Democracy in the Middle East Essay - 1416 Words

Over the last century, the Middle East has been the location of ethnic rivalry, political and economic instability, religious conflict, territorial dispute and war. Much of this tension in the Middle East comes from the various interpretations of Islam and how the religion should be applied to politics and society. Over the last ten years, the United States and their allies have pushed to promote democracy in the Middle East. However, they too have many obstacles they must overcome. They face problems such as the compatibility of Islamic law and democracy, the issue of women’s rights, and there is always the problem of how to go about implementing a democratic reform in these countries. Many initially would assume that it is only the†¦show more content†¦By the end of 2005 Freedom House had recorded strong improvements in the political and civil rights of countries like Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Over a year later, the democratic prospects in the Middle East did not look as prosperous as before. Struggles between the regimes, the United States, and Europe started to diminish the democratic reform. People in the Middle East wanted a change because what they had before did not serve for their best interests. Elections began in many of these Middle Eastern nations like Palestine where Hammas won, in Lebanon where Hezbollah won, in Iraq where the Islamists got the majority, and in Egypt where many members of the Muslim Brotherhood won seats in parliament. Although the electoral process began in some of these Middle Eastern states, it was not the greatest thing in the world since people were not voting based off the political platforms on which these parties stand on but rather the personalities of the leaders. There was also a lot of corruption in these elections that swayed votes to these Islamist parties. The Bush administration was hoping that Iraq would set an example that could influence the rest of the region to democratize. Instead, Islamist parties were the ones to win the elections, violence started to increase in the region, and countries surrounding Iraq now used them as an example of why democratizing is not a good option. Leaders had turned the terrible situation in Iraq as an excuseShow MoreRelatedA Democracy Of The Middle East1304 Words   |  6 PagesVarious forms of democracy have been around since Ancient Greece and Rome. Over the years citizens have revolted against monarchies, dictatorships, and oligarchies in favor of democracies and republics. It is rare to come upon a country in which the citizens overthrew a democratic government in favor of anything else. This suggests that a democracy is the ideal form of government that citizens will continue to revolt until they reach. Francis Fukuyama agrees when he asserts that capitalist, liberalRead MoreDemocracy in The Middle East Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesThe imposing of liberal democracy into foreign states and in particular into the Middle East would not necessarily create peace due to their cultural and geographical context. From a westernised perspective we may heavily associate the nature of democracy with peace but the history of international relations and theory has continue to show that this is definitely not the case. The Democratic Peace Theory itself contains weakness and vulnerabilities due to its reliance on ‘casual logic’ (Layne 1994Read MoreThe Potential Effects Of Democracy On The Middle East1971 Words   |  8 Pages The Potential Effects of Democracy in the Middle East Democracy has often been affiliated with reflective notions such as freedom and liberty, as well as the belief that people deserve a voice to represent their demands and the majority of a population should have its way. The first idea of democracy promotion started with Wilsonian ideas, the democratic peace theorem, and the long-term security interests of all democracies (Huber, 2008). It is often regarded as an abstract concept with varyingRead MoreThe Debate For Democracy During The Middle East1013 Words   |  5 PagesIn the debate for democracy in the middle east, many scholars suggest that Islamists are the main obstacle to overcome. By the last decade, Islamist parties and candidates have engaged in elections throughout in about eight Arab countries with almost modest results. Thus, Islamist may have a heavy degree of support among most of the consitunets who agree with anti-regime sentiments. At the same time, ruling elites also give overwhelming support to maintain security and other privileges. There areRead MoreWestern Democracies And The Middle East And North Africa1923 Words   |  8 Pagessuccessful democracies and dictatorships (especially in regards to the Middle East and the North Africa region), as well as examples of those that are failing, particularly in an economic sense. Whilst it is indeed argued that the introduction of democracy to many of the Middle Eastern countries may indeed encourage economic development, there are also many arguments as to the benefits that non-democratic countries can achieve in the same field. The example of the strength of Western democracies, whilstRead More The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Protecting Democracy in the Middle East3988 Words   |  16 Pagestimes,† he says. What has brought Benjamin Netanyahu to the head of government in Israel is the need to bring peace, to bring about an end to violence, and to erase the misdeeds of the past and renew the spirit of cooperation and harmony in the Middle E ast. It is a task of mammoth proportions, rife with possibilities for failure, but one which is the responsibility of any government that is to be taken seriously by the international community to undertake. The peace that Israel seeks is often hamperedRead MoreSecretary Of State Condoleezza Rice1097 Words   |  5 PagesIn June of 2005, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice went up to 600 people at the American University in Cairo and delivered a very powerful speech on the advancement of democracy in the Middle East. â€Å"For 60 years, my country, the United States, pursued stability at the expense of democracy in this region here in the Middle East, and we achieved neither, she declared, â€Å"Now we are taking a different course. We are supporting the democratic aspirations of all people.† Her speech was seen as an attackRead MoreOil And Natural Gas : A Source Of Strategic Power956 Words   |  4 PagesOil and Democracy in Middle East Fossil energy (i.e. coal, oil and natural gas) is generally considered as a main force that drives innovation of new technology and highly developed economy around the world from industrial revolution. It is also the â€Å"lifeblood† of the global economy and takes up 80% of world’s net primary energy supply. However, due to the huge exposure of oil reserves in Persian Gulf after World War I, geopolitical struggles and potential conflicts surrounding fossil energyRead MoreThe Causes and Effects of the Arab Springs823 Words   |  3 Pagesyou ever been to the Middle East? Well, if you havent, you sure are missing out on a lot. There is one thing for sure, you are missing out on those Arab Springs. Yes, I said it, Arab Springs, which are getting into a big issue. Arab Springs is a series of anti-government protests, uprisings and armed rebellions that spread across the Middle East in early 2011. The people in the Middle East are uprising their rulers’ choices of their decisions and hoping to have a democracy. There were many countriesRead MoreThe United States Should Promote Democracy998 Words   |  4 PagesI affirm Resolved: The United States ought to promote democracy in the Middle East Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, and is one with representative institutions and a rule of law. Observation 1: when we talk about promoting democracy, there are many ways to carry out this promotion. The United States is not obligated to take one course of action. Rather, the US can alter and adjust its approach to what is most suitable for that

