Ethnographic Study

Addiction & Substance Abuse

Ethnographic StudySarah Cohen

Heroine Cocaine Alcohol Methamphetamine

The Facts Over 22 million individuals have a

substance dependence or abuse problem in the US

85,000 deaths related to alcohol 2008 2008 Drug over doses claimed the

lives of 12 actors and performers

Why So Serious?

Accidental Overdose

Tragedy

Pre Conceived Notions Addicts are dirty They live on the streets Have been abandoned by their families and

friends Addicts are unable to be fully rehabilitated

Body Language/ Non Verbal Ques Fidgety, nervous Little to no eye contact Sweaty palms Constant crowd surfing with eyes Swaying, pacing Paranoia, glazed over eyes Concerned with distance

Slang China White Smack Big H Blow Nose Candy Angel Dust Dope Special K

Bud Booze Stogie Wet Weed Crystal Ganja

Communication Tactics Are you good? Lets get baked I’m fried Get bent Toke up Tweak mission I got the munchies

I’m so burnt out I need a fix Let’s get high 420! Wanna blaze? I’m rollin We’re tripping face

Email “Please try to understand that she

never intended harm to anyone. Drugs are a demon that is impossible to understand unless you have experienced the demon...for lack of a better way to put it. You should try to be as non-judgmental as possible and try to figure a way to forgive her for lying to you about doing drugs. It would have been almost impossible for her to tell you she was doing drugs for fear that she would disappoint you.

I know the way you will respond to that statement already but really it just takes lots of patience and understanding to deal with people who are struggling with drugs. Cutting communication could not be a worse idea...you need to be a pillar for your cousin to lean on rather than another carpet pulled from under her.”

Reality is a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs-Lily Tomlin

Our Community

What helped me Empathic listening Self Disclosure Proximics Rose’s study on Family

4/29/81 - 9/18/06R.I.P