The Global Fast Food Industry Marketing Essay

The Global Fast Food Industry Marketing Essay McDonalds Incorporated recognized as a premier franchising business around the world, leading global food service retailer having over estimately about 32,000 local restaurants which serve its favourite foods The World Famous -: Fries, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets and Egg McMuffin to more than Sixty four (64) million people in 117 countries each day. Primarily , McDonalds , french fries, breakfast items, sells hamburgers, nuggets cheeseburgers, chicken ,ice -cream soft drinks, milkshakes and desserts. In response to changing consumer tastes, the company has expanded its menu to include salads, sundae , fish, wraps, and smoothies . McDonalds has made convenience a key factor in its success as below :- Convenience Restaurant locations are so prevalent in suburban towns and cities that you are never more then a few minutes away by car or by foot. McDonalds restaurants located inside for customer availability Shopping centers and strip malls generally have a McDonalds included or within walking distance ,willingness to innovate, even while striving to achieve consistency in the operation of its many outlets and also McDonalds to operate 24-hour drive-thru https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaDWH9X4IAsCkYCWZgWNc_q4LxAEkVxQlEBJMHhRmORRuzjvBRZA https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScMysGdHJbfJD_0k8b95FTtL_PYzGxvfNnh950cxLGQc4xZwby7g Affordability McDonalds considered as Fast food, fast-moving life Fast food has its own place in todays fast-paced life as time is limited. A recent report reveals that up to 70% of the respondents surveyed eat out every day, and among them, 77% head for fast food restaurants between one and three times a week mostly for lunch. The worlds largest restaurant chain posted 10 percent growth in its third-quarter profit that topped market estimates, McDonalds has economic downturns because of the affordability of its menu give customers the option to eat a full meal at a small cost Because of the fast-food restaurants ability to appeal to low-income and middle class families, the company continues to see profit gain. https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSq5soyD0JnZJWlswY1-RPEVWxZlIsip8aezyhd-2JoriH0oX7hhttps://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6x5kVSJXctzLYo3ymxeo2hTCGcKkhkbsbst3J2PLvV86C2_HgeA https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSU9kbCjmlumQPiVI7YFqaps5W-Stg9zsLGJVyo17tcZOK1dAFetA Nutrition McDonalds also pledged to provide customer-friendly nutrition information on menu items. Customers have access to the caloric and fat content to make better choices. This acknowledgement of customer health has helped keep McDonalds successful. On the organizations website, McDonalds states that part of its success is due to its commitment to the well-being of customers. McDonalds established a global advisory council to provide expert guidance on nutrition and well-being. To satisfy health-conscious customers, the fast-food company began to include high-quality choices on the menu. Customers are able to choose from hamburgers or salads as their main entrà ©e. Apples may also take the place of French fries in childrens Happy Meals. French fries are considered to be one of the most sellable items. The very main reason for this is that no matter what other product the consumer is still willing to buy, but in every set French fries are included automatically https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcREJNJ9dZIHZuem2xdZmHZnlEy28McSgaiYZROEwfXui7YunpWUjwhttps://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmfq5H6VzUZLw9DPxQ_StveJlWCVxU1QprfH_5zfIp77uFNmBk The global fast-food industry is dynamic with variety of competitors. This report identify the current factors influencing the industry specifically focusing on McDonalds Corporation, which considered as the current global leader. Based on the analysis, the report identify several areas for improvement and makes strategic recommendations for McDonalds to enhance its position. . McDonald s corporations revenues come from the rent, royalties and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants Proactive strategies, interesting promotions and a constant update of menus while retaining the best-selling signature items will boost the frequency of customers visits. McDonalds, for example, has chalked up impressive sales by offering seasonally-based toys with its Happy Meals. It also scored points as a frontrunner in offering free internet connectivity at its outlets when WiFi was not freely available at many public places. A McDonalds restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself As a result, taglines such as Subways Eat fresh, McDonalds Im lOving it! and the oft-repeated story of Colonel Sanders secret recipe in Kentucky Fried Chicken can influence dining decisions https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxCB6gIIu_lggbJZTL9_HKwadqOb6DzIEmi0uw8pjdus9Q3tLUqA The earlier stages of McDonalds attracted more families than it did other categories, nowadays, McDonalds has made it clear that it positions itself to target and cater people of all backgrounds. Suitable for people of various needs and wants; from families to young children, to people who love to enjoy life to people who are on the go, and meat lovers to vegetarians, virtually anybody and everybody can find something on the menu for themselves. https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRZib45RcWFIr_BAO1s3J7mkUlJLfDrpYyCokKM_9BfT14jNJQNg