Drug Addiction Essay Example for Free

Drug Addiction Essay This essay will outline the main points for an addict and will serve as a guide for an addict or family of an addict. Addictions are very dangerous for a person, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. There three main points to an addiction, the actual addiction and the symptoms, the addiction cycle (downhill spiral), and how to treat or where to treat an addiction. This essay will hopefully outline the main points for an addict and will hopefully serve as a guide for an addict or family of an addict. Addiction Addiction is defined as an overuse of any substance that changes the natural chemical balance of the brain. Most addiction specialists agree that addiction includes biological, psychological, and behavioral factors. There are many opinions as to what causes an individual to become susceptible to drug addiction. Many believe there are underlying physical and mental issues that contribute to developing an addiction. There are many different causes of addiction. Regardless of how or why an addiction began, there is a definite cycle of addiction that many individuals get trapped in. This addiction cycle is often referred to as the downward spiral. Breaking the addiction cycle can be a long and difficult process, depending on the nature of the addiction. There are many different types of addiction. An addiction can be developed by anyone; it is not reserved for certain personality types, social standing, or career fields. The best defense and recovery tool against addiction is education. Individuals caught up in the addiction cycle often try to hide or disguise their addictive behavior. They even try to hide the addiction from themselves. There are certain types of behavior that can assist a loved one or family member in identifying drug addiction. Once the drug addiction is identified, it is important that someone confront or intervene with the individual suffering from the addiction. Drug Addiction Cycle A cycle, simply put, means something that goes around and around like the wheels on a bike, or a brightly painted carnival carousel. Cycles can be a positive thing such as the annual review and raise that one might receive at work, or they can be negative. When is a cycle a negative or dangerous pursuit? When it threatens to destroy a quality life. If the Earth does not have snow and rain in the winter season, it dehydrates and is parched in the summer. It starves and so do we. If the wheels on the bike stop moving, the bike and rider fall over. If an addict cannot break free from the destructive and life threatening patterns of drug and alcohol addiction, they and/or others may suffer and die needlessly and harshly. The cycle of drug addiction never has a positive outcome and all efforts should be made to achieve a healthy, productive and long-term recovery from this dark and sinister downward spiral. To recreate a new pattern of living from a torn path will be the greatest and most empowering inner expedition an addict will ever encounter. The first step is to truly want it†¦so sincerely that a person can think of little else other than getting clean. It may be for oneself, a loved one or better yet a combination of both. Unfortunately, the reality of the addiction cycle and breaking free from its grip, is not that uncomplicated. Breaking free can be a very difficult process with occasional periods of personal let down, but this fact cannot in any way be allowed to discourage those seeking freedom from drug addictions. A person’s body, in almost every aspect of its being, is addicted when one is a mild to chronic user and abuser. The nervous system, brain, and muscle tissue are all living in anticipation of the next high. So, for the addict, it is crucial that the cycle of behavior, is broken. The addict needs to pull up the anchor that keeps them from moving forward. This means changing environments, patterns and even sometimes friends and social associates. Once an addict has made the personal commitment to change old habits, the next step is to establish new, safe and positive influences in their life. These can be found in quality support groups, hospital substance abuse centers and drug rehab centers. No matter what the setting, it is important to be around strangers. Being in proximity to familiar places and people may promote the tendency to fall back into old thoughts and behaviors. Of the aforementioned options, private drug rehabilitation retreats seem to be gaining popularity, in part, due to the impressive success rate they boast. What parents should know about drug addiction Drug and substance abuse among children, especially teens, is substantial. According to the most recent statistics available, (http://www. nationalyouth. com) 1. million of our youth age 12 to 17 meet the diagnostic criteria for dependence on drugs and approximately 1 million of our American youth (http://www. drugabusestatistics. samhsa. gov/) are being treated for alcohol dependency. Although these statistics may be surprising, there are many things that parents can/should know about the prevention of drug addiction including how to recognize the signs/symptoms of drug/alcohol addiction and what they can do to help their child once a problem has been recognized. Studies have shown that parents are often the first line of defense in the prevention of drug addiction. Numerous public service commercial announcements advertise parents as â€Å"the anti-drug. † Parents need to understand that ignorance is not bliss. Parents need to be well armed with the facts on prevention and treatment. Parents need to spend quality time with their children and be open to discussions on drugs and alcohol. Parents need to know who their child’s friends are, where they are going, what they are doing, etc. Parents need to make their expectations very clear and establish that they will not tolerate drug use of any kind. If all of these factors are utilized, children will be less likely to use drugs. It is also important that parents educate themselves about the types of drugs currently available. Although some of the standard drugs (drugs that may have been popular while the parent was a youth) are still around (marijuana, LSD, etc) there are also a number of new drugs that are very popular with today’s youth such as the inhalants (huffing). Conduct research on the Internet or attend a local community meeting regarding substance abuse. There are three categories of substance abuse: Use: The occasional use of drugs without developing tolerance of withdrawal symptoms when not in use. Abuse: The continued used of drugs even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically or psychologically. Dependence: Where three of the following factors must be present: the substance is taken in large amounts over longer periods of time; their child has an everlasting desire for the substance and has been unable to control their use; child may suffer from repeated periods of intoxication or detoxification; child continues to use even though the substance is causing problems; and the child takes more of the substance in order to relieve any withdrawal symptoms they may be experiencing. It