Substance abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Substance abuse - Research Paper Example It shall also discuss how substance abuse can be solved using various social controls. Finally, this study shall also explain the potential social or economic benefits which may result if the recommended changes were to be implemented. This study is being carried out in order to establish a clear and comprehensive understanding of substance abuse as it applies in the workplace. Discussion According to the World Health Organization (2011), substance abuse â€Å"refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs†. Use of psychoactive substances can lead to dependence syndrome which includes various behavioral, cognitive, and physiological symptoms apparent with the persistent use of the substance. Aside from these symptoms, the user has a persistent need to use the substance and a difficulty in controlling the use of the drug even with the appearance of negative consequences (WHO, 2011). Moreover, after repeated use, there is a tolerance developed for the substance and the failure to use it often causes symptoms of physical withdrawal. Such symptoms manifest with unfavorable outcomes for the user. Depending on the drug or â€Å"substance† of choice, substance abuse can have both positive and negative effects on one’s physiology and psychopathy. First and foremost tobacco brings about feelings of pleasure; it improves performance, and it helps in weight control. It also reduces feelings of hunger and depression (Daly, 2011). However, the nicotine content of cigarettes is addictive; moreover, cigarette smoke causes health hazards like lung cancer, heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, and eventually for some, strokes. Another substance, alcohol serves as a â€Å"pick me up† for many users (Daly, 2011). However, it is actually a depressant as it decreases inhibitions, reduces muscle control, and slurs speech. Excessive use of this substance is likely to cause liver failure, heart disease, and cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, and the stomach (Daly, 2011). Drugs and similar substances cause various effects on the user. Marijuana, for example, creates feelings of pleasure and relaxation; however it can also cause impaired coordination and memory (Daly, 2011). Cocaine causes pleasure and increases one’s alertness; however, it can also lead to paranoia, heart attacks, as well as brain, kidney, and heart damage. Heroin causes feelings of drowsiness, pleasure, and reduced breathing rate; however, abuse of the drug can cause death and trigger complications with the use of dirty needles, complications like destruction of the heart valves, abdominal cramps, confusion, and sweating (Daly, 2011). Methamphetamine is a stimulant and increases alertness, reduces appetite, and increases one’s pleasure; however abuse of the drug can cause heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Long term effects include hallucinations, weight loss, and heart damage (Daly, 2 011). Other drugs like Ecstasy are stimulants which allow users to participate in all night parties. For some users, it also serves to improve their mood. These substances create various effects on users, and with the abuse of these drugs, the users would likely feel euphoric. The danger is seen with stopping their use which can cause the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are often difficult to hide in the

How Do Employees Of XXX Perceive the Effectiveness of the Companys Research Paper - 1

How Do Employees Of XXX Perceive the Effectiveness of the Companys Staff Appraisal System - Research Paper Example In light of the research question, what constitutes an effective performance appraisal needs to be determined first, in order to appreciate, identify with and empathize with staff perceptions. Personal development is a necessary element for both personal and organizational benefits, and performance appraisals are the best means of identifying the training needs of staff, as well as being a systematic mechanism for evaluating the standards of staff performance, determining salaries and advancements and detecting any factors that impinge on staff effectiveness. An effective appraisal system is one that considers cultural values (Feng, Foster & Healing), that is perceived by staff as being fair and acceptable, that is a reciprocal cooperation between staff and management and one that is appropriate to daily duties (Duraisingam & Skinner, 2005). Such a system fosters staff satisfaction and motivation. A number of factors other than performance appraisal methods must be considered when developing a new and effective system; other factors that might explain staff perceptions of personal appraisals are fairness and cultural awareness. Kavanagh, Benson & Brown (2007) discuss theoretical support for performance appraisal processes and explain that such support is evidenced in ‘control theory and social exchange theory’ (p.134). Process control theory proposes that staff perceptions of fairness are related to the degree of control each employee is able to employ within the process (Konovsky, 2000, p.493 cited in Kavanagh, Benson & Brown, 2007). Social exchange theory, on the other hand, refers to ‘relationships that entail unspecified future obligations’ (Kavanagh, Benson & Brown, 2007, p. 134), wherein the way management treats employees is of significance. Fairness, therefore, may be perceived in relation to the amount of control an employee has within the p rocess and the way in which their appraiser handles the process.