Gene Therapy And The Treatment Of Alzheimer Disease

Abstract This paper discusses the use of gene therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer Disease. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disease. Current gene therapy interventions are experimental. However, the use of genetic therapeutic drugs has gained momentum in the treatment of other illnesses. Scientists are currently researching in how to use stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer Disease. There are still some challenges with regards to genetic therapy. These need to be addressed. Despite this, genetic therapy should not be viewed with fear. It offers hope to Alzheimer patients. As such, it should be embraced. The government also needs to ensure that scientists use the technology appropriately. Researchers also need support in terms†¦show more content†¦It is now being adopted as an option for treating Alzheimer Disease, although it still elicits controversies. This paper illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of using gene therapy to treat Alzheimer Disease. This will, hopefully, make people understand how gene therapy works towards treating the diseases and the effects. This will make people appreciate and embrace it. It is more like a second chance to life for all Alzheimer patients. Alzheimer Disease is the most common cause of dementia in the world. Additionally, it is the sixth leading cause of death in America. By 2012, the payments for care or Alzheimer patients had reached $200 billion. Alzheimer disease is an age related neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by forgetfulness, speech impairments, and depression (NIH 2011). In later stages one experience s difficulty in speaking, walking, and swallowing. During diagnosis the patient’s medical and family history is obtained. This also includes psychiatric history, cognitive history, and behavioral changes (NIH 2011). The physician performs cognitive tests, physical tests, and neurologic examinations. Patients may undergo MRI scans to identify brain changes. The cause of Alzheimer disease is not known. However, scientists believe it is caused by an interaction of many factors coupled with brain changes (NIH 2011). One develops amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles coupled with the loss of connections between nerve cells, or