is important for parents to note that different substances lend themselves to different groups of drug addiction symptoms. In all cases however, the most visible symptom is a radical change in behavior. If a parent suspects that their child is abusing drugs, consult with a personal physician or pediatrician, an educational consultant whose expertise is this area, an addiction therapist or a drug counselor. These professionals will help the parents assess the situation and seek the proper addiction treatment. How to Find a Drug Rehab Center The first step is to contact a Doctor or a health professional. They will be able to point a person in the direction of a good drug rehab center. It is important that they be consulted with since they know the person and a bit about their history. They also might know and understand the addiction, and therefore be able to direct the addict to a drug rehab center that can cater to specific needs. If this option does not work, try to talk to local authorities that deal with drug addiction treatment. Most places that deal in mental health or in health practices will know exactly where to find good drug rehab centers. Free clinics and walk-in addiction counseling services, will have a lot of information regarding drug rehab centers. Another place to look for drug addiction treatment is the Yellow Pages. Researching on the internet might get you more information about the drug rehab centers a person is thinking about going to. There are also many online drug rehab referral services that can assist a people in making a decision. No matter how a person goes about finding a drug rehab center, there are important things that have to be kept in mind while doing so. Does the rehab center deal with this particular drug addiction? What are the costs and are they affordable? Is this particular facility covered by insurance? Is it covered by Medicaid? In addition, keep in mind that there are many state and government drug rehab centers that are available at no cost. These might be a big help as the cost of recovery is expensive. Another very important thing to keep in mind, are the services that the drug rehab center provides. Do they have in patient services as well as out patient services? Do they have counseling sessions that one can attend after the in-patient treatment is completed? Do they have information that they can give the patient/ family to read, and do they have any services for the addict’s family and loved ones? Make sure to find out about the staff to patient ratio, and how much time is going to spent at the drug rehab center. Most importantly, one should seek a drug rehab center where one can feel safe and comfortable. An addict is going to make the most progress in a place where they feel at ease and can be themselves. Recovery is a long and hard road, and if it is done in an environment where a person can feel the most comfortable, and just be themselves, they are going to be the most successful. Getting help for an addiction is something that is not easy, but a drug rehab center is a place where it might all seem to be a little bit less difficult.

The Bildungsroman in Victorian Novels Essay Example for Free

The Bildungsroman in Victorian Novels Essay The Bildungsroman Genre. The narrative mode Dickens has adopted aligns his novel with the Bildungsroman  genre of literature. The term  Bildungsroman  is a German word meaning novel of formation or education novel. A  Bildungsroman  novel frequently puts an emphasis on the moral and psychological development of its protagonist. Morality is an important theme in  Great Expectations, one of the episodes of  Great Expectations  which illustrates the conventions of the  Bildungsroman form is the storys opening which immediately establishes the protagonists orphaned status with the young Pip contemplating the graves of his dead parents. The figure of the orphan illustrates Dickenss innovative engagement with the  Bildungsroman  genre, as Pip could be viewed as a blank slate, or tabula rasa, in that his mind isnt informed by any external psychological influence from his parents. Instead his shrewish older sister and her husband, the kindly and unassuming blacksmith Joe Gargery, are raising him. Initially Pip is content with his humble surroundings, although his class-consciousness receives a rude awakening on his first visit to Satis House. Here he encounters Miss Havisham and her ward Estella, the latter of whom takes delight in continually reminding the protagonist of his lowly status. When Estella remarks on Pips coarse hands and thick boots, and his habit of calling knaves Jacks when they are playing cards together, she is expressing her contempt of his background. Even though Pip is hurt by her taunts, he still becomes infatuated with Estella, and it is this attraction which triggers his own animosity towards his origins. Sometime after Pip has come of age and has been working in the forge with Joe, the lawyer Jaggers informs him of an anonymous benefactor who wishes to make the protagonist a gentleman. Incorrectly Pip assumes this benefactor to be Miss Havisham, and starts to entertain the belief that the old spinster intends him for Estella. This episode heralds a great advance in the protagonists own snobbery and delusion, as he sets off for London, putting his origins in the Kent marshlands behind him. While Pip is enjoying the leisurely life of a gentleman in the capital, he receives a letter from his old acquaintance Biddy, stating that Joe has come up to London and would like to visit him. Pips disdain for the blacksmith is revealed in his reservations concerning such a prospect: If I could have kept him away by paying money, I certainly would have paid money . When the protagonist returns to his hometown for his sisters funeral, his snobbery is further evinced on his insistence at staying in the Blue Boar inn in town, as opposed to the forge with Joe. His actions are evidence of the  Bildungsroman  narratives preoccupation with moral and psychological development. Pips final exchange of wealth and status for friendship and humility indicate how he has matured as a protagonist. On the other hand, the novel by Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D’urbervilles, has not made any case for the novel’s being a Bildungsroman. Tess has been called a â€Å"fundamentally changeless† ballad heroine; her story has been referred to as â€Å"mythological† a â€Å"personification of rural Wessex† a representation of the agricultural community in its moment of ruin†. However, categorising and allegorizing Tess’s story, it is possible to lose sight of the novel’s unrelenting focus on Tess the individual as she attempts to make something of her life. Holding that the novel â€Å"develops a single theme, the life-history of one person, and sends this uninterrupted forward†. Thomas Hardy, in his time plan for the novel, graphically stressed the centrality of Tess’s experience as he carefully noted the dates of the novel’s events in relation to Tess’s age. What Tess attempts to do during the brief portion of her life dramatized by Hardy makes her story one of coming of age, in other words, the novel ought to be viewed as a Bildungsroman.