https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQD0Du3jvRQNteJNUTBOXDufWNtPkgI10_GndFYvVPqgtXgtEkYlQ . Other products such as salads are relatively new in this restaurant. The first salads were added to its menu in 1985. Nowadays more and more people are concerned about their health so, McDonalds puts its all efforts to achieve more and not lose any of the potential customers. The biggest soft drink supplier is the Coca-Cola Company. Hot and iced tea is delivered by SD Coffee in the US), hot chocolate, various juice and other regional beverages such as milkshakes are available in various markets all around the globe. Desserts are considered to be the last big group of products in McDonalds restaurants. It includes such items as ice-cream (McFlurry), McDonaldland cookies, Freshly Baked cookies, Pies, Cinnamon melts, the fruit and yougurt parfait, smoothies and other items which depending on the region and country. McDonalds Business Strategy McDonalds has pursued 2 strategies since 2003. To be in the run with the fast changing customer preferences, demographics and spending patterns, McDonalds has introduced novel items in their menu including angus beef burger and premium chicken sandwiches and does campaigns to create more healthy foods including salads on the side. This strategy basically reflects the beliefs that innovation as opposed to reliability to traditional products is the key determinant towards success in the fast food industry. They have also focused more on increasing their sales at their current restaurants instead of opening new ones. To do so, McDonalds has redesigned many of their restaurants, kept their stores open till late and increased menu options. Nonetheless, new restaurants are still getting opened around the world at a rapid pace the company plans to open nearly 1,000 units in 2010, and continues to produce its new restaurants at a 1%-2% rate each year. Size Matters Size of McDonalds has three main advantages: * McDonalds has a strategy of uniform menu offerings that can be accumulation produced, lowering production costs. * Bargaining power with their suppliers reduces input costs with improved margins. * Large advertising costs mean lots of exposure towards domestic and international market. Mission. Vision. Values McDonalds brand mission statement is to Be our customers favorite place and way to eat .McDonalds are committed to improving operations and enhancing customers experience. .. world-wide operations have been aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to win cantering on the five basics of an exceptional customer experience such as :- Place, Promotion, People Products and Price Providing the excellent service to all customers and achieve the growth with a profit through strengths as McDonalds system innovation and technology This mission includes becoming of the best employer for people in each local community independently in location. The Mission: Be the best employer for our people in each community around the world Deliver operational excellence to our customers in each of our restaurants; Achieve enduring profitable growth by expanding the brand and also leveraging The vision of McDonalds is to be the best quick service restaurant in the whole world . McDonalds company states that their values in practice are the corporate responsibility of the company. . It refers to outstanding Quality, Cleanliness, High Quality Service and High Value Food in order to make every customer satisfied and made sure customer smile. McDonalds values is customer satisfaction which is very important . McDonalds show the appreciation by serving a high quality food and superior service. It is said. Their strong values helped them to become who they are and that the reason for McDonalds existence are customers. The work together with suppliers and independent franchisees to achieve a sustainable future not only for the company but for the communities in which they operate as well . They also strive to achieve a welcoming environment by greeting all customers nicely and perfectly . They are individually accountable and collectively responsible. They are achieving some goals and most importantly open lines of communication is the main value between customer and also to the other stakeholders. Another value is to be committed to people who are working to them. They do believe that working in a well-trained team with intercultural experiences and backgrounds are the core of success. The other value is that they believe in the McDonalds System. . McDonalds obliged to grow business profitably as long as it is publicly traded company. This requires not only focus on gaining more money but also on customers and the health of the whole system. Ethic in business is also one of the important values . The changing environment, customer, employee and systems need lead to the McDonalds evolution and innovation as well. PESTLE Analysis is an analytical tool for strategic business planning. PESTLE is a strategic framework for understanding external influences on a business. There are many macro-environment factors that effect strategic planning such as: New laws, tax changes, trade barriers, demographic change. Macro-environment factors includes all the factors that influence an organization, but are out of its direct control. Macro-environment factors tend to have a very long term impact. By understanding these external environments, organizations can maximize the opportunities and minimize the threats