Drugs, Culture & Society
Summer Session II On-line 2014
832:350: H1
July 8-August 14, 2014
Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
Email: alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu
Course Overview
This course is designed to examine historical, societal, psychological, behavioral and familial
perspectives of substance use, abuse and dependence. Socio-political perspectives will be explored
while students also discuss global implications of the current trends in sensationalization of both legal
and illegal drugs in our society. Students will also have the opportunity to examine the Disease Model
of Addiction with a special focus on process addictions (Gambling, Gaming, etc.). Legal implications
of drug use and abuse will be reviewed with professional guest lecturers and up to date research,
statistics and data. Topics of discussion will also include worldview, spiritualty, cultural implications
of substance use, the pharmacology and physiology of mood altering substances, historical and
current treatment options and traditional and alternative uses of substances in global culture. Classes
will consist of a combination of on line lecture, film, on line discussion, weekly journals and relevant
readings.
COURSE OBJECTIVES include, but are not limited to, the following
1. Students will identify and describe the history of drugs from a historical perspective. Students will
demonstrate an understanding of the social progression from moral disposition to todays
understanding of addiction as a disease of the brain.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concept of worldview and culture and its
impact on social and political stigma related to addiction.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the disease concept and etiology of addictions and
addictive behaviors to include the impact of co-occurring substance use disorders on medical and
psychological disorders and the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and coexist with
medical and psychological disorders.
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of substances of
abuse including new trends and substances.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of family, social networks, and
community systems in the treatment of substance use disorders.
6. Students will demonstrate knowledge of process addictions including but not limited to eating
disorders, gambling, shopping, hoarding, sex, gaming and technology and the prevalence of these
conditions in our society.
7. Students will demonstrate an understating of the global impact of addiction including social,
political and financial concerns in our society and abroad.
8. Students will demonstrate the ability to assess an individual’s stage of dependence, change, or
recovery based on an holistic interpretation of the disease.
9. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the alternative uses, including medicinal,
philosophical and cultural practices in various cultures.
Course Reading: Texts (Include but not limited to)
Drugs, Culture & Society
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Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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Sheff, N. (2008). Tweak: Growing up on methamphetamines. New York: Atheneum Books for Young
Readers.
Sheff, D. (2008). beautiful boy. A fathers journey through his sons addiction. New York: Mariner
Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Course Policies
 Confidentiality: Due to the focus of this course, students may share their personal experiences.
This information is private and should not be repeated outside of this class.
 Our academic environment is designed for learning, so remember to keep an open mind.
 Every assignment is due on the specified date listed in the syllabus. No late assignments will be
accepted.
 Students must comply with all university standards on academic conduct (see attached
Statement of Academic Integrity).
 Written assignments must be submitted using 12- point font and typed double-spaced. Papers
are expected to be edited prior to submission. Points will be deducted if a student fails to edit a
submission.
On Line Course Expectations & Grading:
Grading for this course will be based weekly course expectations delineated in the syllabus and on
the e –college course outline board. Students are expected to maintain and monitor personal
academic course goals in order to achieve course expectations.
Class assignments, readings etc. will be listed on the syllabus and the e college schedule. The
actual “class” week will end on the Friday of the scheduled week, however, you will be given until
the Sunday evening before the beginning of the next week to submit assignments, journals and
complete readings /unless otherwise noted.
Semester Grading
Final Paper:
Weekly Journals:
On Line Discussions/participation:
50%
40%
10%
There will be one Final Paper Submission for this course that will be graded as the Final Exam.
This paper/ final will be due on August 13th, 2014. This paper will be worth 40% of your grade.
 You will be expected to read two books for this course: TWEAK and beautiful boy
 You will be expected to submit one journal entry per week. These entries will be submitted
on- line. Themes, topics and discussions will be listed on our e college class site and
available on the syllabus.
 In order to keep up with the course expectations, you will need to read the text daily and
also check on line daily as new readings and discussions will be posted for review and
discussion. 10% of your grade will be based upon on-line participation, discussions with
instructor, and on-going interactions/ posting as the semester progresses. There is one
discussion per week that is posted on e- college.
 Movies listed are suggested; but please note that they are highly recommended!
 The HBO Film “Thin” and the YouTube /Russell Brand Documentary are not suggested
films.
Drugs, Culture & Society
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Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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Assignments & Weekly Expectations
1. “Title Themes” of Addiction for Weekly Journal Assignments 40%
All journal entries, assignments and readings are to be completed and submitted by the Sunday prior
to the next scheduled syllabus week. How you will be graded will be based on your on time submission
and the content of the weekly journal. The following themes are the themes that will be accepted and
expected as the “Title Themes” of your weekly entries. You must choose from this list. You cannot
duplicate “Title Themes” from one week to another; however, you can write about more than one
group in your entries and you can reflect more than once on a theme as you see fit. You should read all
units and include reference to the on line lecture and any additional readings in your journal. You will
be expected to reflect upon your reading of the each text , Tweak and Beautiful Boy.. More
importantly though, I will be looking for your personal opinion in the entries!
