Psychology

Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
In managing mental health conditions, the care-provider utilizes different treatment modalities. Among these modalities is psychotherapy which can be administered solely or as part of a regime inclusive of other modalities such as pharmcotherapy  and special modalities like electroconvulsive therapy (Murdock, 2009). Psychotherapy is of particular importance as it obligates the provider to interact with the patient at a personal level with the aim of helping the patient deal with stressors in their lives (Murdock, 2009). Various approaches have been adopted by health professionals in conducting psychotherapy. These approaches are guided by various theories developed in behavioral sciences, as a result, a myriad of approaches are in use today with each of them useful but also individually deficient in certain regards (Murdock, 2009). This paper examines four of these approaches namely narrative, feminist and solution focused therapy.

The goal in psychotherapy is to enable the patient gain insight (Murdock, 2009). Insight is the ability of a person to understand what is happening to them both internally and externally, thus the patient  becomes aware of their own behavior and emotions, and concurrently of those in contact with them (Murdock, 2009). Thus the care-provider does not merely offer advice but through dialogue offers support, imparts the patient with new skills and educates the patient on behavior and emotion. Psychotherapy is thus a process that is heavily reliant on logic and facts which the care-provider discusses with the patient (Murdock, 2009). It is a collaborative process as the final decision on how any given concern will be tackled is left to the patient, the patient is thus an active participant in their own therapy (Murdock, 2009). It is in these regards that the previously named approaches meet, the choice of any particular approach is dependent on the type of patient seeking remedy (Murdock, 2009). It should be remembered that each of the theories was developed in search of alternative that would satisfy failings of existent approaches

Feminist theory was developed in the sixties driven by the women rights movement at the at time in an attempt to solve apparent demographic differences that showed that the majority of people seeking care were women while the traditional theories in use failed to serve them well as they were partanity based (Murdock, 2009).Feminist theory focuses on how society, culture and politics define the well-being of the individual at the expense of the role the particular individual plays in their own mental health condition (Murdock, 2009) .This approach therefore proposes that the patients problems can be solved via changes in their sociopolitical environment. The patients are thus encouraged to involve themselves in pushing for social change in order to empower themselves (Murdock, 2009).

Solution focused therapy as the name suggests involves finding solutions that are specific to the individual (Murdock, 2009). Like in the feminist theory, it assumes that the individual is the master of themselves and thus decide on their own fate (Murdock, 2009).In this approach, change is  perceived to be constant and inevitable and thus problems arise when solutions available fail to adapt accordingly (Murdock, 2009). The focus is on moving forward with less regard to previous events with reinforcement of solutions that have worked and effecting appropriate change in ineffective solutions (Murdock, 2009).The care-provider focuses on identifying and fostering change thus problems per-se are not discussed (Murdock, 2009).This approach was developed by De Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg who built upon Milton Erickson and MRI models which enabled shift from traditional research which was based solely on what the therapist considered as successful means of psychotherapy (murdock, 2009).

Narrative therapy refers to theory fronted by Micheal White and David Epston. A narrative includes an introduction, a plot, subplot and a conclusion. In its development certain notion take priority over others , when this is viewed in a larger paradigm, the effect is suppression of certain ideals and concurrently people who hold these ideals (Murdock, 2009). This is the central premise in narrative therapy. In this approach, the client is viewed in a manner similar to feminist approach where the sociopolitical situation of the client is considered (Murdoch, 2009). This is because stories influence the perspective individuals perspective of their own life e.g the christian story of creation may discriminate against believers in evolution theory (Murdock, 2009). The therapist in this approach encourages the client develop their own story by highlighting the richness that experience holds over narrative (Murdock, 2009). In this way perceptions about self are change as the oppressive problem filled story is replaced by the untold story (Murdock, 2009). Recently, postmodernism, the premise that the is no universal truth and events have multiple valid interpretations, has been integrated into narrative therapy.