Goal Setting Theory in the Workplace

Goal Setting Theory in the Workplace Goal setting theory has become one of the most popular theories in organizational physiology (Goal Setting Theory 2006). It has been around since the early 1800s for the purpose of achievement (Goal Setting Theory has Become One of the Most Popular Theories in Organizational Physiology n.d.). However, Edwin A. Locke further examined goal setting theory in the mid-1960s for over 30 years and came out with some researches on his on regarding the impact that goals have on individual as well as on the companies that practice it (Goal Setting Theory has Become One of the Most Popular Theories in Organizational Physiology n.d.). Goal setting is basically a set of skills that involves in using goals in a particular ways to achieve variety of results (Goal Setting 1996). As goal setting theory has received a lot of feedback on its effectiveness application, the purpose of this essay is to critically examine the effective application of goal setting theory towards individual as well as toward the companies who practice it. Employee motivation is a crucial task for upper level management team. In order for  Ã‚   employees to value-add their company, they must be first, highly motivated and proactive too. In a number of researches, it is to believe that by implementing goal setting theory in a company can lead to the increase of motivation of an employee. Goal setting can be a very powerful way to motivate people (Lockes Goal Setting Theory 2000) and according to Burton, Weinberg and Yukelson (1998), in order to increase motivation in a company, goal setting can be the technique recommended. This is because it is believed that by implementing goal setting in a company can shape a persons behavior to be more motivated in achieving goals (Locke and Latham 1990). When employees are assigned by their upper level management team in achieving certain goals or targets, they will be motivated to achieve them because this is the time that they can prove themselves to the company that they can be relied upon. Un der the Lockes Goal Setting Theory, Locke believed that there are 5 principles of goal setting and in order to be motivated, goals must be taken into consideration the degree of clarity, challenge, commitment, feedback and task complexity (Lockes Goal Setting Theory 2000). Goal setting theory claimed to be one of the most powerful ways to motivate people because the value of goal setting is so well recognized that the entire management systems have goal setting basics incorporated into them (Santhosh 2008). As a matter of facts, goal setting theory has been generally accepted to be the most valid and useful motivation theory regardless of what type of industry it is currently doing (Santhosh 2008). However, although goal setting theory is believed to be a very powerful tool to motivate employees, it is claimed that by setting up goals, the reason for goal must be given to the employees in order for them to be motivated (London, Edward and John 2004). This is because only when employee knows why and what the reason behind achieving those goals, than the chances of accomplishing that particular goal is high. Latham, Erez and Locke (1988) further explained that goals that are assigned without any prior explanation will lead to lower performances. Although there are many ways like performing essential works only, spending smarter and more uninterrupted time on tasks and using good project management skills to increase productivity, setting up appropriate goals are important in increasing companys productivity (Dawn, 2004). Likewise, un-appropriate goals are detrimental to companys productivity. Thus, in determining appropriate goals for a company is very important and by doing so, company must firstly determine what type of goals employees are called to achieve and then, monitor them from time to time without fail. Besides that, when a company determines her most important goals for their employees, the employees themselves will not be reluctant to develop specific skills in order to attain those goals set by the company (Borchardt 2009). This will result in better performances especially in terms of productivity.   Goal setting theory seems to play a major role in making things work. However, according to Latham and Saari (1979), setting specific and challenging goals by individuals themselves will result in higher quality performances than by just urging the employees to performing their best. This is because when employees set their own goals in achieving a particular task, the quality of that particular task will be much better than a task which is given by their upper level management team themselves. When employees set their own targets towards their jobs, they feel fully responsible in and out in accomplishing them including providing the best quality of works. In short, employees need to be goal setters themselves in order to perform better. Thus in this case, in conjunction with the companys goals, missions and visions, employees should be given a chance to set their own goals and achieve them in their own ways in line with companys guidelines. A research done by Latham and Saari (1979) claims that individual with goals has more impact towards their jobs rather than individuals in the non-assigned condition. By practicing goal setting, individuals could increase the chances for a task that need to be done a success (Goldberg 2009). This is because when the goals are clearly stated and are very specific, individuals or employees will get to focus on what they are supposed to do in order to achieve and will find solutions or ways to make it happen. To make this happen, US Fed News Service, Including US State News (September 19, 2009) reported that firstly, goals must be attainable. A goal can be set as high as the sky but if it could not be attained, it will only demoralize oneself. Secondly, goals must be written down (Goldberg 2009). The purpose of this is to make sure that those who are involved are aware of what they are supposed to achieve. Besides that, by writing down the target goals can help in making those who are involved to remember what to achieve and how to achieve them and monitor them from time to time. Thirdly, goals must be specific and clear (Sawyer 2010). This is crucia l and if they are not, people who are involved could be confused and might get a total different outcome. Lastly, after setting up goals, the persons involved in making it a success must make sure that they are motivated to make it a success (Goldberg 2009). If goals have been set but the persons involved are not willing to accomplish them, then the very purpose of having them in the first place will be futile. A person can set his personal goal at any level he wants but to