Abortion Prolife View (2191 words) Essay Example For Students

Abortion Prolife View (2191 words) Essay Abortion Prolife ViewAbortion, the termination of pregnancy before the fetus is capable of independent life, can either be spontaneous or induced. It is called the knowing destruction of the life of an unborn child. (Mass General Laws Chapter 112 Section 12K) When abortion occurs spontaneously, it is called a miscarriage. However, when the loss of a fetus is caused intentionally, it is regarded as a moral issue. Abortion destroys the lives of helpless, innocent children and is illegal in many countries. An estimate of 1.2 million are performed each year. In retrospect, an estimate 38,010,378 innocent children were aborted since 1973 when the process was legalized. Abortion is a simple and safe procedure if it is done by trained medical workers during the first trimester. There are four different techniques utilized during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Suction aspiration, also known as vacuum curettage, is the most common surgical means of abortion. This is when a powerful suc tion tube with a sharp cutting edge is inserted into the womb through the dilated cervix. The suction dismembers the body of the developing baby, tearing the placenta from the wall of the uterus, and sucking blood, amniotic fluids, placental tissue, and fetal parts into a bottle. Although it is one of the safer methods, there are still frequent complications such as infection and tearing of the uterus, causing hemorrhaging. Dilatation and Curettage (DC) is another surgical process involving the insertion of a loop shaped steel knife to cut the babys body into pieces. The placenta is then scraped off the uterine wall. There is a higher risk of infection with D;C and greater blood loss than with Suction aspiration. RU 486 and Methotrexate are two similar types of chemical abortion. RU 486 is a pill that can be taken orally only during the five to nine week period. Three trips must be made to the abortion clinic. In the first, the RU 486 pill is administered after a physical examinatio n. During the 2nd, 36 48 hours later, the woman is given a dose of artificial prostaglandins initiating uterine contractions. This causes the embryonic baby to be expelled from the uterus. The third visit, about two weeks later, can determine whether the abortion has been completed or if further surgery is necessary. Methotrexate is administered by intramuscular injection. It attacks growing cells of the trophoblast, which functions as the life support system for the baby. This injection causes the immediate disintegration of sheltering environment in which the embryo lives. Without food or fluids, the living, helpless fetus dies. This dangerous method is rarely used because of its unpredictable side affects. The second trimester includes the thirteenth to twenty-eighth week. Dilatation and Evacuation (D;E), similar to D;C, uses forceps with sharp metal jaws to grasp the parts of the baby and tear them away from the body. The babys skull is often hardened to bone and must sometimes be crushed or compressed. The only side affect is profuse bleeding, and impossible cervical laceration. The rest of the procedures can be done during either the second or third trimester (the twenty-ninth to fortieth week). The first method is Salt Poisoning, otherwise known as saline amniocentesis. A needle is inserted into the abdomen of the mother. Her amniotic fluid is replaced with a solution of concentrated salt. Upon swallowing the salt, the baby is instantly poisoned. This can also cause painful burning of the babys skin and deterioration. The baby will die after about an hour. The mother delivers the dead baby after a period of 33 35 hours. Some common side affects are seizures, coma, and even death. Prostaglandins are naturally produced chemical compounds which normally aid in the birthing process. However, the injection of artificial prostaglandins at too early a stage induce violent labor followed by premature birth. Often, various forms of toxins, are inserted to insu re dead delivery. Partial Birth Abortion, also known as Dilation and Extraction (D;E), is used to abort women who are 20 32 weeks pregnant. The abortionist grabs the unborn babys legs with a pair of forceps, pulling the entire baby, excluding the head, into the birth canal. Scissors are jammed and then opened into the babys skull, and the brain is suctioned out with a catheter. The dead baby is then removed from the uterus. Hysterotomy is a method generally used when others have failed. Incisions are made into the abdomen and uterus, and the baby is removed. Babies are sometimes born alive during this procedure. This method offers the highest risk to the health of the mother because of the potential of rupturing. Some immediate abortion risks include infection leading to sterility or death, excessive bleeding, high fever, a perforated uterus leading to sterility, shock and death. Abortion also increases the risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, tubal pregnancy, miscarriage, prema ture birth, and sterility. The Catholic Church teaches that all humans have a right to live, from the moment of conception until the natural ordained moment of death. According to these teachings, a person is living when as young as an embryo until the last second of life before death. Any of the above stated forms of abortion are morally wrong because they murder a fetus which is living, moving, and breathing. With abortion, we give ourselves dominion over a large part of Gods plan. Our destiny, our fate, and our entire race are intensely affected when we take the decision into our own hands. Playing God by intervening in human life transforms us into murderers. We do not have the capacity to choose life or death for a defenseless fetus. Pope John Paul II teaches that life is always good, a conclusion derived from the handiwork of God in creating man in the image and likeness of God. (Gen. I;26) Thus the human being a limited but true mirror of Gods glory, has a sublime dignity and his life is held to be inviolable. When the Commandments were handed down to Moses, they were ordained to be true by God. One of those central values was thou shall not kill. Abortion is a direct violation of the fifth Commandment. Even in hard cases such as rape and incest, Catholics believe there are better options. Only one percent of abortions done each year are a result of involuntary sexual occurrences. Every baby is wanted and loved by God who has a distinct plan for their lives. It denies the child the right to live and society the privilege of the childs gift and contributions to the world. God hears the new life in the womb, the heart within the heart, the anguish cry of hostage child sobbing in the dark. Many times after having an abortion, a woman will become emotionally unstable. Post-abortion syndrome describes the trauma of the woman who finally feels guilty, understands the repercussions of her actions, and regrets her previous decision. Statistics show that 92% fee l less in touch with their emotions or feel a need to suppress their emotions. 