Drugs, Culture & Society
FALL 2014
832:350:90
On-Line/E-College
Alexandra Lopez, MA, LCADC, SAC, DRCC, CPS, CCS, ICCS, BCPC
Email: alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu
Sept 2, 2014 – Dec 10, 2014
Office Hours: Available Upon request
Course Overview
This course is designed to explore the disease of addiction. Students will examine historical, societal,
psychological, behavioral and familial perspectives of substance use and abuse. Social and global
concerns in regards to the sensationalization of this widespread and deadly epidemic will be
discussed with a special 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 and health care reform and its impact on addiction and mental health treatment and on- going
recovery.
The on- line section of this course will be conducted and managed using a weekly syllabus which will
indicate weekly goals and expectations set forth by the instructor. Students will be expected to keep
up weekly assigned readings, the viewing of on-line video links, television series viewing, suggested
films, on- line weekly journaling and threaded discussions.
****Please note that the syllabus is subject to change : Any changes will be posted in the
announcements section on E college with time for review and submission.
Course 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.
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
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
disorders and the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and coexist with medical and psychological
disorders.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of substances of abuse
including new trends and substances.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of family, social networks, and community
systems in the treatment of substance use disorders.
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.
Students will demonstrate an understating of the global impact of addiction including social, political and
financial concerns in our society and abroad.
Students will demonstrate the ability to assess an individual’s stage of dependence, change, or recovery
based on an holistic interpretation of the disease.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the alternative uses, including medicinal, philosophical and
cultural practices in various cultures.
Course Policies
 Confidentiality: Due to the focus and nature of this course, students may share their personal
experiences in either journal format or in on line discussions. This information is private and
should not be repeated or duplicated for personal use, gain or recreation.
 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 and on E college. 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. All papers must be submitted as word document attachments/ no in line
attachments will be accepted.
On Line Course Expectations
Grading for this course will be based upon weekly course expectations delineated in the syllabus
and available on E-College. Students are expected to maintain and monitor personal academic
course goals in order to achieve instructor expectations.
 Class assignments, readings etc. will be listed on the syllabus and the E college schedule
by week and unit. A week refers to the scheduled class week running Monday- Friday.
The actual “class” week will end on the Friday of the scheduled week; however, journal
entries are due no later than the Sunday evening (midnight) prior to the beginning of the
next scheduled “class” week.
 There will be One Final Paper/Exam for this course.
 You will be expected to read two books, beautiful boy and TWEAK. Beautiful Boy MUST
be read first!
 You will be expected to journal and submit weekly entries on specific themes and topics
outlined in this syllabus and on E college.
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
There will be a number of on- line video links & articles that you will be expected to keep
up with during the semester. All on- line video links are mandatory! Also, all television
series are mandatory. “Intervention” and “Hoarding” are shows that can be found on
regularly scheduled cable channels as well as on-on line feeds. You will be expected to
watch these shows during certain weeks of the semester listed below and on e college.
 Most “movies” listed are suggested; but please note that they are highly recommended!
 The HBO Film “Thin” is not a suggested film. This documentary must be viewed and is
listed as an assignment. The Russell Brand film is also mandatory.
_________________________________________________________________________
Assignments & Weekly Goals/ Percentage of Final Grade
1. “Title Themes” of Addiction for Weekly Journal Assignments 50%
All journal entries, assignments and readings are to be completed and submitted by the Sunday
(midnight) prior to the next scheduled syllabus week. You will be graded on content, not just
submission. Please note that although the entry is due by the Sunday prior to the beginning of the
next week, you should not wait until the last minute to submit these journals. I give you ample time
to complete these assignments throughout the scheduled class week, so asking for extensions because
of work or other unrelated interruptions on Sundays is unacceptable! Submissions should be titled
Last Name First Initial Journal week #.doc
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 theme in your entries and you can
reflect more than once on a theme as you see fit throughout the semester.
On Line Weekly Journal: “Title Themes” of Addiction: You do not have to use them together – this
is only suggested!
 Denial/Loss of Control
 Shame/Guilt
 Grandiosity/Manipulation
 Anger/Resentment/Loss
 Hopelessness/Despair
 Blame/Regret
 Honesty/Truth
 Forgiveness/Letting Go
 Love/Spirituality
For full credit on journals (10 points) you must:
 Choose one or two themes and discuss it based on readings.
 You will be expected to mention/reflect upon your reading of the texts “beautiful boy” (1st
half of the semester) and Tweak, (2nd half of the semester).
 You must reference and interpret a minimum of 4 weekly additional readings in your
weekly journals. Mention of the article is not enough. Lectures found in the Units on E-college
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