On Line Weekly Journal: “Title Themes” of Addiction: Choose from this list: Do not repeat!
 Denial/Loss of Control
 Shame/Guilt
 Grandiosity/Manipulation
 Anger/Resentment/Loss
 Hopelessness/Despair
 Blame/Regret
 Honesty/Truth
 Forgiveness/Letting Go
 Love/Spirituality
 Journal entries are graded 1-10:
 10 is perfect
 9 is excellent
 8 is good
 Anything below and 8 needs improvement: Comments will be included for you each
week
 A sample “10” is included for you on line
 Journal submissions must be posted in the “journal” tab on e college
Reading: Text : TWEAK by Nic Sheff and Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
You will be expected to read both books for this semester. Beautiful Boy should be read
first. Be warned, that Nic’s book, IS VERY GRAPHIC in nature! His story is told from the
perspective of a daily journal. Since the publishing of this book, Nic has gone on to publish a
new book and has also faced a number of new challenges. I challenge you to do your research
and seek out new information on Nic’s life today.
You will be expected to have weekly journal entries that reflect the readings of TWEAK and
Beautiful Boy (along with other resources) using examples and direct quotes that are in
keeping with your chosen theme.
2. Final Paper and Exam Grade: 50% Your final paper will be a written formal discussion on the
Disease of Addiction and as you have learned to interpret the concept. You should use personal
Drugs, Culture & Society
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Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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opinion as well as examples from readings and other resources throughout the semester. The paper
should be no longer than 5 pages in length, 12- point font- double spaced. Please EDIT all papers for
spelling and grammar prior to submission. Included in the discussion:
o Myths and Social Implications of Addiction
o Discussion on your understanding of the Disease Model of Addiction
o Spirituality and Addiction: as you understand it
o Recovery from Addiction: A Lifelong Process
 Nic’s Journey in Recovery
 Where he stands in the stages of addiction
o Your Personal Journey: Worldview
 How has your worldview shifted?
 A complete overview will be posted online
3. Weekly Discussions and Class Participation : 10%
Students will be expected to submit weekly posts in the discussion board on e –college. Each weeks
topic will be based upon the Unit and Items within the Units. Your responses/posts are opinions and
interpretations based upon your reading and life experience. Discussions must be posted by the
Friday (midnight) of each week.
The following week –by- week syllabus will list the class expectations. The additional readings and
videos can be found on line in the webliography on e- college. Any additional readings or added
articles of interest will be added in announcements on the e college course site… any changes will also
be listed! Please note that this syllabus is subject to change. You should follow the posts
on e-college. E-college will have the most up to date course expectations posted by the
course instructor.
Week 1: July 8- July 11 2014
Introduction to Addiction
Expected Text Reading: Begin Text beautiful boy pg. 1-121
Topics to be reviewed:
 What is addiction? History
 Common myths about addiction
 Personal bias: Your Worldview
 Introduction of common themes in the disease of addiction (Note: listed in syllabus above)
Additional Readings:
All additional readings and resources are listed on e college webliography for this course with week
due listed to the right of the page. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the webliography as
some of the articles are out of order.
Please note*** With all HBO links, please read the full article, then click on the respective short videos
on the right hand side that goes with each article
Journal Entries to be submitted: Themes of Addiction: Journal Entry 1
Due No later than Sunday July 13th, 2014
Sample journal entry is available on line in the course overview.
On Line Discussion Week 1: Should be completed before midnight July 11, 2014
Drugs, Culture & Society
832:350:H6 Summer 2 On Line 2014
Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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Week 2: July 14- 18, 2014
The Disease of Addiction
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy 121-250
Topics To Be Reviewed:
 The Disease of Addiction
 Addiction & The Brain
 Addiction as a Diagnosis
 Nic & Methamphetamines
Additional Readings and Videos:
All additional readings and videos for week 2 are listed on line in the e college webliography
 YouTube: Russell Brand Addiction
Journal Entries to be submitted:
Journal Entry Submission 2 Due no later than July 20th, 2014
On Line Discussion: Due on or before midnight July 18, 2014
Suggested Movies: “Rachel Getting Married”
Week 3: July 21- July 25, 2014
Addiction & the Family
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy 251-317 (end)
Topics To Be Reviewed:
 The Impact of Addiction on the Family
 Codependency and Addiction
 Children of Alcoholics and the “Dysfunctional Family”
 Family Roles
 Special Discussion: Adolescents & Addiction
Additional Readings:
All additional readings and videos can be found in the webliography on e college
Journal Entries to be Submitted:
Journal Entry Submission 3 Due no later than July 27th, 2014
On Line Discussion Week 3: Due on or before midnight July 25th 2014
Suggested Movies: “Things We Lost in the Fire”
Week 4: July 28-August 1, 2014
Current Trends in Addictions
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Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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Expected Text Reading:
NEW BOOK TWEAK 1-130
Topics To Be Reviewed:
 Process Addictions: Sexual Addiction, Gambling, On line Addictions
 Current Trends in Addictions: Sensationalization of Addiction in America
o Painkillers: Opiates
o On line Social Networking: The FACEBOOK Epidemic
 Co-Occurring Disorders
 Special Focus: Eating Disorders
Additional Readings/Assignment
All Additional readings and links to videos can be found on e-college in the webliography
The FACEBOOK Experiment: This week you will be challenged to stay off of FACEBOOK for an entire
week. This means, no access whatsoever! It is important that as we take on current trends, we do not
overlook some of our own “addictions”. On line social networking has fast become a nation- wide
addiction. Let’s see how difficult it is for you to stay off line for a week or even a day … please make Be
sure your to include your experience in your weekly journal. More information to come on E college!