In conclusion, the above discussed psychotherapy approaches offer useful insights that are of use in the work of the modern therapist. This fact is reinforced by the realization that patients are not as simple as each of these models propose (Murdock, 2009). For instance relying on the feminist approach only may lead to mismanagement of cases as it is unlikely that the mental health condition of a patient will be solely determined by sociopolitical factors in isolation (Murdock, 2009). In addition, they guide the therapist as they offer improvements on traditional approaches such as determinism which proposes that the present behavioral characteristics of the individual develop only early in life and thus cannot be altered (Murdock, 2009). These approaches, in particular narrative and solution focused therapy, help in defining the role of the caregiver as a guiding light rather than the ultimate authority as concerns solving mental health problems thus negating the possibility of mismanagement as therapists being human are not always right (Murdock, 2009).

Communication is the action or exchange of information, thoughts, ideas and feelings or anything that one wants to pass over to another person. Communication is done either verbally, writing, signals or body language, as long as the message has been transmitted, that is communication.  In a workplace, constant and effective communication is vital in the organizations productivity and success.  Being able to correctly publicize instructions andor information, the faster the work will be made in a much accurate manner.

Interpersonal Communication Defined
Interpersonal Communication is the process of message transaction between people (usually two) who work toward creating and sustaining shared meaning (West Turner, 2009, p.8).  Interpersonal communication is the act of sending and receiving or an exchange of information, thoughts, feelings, and ideas between two individuals or parties. 

Interpersonal communication goes through a process that includes four elements.  These are the sender, who gives out the information receiver, one who receives the information the message, the information that was given, and the feedback, which is the reaction or answer to the message given.

Principles of Interpersonal Communication
Effective interpersonal communication may be achieved by 1. Treating each other with respect. By valuing ones thoughts and feelings makes the other feel that they are worth listening to and that what they have to say matters and is important. 2. Dont interrupt one another. Allowing one other to speak freely makes the communication lines clearer than of not. The information is given with clarity thus, the conversation becomes more enjoyable and informative. 3. The right to pass. This is an indication that we maturely make wise decision and choices not to control or change other peoples perception or views. 4. Speak for yourself. Speaking for yourself means to talk about you, your feelings and thoughts. Do not put words in someone elses mouth. It is impossible to speak of someone elses thoughts and feelings. Let that person express themselves. 5. That we speak but not too often and too long. Filling in the gaps or the air time is generally okay, but when we speak for a long period of time, we might already be boring and taking much time of others and leaving them no room to say something or let out their own thoughts. 6. Challenge the behavior and not the person. This is pointing out the persons behavior and not attacking him or her personally. Though it is hard to put our emotions aside when in a heated conversation, however, it is also ethical and professional to let your cool down and addressing the misbehavior and not the one you are speaking to. Being able to separate these two things will make wonders and help you achieve interpersonal communication in your work place. 7. Confidentiality.  It is never polite to talk about someone about something without their consent or knowing.  This is especially true, when one has approached you for something or opened up to you and later telling everyone about the conversation. Respecting another ones privacy will win you the respect of your colleagues and co-workers and subordinates as well. 8. Its okay to make mistakes. We are only human and we were created to make mistakes. Committing mistakes are occasions and chances for growth. Without the mistakes that we make, we will not learn from them and unable to learn is being stagnant. Evolving is a mans must do in order for him to survive.

Conflict
Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce rewards, and interference from the other party in achieving their goals ( HYPERLINK httpwww.members.tripod.comnwacc_communicationid21.htm)
httpwww.members.tripod.comnwacc_communicationid21.htm). When there is a difference of opinion between two parties, and that both believe that their opinions are exclusive, chances are there is a conflict.  Although the term conflict does not really make a ring to the ears, conflicts can also be beneficial to both parties.  Being able to voice out and make your thoughts known, this can be educational and informative to each one. From here, it becomes a learning experience and help one another grow and develop themselves.

