected the world in a really negative way. When technology first started to improve and become more advanced was during the WW1 and WW2, which caused the most destructive wars in human history. For example the wrong use of technology led the Americans to produce one ofRead MoreEssay on Brave New World: A Society of False Happiness1663 Words   |  7 Pagespossibility for the reader to grasp inner desires and decide what is truly important in life. Litera ture allows readers to dive into a different world where happiness and fulfillment is plentiful and eternal, also described as a utopia, while other pieces of literature direct the reader into a world of dissatisfaction which is a dystopia. Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is in 26th century England. With the help of advanced technology and drugs, happiness fills the lives of the people living at that time period

Ethics in Science Free Essays

Should scientist have a common ethics code like the oath of Hippocrates for the doctors, or similar to the oath the lawyers give towards society? In order to answer this question it is necessary to examine the meaning of the words Science and Ethics, first independently and then in the context of society. The first step in this process is to define each word. According to Wikipedia â€Å"†¦science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge humans have gained by such research†[1]. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics in Science or any similar topic only for you Order Now Ethics on the other hand â€Å"†¦ is the attempt to arrive at general moral standards that tell us [people] how to judge right from wrong, or good from bad, and how to live moral lives†[2]. The above interpretations are, at first glance, not connected to each other. Science is a process, a system, a way to acquire knowledge about the physical world around us. Science, in its pure form, does not have sides, good or bad, positive or negative. Science, one could propose, is the force of understanding. Ethics on the other hand, is a set of criteria, created by man, to define a guideline to his existence. A guideline between what should and what should not occur. Hence the question must be transformed into â€Å"Should scientists be moral? Do scientists need ethical guidelines, as part of a society, in order to function? † A step further could be â€Å"Under which conditions would a scientific morality be objective? † There have been many proposals for the creation of a universal code of ethics for scientists. Sir Arnold Wolfendale[3] proposed â€Å"I will not, knowingly, carry out research which is to the detriment of humanity. If, in the event, research to which I have contributed is used, in my view, to the detriment of the human race then I shall work actively to combat its development†. In his statement Sir Wolfendale remains moral to his ethics code by proposing to combat any ill applications of his discoveries. But if we put the above statement in the context of war, society could argue that it would not be ethically ill to apply science against an evil enemy for maters of survival[4], thus Sir Wolfendale’s denial would be unethical towards society. Which ethical values are paramount? The individual’s or society’s? In modern days there has been a great deal of ambiguity on a number of scientific fields. The advances of science in genetics and molecular biology have created stress between scientists and society. Cloning is one example. A scientist could argue that by pursuing the creation of a living creature through cloning, a major advancement in our understanding of the mechanics behind living organisms could be gained. On the other hand, a large portion of society is against such attempts, often labelling them immoral and unethical. Again the dilemma, who’s ethics is paramount? The interaction between Ethics and Science can also be examined in another context. In the last years, many scientist have expressed concern about unethical behaviour within the scientific society. Many notable individuals have pointed out that scientists should be more truthful and honest about their findings. That they should be inclined to share their discoveries with the rest of the community, keeping as the paramount goal, the advancement of this community in general. The reasons for these ethical missteps vary. In most cases the denominator of the problem is the commercialisation of science and the financial battles that lurk in the background. A final point of view that should be considered is the human nature. Humans, over the centuries, have always exhibited several qualities that orbit around the concept of self-interest. Although people would spend huge periods of time philosophising in the virtues of morality every day life teaches different lessons. People tend to be self-centred, prideful, self-important and indifferent towards the next person. Sir Isaac Newton is one of the most famous scientists and visionaries of the last three hundred years. Nevertheless, he was notorious for his somewhat eccentric behaviour towards other scientists. A preliminary conclusion would have to address the conditions under which an ethical code should be implemented. Science, in comparison with ethics, is a global concept. The scientific community is in essence a global society. Ethics is not! Ethics depends on the principals and ideas of the society it resides. A vivid example could be derived when one examines the sociological