should also be referenced- but only in addition to the 4 minimum articles from the
webliography- not in place of. If you reference an article- you must place it in bold. If you do
not use additional articles, you will not be given full credit !!! Remember 4 is a minimum.
You must include your opinion on the topic of discussion as well.
Each entry should be an average of 1.5 page equivalent (word doc). Shorter entries will be
cause for a deduction in points. They should be single spaced.
Entries must be submitted via the e-college dropbox tab – not the journal tab. They must be
submitted as word attachments – not as inline attachments.
**Specific due dates for all journal entries and other assignments are posted on e-College!!!!
Journal Grading:
 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
You must wait until the end of the week to post – in case there are additional questions or a
changes to the expected discussion !
Your journals will focus on:
Reading: Texts “beautiful boy” & “TWEAK”
David Sheff’s book “beautiful boy” is the true story of Nic’s Sheff’s father, David and his struggle
with his son’s addiction. This book will walk you through the many complex feelings and
experiences of a family who is devastated by addiction- This book is very different than Nic Sheffs
book – TWEAK: In TWEAK you are thrown into Nic’s real and raw account of addiction – one day at
a time. His addiction to methamphetamines, amongst other drugs and a multitude of other
issues/concerns and diagnosis that surface throughout his life, will allow you to walk through, first
hand, the life of an addict. Be warned, that as with any true story of addiction, THIS BOOK IS VERY
GRAPHIC in nature! His story is told from the perspective of a daily journal.
3. Threaded Discussions: Class Participation 10%
You will be expected to participate in all weekly threaded discussions. One entry each week, based
on the assigned question is expected to be completed by each student by the Friday night of that
week. Discussion threads/questions will be included in the weekly unit on e college. The response
should be meaningful and have purpose! You must wait until the end of the week to post – in case
there are additional questions or a change in the weeks’ progress! The post may not be open until
Wednesday of the week they are due.
4. Final Paper and Exam Grade: 40%
Your final paper will be a written formal discussion on the Disease of Addiction as you have learned
to interpret the concept. You should use personal opinion as well as examples from readings and
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other resources throughout the semester. The paper should be no longer than 6 pages in length, 12
point font- double spaced. Please EDIT all papers for spelling and grammar prior to submission.
Points will be deducted for unedited papers. Please refer to readings and lectures throughout the
paper. There is a minimum of 6 references that must be used in this paper. This minimum does not
include beautiful boy or tweak.. This paper, although still in need of your opinion, should be more
formal in structure and should be substantiated with solid references to readings and lectures.
Your paper must be a minimum of 5 pages in length and must include a formal reference page.
Include in the discussion:
 Myths and Social Implications of Addiction
 Discussion on your understanding of the Disease Model of Addiction as it relates to David &
Nic (include codependency and addiction as a Family Disease)
 Define Process Addictions and How You connected them to the "Addiction" to substances...
 Explain Why recovery is a lifelong process
 Options/Alternatives in treating addiction- including the need for sensitivity in assessment of
co-occurring disorders.
 Spirituality and Addiction: as you understand it...
 Where do you see Nic going from here and why?
 Your Personal Journey: How has your worldview changed or stayed the same this semester?
 How will you incorporate what you have learned into your own future either personally or
professionally?
Commonly Asked Questions about the Final Paper/ Exam …
 You can use first person in this paper.
 You do have to submit formal references – and be sure to use the full titles of the articles within
the paper – always in BOLD.
 The paper should be in full paragraph format. All papers will need to be submitted via the e
college drop box as an word attachment. The paper should include your name, student ID,
section number and my name in the header.
 No Late papers will be accepted
 All papers must be edited
This semester…
 The instructor will have regular access to time (minutes) you have spent in each unit, per day,
everyday that you are a student in this section of the course. This will also be a reflection on
your grade. E College allows for the instructor to access daily reports of your total log in times.
 Comments, questions, feedback and general information on course material are encouraged
throughout the semester. You are welcomed to e mail me at any time. There will be tab each week
under each unit where you can post questions for me that I will answer weekly.
 There may be a TA for this course. This will be announced at the onset of the semester.
Course Calendar/Weekly Expectations
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The following is a week-by-week schedule. This schedule may be subject to change. If there are
changes, they will be announced on E College or via email. You must check your email often while in
this course. You must use only the readings listed for the assigned week in your journals- do not
skip around. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the webliography page when you are
looking for the weeks’ assigned readings.
Help with the Syllabus:
 Expected Text Reading: This is your weekly assigned reading from the course Texts: We will
begin the course with “beautiful boy” and end with “TWEAK”. Please feel free to read ahead,
however I will warn you, that by doing so, you may want to write your journal entries as you
read! If you do not, you will be ahead of the class and find limited “themes” to write about
that make sense if you are at the end of the book vs. staying within the “conceptual” journey I
will walk you through… this will make more sense as we move along.

Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures: The topics and lectures will be found as Units
on E- college. These are my lectures/writings on the subject matter. You should be sure to
open each Unit inclusive of the Intro to the Unit (sometimes students miss this as they think it
is a header – but it will have a lecture in it!) If there is no lecture… keep checking. I have a
tendency to wait on some lectures because I do not want students to rush or read beyond
where we are in the course outline. This will only be the case for my lectures. All articles, links
are up and ready to go on the Webliography.

Additional Readings & Video Links: All additional readings can be found in the webliography
on E –College. Each reading is listed in the webliography with listed units/weeks. The
webliography is your source for all course materials. Every article, video link, etc. can be
found here.

Threaded Discussions are mandatory but will not be posted until the end of the week to
ensure that folks base their responses on the full weeks’ readings and lectures! The Only
Threaded Discussion Question Posted on the Syllabus is the first one… “Check- in and tell us
about yourself…” Listed under week 1!

You have access to the course PowerPoint /Overview of the semester topics. This is listed in
the webliography as “The Disease of Addiction/ppt.”

It is strongly recommended that you review the functions of E- college prior to beginning the
course and that you take a tutorial available on line at https://ecollege.rutgers.edu/index2.jsp.
You may not use a lack of understanding of the application of E-College as an excuse for late
submissions to this course.
Week 1: Sept 2 – Sept 5 2014
Course Overview
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Please note that the “Topics” for each week may shift and may look different on the
E-College website/Units.
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 1-65
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures:
 Introduction of Instructor
 Review of Syllabus: Questions & Explanations READ THE SYLLABUS… REVIEW THE
FUNCTIONS OF E COLLEGE AND TAKE A TUTORIAL!
Threaded Discussion: Check in via Threaded Discussion with class: “Check in and tell us about
yourself…”
First discussion is due before midnight on Friday Sept 5, 2014
 Introduce yourself, your name, year and what you hope to get out of the course
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Weekly Journal Entry: None
Week 2: Sept 8-12 , 2014
Addiction Defined
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 1-65 (same as last week)
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures:
 Addiction Defined: The History of Addiction & the Disease Model
 Common Myths About Addiction
 Personal Bias: Your Worldview
 Introduction of common themes in the disease of addiction (Note: Also listed in syllabus
above)
Threaded Discussion: Due Sept 12 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 1:
“beautiful boy”: Due no later than Sunday the 14 before midnight
Film: Russell Brand: Addiction (youtube) – link available in webliography Please include
discussion of the film in your journal
Week 3: Sept 15- Sept 19, 2014
Addiction & the Brain
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Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 66-121
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Progression of the Disease:
 Stages of Change
 Physiology and Pharmacology of Addition: Beyond Willpower
Threaded Discussion: On E college Due by 9/19 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links: On E- college Webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 2: “beautiful boy”: Due no later than Sunday 9/21
Before midnight
Week 4: Sept 22- 26 , 2014
Pharmacology of Abuse
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 121-182
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Review of Substances of Abuse: NIDA & SAMHSA
 When Someone is Addicted? Addiction as a Diagnosis
 Chasing the Dragon
 Denial… The Disease Progresses
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due by 9/26 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 3: “beautiful boy”: Due No later than Sunday 9/28 2014 before
midnight.
Week 5: Sept 29- Oct 3, 2014
Addiction & the Family: Beyond the Addicted Self
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 183-250
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 The Impact of Addiction on the Family/A Family Systems Disease
 Children of Alcoholics and Addicts: The Elephant in the Living Room
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due no later than 10/3 before midnight
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Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 4: “beautiful boy”: Due No later than Sunday 10/5 before midnight.
Suggested Film:
 “Rachel Getting Married”: Please include discussion of this film in your journal
Week 6: Oct 6- Oct 10, 2014
Addiction & the Family: Roles & Dynamics
Expected Text Reading: beautiful boy: 251-317
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Addiction & Family Roles
 Codependency in Addiction
 Adolescents & Addiction
 Are We Products of our Environment?
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due by 10/10 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
Themes of Addiction Journal 5: “beautiful boy”: Due No later than Sunday 10/12 before midnight
Additional Assignments: THIS WEEK:
 Watch Intervention on A& E “Intervention”- any new or archived episode will do. You
should refer to the episode in this weeks journal.
Week 7: Oct 13- Oct 17, 2014
Process Addictions: Beyond the Drug
New Text!
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: 1-61
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed:
 Understanding and Defining Process Disorders
 Eating Disorders: Close to Home
o Not Just About drugs…
 The Facebook Experiment
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due no later than 10/17 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
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