Techniques on Reducing Conflict in a Conversation
When we are in a gathering, be it in a party or at work there is always the possibility of getting into a heated conversation. It is all but normal and natural for individuals to feel this way especially when opinions do not match. However normal this situation may be, there is always a good and healthy way of doing things and addressing them. Going head to head with another person will most likely get you nowhere and probably gain more enemies than friends.  There are ways to rationally get out of a conflicted argument or conversation. According to DBR Alternatives, Inc. in one of their on-line pages entitled, Interpersonal Conflict and Effective Communication, there are 5 techniques to reduce conflict. These are a. the Defusing technique.  Your goal is to address the others anger and you do this by simply agreeing with the person. When you find some truth in the other point of view, it is difficult for the other person to maintain anger. For example, I know that I said I would call you last night. You are absolutely right. I wish I could be more responsible sometimes. The accusation might be completely unreasonable from your viewpoint, but there is always some truth in what the other person says. At the very least, we need to acknowledge that individuals have different ways of seeing things. This does not mean that we have to compromise our own basic principles. We simply validate the others stance so that we can move on to a healthier resolution of the conflict. This may be hard to do in a volatile situation, but a sign of individual strength and integrity is the ability to postpone our immediate reactions in order to achieve positive goals. Sometimes we have to lose in order, ultimately, to win. B. Empathy Try to put yourself into the shoes of the other person. See the world through their eyes. Empathy is an important listening technique which gives the other feedback that he or she is being heard. C. Exploration Ask gentle, probing questions about what the other person is thinking and feeling. Encourage the other to talk fully about what is on his or her mind. For example, Are there any other thoughts that you need to share with me D. Using I Statements Take responsibility for your own thoughts rather than attributing motives to the other person. This decreases the chance that the other person will become defensive. For example, I feel pretty upset that this thing has come between us.

This statement is much more effective than saying, You have made me feel very upset. And, E. Stroking Find positive things to say about the other person, even if the other is angry with you. Show a respectful attitude. For example, I genuinely respect you for having the courage to bring this problem to me. I admire your strength and your caring attitude.

When trying to communicate and express your thoughts and ideas, though faced in a tight situation of variance there are ways to reduce if not avoid clash or conflict. And if avoiding and reducing is not possible and find yourself in a snag, there are ways to resolve arguments and still achieve something positive and productive.

Resolving Conflicts
It has been mentioned that interpersonal communication is an act of transmitting information, feelings, thoughts and ideas.  Because emotions and feelings are involved, conversations may get heated up and turn into something that you hope to be productive and positive actually turns into an argument. There are ways to counter and resolve a heated up conversation. The first rational way in resolving conflicts is, identify the problem. Talk and understand each others problem or dilemma. Listen to what the other has to say and speak when it is your time to.  Second, think of possible solutions. Two heads are better than one. Talk amongst yourselves and carefully discuss what your options are. Third, decide on the best solution. Choose a solution that not only suit you but is acceptable to both of you. Fourth, Implement the chosen solution. Agree on the details and activity delegation. Make clear of who is responsible for implementing one thing from the other. And Fifth, evaluate the solution. This is a work in progress. Check among yourselves if the solution is working or not. Is it doing you and the other good.

Description of the drug
Methamphetamine is classified as a psychoactive stimulant, drug which serves to stimulate the central nervous system (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). The drug in particular is useful in increasing alertness and mentalbody energy. However, research findings indicate that when taken in large amounts, methamphetamine can serve to improve self-esteem as well as sexual pleasure (Murray, 1998).  Methamphetamine is legally recognized and approved for use in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and exogenous obesity.

Methamphetamine is found in the form of white crystals or powders which is soluble in water and alcohol (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Based on this reasoning, this drug is usually mixed with water for injection or swallowed. The drug can also be mixed with tobacco or marijuana for smoking. Just to be appreciated is the fact that high purity methamphetamine which come in the form of ice crystals is usually smoked in small pipes (Fabian, 2007). It has also been established that some abusers of methamphetamine exploit its rapid vaporization by heating it and inhaling the fumes.

Methamphetamine has two major ingredients namely levorotary and dextrorotatory (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). According to existing scientific research evidence however, levorotary has no proven central nervous activity. It thus possesses non-addictive properties and is used for treatment of nasal decongestion (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Dextrorotatory on the other side functions as a stimulant of the central nervous system(National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). It accomplish this, methamphetamine affects the brain neurotransmitter mechanisms for controlling functions like body temperature, blood pressure, attention and response among others.

