Religious Attitudes to Drug Abuse (GCSE AQA)

So I couldn't ind anything useful on this, I figured other people might not be able to either urm HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :/ Hope the help!!

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DRUGS

A substance which when taken

affects the body or mind

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PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Drugs obtained legally with a doctors consent

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DRUG ABUSE

Using drugs in a way which harms the user

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ILLEGAL DRUGS

Drugs which are illegal to posses or sell due to their harmfulness and addictiveness.

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SOCIAL DRUGS

Legal drugs which are still addictive such as nicotine caffeine and alcohol

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OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS

Things which can be bought from a shop EG pain killers

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RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

  • No major religion allows followers to take illegal drugs
  • Some small groups allow users to take cannabis as they see it as a herb provided by God ie rastafarians
  • Christians are strongly against illegal drugs as they do damage to the body and mind God created
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TEACHINGS

  • God created life therefore do not disrespect it
  • Body is a temple therefore respect and do not harm it
  • Sanctity of life- life is god given and should be respected
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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • We have a right to medical care in the UK (NHS)
  • We have the responsibility to ensure our drugs do not get into the wrong hands 
  • Some say they have the right to take drugs
  • Drug dealers do not take any responsibility for death by the drugs they've sold
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DRUGS AND THE LAW

  • Social drugs are legal to be taken by anyone over the age of 18
  • Prescribed drugs are only for the person they are prescribed to
  • Over the counter drugs are legal but quantities can be restricted
  • Solvents (glue) can be age restricted
  • Caffenine can have negative effects but is not cntrolled in any way
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DRUGS CLASSIFICATION

  • Drug classification is based on how harmful a drug is
  • Class A- Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD, Cocaine. Max 7 years imprisonment for possession and max life for supply.
  • Class B- Speed, Cannabis. Max 5 years imprisonment for possesion and max 14 for supply
  • Class C- Anabolic Steroids, Tranquilisers. Max 14 years for supply

An argument is that classification doesn't work as there are still thousands of class A users and suppliers

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CANNABIS

  • Cannabis was classified as a Class B drug in 2004 until then it had been Class C
  • Users want it downgraded as they believe that alcohol and nicotine are worse
  • Conflicting evidence of whether its harmful or addictive 
  • Main reason for upgrading is the introduction of skunk-much more harmful version of cannabis
  • Reasearch shows that the use of cannabis can lead to health issues, mental illnesses.
  • Cannabis users use up valuable medical time in hospitals
  • Its a gateway drug
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SOCIAL DRUGS

Many people argue that social drugs like tobbaco and nicotine are far more dangerous than cannabis.

This is because they are addictive,cause death,illness,antisocial behaviour and can harm others through passive smoking and drunk driving.

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TAXES

  • Smoking and drinking are expensive habits and are taxed heavily to put pople off.
  • Some of the money goes to the NHS (about 30%)

DILLEMA!! Why should people who don't drink and smoke fund the rest of it??

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WHY DO PEOPLE USE DRUGS?

  • Enjoyment,taste,rebellion,peer pressure,family life,depressed,advertising,addiction,tricked,role models,gateway drugs,bad upbringing
  • Some people argue that people should be allowed to use drugs whenever they want as it is their choice and they are free to do as they please
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REASONS FOR NOT USING ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

  • The Salvation Army forbid the use of alcohol and cigarettes 
  • Religious teachings
  • Personal choice
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WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT ADDICTION?

  • Some people say we should help those who are addicted (rehabilitate them)
  • Others would argue 'they got themselves into this mess they can get themselves out'
  • Some people say prison isn't good enough as it doesn't solve the root of the problem
  • Drug taking is common in prisons
  • Rehab can be a good way of getting clean
  • More education at a younger age
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WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT ADDICTION?

  • Higher sentences might be a deterrent
  • Helping socially deprived areas might reduce the number of people taking drugs in the first place.

Religions believe in helping "it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick". 

Christian compassion-we should help those in need-The Salvation Army help alcoholics

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