Visualising “junkies” and “meth heads” – a visual analysis of the persistent negative reputation of heroin and meth users

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Scheibe
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Drug Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Discourse ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
The Media ◽  
Visual Element ◽  
Negative Reputation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the persistent negative reputation of two particular types of drug users, the so-called heroin junkie and the meth head. The visual portrayal of both kinds of users in the media has been consistent in the last decades. Inspired by films and anti-drug campaigns, stereotypical ideas about heroin and meth users dominate the visual portrayals. Existing research has already shown that this standardised picture is not applicable uniformly. Nevertheless, the important role of the visual element for constituting beliefs about drug use and users is lacking in the current drug research. Therefore, this work focusses on the visual element of the drug discourse. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of the British movie Trainspotting, and the two American campaigns Faces of Meth and Montana Meth Project the visual representation of heroin and meth users is discussed. With the help of a visual discourse analysis this research discloses the particularities of every image. Findings The current visual portrayal of heroin and meth users stigmatises them as deviant and unhealthy. This single-sided perspective labels all users, without acknowledging different patterns of use. Counterexamples obtained through existing research do not support this uniformly applied stereotypical representation. The persistent negative reputation mediates inaccurate knowledge about drug use, with harmful consequences for the users, and harm-reduction work. Originality/value Drug research has not been focussing enough on the visual element of the drug discourse. This research intends to close the existing gap and emphasise the possible harmful consequences produced by such visuality.

Motivations for prescription drug use in a marginalised open drug scene

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Aysel Sultan ◽  
Bernd Werse
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Prescription Drug ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Prescription Drug Use ◽  
The Individual

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore prevalence, contexts and motives for the use of various benzodiazepines, sedatives and opioids among injection drug users in Frankfurt’s open drug scene. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses quantitative data from ten waves of the bi-annual open drug scene survey carried out within the frames of the Frankfurt local drug monitoring system (MoSyD) and an additional sample of qualitative interviews to highlight the individual user perspectives as well as professional insights. Findings The results suggest that the prescription drugs act as “support drugs” when the drugs of choice are not available or affordable. Patterns of use also show that by acting to manage withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and relieving stress, prescription drugs also contribute to maintaining daily functionality. Originality/value The paper contributes to the discussion on the motives and functions of prescription drug use in an urban open drug scene.

scholarly journals Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: the strange case of the two selves of clandestine drug users in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain McPhee ◽  
Chris Holligan ◽  
Robert McLean ◽  
Ross Deuchar
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Identity Management ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Controlled Drugs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the hidden social worlds of competent clandestine users of drugs controlled within the confines of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which now includes NPS substances. The authors explore how and in what way socially competent drug users differ from others who are visible to the authorities as criminals by criminal justice bureaucracies and known to treatment agencies as defined problem drug users. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research utilises a bricoleur ethnographic methodology considered as a critical, multi-perspectival, multi-theoretical and multi-methodological approach to inquiry. Findings This paper challenges addiction discourses and, drawing upon empirical evidence, argues the user of controlled drugs should not be homogenised. Using several key strategies of identity management, drug takers employ a range of risk awareness and risk neutralisation techniques to protect self-esteem, avoid social affronts and in maintaining untainted identities. The authors present illicit drug use as one activity amongst other social activities that (some) people, conventionally, pursue. The findings from this study suggest that punitive drug policy, which links drug use with addiction, crime and antisocial behaviour, is inconsistent with the experience of the participants. Research limitations/implications Due to the small sample size (n=24) employed, the possibility that findings can be generalised is rendered difficult. However, generalisation was never an objective of the research; the experiences of this hidden population are deeply subjective and generalising findings and applying them to other populations would be an unproductive endeavour. While the research attempted to recruit an equal number of males and females to this research, gendered analysis was not a primary objective of this research. However, it is acknowledged that future research would greatly benefit from such a gendered focus. Practical implications The insights from the study may be useful in helping to inform future policy discourse on issues of drug use. In particular, the insights suggest that a more nuanced perspective should be adopted. This perspective should recognise the non-deviant identities of many drug users in the contemporary era, and challenge the use of a universally stigmatising discourse and dominance of prohibition narratives. Social implications It is envisaged that this paper will contribute to knowledge on how socially competent users of controlled drugs identify and manage the risks of moral, medical and legal censure. Originality/value The evidence in this paper indicates that drug use is an activity often associated with non-deviant, productive members of the population. However, the continuing dominance of stigmatising policy discourses often leads to drug users engaging in identity concealment within the context of a deeply capitalist Western landscape.

