| Description |
Increased use of Valium during the past two decades has resulted in Valium being the most commonly prescribed drug in the United States (Blackwell, 1973). Increased stress placed upon individuals in today's society has pressured them into seeking alternatives that will aid with the relief of stress, anxiety and tensions. One alternative has been use of Valium. This investigation was designed to evaluate from what initial information source Valium users learn of the drug and initiate its use. The conceptual framework for the study was based upon the "demon theory," that the organism is sick because it has been invaded, damaged, or depleted by a foreign element or demon (French, 1977). Stress is the conceptual element that has invaded and damaged the organism. Stress, moves the organism away from homeostasis for a time and with sufficient force to prohibit the organism from reestablishing balance easily. An organism must be able to adapt to a disturbing force such as stress, by bringing the disturbance under control (assimilation) with such help as Valium or by modification to meet the new demands (accommodation). The instrument used was a questionnaire designed by the investigator. The principle analysis was frequency distributions and percentages. The most common initial information source and supplier of Valium was a physician or supervised assistant. The reasons for using Valium were obtained from the initial supplier by detailing pertinent information about the physical and emotional symptoms manifested by the individual. Additional findings such as dose, frequency, Valium use, use of other medications, current suppliers or sources, and the need for Valium were shown to be individualized according to present manifestations, adaptation and coping mechanisms. Further study is recommended with a larger sample from other areas and differing sub cultural groups to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. |