fulfill or to accomplish those goals set is very hard to determine. S.M.A.R.T. goal setting method is not foreign to people who are used to set goals in their personal life. According to goal setting expert Eade (2008), whether it is for personal or for business use, the most effective goals is to be S.M.A.R.T which represents, specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and tangible with a target date. For example, taking the difference between these two goals i.e. 1) Reduce unnecessary expenses; or 2) Reduce personal desire of online shopping to RM200 by May 1, 2010. Considering both perceptions, the second goal sets a more specific target and with it, a persons mind will now be more focused and monitor the total amount of money spent during online shopping. Goal setting theory can boost up a persons confidence and self-esteem with every goal that they have achieved (Oechsli 1991). Whenever a person is pursuing a particular task, with the direction from goal setting theory can make that particular person become more focused and hence, they will tend to be more committed to do their goals and further, accomplishing it. As mentioned, goals that are specific are easier to accomplish (Eade 2008). This is because with goal setting theory, there will be guidelines of what to achieve from time to time and what are the steps they should acquire in order to move forward. With these back-up guides, people can be more confident in carrying out their tasks in which case will not only benefit the employees themselves but will also benefit the company in terms of productivity. According to Oechsli (1991), with peoples confident and high self-esteem, the job performance will improve and their attitudes will change for better which will lead to increase of productivity. According to Then (2008), setting up goals either for the company or for personal use can enable a person to accomplish their task in a timely and organized manner. This is because through goal setting theory, a person can organize his time to accomplish a particular task and whenever a person sets his personal goal in managing a particular task, he will divide his time and build strategies in making his goals a success. Taking student as an example, if a student sets his target to complete his assignment by the next day at 5pm, in order to meet that time frame, this particular student will put away everything that could stop him to complete his obligation as a student and strive to meet the time set as committed. Sometimes, we humans feel stressed-out because we are not achieving what are important to us and by goal setting theory, it can be one of the best ways to relief or lessen our stress level (Scott 2009). Humans tend or love to have a lot going on in their daily life but due to time constraints, most of their plans are being disrupted. Each person can have up to 10 or even more obligations a day and without goal setting theory, life can be in chaotic situation due to limited time at the end.   However, when a person knows precisely what he wanted to achieve in a day, he will know where he has to focus his efforts (Reduce Stress with Personal Goal Setting 2010). Thus it is important that a person should know what he wanted to achieve and to plan how and when to achieve them. In this case, a person should manage his time properly and organize everything he wanted to do in an orderly manner so that he could manage his task without affecting other plans. Moreover, by practicing goal sett ing theory in our personal life can always make sure that we are on track no matter what may occur which will make our life much more easier to manage (Then 2008).   In conclusion, it is generally agreed that goal setting theory is an effective theoretical framework in where it can best predict and boost up individual or employees work motivation as well as to better manage their time. However, in order to make it work, every individual must have a clear and specific as well as attainable goal. Without this, even how high a goal is set and it is not specific, that particular goal could be futile. Besides that, in order to make it happen, a person must show full commitment towards that particular task that he needs to achieve in certain time frame. In short, individuals that are involved play important role in making things happen. As mentioned, goal setting theory can lessen a persons stress and will lead to more organized ways of completing certain tasks and through goal setting theory can motivate a person as well as it can change a persons behavior. However, consistency is also important in making it a success nonetheless. In my own personal opinion, I personally feel that goal setting theory is a very important tool in making things work. Besides just making life less complicated and more objective, it actually helps in shaping our life in a more purposeful way.

A Fair Lady :: essays research papers fc

A Fair Lady, worthy of Pygmalion Consider this possibility: a romantic comedy with no nudity, no sex, and no kissing. In fact, there aren't even any declarations of love. The closest the female character comes to admitting her feelings is saying that she could have danced all night with the man; the closest he gets is remarking that he's grown accustomed to her face. Could such a project lift off the pad in today's climate? Almost certainly not - no studio would green light the film without assurances that elements would be added to spice things up. So it's fortunate that circumstances and expectations were different in 1964, when My Fair Lady reached the screen. More than three decades later, the movie, which won the Best Picture Oscar, remains a musical favorite. The film's origins go back to George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion", which was subsequently adapted into a Broadway musical and then later adapted into a G-rated movie by Warner Brother’s studio, to be directed by George Cukor in 1964. Rex Harrison stars as the ever bad-mannered Professor Higgins, Stanley Holloway as the drunken Mr. Doolittle and fresh-faced and charismatic Audrey Hepburn in the leading role of Eliza Doolittle. My Fair Lady is a timeless tale about a common flower girl becoming a duchess-or at least be able to speak like one. The basic storyline progresses at a leisurely tempo, leaving room for music and songs that compliment the storyline. The focal storyline concerns Eliza, a poor Cockney from Covent Garden who is transformed into a lady under the tutelage of Higgins. When he first encounters her, an unwashed girl with a grating voice selling flowers, he forms an opinion of her and calls her, among other things, a "squashed cabbage leaf" and an "incarnate insult to the English language." His conviction has not changed when, the next morning, she shows up at his house, asking him to teach her how to speak properly and be a lady. Although at first reluctant, Higgins, intrigued by the challenge of re-making a woman, agrees. He tells her that she is stay there for six months learning to speak beautifully, like a duchess. Higgins also tells her that, â€Å"At the end of six months you will be taken to an embassy ball in a carriage, beautifully dressed. If the king finds out you are not a lady, you will be taken