Due to the effects of methamphetamine on the functioning of the brain, the user experiences an increase in heart beat rate as well as increase in blood sugar levels (Zickler, 2006). These serve to improve alertness and eliminate fatigue. Methamphetamine has been identified as one among the most abused drugs in the United States. This has been closely attributed to a number of reasons. First, methamphetamine can be locally produced, a factor which makes commonly available. Another reason is that it is legally allowed as a pharmaceutical drug thus opening a loophole for accessibility, possession and use (Whaley  Hayes-Smith, 2009).

Methamphetamine is quite addictive. This is because it serves to stimulate the pleasure pathways on the brain (Zickler, 2006). Just to be appreciated is the fact that upon continued use, the drug compromises the natural functioning of the brain, a factor that calls for dependency on the drug (Zickler, 2006).

Another reason for the addictive effects of methamphetamine compared to other drugs is that its costs are almost same as that of cocaine while its effects are much longer compared to those of cocaine. According to available statistical evidence, an estimated over 10 million people in the American nation are victims of methamphetamine addiction (Fabian, 2007).

As a result of methamphetamine abuse and addiction, there are a number of laws which have been enacted to mitigate the sale, use and possession of the drug (Fabian, 2007). One is the Federal Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986 which seeks to mitigate the use of designer drugs (Fabian, 2007). Another important law is the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 as it limits the amount of Methamphetamine one can purchase and the conditions for its availability to mitigate theft (Fabian, 2007). Due to such restrictions, statistics indicate that the abuse of the drug have decreased by over half between 2006 and 2008.

Effects of Methamphetamine Drug on the Human Brain
Methamphetamine has been established as having the effects of increasing the release and blocks the reuptake of brain neurotransmitter dopamine (Zickler, 2006). This has the direct result of significantly increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. Just to be appreciated is the fact that dopamine is the neurotransmitter chemical responsible for brain functions such as rewarding, motivation, pleasure and body motor functions (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).  Indeed, it has been established that the intense euphoria experienced after taking methamphetamine is due to the rapid increase in the levels of dopamine supply on the reward regions of the brain caused by the drug (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Another effect of methamphetamine is that it compromises the functioning of the norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin brain transporters (Zickler, 2006). The drug in purpose changes the normal direction of flow for these transporters. Such a reversal of transmitter flow triggers the release of the transmitters from both the vesicles to the cytoplasm and from the cytoplasm to the synapse (Zickler, 2006). This has the result of increasing the stimulation levels of the synaptic receptors. Still, due to the fact that the drug compromises reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmitters, it causes them to remain in the synaptic cavity to a long period. This is why the effects of the methamphetamine are found to last longer compared to those of other drugs.

High level abuse of methamphetamine is found to cause changes in how the brain functions (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009) According to results from noninvasive human brain imaging studies, methamphetamine alters the activity of the brain dopamine system, a factor with reduces motor skills and compromises verbal learning. According to available scientific research findings, chronic methamphetamine abusers are marked with severe alterations of the structures and functionality of brain areas which are concerned with emotions and memory (Murray, 1998). Due to this reason, victims of chronic methamphetamine abuse are evidently faced with the problem of impaired emotions and cognition.

Methamphetamine leads to dopaminergic degeneration (Zickler, 2006). Dopaminergic is usually responsible for the production of brain dopamine and serotonin neurons (Zickler, 2006). Therefore, the intake of methamphetamine is found to reduce brain activities in sites such as brain dopamine and serotonin neurons, 5HT uptake and tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). It is worthy stating here that the addictive nature of methamphetamine is due to its changing of the functioning of the central nervous system (Baskin  Sommers, 2006). This creates a state of induced brain dopamine and serotonin neurons production in the brain, a factor that results into dependency on the drug for realizing pleasure and alertness as well as eliminating fatigue.

