Question 1

In the nineteenth century, Britain invested heavily in the export of opium from India to China.

Accepted Answer

British East India Company began exporting opium from India to China in the 18th century, and the trade grew significantly in the 19th century.

Question 2

Why are governments so reluctant to discuss alternative apporaches to a 'war on drugs'?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons why governments may be reluctant to discuss alternative approaches to the 'war on drugs.'

Firstly, the 'war on drugs' has been a long-standing policy approach for many governments, and there may be a reluctance to admit that it has not been as effective as hoped. This could be due to political reasons, as it may be seen as a failure of previous administrations or policies.

Secondly, there may be concerns about public perception and backlash. Discussing alternative approaches to the 'war on drugs' could be seen as being soft on crime or drug use, which may not be politically popular. There may also be fears of being labeled as "soft on drugs" by opponents, which could have negative implications for the government's reputation and chances of re-election.

Additionally, there may be financial interests at play. The 'war on drugs' has led to significant investments in law enforcement, incarceration, and border security. Discussing alternative approaches could threaten these vested interests and the industries that have been built around the current approach.

There may also be international pressures at play, as many governments are part of international drug control treaties and agreements. Discussing alternative approaches could be seen as going against these international obligations, which could have diplomatic and legal implications.

Overall, the reluctance to discuss alternative approaches to the 'war on drugs' is likely a combination of political, public perception, financial, and international factors that make it a challenging issue for governments to address.

Question 3

Why is binge drinking such a moral concern?

Accepted Answer

Binge drinking is considered a moral concern for several reasons, which often revolve around the potential negative consequences it has on individuals and society. Here are some of the key reasons why binge drinking raises moral questions:

1. Health Risks: Binge drinking poses significant health risks to individuals, including alcohol poisoning, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. From a moral standpoint, knowingly engaging in behavior that harms one's health can be seen as irresponsible or self-destructive.

2. Impaired Judgment and Behavior: Binge drinking can lead to impaired judgment and a loss of self-control, which can result in risky behaviors such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, or acts of violence. These behaviors not only endanger the individual but also others, raising moral concerns about the disregard for the well-being and safety of oneself and others.

3. Addiction and Dependency: Regular binge drinking can lead to alcohol dependency and addiction, which can have devastating effects on an individual's life, including their relationships, career, and financial stability. The moral concern here is the potential for individuals to harm themselves and those around them through a pattern of destructive behavior.

4. Social and Family Impact: Binge drinking can have a ripple effect on the drinker's social and family life, leading to strained relationships, neglect of responsibilities, and emotional distress for loved ones. The moral issue arises from the neglect of duties and the emotional and sometimes physical harm caused to others.

5. Economic Costs: The consequences of binge drinking extend to economic costs for society, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and costs associated with alcohol-related crime and accidents. There is a moral concern regarding the burden placed on society and the allocation of resources that could be used for other societal needs.

6. Cultural and Ethical Values: Many cultures and religions have ethical guidelines that discourage excessive drinking or any behavior that leads to a loss of self-control. Binge drinking can be seen as a violation of these values, raising moral concerns within certain communities.

7. Influence on Youth: Binge drinking can set a poor example for younger generations, who may see it as an acceptable or even desirable behavior. The moral concern here is the potential to influence minors to engage in underage drinking and to normalize harmful behavior.

8. Public Health: As a public health issue, binge drinking is a concern because it can contribute to the spread of diseases, particularly in situations where individuals engage in unsafe practices while under the influence. There is a moral imperative to protect public health and prevent the spread of illness.

In summary, binge drinking is a moral concern because it can lead to a range of harmful outcomes that affect not only the individual engaging in the behavior but also others around them and society at large. The moral debate often centers on the balance between personal freedom and responsibility to oneself and the community.

Question 4

The normalization thesis adopted six key indicators of change: which three are listed here?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The normalization thesis adopted six key indicators...

Question 5

Which of the following are reasons why legalizing opium production is not possible?

Accepted Answer

Legalizing opium production is not feasible because there is already sufficient legal production for medical needs (A), the lack of infrastructure and law enforcement makes regulation difficult (B), and legalizing would not significantly reduce the demand for illegal opium products (D).

Question 6

In 2011/12 what is the estimated number of people who had ever taken an illicit drug in their lifetime?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 2011/12 what is the estimated number...

Question 7

What are the Home Office estimates of the scale of the drug trade in 2003-04?

Accepted Answer

The Home Office estimated the scale of the drug trade in 2003-04 to be between £4bn and £6.6bn.

Question 8

Which of the following facts about opium is false?

Accepted Answer

Heroin's medical name is not methadone. Methadone is a synthetic opioid used to treat opioid dependence.

Question 9

In England and Wales, alcohol is thought to play a part in approximately 0.2 million violent incidents.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In England and Wales, alcohol is thought...

Question 10

In England there has been an overall decrease in drug use reported by 11-15 year olds since 2001.

Accepted Answer

According to the 2019 survey conducted by the UK government, there has been a decrease in drug use reported by 11-15 year olds since 2001.

Quiz 14: Organised Crime