Journal Entries to be Submitted:
Journal entry submission 4 due no later than August 3, 2014
Be sure to note that you are now journaling about a new Book from Nic’s perspective !!!!
Mandatory Movies: “HBO Documentary: Thin” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZm2g9FLrGA
This Documentary can be seen on You Tube in 11 parts
On Line Discussion Week 4:
Are you addicted to Facebook or other on line social networking sites? Is society
addicted?
**Due by August 1 2014
Week 5: August 4-August 8, 2014
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK 131-263
Topics To Be Reviewed:
 Recovery in Addiction/ Treatment
 Relapse
 Spirituality in Addiction and Recovery
 Mutual Self Help
Additional Readings and Videos:
All additional readings and videos can be found on line in the e college webliography
Journal Entries to be submitted: No Journal this week
On Line Discussion:
Due on or before by August 8 , 2014
Drugs, Culture & Society
832:350:H6 Summer 2 On Line 2014
Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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Suggested Movies: None…! Catch up with all movies…videos
Week 6: Final Week / August 11-August 14, 2014
Final Papers Due on Thursday August 13th before 5 PM …No late Papers will be
accepted!
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK 263-end
Should be completed at this point as papers are to be submitted by the 13th.
Topics To Be Reviewed:



Social Networking and Addiction to technology
Addiction Policy: Marijuana and NJ
Special Topics: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Additional Readings and Videos: All additional readings and videos can be found on line in the e
college webliography
No Journal this week! 
Final On line Discussion: Posts must be submitted by **August 14 at 1 PM. Will count towards grade !
Final Papers Due on August 1by midnight…No late Papers will be accepted!
_____________________________________________________________________
__________
Additional Resources and Links to Resources :
You are expected to visit each of these websites and “surf” the site to get to know the available
resources!
 National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.nida.nih.gov/nidahome.html
 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/Pages/default.aspx
 Mental Health America: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: http://www.samhsa.gov/
 SAMHSA’s Center for Co-Occurring Excellence: http://coce.samhsa.gov/
Office Hours:
Office hours available by appointment. Appointments can be arranged before or after
scheduled class times or via e mail alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu.
Grading Policy:
Letter
A
B+
B
C+
C
% Range
90-100 %
85-89.99 %
80-84.99 %
75-79.99 %
70-74.99 %
Drugs, Culture & Society
832:350:H6 Summer 2 On Line 2014
Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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D
F
60-69.99 %
<60%8
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is essential to the success of the educational enterprise and breaches of academic
integrity constitute serious offenses against the academic community. Every member of that
community bears a responsibility for ensuring that the highest standards of academic integrity are
upheld. Only through a genuine partnership among students, faculty, staff, and administrators will
the University be able to maintain the necessary commitment to academic integrity.
The University administration is responsible for making academic integrity an institutional priority
and for providing students and faculty with effective educational programs and support services to
help them fully understand and address issues of academic integrity. The administration is also
responsible for working with other members of the academic community to establish equitable and
effective procedures to deal with violations of academic integrity.
The faculty shares the responsibility for educating students about the importance and principles of
academic integrity. Individual faculty members are also responsible for informing students of the
particular expectations regarding academic integrity within individual courses, including permissible
limits of student collaboration and, where relevant, acceptable citation format. Finally, all members of
the faculty should report all violations of academic integrity they encounter.
Students are responsible for understanding the principles of academic integrity fully and abiding by
them in all their work at the University. Students are also encouraged to report alleged violations of
academic integrity to the faculty member teaching the course in which the violation is alleged to have
occurred.
All members of our community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and
honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain advantage not given to all students
is dishonest, whether or not the effort is successful. A violation of academic honesty is a breach of
trust, and will result in penalties, including possible suspension or expulsion. When in doubt about
plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructors.
For additional information, go to: http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/students.shtml
Drugs, Culture & Society
832:350:H6 Summer 2 On Line 2014
Alexandra Lopez, MA, BCPC, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS
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