Listed on E college/webliography
THIN
Themes of Addiction Journal 6: “TWEAK”: Due No later than before midnight on 10/19
Additional Assignments:
The FACEBOOK EXPERIMENT : Look on e college for more details 
Must be discussed in your journal
Week 8: Oct 20-Oct 24, 2014
Addiction A Global Disease
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: 62-130
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Meth Addiction: Nic’s Sheff & the History of Methamphetamines in the US
 Health Care & Addiction: Costs to Society
 Global Epidemic… How do we stop what started at home? In America?
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due by 10/24 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 7: “TWEAK” Due no later than 10/26/ 2014 before midnight
Week 9: Oct 27- Oct 31, 2014
The Addicted Self
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: 131-194
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Hitting Rock Bottom
o I Am You Disease
 Spirituality & Addiction
 Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Threaded Discussion:
 Listed on E College Due by 10/31 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 8: “TWEAK”: Due No later than 11/2 before midnight
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Suggested Film:
 “Things We Lost in the Fire”
Week 10: Nov 3- Nov 7, 2014
Treatment & Recovery
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: 195-263
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures
 Understanding Treatment Options: No One Fit for All Patients
o Levels of Care
 Relapse as a part of Recovery
 Introduction to Mutual Self Help
o Support in Recovery
o Family in Recovery
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due by 11/7 before midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 9: “TWEAK”: Due No Later than 11/9 before midnight
Additional Assignments:
 Please watch “Hoarders” This week on A& E: A new or archived episode will be fine. Please
discuss Hoarders in this weeks’ journal entry.
Week 11: Nov 10- Nov 14 , 2014
Addiction & Society: Myths, Stigma & Social Denial
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: 264-319
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures:
 The Stigma of Addiction and Mental Health
 Personal Bias: Worldview Shift?
 The Media and Addiction
Threaded Discussion: On E College Due by 11/14
Additional Readings & Video Links:
 Listed on E college/webliography
Themes of Addiction Journal 10: “TWEAK”: Due No later than 11/16 before midnight
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Suggested Film:
 HBO Documentary: “Something’s Wrong With Aunt Diane” . If you are able to watch this
film, please include it in your journal this week.
Week 12: Nov 17- Nov 21, 2014
Introduction to the Science of Prevention
Expected Text Reading: TWEAK: Epilogue (end)
Threaded Discussion: On E college Due by 11/21 no later than midnight
Additional Readings & Video Links: On E- college
Themes of Addiction Journal 11: Due no later than 11/23 before midnight
Week 13: Nov 24- Nov 26, 2014
Shortened Week
Substance Abuse and the Law
Expected Text Reading: None
Threaded Discussion: On E –college: No Discussion this week
Additional Readings & Video Links: Any additional readings will be posted on E College, however,
you should take this opportunity to read any and all articles you have not read thus far.
Themes of Addiction Journal Entry: No Journal Due this week
Week 14/ 15: Dec 1- Dec 10 End of Semester (extended)
End of Semester
Current Trends in Addiction
Final Paper due Monday Dec 8, 2014
Topics to Be Introduced & Reviewed/Lectures:
 Prescription Drug Abuse: A National Epidemic
 Medical Marijuana
 Substance Abuse & the Law
 Illegal Drug Trafficking
Expected Text Reading: None
Two Discussions for end of the semester:
Threaded Discussion Due: December 5 before midnight
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Final Discussion Due: December 10 before midnight
Themes of Addiction Journal Entry: None
Final Paper due Monday Dec 8, 2014
Additional Course 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 via e mail
alexopez@rci.rutgers.edu.
I will be available via e mail at all times throughout the semester.
Please be advised that all grades are strictly based upon the course average/grades that are posted
weekly throughout the semester on e college: Please be sure to review your average regularly. If
you do not submit an assignment you will get a 0 – which will automatically be averaged you're
your grade!!!
Course Grading Policy:
Letter % Range
A
B+
B
C+
C
D
F
90-100 %
85-89.99 %
80-84.99 %
75-79.99 %
70-74.99 %
60-69.99 %
<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
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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
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