Drugs, Culture & Society
832:350:02
Fall 2014
Monday and Wednesday 1:40-3:00
Lucy Stone Hall B105
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, CCS, ICCS, BCPC
Email: alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu
Office Hours: Bloustein School Room 256 by appointment
 (Syllabus should be viewed in Landscape Orientation)
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course is designed to explore the relevant and historical impact of drugs in society. Students will examine historical,
societal, psychological, behavioral and familial perspectives of substance use and abuse. Social and global and personal
implications will be presented and discussed with a focus on current trends and process addictions. Topics of review and
exploration will also include culture and chemical use, pharmacology and physiology of mood altering substances,
historical and current treatment options, and the journey through relapse and recovery. Trending subject matter will
include the sensationalization of drugs and addiction by the media as well as health care reform and the impact of policy
and legislation on prevention, intervention and recovery. Class will consist of class lecture, discussion, guest lecture,
relevant reading and videos and interactive class presentations. Students will also participate in on line discussions with
peers.
REQUIRED TEXTS
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.
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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 POLICIES:
 Confidentiality: Due to the nature and subject matter 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 unless
approved by the instructor in advance of the deadline. Approved late assignments will receive an automatic one
half-grade deduction.
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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This class depends heavily on student interaction and participation. Students are expected to attend class regularly
and be active participants in discussions and lectures. Attendance will be taken at every class. After one absence
(excused or not), each successive missed class will effect the students overall participation grade.
University Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend all classes; if you are going to miss a class, please use
the University absence reporting website https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/ to indicate the date and reason for your
absence. An email is automatically sent to me. Excused absences will be at the discretion of the instructor and
must be reported prior to the class start time. In order for lateness to be excused, the instructor must receive
notification via text or smartphone message. Persistent lateness will be cause for course grade deduction.
Students must comply with all university standards on academic conduct (see attached Statement of Academic
Integrity)
Cell phones must be turned off during class.
Being enrolled in another course, or having a difficult academic schedule may not be used as an excuse to not
submit assignments or to miss class in this course. Due dates for assignments due in other courses will not be an
acceptable excuse for assignments not completed in this course.
Laptops are permitted for taking notes and looking up course-related material. All other uses (instant messaging,
games, Social Networking, web surfing, etc.) will result in having to turn off your computer. Second offenses will
result in barring your computer from the classroom.
Written assignments must be typed and submitted in 12 -point font/ double- spaced. Papers must be submitted in
a PC compatible format that can be read and opened by the instructor. All papers must be submitted via the
SAKAI assignment drop box on the date they are due.
Communication between scheduled class dates and times will be done via e-mail and on SAKAI Announcements.
Students are responsible for checking e- mail and SAKAI regularly. I can be reached via e-mail at
alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu or at alexvlopez@yahoo.com.
THE SYLLABUS:
 The syllabus should be read prior to the start of the course! The syllabus should be your guide to the semester;
however,because of the “sensitivity” and “complexity” of many of the topics, class time will often be taken up by
discussion, case studies and related topics. As a result, we may go “off topic” or we may not achieve the expected
goal for the date on the syllabus. Be advised that you will still be responsible for the reading – and I will work to be
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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sure to cover all topics on the syllabus within the next week. Explanation and expectations for all assignments are
listed in this syllabus!!
All readings should be done prior to class and are listed in the syllabus by week. Students are expected to be
prepared to participate in class discussions based on articles, videos and lectures. Class discussion on
readings/videos will count towards your class participation grade. Copies of articles will not be provided unless
they are listed in the 4th column of the syllabus.
All links to the Additional Links/Readings/ Videos (5th Column) are on the SAKAI course site under Resources.
All readings are to be done on your own time and should not be done during class time. The Course PowerPoint
(The Disease of Addiction) can be found under the class resources on SAKAI.
Additional articles, readings, etc. are encouraged and welcomed! If you find something of interest, please share it
with me via e mail and I will share it with the class and you will be given full credit for your find!
Movies and Videos in column 4 will be shown in class during class time. Any videos in Column 5 are the
responsibility of the student. If you have no access to renting or borrowing these films, please see me. If you miss a
class when a film is shown, you are responsible for viewing the film on your own time. The films will be an
integral part of class discussions and the final exam.