scholarly journals Researching Hard-to Reach Populations: Privileged Access Interviewers and Drug Using Parents

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Jane Taylor ◽  
Jackie Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug User ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Privileged Access ◽  
Veil Of Ignorance ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
The Media

Accessing drug using populations is notoriously fraught with difficulties for researchers (Gurdin & Patterson, 1987; Griffiths, Gosspo & Strang, 1993; Renzetti & Lee, 1993; Spreen & Zwaagstra, 1994; Goode, 2000; Elliott et al., 2002). These difficulties are the result of a number of reasons. The main one being that drug use is often illicit and/or illegal which often leads to the stigmatization of drug users within the media and elsewhere and this may ultimately lead to their lives being ‘concealed by a veil of ignorance’ (Elliott et al., 2002: 172). When one adds to this the fact that the population in question may have even more reason to remain hidden, for example, that they are drug using parents who may wish to conceal their identity as either parent or as drug user, accessing them may be even more complicated for researchers, service providers and policy makers alike.

Patterns of use and perceptions of drug addicts in Greece about “shisha” (a new synthetic drug) at economic crisis era

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros Triantos ◽  
Gerasimos Papanastasatos ◽  
Charalampos Poulopoulos ◽  
Yiannis Zaxaropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Crystal Meth ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Treatment Providers ◽  
New Drug ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Loss Of Weight ◽  
The Cost

Purpose – This paper aims to research the prevalence of a new drug which appeared at the era of economic crisis in Greece, called “shisha.” Shisha, a rather cheap form of crystal meth, has spread fast among drug users in Greece with the deepening of the economic crisis. The present paper is concerned with the socio-demographic characteristics of drug users who choose this type of drug and reveals the conditions under which this drug is used. In addition, perceptions of drug users about the specific drug are also explored. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 148 drug users took part in this study. Of these 73 percent were men and 27 percent women. The average age of participants was approximately 37 years. All participants in the study were interviewed face-to-face on the basis of a structured brief questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. Findings – The data suggests that the majority of drug users who use “shisha” are mainly heroin users (63.2 percent) and they use this new drug as a second choice to heroin. Shisha can be found in the center of Athens and it is usually smoked through a glass pipe. The cost for buying the drug is relatively low (two to three euros) and the drug is produced in small illegal labs. Most participants argued that shisha is linked to violent and aggressive behavior, loss of weight, insomnia, sexual arousal and a psychotic state that may cause death. The drug is made out of a form of crystal meth produced by amphetamines and liquid acids found in batteries liquids. Practical implications – This drug is mainly used by homeless drug users in the center of Athens. Its exact synthesis cannot be identified given the fact that drug users use various recipes to produce it. Taking the drug is extremely dangerous for the health of the users. Originality/value – Research of the use of a new drug linked to the economic crisis in Greece. Researchers in this paper approached street drug users who are highly unlikely to seek help from health or other types of treatment providers.

Developmental factors and drug use in young offenders

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
Adele Madden ◽  
Carol A. Ireland
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Experiences ◽  
Emotional Coping ◽  
Rational Coping