Due to the above stated effects of methamphetamine in the brain, the drug is usually associated with a number of psychological effects (Murray, 1998). Such include increased libido, self-esteem and anxiety (Murray, 1998). This result due to the effects methamphetamine has on the release and reuptake of dopamine. As methamphetamine leads to increased blood sugar levels, it can be strong associated with increased alertness, attention, sociability and aggression (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). The drug results in feeling of having excessive power, a factor that is characterized by obsessive behaviors.

Withdrawal Symptoms
Reports indicate that withdrawal from methamphetamine is quite uncomfortable and can depending on the level of addiction be a threat to the life of the individual (Whaley  Hayes-Smith, 2009). Some of the common withdrawal symptoms include drug cravings, depression, irritability and loss of energy as well as sustaining a feeling of fearfulness (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Some other withdrawal symptoms include shaking, sweating, nausea and increased appetite. Withdrawing from methamphetamine use can either induce or mitigate sleeping. This means that withdrawal from methamphetamine is a real threat to the social and economic life of the victim.

Due to these serious implications of withdrawing from methamphetamine, it is a common practice for many to engage in medical care to facilitate effective recovery from methamphetamine addiction. According to available statistics, methamphetamine is identified as one of the drugs with high relapse rates (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). This has been closely attributed to the reliable emotional and cognition effects it brings to an individual. Indeed, it is due to this reason that the problem of depression and suicidal behaviors are common with victims of methamphetamine withdrawal (Zickler, 2006). Such makes the methamphetamine as a drug to have the potential of compromise the social and economic value of an individual in the community.

The effects of long and short term use and abuse of methamphetamine
Short term use and abuse effects of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is identified as being highly addictive regardless of how it is administered (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Such are because the drug is responsible for stimulating the production of dopamine neurotransmitter which serves to control brain cells concerned with promoting moods and alertness (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). There are a number of short term effects of methamphetamine use or abuse. According to scientific research findings, immediately after using methamphetamine, one experiences an intense sensation commonly referred to as a rush (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). This is because the methamphetamine drug leads to increased release of dopamine in the brain.

Once taken in small amounts, methamphetamine can lead to increased alertness (Murray, 1998). This is the reason why it is a common medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder problem. Another effect is increased physical activity in an individual. Such are mainly attributed to the fact that methamphetamine causes an increase in blood sugar levels, enhances self-esteem and increases aggression (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Methamphetamine decreases appetite in the victim. In order to met the energy demands triggered by increased physical activity after using methamphetamine, victims experience an increased in respiration rate.

Methamphetamine is found to increase the heart beat rate and thus increasing blood pressure (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Still, it can result into irregular heart beats. The victims of methamphetamine abuse are therefore at a higher risk of sustaining cardiovascular collapse. Other short term effects of methamphetamine are irritability, anxiety, increased aggressiveness and tremors (Zickler, 2006). Just to be appreciated is the fact that methamphetamine can also lead to confusion. Some abusers of methamphetamine can sustain fatal conditions such as convulsions and hyperthermia, a factor that risks death. Owing to the fact that methamphetamine leads to increased blood pressure due to constriction of blood vessels, it can result into headaches, chest pains and even heart attack as well as premature labor (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Methamphetamine is found to significantly improve the neurotransmitter functioning of the brain (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2000). This means that the drug cause into increased activity of the brain. Based on this reasoning, the drug increases blood supply to the brain. It has thus been claimed that methamphetamine abuse can result in irreversible brain blood vessel damages (Zickler, 2006). This is why the large intake of the drug can result into a stroke. Therefore, use of methamphetamine has both positive and negative short term effects upon use by an individual.

Long term use and abuse effects of methamphetamine
Chronic methamphetamine use can result into a number of long term effects on the health and behavior of an individual (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). First, methamphetamine can lead to violent behavior (Baskin  Sommers, 2006). According to available psychological evidence, it is clear that character and behavior of an individual is mostly acquired rather than inborn. Methamphetamine intake results into increased physical energy as well as increased aggression, factors which can result into violent behavior. With sustained use therefore, methamphetamine is likely to create a culture of violence in an individual.