All Handouts listed in column 4 are on SAKAI. If you miss a class, or misplace a handout, it is your responsibility
to print out and review the handout on your own time. Questions on missed material are welcomed and
encouraged as long as the reading has been completed.
The TV Series Hoarders and Intervention: These are your responsibility and should be watched on your own time!.
Links are available on SAKAI. You must watch one episode, of either show per week (can be older episodes).
The exam review is scheduled during class time listed on the calendar. Because the review is scheduled during
class time, all students are expected to be present. If you miss the exam review, there will be no alternate
times/options for the review. (Individual cases with emergency excuses only can be discussed privately with the
instructor).
You are expected to keep up with the reading of both primary texts. Beautiful Boy should be read before TWEAK.
You can read ahead – however, you should be careful to not confuse the themes and assignments listed for the
second half of the semester. Please note that you are encouraged to read ahead on any additional articles/links,
(column 5). This will keep you updated and prepared throughout the semester. Many of the readings and the
videos are short – so use your time wisely and efficiently!
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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On line assignments/discussions will be announced in class and will count towards your participation. They must
be completed during the scheduled time announced by the instructor.
The Week By Week…
Date
General Topic
Monday
&
Wednesday
Topics by Week
Wednesday
Class
Only
Text/Film
Additional Text/Reading for
Handout
this week: ON YOUR
OWN
Week 1 Course Overview
9/3-9/5
Lecture/Discussion Topics for the Week
Course Goals & Objectives to
Learning
Introduction of Addiction &
Worldview
• Expectations/Syllabus Review
• Explanation of Assignments
• Introduction of Texts
Introduction of Texts
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A Brief History of Drugs:
Video
Understanding
Addiction: A Chronic
Condition
beautiful boy/1-65
On Going: Hoarders or
Intervention: 1 Episode Per
wee
Week 2
9/8-9/12
Drugs & Society: The History of
Substance Use and Abuse
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
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Introduction of Themes of
Addiction
Defining Worldview
The Myths of Addiction
Definition of Addiction: History,
Stigma & Myths
beautiful boy/66-121
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Handout: Worldview
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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
Common Myths About
Addiction : HBO
What’s Your Worldview?
HBO: Understanding
Addiction: Addiction &
the Brain
National Geographic On: Hoarders or Intervention: 1
Drunk and
Per Week
Disorderly/Video
Week 3 Understanding Drugs:
9/15-9/19
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Pharmacology of Abuse
•
•
Introduction of the Disease Model
of Addiction
Discussion of Signs, Symptoms of
Addiction
Physiological & Psychological
Effects of Substances
beautiful boy/121-182
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Class PowerPoint
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Understanding Drugs:
Pharmacology of Abuse
Week 4
Understanding Addiction
9/22-9/26
Russell Brand:
Addiction/Video
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•
Intro: Bio psycho-social-spiritual
Model of Addiction
The Stages of Addiction
Addiction: A Brain Disease
beautiful boy/183-250
On Going : Hoarders &
Intervention
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Addiction Defined
Week 5 Addiction and the Family
9/29-10/3
Drugs, Culture & Society
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The Impact of Addiction on the
Family
Family Roles
The Elephant in the Living Room:
Living With Addiction
beautiful boy 251317(end)
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
Mouse Party
Brain Regions Tied to
Addictive Choices
Mouse Party
The New Science of
Addiction: Genetics & the
Brain
Terence Gorski: The
Disease Model of
Addiction
When is Someone
Addicted?
Brain Regions Tied to
Addictive Choices ID’d
Psychological or Physical
On Going : Hoarders &
Intervention 1 Per Week
 Claudia Black – Family
Roles
 Claudia Black: Children
of Denial - Growing Up
with Addiction
 A Mothers Desperation
Addiction & the Family
Week 6 Addiction & the Family
10/6-10/10
Film & Discussion/ Continued
 Adolescents & Addiction
 Codependency
 Common Themes of Addiction
 Children of Addicted Families
10/13-10/17
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Social Acceptance of Substances
Addiction & the Law: DWI’s, etc.