Purpose Young offenders are known to have more chaotic experiences in childhood than non-offenders, and this impacts on their attachments, coping styles and early maladaptive schemas (EMS). The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between these factors and drug use. Design/methodology/approach This study used self-report questionnaires on a sample of 105 incarcerated young offenders. Findings Attachment styles did not differentiate drug users from non-drug users. Drug users were found to be no more likely than non-drug users to use avoidant coping styles. However, they were more likely to have emotional coping styles. Drug users had more EMS, and overall, those with insecure attachments had more EMS. Individuals with emotional coping styles scored higher than those with rational coping styles on several EMS. Those with emotional coping styles scored lower on the emotional inhibition EMS than those with rational coping styles. Practical implications The evidence presented has implications for the understanding of drug use in young offenders by: providing support to the model proposed by Young et al. (2003) regarding how insecure attachments can contribute to EMS; providing support for Crittenden’s (2008) model of attachment whereby problematic behaviours such as drug use can be a strategy the individual uses to protect themselves at times of threat or discomfort; highlighting the need for an integrated model of substance use in offenders which incorporates early experiences, attachments and EMS; and highlighting why substance use may become a coping strategy in young offenders and how to engage them to meet their needs in pro-social ways. Originality/value The study contributes to the understanding of attachment, coping and drug use in a young offender population. It sets foundations in the authors’ understanding of patterns of EMS in young drug users and highlights the need for an integrated model of substance use which incorporates early experiences, attachments and EMS.

Do risk factors increase measurement of hepatitis B, C signs and HIV-AIDS among middle-aged and older IDUs in southwest Iran?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-238
Author(s):  
Abdolrahim Asadollahi ◽  
Abdolkarim Najafi
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Injecting Drug Use ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Southwest Iran ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Hiv Aids

Purpose Injecting drug use addiction is a main factor in hepatitis B, C infection and HIV–AIDS infection. The purpose of this paper is to measure seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C virus and HIV–AIDS amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) and its influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional method was used in mid-2017 in Ahwaz city, southwest Iran. In total, 133 IDUs, aged 29–71 years (mean age=48.21 ± 10.4), were chosen from Aria addiction treatment centre. The data were collected on demographic and behavioural characteristics. In addition, serum samples were screened for those diseases. Findings In a total of 131 IDUs, 2 (1.5 per cent) were HIV+, 16 (11.7 per cent) HCV+ and 8 (6.1 per cent) HBV+. There was a significant correlation between diseases and IDU. Results of multiple regression stated that IDU was a more predicting variable as β=0.76 and the model was able to predict 74.1 per cent of the variance, F (3, 35)=12.42, ρ<0.001, R2=0.741, OR=3.01, 95% CI [1.44, 3.83]. The synchronised pairwise effect of age, imprisonment and IDU with GLM analysis was significant, F (2, 114)=20.433, ρ<0.000, η HCV + 2 = 0.609 , η HBV + 2 = 0.616 , and η HCV + 2 = 0.612 , λWilks’=0.056. The infection rate among IDUs was significant and the most important risk factor for these infections has been intravenous drug use, together with age of misusing and imprisonment. Research limitations/implications The non-cooperation of two samples, lack of participation of three addiction rehabilitation centres in Ahwaz city, the end of cooperation in the first two months of the implementation of the plan, and the lack of consistency of the three serum samples in the cases (two cases) were limitations of the study. Practical implications Based on the results, the following suggestions could be presented: establishing “Intervention Clubs” for treatment in the peripheral urban areas for the participation of women drug users – the responsible organisation is Cultural and Social Deputy of Ahwaz Municipality Organisation. Integration of “Small Self-caring Groups” in Sepidar Women’s Penitentiary in the East Ahwaz region – the responsible organisation is Khuzistan Province Prisons Organisation (the southwestern Iranian prisons authority); constructing “Community-based Committees” to increase the level of social intervention – the responsible organisation is the Iran Drug Control Headquarters at Iranian Presidential Office; screening of injecting drug use in the populations at risk, especially girls and women in marginalised areas – the responsible organisation is Deputy Director of Prevention and Treatment of Addiction in the Iran Welfare and Rehabilitation Organisation; establishing an “Patient Treatment Center” in high-risk areas along with directing drug users and supervising the relevant authorities – the responsible organisation is Deputy Police Commander on Social Assistance; providing education to families involved with addiction in the “Neighborhood Parks” – the responsible organisation is Deputy for Health Affairs. Social implications They are mixed with practical implications as well. Originality/value The comprehensive harm reduction plan and prison-related issues of IDUs with shared syringe along with the pairwise age and imprisonment need to consider the above factors.