Queen Elizabeth the First Essay -- essays research papers

Queen Elizabeth 1 The reign of Queen Elizabeth I is often referred to as "The Golden Age" of English history. Elizabeth was an immensely popular Queen, and her popularity has waned little with the passing of four hundred years. She is still one of the best-loved monarchs, and one of the most admired rulers of all time. She became a legend in her own lifetime, famed for her remarkable abilities and achievements. Yet, about Elizabeth the woman, we know very little. She is an enigma, and was an enigma to her own people. Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. She was born on 7 September 1533 at Greenwich Palace. Her birth was possibly the greatest disappointment of her father's life. He had wanted a son and heir to succeed him as he already had a daughter, Mary, by his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. He had not divorced Katherine, and changed the religion of the country in the process, to have only another daughter. Elizabeth's early life was consequently troubled. Her mother failed to provide the King with a son and was executed on false charges of incest and adultery on 19 May 1536. Her marriage to the King was declared null and void, and Elizabeth, like her half-sister, Mary, was declared illegitimate and deprived of her place in the line of succession. The next eight years of her life saw a quick succession of stepmothers. There was Jane Seymour who died giving birth to the King's longed for son, Edward; Anne of Cleves who was divorced; Catherine Howard w ho was beheaded; and finally Catherine Parr. For generations, historians have debated whether the constant bride changing of her father was responsible for Elizabeth's apparent refusal to marry. It is certainly possible that the tragic fates of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard impressed upon her a certain fear of marriage, but there may have been other reasons for the Queen's single state, such as a fear of childbirth, which claimed the lives of a significant number of women in this period. Even if the Queen had no personal reservations about marriage, there were political problems with almost every contender for her hand. Religion was a major divisive issue, and there was also the problem of whether Elizabeth would have to relinquish any of her royal powers to a husband in an age when the political sphere was exclusively male. As a child, Elizabeth wa... ... claim the English throne for himself and not for her. In the summer of 1588 he sent his mighty fleet against England. But by superior tactics, ship design, and sheer good fortune, the English defeated them. Elizabeth's popularity reached its zenith. It was also another personal triumph as she had proved that she, a woman, could lead in war as well as any man. Elizabeth was dedicated to her country in a way few monarchs had been or have been since. Elizabeth had the mind of a political genius and nurtured her country through careful leadership and by choosing capable men to assist her, such as Sir William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham. Elizabeth was a determined woman, but she was not obstinate. She listened to the advice of those around her, and would change a policy if it were unpopular. In appearance she was extravagant, in behavior sometimes flippant and frivolous, but her approach to politics was serious, conservative, and cautious. When she ascended the throne in 1558, England was an impoverished country torn apart by religious squabbles. When she died at Richmond Palace on the 24th March 1603, England was one of the most powerful and prosperous countries in the world.

The Nurses Role in Child Maltreatment Prevention :: Child Abuse Prevention

Nurses who regularly see children in their practice are currently treating victims of child abuse, including sexual abuse and neglect, whether they know it or not. The causes of child abuse and neglect are complex and varied, and occur in all types of families and settings. Nurses must always remain alert to the possibility that abuse may be occurring in any family, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Nationally, in 1993, averages of 42.9 children per 1,000 were reported to authorities as victims of alleged abuse or neglect. A 1995 Gallop Poll of 1,000 parents yielded the estimate that 3 million U.S. children were victims of physical abuse by their parents, or about 44 per 1,000 children (The future of children, 1998). Child characteristics may include, the child was prematurely born, the child has disabilities, either mentally or physically, the child exhibits certain behaviors of infancy and childhood, such as persistent crying, the child is chronically ill, and the child has already been victimized. Family characteristics may include, there is other violence in the home, substances, including alcohol, are abused by the parents or caretakers, the parents of caretakers lack necessary maturity, skills or knowledge to care for the child, parental expectations are inconsistent with the child’s developmental abilities, the caretaker is socially isolated, the family is experiencing high levels of stress from events such as loss of a job, increased financial burdens, serious illness, death in the family, separation or divorce, adult members of the family have themselves been abused as children (Ohio State Medical Association, 1992). Definitions of the major forms of maltreatment are as follows: Physical Abuse- An act of commission by a caregiver that results or is likely to result in physical harm, including death of a child. Examples of physical abuse acts include kicking, biting, shaking, stabbing, or punching of a child. Sexual Abuse- An act of commission, including intrusion or penetration, molestation with genital contact, or other forms of sexual acts in which children are used to provide sexual gratification for the perpetrator. This type of abuse also includes acts such as sexual exploitation and child pornography. Neglect- An act of omission by a parent or caretaker that involves refusal or delay in providing health care, failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, affection, and attention, inadequate supervision or abandonment. Emotional Abuse- An act of commission or omission that includes rejecting, isolating, terrorizing, ignoring, or corrupting a child.