to the organization PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental and is used for business and strategic planning, marketing planning, organizational change, business and product development and research reports. . PESTLE analysis answers 6 key questions: Political What are the political factors that are likely to affect the business? Economic What are the economic factors that will affect the business? Sociological What cultural aspects likely to affect the business? Technological What technological changes that may affect the business? Legal What current and impending legislation that will affect the business? Environmental- What are the environmental considerations that may affect the business? Political Factors Political factors relates to the pressures and opportunities brought by political institutions and to what degree the government policies impact the business. Government policies Government term and change Trading policies Funding, grants and initiatives Lobbying and pressure groups Wars, terrorism and conflicts Elections and political trends Internal political issues Inter-country relationships Local commissioning processes Corruption Bureaucracy Political Global fast-food firms must comply with country-specific political requirements, such as national minimum wage regulations, affecting costs. Hygiene and quality regulations vary significantly between nations and may influence the quality of products provided by fast-food outlets . Different countries set varying regulations regarding labelling and packaging. Economic Factors Economic factors relates to economic policies, economic structures and to what degree the economy impacts the business. Local economy Taxation Inflation Interest Economy trends Seasonality issues Industry growth Import/export ratios International trade International exchange rates Economic Despite the 2008 recession and the resulting decrease in consumer confidence across the globe, average consumer fast-food spending has increased its due to convenience and low-cost. Consumers are still looking for the convenience of eating out, but are drawn to the low prices of fast-food over table-service restaurants (Financial Times, 2009). Many fast-food chains have capitalised upon the recession by introducing new deals in addition to their already low-priced menus. Social Factors Social factors relates to the cultural aspects, attitudes, beliefs, that will affect the demand for a companys products and how the business operates. Demographics Media views of the industry Work ethic Brand, company, technology image Lifestyle trends Cultural Taboos Consumer attitudes and opinions Consumer buying patterns Ethical issues Consumer role models Major events and influences Buying access and trends Advertising and publicity Increasing consumer awareness about healthy lifestyles has pressured many fast-food players to offer healthier selections within their menus (BBC, 2011). This includes offering low-calorie options and salads alongside burgers, and prominently displaying nutritional content. The fast-food industry has also been heavily criticised for targeting young children by including toys within childrens meals Technological Factors Technological factors relates to the technological aspects, innovations, barriers and incentives, and to what degree these impact the business. Emerging technologies Maturity of technology Technology legislation Research and Innovation Information and communications Competitor technology development Intellectual property issues As consumer familiarity with new technology increases, fast-food firms are using channels such as social media websites to engage with their customers. For example, McDonalds is the 9th most liked brand on Facebook . Additionally, digital displays allow outlets to change their menus efficiently, to suit the time of day and self-service ordering points have increased service speed and reduced labour costs. Legal Factors Legal factors relates to the laws, regulation and legislation that will affect the way the business operates. Current legislation Future legislation International legislation Regulatory bodies and processes Employment law Consumer protection Health and safety regulations Money laundering regulations Tax regulations Competitive regulations Industry-specific regulations Global operators must comply with country-specific regulations and legislation. This includes opening hours, taxation and employment regulations such as the National Minimum Wage Regulations in year of 1999 in the UK. Firms are often required to meet national food standards such as the requirements set out by the US Food and Drug Administration (as known as FDA). Furthermore, authorities are becoming increasingly worried about childhood obesity associated with the industry and have tightened regulations regarding targeting children Environmental Factors Environmental factors relates to the ecological and environmental aspects that will affect the demand for a companys products and how that business operates. Environmental regulations Ecological regulations Reduction of carbon footprint Sustainability Impact of adverse weather Environmental lobbyists and governments are pressuring the fast-food firms to become more green. Rainforests are being destroyed to increase the area of land for beef production to meet the demand for beef-burgers . Recycling is a prominent global issue and in response, McDonalds adopted recyclable packaging. Increased environmental awareness among consumers provides firms with a significant