Another long term effect of methamphetamine is that it can result in psychotic behavior and mood disturbances (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Numerous scientific research findings have concluded that long term use or abuse of methamphetamine results in the damaging of the victims brain just like is the case caused by Alzheimers disease, stroke and epilepsy (Zickler, 2006). This means that the drug can lead to the sustenance of mental impairment on the victim. Still, methamphetamine intake is found to compromise the production and functioning of neurotransmitter dopamine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Just to be appreciated here is the fact that dopamine is responsible for brain functions such as control pleasure and moods. Therefore, long term use of methamphetamine can lead to mood disturbances.

Still on psychotic behavior caused by long term use and abuse of methamphetamine is the question of addiction (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). By simple definition, addiction is a mental condition that dictates dependency on a given substance for the proper and efficient functioning of the body.

Methamphetamine is been identified as a highly addictive drug (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). Based on this reasoning, it can be concluded that the problem of addiction is a key factor in sustaining the psychotic behavior found with methamphetamine users. Another effect of long term use of methamphetamine is that it can lead to homicidal and suicidal thoughts or behavior (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2009). It should be noted that any substance which enhancing feeling, aggression and pleasure can compromise the reasoning and judgmental ability of the individual, a factor that results into suicidal thoughts.

Chronic use of methamphetamine can also result into extreme weight loss, and acute dental decay problem (Zickler, 2006). The question of weight loss is based on the reasoning that methamphetamine cause a sharp decline in appetite as well as an increase in physical activity. Just like cigarettes, methamphetamine smoking or even drinking leads to the dissolving of teeth enamel chemicals this causing dental decay (Zickler, 2006). Other effects include paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations. Due to the fact that methamphetamine increases sex libido, it has been cited as a major cause of irresponsible sexual behaviors and increased risk of sustaining sexually transmitted diseases (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Therefore, it is clear that the though methamphetamine can have some short term positive effects, none of it long term use effects are positive.

Treatment of methamphetamine addiction
Since methamphetamine addiction is termed a behavioral problem, the best commonly used treatment approach is the use of comprehensive cognitive-behavioral intervention techniques (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Given the feeling associated with withdrawal from using methamphetamine, the process of treating addiction takes time and requires a supportive therapeutic environment to mitigate chances of relapse. Cognitive behavioral intentions involve measures designed to changing the thinking, behavior and expectations of the methamphetamine addict victim. In summary, the technique encompasses the following activities (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

The first action is engaging in behavioral therapy for the victims. This takes a number of aspects such as counseling. Counseling of methamphetamine victims is quite important as it does not only identify the problem but above all engages the victim in appreciating that they have a problem and need to change (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). During counseling the clinical practitioners seeks to find the actual cause of the victims indulgence on drug abuse. Just to be stated is the fact that most cases of drug abuse have been associated with family relationship issues. Therefore, there is need to inform the victim on the best way to address their family, social and economic problems as a sustainable way of realizing methamphetamine addiction treatment (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010).

Still, on treating methamphetamine addiction is the use of assistance groups for the victims (Murray, 1998). These groups are a collection of addicted members who are striving to recover from their addiction problem. This has been found to be quite influential in helping victims learning from the experience of others. Still, such have the advantage of enhancing acceptability of the reformed victims by the society. It is worth to be understood that drug addicts in the community are usually subjected to stigmatization. Indeed, this is the reason behind the problem of relapse into drugs by victims as a way of finding socialization and company.

Methamphetamine addiction is closely associated with psychotic or mental impairment problems. According to available statistics on the problem of methamphetamine addiction, it is quite clear that most of victims have schizophrenia (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2000). This makes identification and treatment of any mental problems in the victim quite an important in realizing sustainable treatment of the addiction problem. Another way of ensuring sustainable treatment of methamphetamine addiction is engaging in non-drug related activities and social groups (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Given the high rates of relapse by reformed victims of methamphetamine abuse in the community, engaging in new and anti-drug activities is quite important. It is worth stating that drug abuse problem is mainly influenced by peer pressure. This is why eliminating poor influence is quite important for victims to realize sustainable recovery.