82% had greater feelings of loneliness or isolation and 86% had increased tendency toward anger or rage. 53% increased or began use of drugs and/or alcohol. 28% attempted suicide. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and suicide are all common symptoms a woman will encounter after an abortion. Post-abortion counseling is available to aid any woman who is suffering from the pain of death and moral responsibility. In 1973, the process of abortion was legalized in the United States after the cases of Roe verses Wade and Doe verses Bolton. Norma McCorvey lied under oath, saying that she was gang raped. After her testimony, the jury decided to authorize abortions for only the first three months of pregnancy and allowed abortion until birth if a licensed physician judged it necessary for the womans health. In the second case, the United States senate judiciary committee concluded that no barriers of any kind would be put on a woman who chose to have an abortion at any stage of her pregnancy. Under United States law, murder is illegal and the consequences for any such action would be imprisonment or, in some states, capital punishment. This is so because human have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness according to the Constitution. First and foremost is the right to live. It should not be any different in regards to unborn children. A person is created at the instant of conception. Therefore, every instance of abortion is murder. Even pro-choice activists agree with the scientific aspects of a babys development within the womb. They believe that although all the organs of a person are present, it is not a person until its birth. Therefore, in their opinion, the fetus doesnt have any rights, not even the simple right of existence. How can a woman go through with an abortion if she knows the following facts? At 0 days old, the egg and sperm unite. A new life genetically distin ct from the mothers is created. At 4 days old, the cells begin to differentiate. From 18-21 days, the heart of the baby begins to beat. At 6-7 weeks, the nerves and muscles work together for the first time. At 7 weeks, spontaneous movement is detectable. One hundred thousand new nerve cells are made each minute. From 7-8 weeks, the palm and finger prints form. At 8 weeks, all of the unborn babys organs are formed, the feet and hands have taken form, and it has the shape of an adult brain. At 11 weeks, all the body systems are working and hiccups can occur. At 3 months old, there is a distinct individuality in behavior. At 4 months old, kicks of the feet can be detected, females have all 5 million ova formed, and the mother will start to show. At 5 months old, there is response to sound and light. At 6 months old, if cared for properly, the baby can be born prematurely. So what exactly is the question? Life begins at the moment of conception, which was established. If it is murder to kill a human being, in any stage of life, there should be no debate. If it is a moral and social sin, why is this paper even necessary? It should be evident, through our own human nature that to kill our own offspring is WRONG. Life begets life. We have an obligation to the world to keep human life sacred. More than that however, we have an obligation to our own bodies not to allow such violence to be committed. Although this deprivation is one in which the child is denied life, it is one in which the mother is denied the joy and opportunity to raise that baby. In the long run, this will inflict pain on herself, and with each year passing, the emotional effects become more and more taxing. Even Norma McCorvy herself, better known as Jane Roe (in Roe vs. Wade) admits that abortion is an evil, as she is presently an active member of the pro-life movement. Many believe that abortion should be legalized for the extreme cases of pregnancy due to rape and incest. If a child is a product of violence, there is no need to harm another persons life trying to heal the pain of the woman. This only guarantees further emotional stress for the victimized woman in the future. The disgusting descriptions and pictures available showing the dead baby after the process can change ones mind. The tiny, innocent looking little babies have suffered a great deal of pain in their last minutes of survival. Because a brain, heart, and nerves have been developed, a fetus is able to feel death just as any other human would. A mother whose child is killed is always devastated with her loss. It is natural for a mother to feel the same way after having her child aborted before having a chance to care for and nurture her son or daughter who is a part of her. In conclusion, through research and evaluation of data, we have determined that abortion is morally wrong and destructive in all circumstances. God, the ultimate creator who decides the fate of all humans who come into existence, is the o nly One with the ability to choose life or death for His people. For us to make this decision ourselves, we are taking dominion over God and disregarding the Predestination that He intends for each living person. BibliographyWorks CitedFettner, Ann Giudici. Abortion. Comptons Interactive Encyclopedia. 1996. Hope and Healing. Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Elliot Institute, 1998. Levy, Robert J. Abortion. Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia. 1993-1995. Pro Life Reference Journal. Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Massachusetts Citizens for Life. 1998 Schwarz, Dr. Stephen. The Moral Question of Abortion. Available: http://www.ohiolife.org/mqa/13-5.htm. Unknown. Abortion Techniques: Suction Aspiration. Available: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/asmf4.html. Unknown. Is Abortion Safe: Physical Complications. Available: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/asmfl3.htmlUnknown. Over 38 Million Abortions in U.S. since 1973. Available: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/aboramt.htmlSocial Issues Essays Karl Marx (1954 words) Essay