opportunity to position themselves as green to garner customer loyalty Strengths of McDonalds Identification of strengths weaknesses McDonalds provides the best employees-business relationship such as providing an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer McDonalds ensures that employees and job applicants are selected, trained, its promoted without discrimination to race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. McDonalds brand strengths keep customer come back again For quick-service restaurant patrons the most important factors that drive loyalty to a brand are good value and convenience, with low prices and quick-service being very important as well McDonalds has a clear image lead on all of these factors, with Subway consistently being the 2nd-best performing brand and Burger King and Wendys also performing well The resource strength, behavior, weakness, synergy and distinctive competences are major components of the internal environment of an organization. . McDonalds high repeat-purchase intention scores despite their lower satisfaction scores illustrates the strength of their brand on the attributes that matter most to quick-service customers. Taking into consideration that McDonalds is a global company, working its capital in many countries worldwide and known for almost all people in the world, we can point out such strengths of this franchise:It is all about how the company manages to use its resources and put into what outcome it brings. McDonalds is the market leader in both the domestic and international markets The size of McDonalds, as it was mentioned before, its enormous and it has an advantage of economies of scale, which is very crucial for every business. McDonalds is a strong competitor for all sit-down restaurants because of its size, worldwide extent and famousness. Smaller brands need to find ways to differentiate among themselves to gain share of wallet in this ultra-competitive segment. Diversifying business worldwide in various countries let to reduce or at least to verify the risk of business and find best advantages of different countries economies. McDonalds also takes an advantage of a long-term economic growth as an international company. It is also known that McDonalds has a strong real estate portfolio, which is also considered as strength of a company. The companys outlets are located in areas that are highly known for visibility, traffic volume and ease of access. It can adapt to the needs of the societies and undergo an innovative product line. McDonalds promotes and sustains a working environment, which is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying The brand of McDonalds is easy recognised among competitors and is very strong. Through aggressive market planning, MacDonalds has been able to recapture its youth market once again. Viewing the strengths of McDonalds form consumer eyes, the strengths can be more focused on brand, famousness, quick supply of a food, good taste of food, which often lead even to an addiction of McDonalds foods, also mostly well perceived personnel polite and performing their job well. Weaknesses of McDonalds Weaknesses: Saturated Nature of Business: The company has a presence in nearly every nook and cranny the world has to offer, so there is not much more room to run McDonalds has a very huge extent in the world, has a strong strategy, feels comfortable in a market and well known brand , however, as all business it faces some difficulties or some threats and as all business has some internal weaknesses but can be identified only by professional economists, which actually cannot be always visual by individual eyes, The summary of McDonalds weaknesses might be: Looming market saturation which it can lead to difficulties in advertising new products. Recent Disappointment: Recently the company has reported declining revenues and a great strain on their same-store growth rate; however in the long-term view of things these short- term issues should not prove significant McDonalds also a low innovative company Fast growing and competitive market. That makes company to face income problems Income problems and huge competition do not let the range of production rise into value ones but makes to diversify a range of cheap and quickly made ones. Nevertheless, fast food industry is not a respected industry in most of nowadays point of view because of rising number of various diseases caused by fast, unhealthy food. Moreover, McDonalds food might seem more unhealthy and fatty food, rather then delicious. And there the price seemed as low doesnt help in case of quality of food Low Barrier to Entry: All a person has to possess to compete with McDonalds is food, and it is an under-exaggeration to say that there is fierce completion in the industry McDonalds operates in In more simple view the McDonalds might have weaknesses because of huge competition in fast food industry. Vulnerability to Rising Input Costs: The historic drought this year has already caused food prices to soar, and this will cause McDonalds to face a situation in which they raise prices for their customers or allow their margins to be squeezed, a lose-lose situation Charity McDonald House charity offers thousands of sick children in estimate about 48 countries hope and it inspires courage. They say laughter is the best medicine and nothing makes people smile more than a Happy Meal. world-policy-hero At McDonalds we recognize our responsibilities to protect and preserve the environment for future generations to come Internal