To What Extent Does Market Liberalisation Influence Competition In Gas And Electricity Sector

ABSTRACT Market liberalization is a modern concept adopted by many governments around the world. It has gained fame due to its ability to enhance efficiency and quality due to competition. This paper presented an analysis of the liberalization of gas and oil sectors in the United Kingdom. The analysis was limited to the level and effects of downstream liberalization of these sectors. The approach adopted by this paper included review of several sources that relate the various changes that have taken place in the UK electricity and Gas sector since 1980s. From the analysis of the concept of liberalisation and its application in the gas and electricity sectors in the UK, it is evident that it is directly linked to the introduction of competition. Liberalisation in these sectors involved unbundling of downstream infrastructure and activities, opening up the sectors for competition. The fact that UK produces most of its electricity and gas makes it to have full control of its downstream liberalisation. UK has effectively managed to introduce and maintain downstream competition enhancing the impact of liberalisation in the sectors. In addition, the separation of the activities of the sectors promotes free competition in the downward segment of the two industries as the government is in a position to offer independent regulatory framework that promotes liberalisation i n the sectors. INTRODUCTION Market liberalisation has been a major policy in most developed economies in regard to electricity and gas sectors[1]. The push of introducing competition through privatisation in the gas and electricity sectors emerged in the 1980s with the United Kingdom and the United States pioneering liberalisation in these sectors with a success[2]. The adoption of liberalisation in the gas and electricity sectors has resulted to shift from state owned vertically integrated monopolies to privately owned, liberalised market participants that operate under government regulations are well as environmentally conscious environment[3]. Consequently, the traditional approach to doing business in the gas and electricity sectors has been changed as the industries move from large dependence on the capacity to reliance on short-term market price signals, flexible energy policies and tentative environmental regulations[4]. Therefore, the ultimate approach adopted in introducing downstream liberalisation in the oil and gas sectors was through the introduction of various reforms by the government that initiated a shift from government owned monopolies to a competitive formation[5]. As much as the eventual benefit of downstream liberalisation is increased efficiency and competitiveness that results to lower prices for commodities in the market, government regulations play a central role in regulating operations of these sectors[6]. This paper will focus on analysing downstream liberalisation in the gas and electricity sectors in UK and how it promotes competition BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ELECTRICITY AND GAS SECTORS IN THE UK The underlying principles for reforms in this sector was that privatisation of the sectors would provide better competition than direct state ownership[7]. The analysis of the two sectors was conducted independently for development of deeper insights of the level liberalisation as well as future prospects in terms of downstream competition.The Gas SectorUK is the third largest consumer of gas in the world. Its use of gas is not limited to a source of energy as its use as a fuel in electricity generation is on the increase as the use of coal is being dropped due to its heavy carbon footprint. Most of the gas used in the UK is sourced from its offshore gas fields; however, this is bound to change in the future as its deposits are diminishing[8]. The offshore production process in UK is very competitive with numerous fields exhibiting diffuse ownership.[9] Onshore pipeline operations are dominated by Transco as much as there are 11 other independent pipeline operators in the UK[10]. Dow nstream competitiveness is also boosted by over 100 wholesale gas outlets who mainly deal with gas shipment. Compared to other countries in Europe, competition in UK’s gas sector is very steep due to the boundless extraction potential in its offshore sources,[11] enhancing downstream competition. Before liberalisation of the gas sector in UK, wholesale gas contracts were restricted take-or-pay commitments, long-term and linked to international oil prices. The emergence of liberalisation in the 1990s resulted to competition with an upsurge of players[12]. This automatically resulted to reduced contract periods, take-or-pay commitments were lessened, and the price of gas is no longer linked to the oil prices. Furthermore, the UK has implemented measures that promote relationships between gas transports as a service and gas supply as energy has enhanced the level of stratification of the gas sector as more wholesalers enter into the business[13]. Subsequently, the process of production of gas and transportation of gas in the UK are separated and operated by different companies. The UK gas pipeline system is connected to the mainland Europe which functions in two ways. Most of the connection is used for gas export purposes to other European countries while during winter the pipeline is used for importation to bridge the demand gap as production is slowed down during those times[14]. The large size of Europe market relative to UK results to price arbitrage between UK and Europe, which in most cases increases the wholesale prices of gas in UK. The effect of low level of downstream liberalisation in the European gas sector makes the shift in gas prices in UK insignificant due to poor levels of downstream competition in Europe[15]. The 1972 Gas Act resulted to the merger of the coal gas supply industry to a government owned monopoly. This monopoly was reinforced by the fact that the government owned all onshore gas infrastructures. The liberalisation program was introduced in 1980s by formulation of the Oil and Gas Act of 1982 that aimed to introduce competition in the sectors[16]. This act passively promoted competition through the development of a better framework for awarding contracts[17]. The 1986 Gas Act initiated privatization of government owned BG Company as an effort of cultivating liberalisation and competition in the gas sector. However, real competition in the gas sector in UK emerged in 1990s. This was boosted by the Gas Act of 1995 that promoted unbiased competition in the gas market where production process and transportation process were separated and price control for storage and transportation was split[18]. This was an important aspect that promoted an increase in the number of players in th e field promoting competition.The Electricity SectorThe process of liberalisation of the electricity sector in UK was initiated in 1990[19]. This was initiated by splitting of the government owned Electricity Company into four companies[20]. Three companies were involved in generation while one was involved in transmission of electricity in UK. The two non-nuclear companies were privatised by 1991while the nuclear company remained a public company. The supply system was transferred to 12 regional private companies[21]. The main aspect of this shift of ownership from government to private in the electricity sector was the horizontal downstream severance, which resulted to competition. To enhance downstream competition, the pool system was introduced with the aim of centralizing trade in the electricity as well as develops a balance between demand and supply[22]. The pool system is a single price system that is defined by the bids offered by the generators. The government also introdu ced regulated reintegration of the electricity production and supply sectors as an approach