Another common practice when controlling methamphetamine addiction is addressing the problem of malnutrition in the victim (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). According to existing statistical information, poor health is a common feature which characterizes methamphetamine addiction problem. This has been closely attributed to the fact that the use of methamphetamine greatly compromises appetite (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). However, as per to date, there is no medication available for treating methamphetamine addictions. Therefore, the only immediate and reliable solution to the problem is to behavioral therapy (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Another important thing to be appreciated is the fact that early treatment of the problem is highly successful. This has been explained by the fact that at late stages, the victims have already sustained irreversible damage of the brain, a factor that complicates the treatment process.

Conclusion
It has been sufficiently established that methamphetamine is one of the most commonly abused drug in the US. This has been attributed to two reasons. First, the drug is commonly available in the market. The other reason is that despite the fact that it costs almost the same price as cocaine its effects are longer than those of cocaine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). There are a number of negative effects associated with methamphetamine abuse. Such include compromising of the normal production and functioning of dopamine in the brain, a factor that can lead to addiction, violent behavior andor sustenance of psychotic impairments (Murray, 1998(.

The addictive effects of methamphetamine can be easily treated through engaging in a comprehensive cognitive behavioral intervention practices (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). This technique involves the use of counseling and behavioral therapy practices to mitigate the drug dependence behavior. Just to be appreciated is the fact that early identification and treatment of the addiction problem is important as it mitigates problems of possible irreversible brain damages caused by chronic use of methamphetamine (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2010). Therefore, there is need to create awareness among the general public on the negative effects of methamphetamine and where to get help should be given first priority in addressing methamphetamine drug problem in the American society.

Corporal punishment is application of physical pain tochildren as a way of enforcing discipline through discouraging undesirablebehavior. This kind of punishment includes beatings, burnings, spanking, slapping and scalding. Due to its severity in punishment, use of corporal punishment to discipline children is controversial. In schools, teachers go for corporal punishment. They believe that spare the rod spoil the child Discipline on the other hand involves strategies to reduce undesirable behaviors among children.  Straus and Stewart (1999) found out that 94 of American parents spank their children between the ages 3 and 4 years and up to 5 years. The US Department of Health and Human Services (2001) showed that 13 in every 1000 children were abused. According to her, spanking may lead to abuse.

Research carried out found out that corporal punishment leads to immediate compliance, increased aggression. Studies showed that using corporal punishment to reduce aggression increased the risk of aggressive behaviors by 50. Corporal punishment may also result to antisocial behavior. This affected boys mostly and children of ages ranging between10and12. Increased corporal punishmentled to increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood. Corporal punishment results to decreased mental health. This affects children between ages 5 and 8 who are more prone to severe corporal punishment.

Physical punishment hasnegative effects which may affect child wellbeing or hisher health thus they are unacceptable and therefore should not be used. Despite this, spanking which is a form of corporal punishment has been used by most American families (about 90). Corporal punishment may also result to adult abusive behaviors. Most results showed that spanking increased undesirable behaviors and decreased desirable ones. As severity of corporal punishment raises so are the negative results. Many children who are spanked within normal limits do not grow up with negative results .However, a number are physically disciplined beyond normal limits thereby are at increased risk of possessing negative outcomes

Are emotions determined by nature and preprogrammed biologically Are an infants emotions developed through stimulation and conditioning Or, do you believe that an infants emotions are a combination of the two These are the questions this paper means to answer and shed light on.  Identifying and defining the meaning of emotional development and its concepts, we will start and begin to understand the psychology or an individuals nature of being.

Emotional Development
Emotional development is a process or is something that goes and follows a process which starts from infancy all the way to adulthood.  Children or toddlers have their parents as their first teachers. The child upbringing, self-esteem, confidence and development starts at home. It is the home that the child first develops his emotions. Soon, this will be carried over to other individuals and situations outside the walls of their home, such as their pre-school teachers, classmatespeers and the kind of environment the child is placed. Researchers have approached this area from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including those of social constructionism, differential emotion theory, and social learning theory. Each of these approaches explores the way infants and children develop emotionally, differing mainly on the question of whether emotions are learned or biologically predetermined, as well as debating the way infants and children manage their emotional experiences and behavior (CBS Interactive Inc, 2010).

