Reading Assignment for Section 1

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 1: Introduction to Drugs and Society.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the fascinating history of drug use and control, from ancient rituals to modern policy debates. You’ll gain insights into how drug use affects society, touching on health, economics, and crime. Finally, you’ll discover how cultural attitudes, enforcement strategies, and global perspectives shape the ongoing conversation around drugs and policy reform.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 1

• SLO 1: Summarize the historical evolution of drug use and control, from ancient medicinal and spiritual practices to the modern War on Drugs and contemporary policy trends.
• SLO 2: Analyze the societal impacts of drug use, including public health consequences, economic costs, family dynamics, and the intersection of drug use with crime and the criminal justice system.
• SLO 3: Differentiate between major drug categories, their effects, medical uses, and risks, and evaluate challenges posed by emerging substances and variations in global drug policies.
• SLO 4: Assess the role of cultural influences, including media, subcultures, and advocacy movements, in shaping societal attitudes toward drugs and influencing policy reform.
• SLO 5: Explain the development and challenges of modern drug enforcement, highlighting the coordination between agencies, the rise of synthetic drugs, and the balance between punitive measures and harm-reduction strategies.

You are welcome to print a copy of pages from this Open Educational Resource (OER) book for your personal use. Please note that mass distribution, commercial use, or the creation of altered versions of the content for distribution are strictly prohibited. This permission is intended to support your individual learning needs while maintaining the integrity of the material.

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