Answer the two questions. Be sure to answer all parts of the questions, identifying each individual segment of each response by its number and letter: for example, 1a, 1b, etc.
If possible use the following as a reference: Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior, 12th ed., by Charles Ksir, Carl L. Hart, and Oakley Ray (Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008).
Question 1
Previous textbook readings (Chapter 2, pp. 39-42) questioned the underlying causes and nature of drug dependence. A discussion of nicotine dependence (Chapter 10, pp. 254-255) presented other important observations on a complex, incompletely understood, and remarkably controversial condition. Currently, there are several significant implications about nicotine dependence emerging from recent court actions against the tobacco industry, following charges by various states’ attorneys general and selected private trial lawyers as well as by the federal government. In this context, answer the following questions:
a. Compare and discuss the two somewhat contradictory views on the nature of nicotinedependence.
b. Describe your understanding of the major social, political, and economic ramifications associated with findings of deception perpetrated by the tobacco industry and cigarette manufacturers.
c. Would American society be better off if the tobacco industry was completely destroyed? Explain your viewpoint.
Question 2
a. Describe the major concerns voiced about caffeinism and the potential toxicity of caffeine, including risks associated with its use during pregnancy. In your opinion, how serious are those risks?
b. Would the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) be justified in establishing some sort of control and/or regulatory policy with regard to products containing caffeine? Provide some examples. Explain your view.
c. Should children be restricted from caffeine use? Why? Is this a matter for government involvement? Parental guidance? Explain.
d. Discuss your own personal intake of caffeine, reporting on any noticeable effects resulting from a substantial increase and/or decrease in the amount consumed. How do any of your mood and/or behavioral changes correspond to those reported in your textbook readings? What recommendations would you make?