Guest Lecturer
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HBO: Five Things to
Know About Adolescents
Brain Development and
Use
Who Succumbs to
Addiction… Amy
Winehouse Article
Reading: TWEAK 1-61
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On Going Assignment :
Hoarders & Intervention
Paper 1 Due 10/10 before
midnight : Beautiful Boy
Implications
Co-Dependency
HBO: Addiction Among
Adolescents
Film: Rachel Getting
Married
Addiction & the Family,
Week 7 Drugs & the Law: Understanding
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Something’s Wrong
With Aunt Diane :
Film
TWEAK/ 62-130
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Substance Abuse & the
Law
The Worst Has Happened
MADD Statistics
Saturday Night in a
Dallas ER
Prisons & Drug Offenders
Drugs and the Law
Week 8 Process Addictions: Beyond the
10/20-10/24
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Drug
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Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Defining and Assessing Process
Addictions: Eating Disorders,
Gambling, Sex Addiction, etc.
Understanding Co-occurring
Disorders
TWEAK/ 131-194
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
On Going: Hoarders &
Intervention 1 Per Week
 An Introduction to
Process Addictions
• Understanding Process
Addictions
Week 9
Process Addictions: Beyond the
Drug
Mental Health and Addiction
1 10/27-10/31
Film: THIN
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Spirituality and Recovery/Medicine 
and Beyond
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Week 10 Treatment & Recovery
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11/3-11/7
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Review of THIN
Understanding Mental Health/
Medications and Beyond
Co-occurring Disorders
TWEAK: 195-263
Understanding the Role of
spirituality in recovery
Alternatives to Traditional
Treatment
The 12 Step Model
Holistic Treatment & Recovery
Review of treatment/recovery
options
Relapse as a Part of recovery
TWEAK/ 264-319
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Mental Illness: The
Stigma of Silence
 What is Spirituality?
• Spirituality: An Important
Tool In Addiction
Recovery
• Modern Mothers New
Little Helper
• On Going: Hoarders &
Intervention 1 Per Week
•
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Promoting Wellness &
Recovery Through Self
Help Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous
Treatment Approaches
for Drug Addiction
Treatment & Recovery
Handout: 12 Steps of AA
Guest Lecturer/ AA Community
(Tentative)
Week 11
Cultural Implications and Addiction 
11/10-11/14
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
On Going : Hoarders &
Intervention 1 Per Week
TWEAK: end/Epilogue 
Understanding culture in the
context of disease
 Cultural Implications of Addiction:
Research, treatment, recovery
 Addiction Today: Technology &
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
Cultural Competency;
Impact on Addiction
Media
Cultural Implications of Addiction
The FACEBOOK Experiment (reviewed in TWEAK/ Epilogue
class)
WEEK 12 Current Trends in Addiction: Global 
11/17-11/21
Implications
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The Costs of Addiction/Drugs
The Prescription Drug Epidemic
Medical Marijuana: The Debate
Alternative Uses for
Drugs/Substances- Are They All
Bad?
On Going : Hoarders &
Intervention; 1 Per Week
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Current Trends in Addiction: Global
Implications
WEEK 13 Prevention & Intervention
11/24-11/28
This week
Wed 26th
/Friday
Classes
No Class Wednesday
Paper 2 Due : TWEAK
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Waiting to Inhale Video
Rutgers Student Killed
The Global Health Costs
of Addiction
Saturday Night in a
Dallas ER: Video
The Daily Targum and
the Legalization of
Marijuana
Film: Things We Lost in
the Fire
Personal Loss / Social Implications
Legal Aspects
Intervention VS. Prevention
Review and Discussion of Global
Policy
Paper 2 Due : TWEAK
Due before midnight on the 26th
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•
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Who Succumbs to
Addiction and Who Is
Left Unscathed? NY
Times.com
Lindsay Lohan Admits
Cocaine Use, Three Rehab
Visits
Could Intervention Have
Saved a Star?
