Question

using the book drugs and society by glen r.hanson,peter j. venturelli, and peter platteborze can you answer these questions.should children be taken from mothers who are addicted to methamphetamine or cocaine? if clinical trials demonstrate that mdma is effective in the treatment of stress and anxiety, should the fda approve its use by prescription? what would be the effect on recreational mdma use by young people if the fda approved mdma for treating ptsd? why do people smoke cocaine, and what are the major toxicities caused by the use of high doses of this stimulant?

Explanation:

1. Child welfare frameworks prioritize safety; removal is not automatic—assessments consider the mother's ability to care for the child, access to addiction treatment, and in-home support options, as outlined in drug and policy-focused texts like Drugs and Society.
2. FDA approval is based on evidence of safety and efficacy; positive clinical trials would meet this standard, with safeguards to prevent misuse.
3. Research on prescription drug diversion and normalization shows that medical approval can reduce stigma and increase non-medical access, particularly among youth.
4. Smoking cocaine bypasses first-pass metabolism, delivering a rapid high. High doses overstimulate the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, leading to acute organ stress and failure.

Answer:

1. There is no universal yes/no answer; decisions to remove children from mothers addicted to methamphetamine or cocaine should be made on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the child's immediate safety and the mother's access to treatment.
2. Yes, if well-designed clinical trials consistently demonstrate MDMA's safety and efficacy for stress and anxiety, the FDA should approve its prescription use, with strict prescribing guidelines.
3. FDA approval of MDMA for PTSD could lead to increased recreational use among young people, as it may reduce perceived harm, increase accessibility (through diversion), and normalize the drug's use.
4. People smoke cocaine for a faster, more intense high (the drug reaches the brain in seconds via the lungs). Major toxicities of high-dose cocaine include cardiovascular damage (heart attack, arrhythmias, stroke), respiratory failure, seizures, hyperthermia, and organ damage (liver, kidney).