Asian Journal on Addictions

Gender Differences in Drug Using Behavior for the Drug Offenders

Shu-Lung Yang — 2024-12-14

Research on gender differences in substance abuse is prominent. This study surveyed 600 male drug offenders in treatment centers and 585 female offenders in the women's prisons in Taiwan in 2022. It aims to examine gender differences in drug use behavior, including characteristics, motives, multiple drug use, and mental health conditions among Category 1 and 2 drug offenders.

The results indicate that males exhibit a more favorable attitude towards drug use, while females demonstrate greater awareness of its adverse effects. Regarding motives, women are often influenced by others, while men tend to use drugs to cope with stress or seek sensations. Furthermore, peers and friends have a stronger impact on females' drug behavior compared to males. Female drug offenders also engage more in drug trafficking prior to imprisonment. Additionally, male users display more pronounced emotional responses and heightened emotional reactions to drug use.

The study proposes that correctional institutions could aid female drug users in fostering interpersonal skills and reinforcing their values to mitigate negative influences from intimate partners. Additionally, strategies to enhance coping skills, manage drug expectations, and encourage emotional expression are crucial for male drug users. Further implications of the study are elaborated upon.

Leveraging ChatGPT for Effective Research Design and Data Analysis — An Example with Research on Short Video Addiction

Mengchan Zhang — 2024-06-04

Artificial intelligence, particularly advanced models like ChatGPT, offers significant enhancements in data processing efficiency, decision-making velocity, and precision across various domains. This study explores the transformative potential of ChatGPT within mixed methods research, emphasizing its integration into the exploratory sequential design against a backdrop of increasing reliance on AI in academic settings. Focusing on short video addiction as a research topic, this research employed ChatGPT to develop a qualitative research framework and refine interview outlines before utilizing it to design quantitative research instruments informed by qualitative insights. Results indicate that ChatGPT not only streamlined data collection, analysis, and interpretation but also emphasized the need for human oversight to interpret AI outputs and ensure data privacy. Conclusively, while ChatGPT significantly enhances the efficiency and depth of research methodologies, it also highlights the challenges of maintaining ethical standards and methodological integrity. Continuous refinement and responsible integration of AI tools like ChatGPT are essential to advance methodological sophistication and ensure the reliability of research findings.

The Origin and Development of Anti-Drug Social Work in Chinese Mainland

Han Mo — 2024-03-21

Abstract: Anti-drug social work is a critical component of anti-drug initiatives and plays a crucial role in addressing drug-related issues within society. As a relatively new field within social work, it incorporates specialized theories and professional methodologies to tackle drug-related problems. Anti-drug social work is also an interdisciplinary field that aims to integrate various perspectives and approaches towards addressing drug-related concerns. Its development is driven by the need for innovative social work practices, the advancement of anti-drug efforts, and the enhancement of social governance in relation to drug-related issues. However, the progress of anti-drug social work is hindered by various challenges, which require the implementation of innovative strategies. Therefore, it is essential to understand the origins and evolution of anti-drug social work, learn from past experiences, and identify current obstacles in order to promote its sustainable development in the future.

The Impact of Electronic Cigarettes on Junior High School Students – A Case Study of Junior High School Students in Chiayi County, Taiwan

Wu Guang-Yu — 2024-07-05

Background: Preventing crime or illegal behavior early on, especially among junior high school students whose minds and bodies are still developing, will have a significant impact on their future adult behavior. Electronic cigarettes are emerging contraband, particularly enticing to some junior high school students. Researching this topic can provide insights into how likely junior high school students are to be tempted by novelty. Method: This study adopts a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with five junior high school students who have previously used electronic cigarettes, using purposive sampling to obtain firsthand information and present the perspectives of 14-15-year-olds on electronic cigarettes. Results: Students influence each other through peer relationships, with negative friends or classmates encouraging the adoption of criminal behaviors. Variables related to individual personality and social environment interact to shape criminal behavior. When external social temptations (external forces) and internal tendencies or resistance (internal forces) both lean towards criminal behavior, individuals are more likely to engage in crime. Conclusion: Classical criminology emphasizes the theory of free will, asserting that every individual has the ability to discern right from wrong and freely choose their behavior in pursuit of happiness and avoidance of pain. If the chosen behavior is illegal, punishment must be accepted. Fortunately, in this study case, four out of five students emphasized that they would not smoke electronic cigarettes in the future, citing reasons such as the lack of attractiveness of electronic cigarettes and awareness of the harm they cause to the body.

Research on Optimization of Adolescent Drug Abuse Prevention Policies in Macao

Cheng Lok — 2024-05-14

Background: Adolescent drug abuse is an urgent social problem that needs to be solved. This paper aims to explore the optimization of Macao's adolescent drug abuse prevention policy. Methodology: This research uses observation and literature review methods to analyze the shortcomings of the current policy. Results: The study found that Macao’s adolescent drug abuse prevention policy has five main challenges, including the weakening of family functions, drug distribution becomes internet-based, the decentralized anti-drug framework, the leniency of criminal penalties for drug-related crimes, and the concealment of drug use and trafficking. Conclusions: The author proposes strategies in five areas: firstly, promoting the development of anti-drug education towards a family-oriented approach; secondly, making full use of the power of the internet to prevent drug abuse through technology-enhanced precision; thirdly, further improving the anti-drug mechanism by establishing specialized channels for assistance; fourthly, increasing the penalties for drug crimes to combat the root of drug trafficking; finally, encouraging multi-party cooperation and exchange to establish an interconnected intelligence information system. This paper hopes to provide references and insights for the improvement of public policies on drug prevention among youth in Macao.