beliefs during the â€Å"upper hide† in South Africa. In that society what was write and what was wrong could be differently defined in comparison with London, England. An ethical scientific code would not similar in both countries. Another point which needs to be taken under consideration would be that the ethical code should be self-aware of the conditions under which it’s being created. An all open scientific society with no boundaries and freedom of exchange of information might be highly noble but would be out of synchronicity with modern reality. This would probably lead to its dismissal. The scientist â€Å"lawgiver† must be aware of what is and what is not plausible. If one would suggest that science should detach itself from the market mechanism due to the negative influence, one would find himself outcast. So what is the perfect recipe? What should be included and what should not? Is an ethics code necessary? If history can teach us something, it is that people throughout the centuries needed guidance in one form or the other. An ethics scientific code is definitely a positive step. But the code has to take into account a’ lot. The core of the code should be science. The code will address the practitioners of science and their actions but should not damage science in the process. Morality is a social issue. Any code is powerless if the society in which it resides does not support and endorse moral values. To summarise an ethics science code is desirable in the context of an active moral society. How to cite Ethics in Science, Essay examples Ethics In Science Free Essays Ethics is the difference between what is morally right and wrong. A scientist has to know the ethical consequences of their work. The scientist Is responsible. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics In Science or any similar topic only for you Order Now There are many consequences Like the harm and amount of risk and benefit in science. There are also ethical procedures Involved In science. These procedures Include promoting alms of research and knowledge. These procedures help ensure accountability. The big difference Is that ethics and laws are not the same. Laws are established rules while ethics is the morals of a culture. Ethics is important because it makes sure that cooperation and joint endeavors run smoothly. One example of ethics in science is stem cell research. Stem Cell Research is when undeveloped cells are molded from adult cells, embryonic cells, and cord cells to finally be created as other cells. Stem Cell research is used as a treatment for such problems as heart disease, diabetes leukemia, and etc. One pro is that adult stem cells are a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues. Researching and using these stem cells may lead to progress and future discoveries in the future. That is the good part, but there are also some cons. These cons mostly got to do with embryonic stem cells. Some stem ells are taken from embryonic stem cells. The problem Is that scientists find extraction more Important than the misery of destroying a human being. Clients such as Dry. Xavier Lopez said â€Å"This Is the future of medicine, and I want to be a part of it. † Now, Stem Cells hold great potential in helping many human diseases and conditions. Stem cells are able to reproduce without causing damage. These are the ethics of stem cell research. Stem Cells overall can both save and destroy people. In the article, â€Å"Scientists Fabricate Rudimentary Human Livers† by Gina Kola speaks about scientists who have created a human liver from stem cells. This is good because it is a monumental achievement in science. This human liver is an example that stem cells can help us live for a long time. This was done by transferring liver buds into mice. Liver buds were put on the brain and the abdomen. The liver buds functioned Like human livers. Dry. Kenneth Caret states that â€Å"They were letting nature do Its thing rather than trying to conceive of what the right signals might be. This Is an ethical example because It shows that there are some major signs that stem cells are evolving. The creation of this liver is able to replenish organs. This is good because it shows that this liver is able to function. Dry. Take mentions that they can try to take it to the clinic and treat it on people whose liver have stopped working. This is a benefit because people will be able to get s ome part of their body back. â€Å"This is a major breakthrough of monumental significance† said Dry. Hilled Tibias. In the article, â€Å"Stem Cell Treatments Overtake Science† by Laura Bell talks about how Stem Cells are taking over the medical and scientific world. Maggie Allies, a victim of emphysema found out that adult stem cells were promoted as a cure for everything. † Doctors at the Regenerative Medicine Institute are hoping to take 130 million stem cells and transfer them to her lungs. These stem cells are helping her because the actual doctors could not. Stem Cells have risen because customers Like Maggie are hoping for a â€Å"personal miracle. † Stem Cells are flourishing In TIJuana. This is a big benefit because are about 20 clinics giving adult stem cell therapy to on it. He follows up with it by saying â€Å"It was eye-opening† and â€Å"This is the future of medicine, and I want to be a part of it. † This is good because Dry. Lopez is being ireful and has good intentions. He follows his ideas up by saying that Mexico