The Spectacled Bear Essays - Bears, Spectacled Bear, Tremarctos

The Spectacled Bear The Spectacled Bear, or Tremarctos Ornatus, is an endangered species. This rare bear can only be found in a few elusive spots in the world. Many endangered species all over the world don't deserve the respect and care that they need. That is why many endangered species often become extinct or remain on the endangered species list for the remainder of their survival on Earth. Today, as more species become endangered, more people become involved in their care. Many things are being done to save endangered species, including safe, poacher-free environments in captivity, and wildlife preservations, to name a few. Only a handful of zoos and sanctuaries around the globe are lucky enough to be able to try to breed and care for rare endangered species. The Phoenix Zoo is an example of this. Right now, they have captive many endangered species, including the almost extinct Mexican Wolf and Spectacled Bear. In their newest exhibit, called ?The Forest of Uco,? the Phoenix Zoo has Spectacled bears and other animals from South America, the Spectacled Bears' homeland. The Forest is a great place for the Spectacled Bears to exist, and a great place for everyone to observe their beauty. The Spectacled Bear's name is derived from their markings. Around their eyes, the Spectacled Bear has white rings, contrasting with their dark brown bodies. These look like spectacles, hence the name. Though it is quite easy to see why they got their name, the Spectacled bears do not live up to it so strongly. When observed closely, Spectacled Bears, in most cases, don't have spectacles at all. In fact, most Spectacled Bears have white ?sideburns? or faint rings. They are a beautiful species, no matter what the extent of their markings is. Spectacled Bears belong to the class Mammalia, order Carnivora, family Ursidae, and genus/species Tremarctos Ornatus. All bears belong to Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae, and the genus Ursus Linnaeus. These are the scientific names for the Spectacled Bear and all bears. The Spectacled Bear is not a relatively big bear, but is decent in size. Its body length is, on average, 6 ft in head and body length, with a tail length of 70 mm. The bears weigh in at about 300lbs (fully grown male). They stand about 30 in at the shoulders. The Spectacled Bear is vividly and beautifully colored. Their fur is black-brown, with lighter tones towards their chest and neck. Their muzzle is mostly light brown to red, and white. Of course, their face is gorgeously decorated. It has thin white bands that wrap around it eyes and muzzle. These markings are quite easy to recognize and identify. Spectacled Bears have a very limited diet. They feed largely on plant matter, including leaves, shoots, fruits and roots. In Ecuador, the Bear's main source of plant matter is the Pambili Palm Tree. The bear climbs to the top of the tree, and strips it of its leaves, which fall to the ground. The bear then dismounts the tree and it eats the fallen leaves. Also, the bear will tear open the green flesh of young palms in order to reach the tender pith inside. It feeds on the buds of the tree, too. In the northern reaches of Peru, the bear feeds mostly on the fruits of a species called Capparis. Though mostly vegetarian, there have been cases of the Spectacled Bear feeding on meat. In the wild, it has been recorded that the Spectacled Bear will, if necessary, feed on deer, guanacos, and vicunas. Also, the Bear will eat meat in captivity if necessary. The bear will feed on small rodents such as rats and insects, to deer and wild boar. When hungry, the bear loves corn, but will often pay the price of his life to farmers, whose crops the bears will raid. Although the bear is a predator, it is not known to be prey to any larger animals. The Spectacled Bear is native to South America. There are many different countries and regions that it spans, but it mainly occupies the northern regions of Chile and the southern regions of Bolivia and Peru. Though these are the bears' common home, it has been found as far as Ecuador, Columbia, and Venezuela. The Spectacled Bear is really native to the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The Bear can actually live in elevations up to 3,658 meters. Though it is found in elevations of only 457