On Going : Hoarders &
Intervention 1 Per Week
11/27
No Class – Thanksgiving Break
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Thurs Nov 27 - Sun Nov 30
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
Week 14
Drugs and Society: Our New World
Views
12/1-12/5
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The Future of Addiction Studies
The Application of Disease
Model in Health Care
Media and Addiction
I am Your Disease / Handout
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He Said He Said
Texas Meth Videos
Methamphetamine
Addiction
Drugs and Society: Our New World
Views
WEEK 15 FINAL EXAM REVIEW & Final
TBA
12/8-12/10
TBA: As Scheduled by University
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Course Assignments
1. Beautiful Boy: Themes of Addiction Paper (20%)
Due on Friday 10/10 before midnight
Students will be expected to read both texts and submit two written papers based on the readings and the assigned
“Themes of Addiction”. Themes will be introduced, defined and discussed during class time allowing the student
the opportunity to interpret the text, as they see it, while applying acquired knowledge of the disease of addiction.
Students must reference the assigned text as well as additional readings, movies and videos in their journals in
order to receive full credit. Papers must be a minimum of 5 pages long/ maximum of 6 pages double spaced 12point font.
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The following themes must be discussed in the Beautiful Boy Paper in addition to other expected points listed
below. They should be clearly identified either in BOLD or Underlined throughout the paper.
o Love
o Betrayal/trust
o Guilt/Shame
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
o Isolation/loss
o Forgiveness/Letting Go
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You Must reference “Rachel Getting Married” /Film
You must include reference/discussion of a minimum of 5 Additional Readings/Videos (from row 5 in the
syllabus) from the first half of the semester in this paper.
You must discuss either Hoarders or Intervention
You must share/present your opinion in this paper
You Must Bold all references to additional Articles
 See SAKAI for details on paper and submission criteria.
2. TWEAK: Themes of Addiction (20%)
Due on Due: 11/26/2014 before midnight
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Themes to be discussed in paper:
o Manipulation
o Grandiosity
o Denial /escape
o Forgiveness/Letting Go
o Spirituality
You must reference/discuss “Thin” & “There’s Something Wrong With Aunt Diane” in this paper
You must include reference/discussion of a minimum of 5 Additional Readings/Videos (from row 5 in the
syllabus) from the first half of the semester in this paper (in BOLD)
You must share/present your opinion in this paper
You must include mention of either Hoarders or Intervention
You must include a 6th page with a comparison of the two texts. This paper should be a 6 pages in length .
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
3. Class Participation (35%)
*As the course design depends heavily on class participation, students will be graded on a scale from 60% -100% for
their participation. A grade of 90%-100% would require a student to clearly demonstrate that course readings were
done, engage in class discussions through insightful questions, and play an active role to moving the course
forward. Attendance will be considered in the total participation grade.
*As a part of class participation, students will be asked to discuss the texts as well as class films during scheduled class
times. Students will also be asked to watch and discuss popular television/on line series related to course topics
on their own time. These discussions will count towards the class participation final grade! The purpose of this
ongoing assignment is to think critically about the Sensationalization & Glamorization of drugs in modern culture.
Students are asked to watch one episode of either show per week for the entire semester.
You must watch either/or:
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Intervention: GRB Productions for A&E Network < http://www.aetv.com/intervention/index.jsp >
Hoarders: A&E Television Networks (2011) <
http://www.aetv.com/search/schedule.do?keywords=Hoarders&Search.x=0&Search.y=0 >
*Students will also be asked to participate in on line discussions throughout the semester. These will be announced
during the semester and will be posted on SAKAI. Participation in online discussions will count as a percentage
under class participation. (5%)
4. Final Examination (25%)
This exam will consist of brief essay-style questions designed to help students synthesize the material covered
throughout the semester. The review will take place during class time (TBA). All students must be present for
this review. Final exam dates and specifics will be announced during the semester and may be subject to change
based on the academic calendar.
Extra Credit:
Opportunities for “extra credit” may be assigned during the semester.
Office Hours:
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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
% Range
A
90-100 %
B+ 85-89.99 %
B
80-84.99 %
C+ 75-79.99 %
C
70-74.99 %
D
60-69.99 %
F
<60%
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
Drugs, Culture & Society
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC
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
Fall 2014 832:350:02
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, CPS, DRCC, CCS, BCPC