lacks the government that the USA has. These clinical trials of stem cells are within the accepted structure of the Tijuana government. This is good the government in Tijuana is watching over these trials. Dry. Lopez finally says that â€Å"I’m very proud of what we are doing. † Japanese researchers have created a human liver from human stem cells. Gina Kola covers this story in her article, â€Å"Scientists Fabricate Rudimentary Human Livers. † To create a human liver from stem cells can always cause pros and cons in the scientific field. The cons for creating this human liver are that it’s more of an early fetal version. This is bad because it cannot develop into a full human liver. Sadly, the liver cells did not take up space in the body. It did not develop any blood supplies or systems. This is bad because it can damage a person’s body. Anyways, other researchers tried recreating this human liver. These other livers would eventually die and would not function. If this liver fails, many things start to happen such as the abdominal area becomes filled with fluid. Eventually, a disease will begin. This is the negative of the human liver cell. This is why it will never be treated on humans. Another bad thing is that this human liver in a three- dimensional structure. Thus, it will never be put into the human body. The article also mentions that Dry. Caret has said, â€Å"We don’t know if the cells will grow out of control or will poop out. † These researchers such as Dry. Tibias hopes they soon succeed. â€Å"It really has the potential to undermine the legitimacy of the whole world†, says Dry. Hashes Eased of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dry. Eased is right because there a lot of controversial ideas surrounding the SE of stem cells. One problem at the Regenerative Medicine Institute is that stem cells cannot regenerate no matter where they are placed. These safety precautions still remain unanswered. This is seriously bad because the patient would not be able to get that kind of service again for too much money. This is also an economical problem because it costs a lot of money to work on these patients. Scientists now fear the consequences of their work because of the growing number of clinics. This brings up the idea that there is responsibility, risk, and benefit involved in having ethics in science. In the article, a pathologist is mentioned to had illegally processed and shipped stem cells without permission from the F. D. A. This is a major problem because without these cells being checked these lives are in danger. Dry. Sedan follows his idea up by saying that patients don’t know the difference between science and conning. This is bad because people can be cheated by researchers and they will be affected. Dry. Lopez, the founder of the institute says that he works with the Mexican authorities to follow the uniform standards. In the end, Stem Cells can find a way to destroy us. There are many consequences like the harm and amount of risk and benefit in science. This is shown in both articles. These stories show that scientists are trying to help the world, but not intentionally destroying it. Stem Cells hold great potential in saving human lives. This is the ethics of stem cell research. The human liver is a great achievement in the field of science, but it cannot function. People can recreate these discoveries. Stem Cells are helping people unlike the they are changing the world. Stem Cells might not be fix some things, but soon it will and will be amazing. This is the good and bad of ethics in stem cells. How to cite Ethics In Science, Papers

Drugs And Crime (3258 words) Essay Example For Students

Drugs And Crime (3258 words) Essay Drugs And CrimeDrugs, Crime and ProhibitionDo drugs really cause crime, or is it our governments way of controlling the communities? Many people blame drugs for every problem in our society, but is it the true evil in our society? No one person can answer that question. There are only opinions and supposed theories on this issue. We have been taught over the years that drugs were bad and that they only affected the poor and less fortunate, and turned them into crazy criminals, but this isn’t true to any extent. The laws controlling and prohibiting drugs are the true culprit. Would our crime levels decline if drugs were legalized to some extent, or would we just increase the destruction of our country? Over the past fifty years, prohibition has been proven to actually increase crime and drug use instead of its intended purpose, which was to extinguish the use of illicit drugs in the United States. We constantly here of prison over crowding, and why is that? Most of our prisons are filled with drug offenders, ranging from use to distribution of supposed illicit drugs. What is our country coming to? The purpose of this research paper is to view the advantages and disadvantages of the legalization of illicit drugs in the United States. I will examine each side of this major problem plaguing our fine country from past to present. People wake everyday to their normal and monotonous life without even thinking about what they are doing. They do not realize that they have been conditioned by the government and its laws to obey and follow the supposed norm of society. What is the norms of society, and who set the guidelines for them? No one can explain how these norms came about, they only know that they must follow them, or they could get in trouble