to promoting efficiency. In 2001, the pool system was abandoned in favour of the wholesale market framework based on New Electricity Trading Agreements (NETA) that promoted integration of gas and electricity sectors as gas became a major fuel for electricity generation in the UK[23]. The introduction of NETA as the main regulatory system in the electricity sector enabled the development of effective linkages between the regulated monopoly of balancing and the competitive market. This system promoted segregated downstream ownership, which has reduced the number of regulations needed to guarantee non-biased access to the networks. Downstream competition is no longer managed by price regulations. Quality has become the main threshold of downstream regulations resulting to intensification of quality controlled competition[24]. There are numerous reasons that affect the process of liberalisation in this segment Firstly, the changes in the UK electricity sector were based on reforms that aim to develop competition through privatization[25]. The argument was that a pro-competitive industry is better that one that is devised based in regulations in managing maker powers. The privatization of electricity generation required numerous regulations, which require a long period of time to completely eliminate all the anti-competitive forces in the sector. Secondly, the use of regulations is slowly defining activities that promote completion in a sector that had a high level of monopoly. The competition problem in this sector emerge due to various activities require application of natural monopoly. These challenges are handled by sustained changes in the regulatory framework to promote complete downstream liberalisation in the electricity sector[26]. The strong vertical relationship in the electricity sector also results to complications where downstream competition problems affect upstream competition[27]. For instance, capacity problems at one production unit may require other production system to alter their production to compensate the deficit. Likewise, vertical competition is easy to distort due to availability of various avenues that may promote distortion of competition. This is common where the returns of the market are regulated below the monopoly price. As a result, competitive activities by former monopolies results to various challenges with regard to regulations[28]. The main successes realised in the reforms of the electricity sector in the UK is the implementation of the Ofgem proposal[29]. This proposal has resulted to extension of NETA by introducing tradable electricity, financial firm, and development of market based electricity production system. Generally, the electricity reforms taking place currently aims to completely eradicate regulation systems such that the downstream liberalisation in the electricity sector is fully realised to promote full-scale competition, where the operations of the sectors are fully controlled by the market forces[30]. DESCRIPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS SECTORS IN THE UK From the above preview of what is happening in the electricity and gas sectors in the UK, it is evident that the sectors are moving towards the realization of complete liberalisation as regulations loosen. The development of regulations was initiated with a focus on price regulation but as time went by, they are mainly focussed on quality control. These changes have raised some issues that require detailed analysis to develop a comprehensive presentation of how downstream liberalisation in these sectors promotes competition.Downstream Gas sectorThis is majorly driven by the 1995 act provisions that define the activities of downstream gas sector and how competition is achieved. To be able to analyse the process of downstream competitiveness, it is necessary analyse the elements of the code as it determines how downstream competition in the gas sector is achieved. The first aspect of the code is that the shippers book supply to the national transmission system for a 12-month period whe re the price of supply are determined by location of injection point[31]. Gas is bought and sold by Transco based on flexibility mechanism to ensure no shortfalls are experienced as a result of shippers’ imbalances[32]. Transco is also responsible of ensuring the available inventory sustains peak seasons such as during winter[33]. Analysis of the offshore gas mining fields reveals intense liberalisation strategies that promoted competition. Specifically, the North Sea gas fields in UK are managed by 25 different operators that share 129 gas exploration licences[34]. The introduction of various players in the production process automatically eliminated monopoly, which has been a major problem in downstream gas liberalisation. However, government still regulates the production process of gas resulting to partial liberalisation in the production system[35].Downstream oligopoly in the gas sectorThe fact that gas supply is limited to a few locations that are mostly offshore and some imported from a few countries that are globally known for their huge amounts of gas reserves, there are very few players in the production and supply of gas in the UK. The ability of UK to produce its gas locally makes its supply chain manageable and directed to full liberalisation covering both upstream and downstream[36]. Oligopoly as a market structure in the gas sectors has been in existence in the UK since 1970s with its upstream market. The perception of oligopoly in the UK gas sector is founded on the fact that a market that is exposed to perfect competition has players that have fewer concerns about the operations of their counterparts. An action by one players results to a reaction by the other. For instance, if one firm is unable to meet its production requirements, another company increases its supplies to ensure the gap left by the other firm is levelled. Similar case is evident in product pricing where all the companies develop almost similar pricing partly regulated by regional needs within the UK[37]. Therefore, UK gas supply system is operated based on oligopoly of its 25 main supplies from the offshore gas fields where the final price of the gas is determined by the effects of informal collision between the suppliers. The collision price of gas in UK is also affected by the global oil price that is normally used as a reference point in most cases. The fact that currently there is no excessive dominance in the downstream segment as most government operations have been privatized; the prices charged by the wholesale suppliers is similar.Implications of liberalisation in UK’s Gas SectorBefore the concept of liberalisation was introduced in the gas sector in the UK, there was a high level of monopoly in the gas production system with the government owning almost all offshore gas fields in the UK[38]. Liberalisation has resulted to entry of new players with government monopoly being eliminated and competition taking its roots. However, downstream gas sector in the UK is not fu lly liberalised as in the case of upstream due to high levels of government regulations in an effort of ensuring supplies meet the demands and prices are regulated within acceptable standards. Furthermore, the high costs of investments needed in downstream segment of UK’s gas sector limit entry of new players resulting oligopoly as the main approach to downstream competition in the gas sector. Therefore, downstream liberalisation in the gas sector has opened it up to competition through processes that resulted to separation of the production chain from supply chain, introduction of competition through privatization of government monopolies, and development of regulatory frameworks that control areas that are still affected by natural monopoly[39].Downstream Electricity SectorThe production of electricity in the UK has undergone numerous changes since early 1990s when coal and nuclear