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The Use of Illicit Drugs and the Quality of Life

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The Economics of Addictive Behaviours Volume III

Abstract

This chapter will begin with a discussion on the pursuit of happiness followed with a detailed discussion on the objective quality of life and subjective well-being. Subsequently, the relationship between psychosocial maladjustment and drug abuse will be explored, including the relationship between self-esteem and the abuse of drugs. Stressful life events such as economic hardship, death of a significant other, or divorce may lead toward the abuse of drugs, depending on the individual coping style. This chapter concludes with a discussion on the relationship between attributional style, coping style, and quality of life and the relationship to the abuse of drugs. This chapter should explain why a purely legal approach cannot solve the problem of drug abuse which is primarily a matter of health.

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Joshua, J. (2017). The Use of Illicit Drugs and the Quality of Life. In: The Economics of Addictive Behaviours Volume III. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59138-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59138-4_4

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-59137-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-59138-4

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