with the law. We are going into the twenty first century, and we still follow laws that were passed hundreds of years ago. Why is this? We are a highly advanced country, but we spend time, lives and money on abiding by laws that were around before the automobile was even invented. I will begin with the history of our drug control policies, which have failed miserably, and examine the drug-crime connection. Policy HistoryDrugs have been in this country since the beginning of time in some shape or form, which was used for personal and medicinal use. Usage of marijuana h as been reported to date back to the founding of Jamestown (1). George Washington himself cultivated and used to relieve the pain of an aching tooth. Opium was accessible to anyone who wanted to purchase it, as Tylenol is today. People were able to obtain these drugs at any pharmacy or grocery store that stocked them. It was socially acceptable to use and sell drugs, but the addictive properties were not known at this time in history. In the beginning of the twentieth century, the Progressive movement wanted some form of drug regulation (1). There were a few factors that affected the change in public opinion. First, the US acquired the Philippine Islands, which gave the US a legal supply of opium to supply addicts. Second, was the concern over the affects that drugs had on people. Journalist at that time, who were highly influenced by the government, published many fictional articles about crazy drug addicts, who raped and killed because of their drug use. Third, drugs were associat ed with blacks and Chinese immigrants, and this caused panic through the white communities( 1 ). In the early 1900’s, President Roosevelt appointed three men, Rev. Charles Brent, an Episcopal bishop, Dr. Hamilton Wright, and Charles Tenney, a China missionary, to represent America at The Hague International Opium Convention of 1912. At this conference, the modern movement for abolitioning narcotics trafficking was began with the US involvement in the Philippines (2). Although there was regulations abroad, there was no legislation protecting the United States. In 1913, New York Representative Francis Harrison introduced two bills into Congress. One was to prohibit use and importation of opium, and the other was to regulate the manufacturing of smoking opium within the US. It was recognized as a revenue bill, but was not intended to produce revenue. A few months after the bills were introduced, President Wilson signed the bills, which took affect March 1, 1914. Under the Harris on Act, the maximum sentence that could be imposed was a five year prison term or a $2,000.00 fine or both. The average term was one-and-a-half years, which was considered too low by many. The Harrison Act did not prohibit the use of narcotics, but rather regulated the distribution of them. Any one connected to the manufacture or distribution of narcotics had to be licensed and pay a graduated occupational tax. Doctors were no longer allowed to supply addicts with drugs. This began a controversy over the question, were drugs an addiction or a crime, and should an addict be treated as a sick person or an addict (2)? Eventually, the Harrison Act caused more drug use than it prevented. A committee was formed to investigate this problem, which found that illicit use of narcotics had increased dramatically while the act had been in affect. Instead of improving the act, they only stiffened penalties. In 1918, the Volstead Act was passed, even over President Wilson’s veto. It provid ed legislation for the enforcement of prohibition. Headed by Levi Nutt, a pharmacist, a special Narcotics Division was formed within the Prohibition Bureau, due to the problems with the Harrison Act. The narcotic officers within this division were hired by strict guidelines according to the Civil Service (1). Through the 1920’s, various studies and investigations were conducted to see if drugs were addicting and crime causing. Dr. Lawerence Kolb’s research supposedly proved that addicts and normal people will have different effects to the same drug. He believed that excessive amounts of opium would not induce criminal tendencies, but inhibit it, which would show no connection between drugs and crime. By now, the Harrison Act was back on line, closing maintenance clinics, which shut down 44 of them by the end of 1921. Addicts could no longer obtain drugs legally and addicts were denied ambulatory treatment. Addiction was not categorized as a crime, so it was not constit utional to arrest every addict and imprison them. As it is now, prison space was limited and prisons already housed double their capacity. In 1922, supporters of the Harrison act were relieved when Congress passed the Narcotic Drugs Import and Export Act (1). This act gave the Surgeon General power to regulate the importation of crude opium and coca leaves, which were restricted to medicinal and scientific use. The Federal Bureau Board was created to enforce sentencing and fines for unlawful importation. This new act was accused of doing nothing to stop illegal import, but was associated with the increase in prices on the illicit drug market. In 1929, the Porter bill was passed, which was for the construction of two prison hospitals. These hospitals were for treatment of addicts, who were either assigned by court or by voluntary participation. These facilities were capable of treating one thousand addicts. Child Development EssayLegal Issues