The Emotion Behind the Behavior
Babies emotions are often seen in their facial reactions.  By carefully observing these expressions, parents and other individuals may easily read and understand an infants emotions.  Psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists have proliferated theories about emotion and its significance to the individual and society ( Hager, 2003).

What makes a baby smile or happy The expression of happiness is a childs smile.  Happy expressions show enjoyment, friendliness and pleasure and having a positive disposition.  A child that is always smiling is a contented child.  Meaning, that the infant feels loved and wanted by the people surrounding him or her.  It has been mentioned earlier that the childs foundation starts at home and from the parents or people giving him or her care.

Conclusion
Though presented with these facts, I believe a persons development is a combination of both natural and stimulated.  A child who was carried in a mothers womb feeling wanted and loved will play a big role in the infants development. I also believe that the child will also develop another side of his being once he is exposed to different environments such as his peers and other worldly influences.

Home Instead Senior Care
The experience in caring for elderly made Paul Hogan realized that there is more that elders need than medical care. After taking care of his grandmother for almost twelve years, he came up with an idea of establishing an agency that will cater to elderly needs. In the year 1994, Paul, together with his wife Lori Hogan, founded Home Instead Incorporated, servicing seniors from Omaha, Nebraska under the name of Home Instead Senior Care. It was in June 1995 when the organization started to franchise and by 1998, the franchise had rapidly grown to 99 offices.

Often times, elders are sent to homes for the aged where their families think that they can get ample attention and assistance from these establishments. Home Instead Senior Care believes that elders should stay at home with their families as they grow older. The organization has helped families to take care of their loved ones right at the comforts of their own homes, without sending them to any homes for the aged. That is why they offer in-home services like (1) elderly companionship and conversation, (2) monitoring of diet and eating, (3) assistance with evening and tuck-in, (4) stimulation of mental awareness, and (5) assistance in taking right medication at the right time. In addition to this, there are also personal services that they offer such as grooming, bathing, and dressing.

There are also other assistances that Home Instead Senior Care offers. They can be reached 24-hours a day, with a group of trained Caregivers ready to provide assistance with the elderly.

Home Instead Senior Care is located at 13323 California St. Omaha, Nebraska 68154 and can be reached via 888.484.5759 of through fax 402.4985757. Supplementary information can be found at their website  HYPERLINK httpwww.homeinstead.com httpwww.homeinstead.com

Cloning is the creation of an organism that is an exact genetic copy of another or clones is defined as genetically produced individuals from a single parent (What is Cloning 2010). Cloning is associated with various psychological effects that can endanger the normal survival of the clones. No one actually knows what the effects of the clones would be to the human identity and relationships of creating someone who is the twin of the father or the mother, but born in a different generation and environment.

The other question that arises is whether the clone would feel that he or she was just a copy of someone else who had already existed and not really of himself or herself. Failure to understand some of these dilemmas among others, such as the clones relationship with the person they were cloned from and the inability to predict the assurance of proper answers to this questions can give us a clear indication as to why cloning should completely be done away with. Therefore, humans should not be cloned because this activity is ethically and morally wrong considering the significant incident of death and birth defects in cloned animals.

Cloning human beings is carrying out a lifelong experiment, which may result in adverse physical and psychological effects on the individual and any defects are onto the offspring (Lambrianides n.d.).

Cloning also leads to premature aging that is explained based on the donor cells being old and containing DNA materials with short telomeres. It also puts children at risk of being born with deformities, and the mothers life at risk due to major abnormalities of the placenta. These anomalies happen because the cells used to clone the embryo will be taken from one of the possible parents. These mature stem cells preserve the memory of whether they were a muscle or skin meaning that they do not develop and behave in the way stem cells in a placenta usually do. In conclusion, cloning, be it therapeutic or reproductive in nature is unacceptable and should not be done to human beings.