Another Medical Breakthrough essays

Another Medical Breakthrough essays The two articles about TomoTherapy are different in many ways. One focuses more on the struggle of making the new technology available, while the other focuses on the benefits of the technology. Although the number of cancer patients are on the rise, TomoTherapy will have a significant role in safely treating these patients. First, the article TomoTherapy Gets Big Boost by Jeff Richgels in The Capital Times informs the readers from a business standpoint. Richgels states the exact amount of backlog orders that TomoTherapy incurred along with how much time and money it would take to fulfill the orders. Richgels also gives credit to several of the investors who contributed to the growth of the company. Essentially, the article presents a problem and then explains how that problem is corrected. On the other hand, the article Treatment Can Target Radiation from the Star- Telegram in Fort Worth, Texas puts emphasis on what TomoTherapy specifically does to help the patient. Jan Jarvis, the author, interviews a doctor who had prevented a man from getting his arm amputated thanks to the TomoTherapy. Jarvis tells how the system calculates the pattern, position, and intensity of the radiation delivery once the doctor determines how much should be provided. Second, the styles of the articles are considerably different. The Capital Times is obviously informing of what is to come by interviewing the TomoTherapy CEO for the facts. The author speaks about the new facility, which will be used to produce the Hi-Art systems (Richgels). Hi-Art being the term that Richgels uses to express the modern technology. The article gives us a description of the company itself, such as the increasing number of employees. Nevertheless, the Star-Telegram article sheds light on how the customers of the ...