A new male entrepreneur?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-224
Author(s):  
Frida Jernberg ◽  
Anna Lindbäck ◽  
Annie Roos
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
High Status ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Measures ◽  
After Effects ◽  
Female Entrepreneur ◽  
The Media

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the representation of male entrepreneurs in the media has changed in the after-effects of the #metoo movement. Design/methodology/approach The authors perform a discourse analysis and visual analysis of how male entrepreneurs in the Swedish business magazine Affärsvärlden are represented. A centre-margin analysis is laid out, focusing on who and what constitutes (or endeavours to constitute) the legitimate male entrepreneur. Findings The results of the analysis show that male entrepreneurs are represented with different discursive success factors. These success factors are linked to a driven personality, a high-status leisure activity, a supportive but invisible family, a focus on financial measures and a global outlook. Marginally, there has been a change towards more humbleness, and a shift from financial growth to turnover, in the representation of entrepreneurial masculinities after the #metoo movement. Research limitations/implications To bring about a more equal norm regarding male entrepreneurial identity, more space and attention must be given in the media to the subordinate masculinities of entrepreneurs. Originality/value Previous gender research on entrepreneurship has, to a large extent, focussed on female entrepreneurs and research focussed on male entrepreneurs is conspicuous in its absence. However, the male entrepreneur, just like the female entrepreneur, needs to relate to, be compared with and adapt to a norm of how the ideal entrepreneur should be. Therefore, it is important to establish and illuminate who the male entrepreneur is assumed to be, to better understand and question that role.

The role of sexuality in religious responses to problematic drug use in Argentina

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Eduardo Jones ◽  
Paloma Dulbecco ◽  
Santiago L. Cunial
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Gender Stereotypes ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Diversity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Problematic Drug

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inquire into the role that sexuality plays in faith-based programs for the prevention and care of problematic drug use. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts 25 semi-structured interviews with institutional staff and another 31 with people undergoing treatment in spiritual and religious drug rehabilitation programs in Argentina. Findings First, within these therapeutic devices, different sexual experiences are considered initial catalysts for drug use. Also, within these institutions, certain morally condemned sexual behaviors are seen as associated with consumption. Second, these institutions establish diverse rules and recommendations about intimate relationships for people in recovery to improve the outcome of treatments. Third, therapeutic institutions produce gender stereotypes related to the sexuality of drug users. Fourth, institutions assume heterosexuality within their target populations, thereby reinforcing the heteronormative frameworks of these therapeutic interventions. Research limitations/implications This is a small qualitative study conducted in Argentina. Although its results cannot be generalized, they serve as a preliminary empirical input to analyze drug treatment programs in the country and other regions of the world. Originality/value This study addresses the relationships between problematic drug use, rehabilitation and sexuality from the perspectives of both professionals and men and women who consume drugs. This paper adopts a critical perspective on gender and sexual diversity to analyze how therapeutic institutions reproduce certain gender stereotypes and heteronormativity. In doing so, the research intends to contribute to discussions that can lead to more comprehensive policies regarding problematic drug use.

The More Control, the Better?

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeeyun Oh ◽  
Mun-Young Chung ◽  
Sangyong Han
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Design ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Story Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High User ◽  
User Control ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Control Versus ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Impact

Despite of the popularity of interactive movie trailers, rigorous research on one of the most apparent features of these interfaces – the level of user control – has been scarce. This study explored the effects of user control on users’ immersion and enjoyment of the movie trailers, moderated by the content type. We conducted a 2 (high user control versus low user control) × 2 (drama film trailer versus documentary film trailer) mixed-design factorial experiment. The results showed that the level of user control over movie trailer interfaces decreased users’ immersion when the trailer had an element of traditional story structure, such as a drama film trailer. Participants in the high user control condition answered that they were less fascinated with, absorbed in, focused on, mentally involved with, and emotionally affected by the movie trailer than participants in the low user control condition only with the drama movie trailer. The negative effects of user control on the level of immersion for the drama trailer translated into users’ enjoyment. The impact of user control over interfaces on immersion and enjoyment varies depending on the nature of the media content, which suggests a possible trade-off between the level of user control and entertainment outcomes.

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