dominated the generation system. New plants that operate using gas and nuclear have been inst alled while several coal and oil based plants have been shut down as the country embraces the spirit of green energy. The concept of liberalisation is also evident in the system as most of the new generation systems developed from the 1990s are privately owned[40]. The introduction of private companies in the power generation automatically resulted to the decline of dominance in the sector by national power and power gen which are state owned companies. This is evident as government dominance in power generation is lowest in the UK as compared to the rest of Europe. The success of UK electricity sector is founded in its effective regulatory framework that has protected it from the faults that were evident in California and Australia when downstream liberalisation was introduced[41]. The regulatory system adopted in downstream electricity sector in the UK is market based. Moreover, the UK downstream electricity sector is devised based on strong market incentives that promote entry of new players as a way of fostering competition[42]. NETA has successfully managed to keep the wholesale electricity prices low making it possible for new players to enter into the production system and compete favourably. The fact that the transmission system is still monopolised, downstream liberalisation is limited to production as much as the government has set various measures to ensure it does not interfere with downstream and upstream liberalisation[43]. The government has initiated various regulatory changes that promote competition between market players. The main aspect that promotes completion is the market share that is defined by a company’s effectiveness and competitiveness. The most important aspect of liberalisation in the electricity production system is to introduce competition as the main aspect of promoting innovativeness and efficiency among the players in the sector[44]. The success of UK system is founded in its approach that promoted competition amid independent producers and existing government firms. Competition as a result of liberalisation of the UK’s electricity downstream sector was promoted by development of regulation of monopolies in the sector with the aim of eliminating the traditional vertical integrated system. Liberalisation broke down the structure into three sections, which were downstream, transmission, and upstream where competitive markets replace the vertically integrated firms with government monitoring and regulation. The approach to liberalisation in the UK’s electricity sector was based on transmission system operators (TSOs)[45]. This system is based on the concept that ownership and transmission planning are integrated components of the market and system operation[46]. The state ownership of the transmission system is central to the success of the system as it ensure unbiased treatment of the firms involved in the downstream production of electricity. More so, the use of TSOs has enhanced coordination between the electricity producers enhanci ng competitiveness as information exchange is encouraged[47]. The electricity market is complex due to inability of the producers to store the produced power in large quantities and the existence of varied demand conditions. The need of electricity production system to meet the demand needs and flexibility makes the process of downstream liberalisation to be regulated to ensure system stability[48]. The lack of constant consumption pattern in electricity results to price volatility in the wholesale electricity market. These complexities tend to play down on competition as reliable supplies are used during peak seasons resulting to instances of oligopoly in the downstream electricity sector. Generally, there are some complexities in downstream electricity sector in UK; however, the introduction of liberalisation that has been subjected to continuous improvement to ensure liberalisation is fully realised has created competition as evident in the introduction of the pull system that resulted to competition lowering prices[49]. NETA is another major body that not only enhanced competition in the electricity sector but also resulted to further drop of prices as players increased promoting price competitiveness[50]. The recent vertical reintegration in the UK electricity sector where large electricity producing companies are acquiring retail distribution businesses this is another factor that will further enhance competitiveness in the sector as players develop links that offer them direct access to the final consumer of their product[51]. CONCLUSION The analysis of the concept of liberalisation and its application in the gas and electricity sectors in the UK reveals its direct link to the introduction of competition due to the introduction of many players in the downstream segment and the eventual opening up of the segments to market forces that are ineffective to monopolistic market structure[52]. The paper examined a historical account of the regulatory changes in the process of liberalizing the UK gas and electricity sectors providing links between liberal policies and regulations and opening up of the sectors to competition. The most evident aspect of liberalisation that promoted competition was the privatization of government monopolies in the production of electricity and gas in the country. Specifically, it was evident that the process of liberalisation of gas and electricity sectors is affected by the types of commodities that are handled by the players in the two industries. Furthermore, the fact that UK produces most of its gas and electricity locally makes it an interesting participant in downstream liberalisation. However, the uniqueness of the properties of electricity and gas require infrastructural systems that are managed by the government to ensure a level playing field for the downstream segments in the gas and electricity industries in the UK. References Primary sources International Decisions OECD. 2005. The Benefits of Liberalising Product Markets and Reducing Barriers to International Trade and Investment: the Case of the United States and the European Union. OECD Economics Department Working Paper 432, Paris National Legislation Great Britain. 2009. UK offshore oil and gas: first report of session 2008-09, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes. London, UK: The Stationery Office Great Britain. 2011. The UK’s energy supply: security or independenceeighth report of session 2010-12, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence. London, UK: The Stationery Office Secondary sources Books Armstrong, M., Cowan, S. & Vickers, J. 1994. Regulatory Reform, Economic Analysis and British Experience. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press Geradin, D. 2001. The Liberalization of Electricity and Natural Gas in the European Union. South Holland: Kluwer Law International Gao, A. M. 2010. Regulating Gas Liberalization: A Comparative Study on Unbundling and Open Access Regimes in the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. South Holland: Kluwer Law International Parker, D., 2012. The Official History of Privatisation, Vol. 2. London, UK: Routledge Smith, M. P. 2012. States of Liberalization: Redefining the Public Sector in Integrated Europe. New York, NY: SUNY Press Surrey, J. 2013. The British Electricity Experiment: Privatization: the Record, the Issues, the Lessons. London, UK: Routledge Articles Joskow, P. & Tirole, J. 2000. Transmission rights and market power in electric power networks. Rand Journal of Economics, 31(3), 450-487 Newbery, D. 2005. Electricity Liberalisation in Britain. The Energy Journal, special issue on European Electricity Liberalisation. Wolak, F. & Patrick, R. 2001. The Impact of Market Rules and Market Structure on the Price Determination Process in the England and Wales Electricity Market. NBER Working Paper 8248