Health The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs Essays

Health The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs Essays Health The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs Paper Health The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs Paper Thomas De Quincey  (1785  Ã‚  1859) described the effect of drugs thus â€Å"Thou hast the keys of Paradise, oh, just, subtle, and mighty opium!† Over the years people have used drugs for various reasons and treatment needs. This is ideal on the prescription of a qualified and authorized medical practitioner. Drugs have thus saved countless lives and rescued the human race from devastating epidemics. But this drugs when used ‘indiscriminately’, constitute an abuse of drug. Drug  use  for  nonmedical purposes occurs throughout society. For this reason the 1978 President’s Commission on Mental Health did not recommend health and mental-health assistance except to persons whose drug use was intense and compulsive. The commission identified heroin as the number one drug problem because heroin addiction may lead to criminal behavior to pay for the drug. Adding to the problem is the fact that chemically similar drugs can be synthesized and sold on the street because they are not yet classified as controlled substances. In  a  1999  household  survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration an estimated 14.8 million people in the United States classified themselves as current illicit drug users. Among youths aged 12 to 17, close to 8 percent of respondents were regular users of marijuana. The percentage of youths in the same age range who used cocaine at least once a month was 49.8 percent. The survey also reported an estimated 1.6 million U.S. residents used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in 1998. The state with the highest rates of dependence on illicit drugs was Alaska with 2.8 percent of its 12 and older population dependent on illicit drugs and 7.3 percent dependent on illicit drugs or alcohol. (Encarta  ® 2006.  © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation) Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive Drugs are chemical substances that alter mood, behavior, perception, or mental functioning. Throughout history, many cultures have found ways to alter consciousness through the ingestion of substances. In current professional practice, psychoactive substances known as psychotropic drugs have been developed to treat patients with severe mental illness. Psychoactive substances exert their effects by modifying biochemical or physiological processes in the brain. The message system of nerve cells, or neurons, relies on both electrical and chemical transmission. Neurons rarely touch each other; the microscopic gap between one neuron and the next, called the synapse, is bridged by chemicals called neuroregulators, or neurotransmitters. Psychoactive drugs act by altering neurotransmitter function. The drugs can be divided into six major pharmacological classes based on their desired behavioral or psychological effect: alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, narcotic analgesics, stimulant-euphoriants, hallucinogens, and psychotropic agents. Alcohol has always been the most widely used psychoactive substance. In most countries it is the only psychoactive drug legally available without prescription. Pleasant relaxation is commonly the desired effect, but intoxication impairs judgment and motor performance. When used chronically, alcohol can be toxic to liver and brain cells and can be physiologically addicting, producing dangerous withdrawal syndromes. (Encarta  ® 2006.  © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation) Treatment With  the  exception  of treatment of opioid dependence, medical attention to the problems of the drug abuser is largely confined to dealing with overdoses, acute reactions to drug ingestion, and the incidental medical consequences of drug use such as malnutrition and medical problems caused by unsterilized needles. A busers of barbiturates and amphetamines may require hospitalization for detoxification, as is common among alcoholics. Others, such as those arrested repeatedly for possession of marijuana, may, in lieu of imprisonment, be forced to undergo treatment designed primarily for opioid abusers. Whatever the substance abused, the goal of most treatment programs is to foster abstinence in the patient. Two  types  of  treatment programs are used for most opioid users. Therapeutic communities require the drug abuser to take personal responsibility for his or her problem. Typically, the idea behind this treatment is that the drug abuser is emotionally immature and must be given a second chance to grow up. Harsh encounters with other members of the community are typical; the support of others, together with status and privilege, are used as rewards for good behavior. The  other  model  for  opioid abuse treatment is the use of heroin substitutes. One such substitute is methadone, which acts more slowly than heroin but is still addictive. The idea is to help the user gradually withdraw from heroin use while removing the need for finding the drug on the street. A more recent treatment drug, naltrexone, is nonaddictive but does not provide an equivalent â€Å"high;† it also cannot be used by persons with liver problems, which are common among addicts. References Encarta  ® 2006.  © 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation National Institute on Drug Abuse, nida.nih.gov/ Paul M. Insel and Walton T. Roth, The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs ‘Core concepts in Health’ Chapter 7 U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

THE BLIND ASSASSIN BOOK BY MAGARET ATWOOD (Book Report) Essay

THE BLIND ASSASSIN BOOK BY MAGARET ATWOOD (Book Report) - Essay Example This sense that somehow Iris was once whole and is now damaged is communicated, when she calls herself â€Å"†¦a brick-strewn vacant lot where some important building used to stand.† (Atwood 43)1 It becomes clear later that her ruin is of her own making, brought about through her deliberate blindness towards her own motivations that underlay the choices she made. Thus she says: I did believe, at first, that I only wanted justice. I thought my heart was pure. We do like to have such good opinions of our own motives when we’re about to do something harmful, to someone else. (497) In old age, Iris is painfully aware of at least some of her motives. However, she is still not entirely honest because it is quite clear that she knew ‘back then’ as well. Thus â€Å"we do like to have such good opinions of our own motives† (497) communicates a sense of ‘deliberate’ self-deception. Her primary punishment is reserved for Laura, for the role she played in the lives of Richard and Alex and perhaps also because she was ‘good’. She also vindictively destroyed her husband’s career. What was it she wanted? Nothing much. Just a memorial of some kind. But what is a memorial, when you come right down to it, but a commemoration of wounds endured? Endured and resented. Without memory there is no revenge.† (508) Revenge then was what Iris had wanted all along. This manifests itself also clearly in the spiteful way in which she communicates Alex’s death to Laura. â€Å"Laura, I hate to tell you this, I said, but whatever it was you did, it didn’t save Alex. Alex is dead.† (488) This ‘whatever’ Laura did to save Alex was giving in to Richard’s sexual demands and Iris was fully aware of Laura’s ‘martyr’ mindset. Her sister had been a heavy burden to the young Iris and once, after Laura tried to sacrifice herself for her dead mother, Iris had been close to ‘letting go’. Now destroying Laura’s