and External environment analysis for Mcdonalds This McDonald business is ranked as number 1 in the Fortune Magazines 2008 list of most admired food service companies. McDonalds has been a thriving business since year 1955 and 20 of the top 50 corporate staff employees started as a restaurant level employee. Fortune Magazine 2005 listed McDonalds as the Best Place to Work for Minorities. They have an efficient, assembly line style of food preparation. In addition they have a systemization and duplication of all their food prep processes in every restaurant. McDonalds is a community oriented, socially responsible company. They run McDonald House facilities, which provide room and food ,board and sibling support at a cost of only $10 a day for families with children needing extensive hospital care. McDonald Houses are located in more than 259 local communities worldwide, and McDonald Care Mobile programs offers cost effective medical, dental and education services to children. They also sponsor Olympic athletes. They successfully and easily adapt their global restaurants to appeal to the cultural differences. Example, they serve lamb burgers in India they provide separate entrances for families and single women. McDonalds uses only 100% pure USDA inspected beef, no fillers or additives. Additionally the produce is farm fresh. McDonalds serves 100% farm raised chicken no fillers or additives and only grade-A eggs. McDonalds foods are purchased from only certified and inspected suppliers. McDonalds works closely with ranchers, growers and suppliers to ensure food quality and freshness. McDonalds only serves name brand processed items such as Dannon Yogurt, Kraft Cheese, Nestle Chocolate, Dasani Water, Newmans Own Salad Dressings, Heinz Ketchup, Minute Maid Juice. McDonalds takes food safety very seriously. More than 2000 inspections checks are performed at every stage of the food process. McDonalds are required to run through 72 safety protocols every day to ensure the food is maintained in a clean contaminate free environment. McDonalds was the first restaurant of its type to provide consumers with nutrition information. Nutrition information is printed on all packaging and more recently added to the McDonalds Internet site. McDonalds offers salads, fruit, roasted chicken, bottled water and other low fat and calorie conscious alternatives. It has branded menu items e.g. Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, which further promote McDonalds. McDonalds Egypt: Has the second largest market share in Egypt with branches exceeding 60. Fastest delivery service provided in Egypt. Nutrition information is printed on all packaging Safety protocols and quality assurance to serve best quality food. More than 92% of suppliers are Egyptian (Halal) Efficient assembly line to serve food as fast as possible with maintaining high quality. McDonalds is the first restaurant in Egypt to provide drive through in 7 branches. Has a joint venture with shell petroleum. Sponsors many events and football teams. Cares about the environment by recycling the oil used in cooking for delivery motorcycles.

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Over the years, substantial studies have been carried out to study the relationships between various personal characteristics and organizational commitment. In the meta analysis of the antecedents of OC, Mathieu and Zajac (1990) and Meyer et al. (2002) suggested that demographic variables play a relatively low relationship with organizational commitment. Meyer and Allen (1997) denoted that the personal characteristics, which can be measured by the demographic variables and the dispositional variables has little influence with affective commitment. Personal characteristics such as age, gender, and education levels will be reviewed in this section. Age correlates positively but weakly with all three components of organizational commitment (Meyer & Allen, 1984; Mathieu & Zajac, 1990; Mohammed & Eleswed, 2013). Age is significantly more related to attitudinal (affective commitment) (Mathieu & Zajac, 1990). Meyer and Allen (1984) explained that there are several reasons why older workers are more attitudinally committed to an organization, such as greater job satisfaction and having recei...

New Drug Epidemic on College Campus

English 162 October 4,2012 New Drug Epidemic on College Campuses Prescription drug abuse among college students is a growing trend on most campuses. Students are using these drugs inappropriately to not only â€Å"get high†, but to help with concentration when cramming for papers or tests, to self-medicate for anxiety or depression, and even to enhance their stamina when playing sports. Many people have stereotypes of what an alcoholic or addict is, and most people don't associate that image with young students.Although drug education has been mandatory in the US throughout grade school drug use continues to rise in college students. College is known as a time for experimentation, but for some students experimentation can turn into addiction. Being young and in college doesn't protect you from addiction. Responsible behavior does. Alcohol and drug use among students is a serious problem. Campus environments are often seen as encouraging not only use but abuse. Binge-drinking ( drinking to get drunk, usually considered at least four drinks on any occasion) is one form of substance abuse that is very common among students.Alcohol and drugs pose special problems for students. The average student who has one drink a day earns a GPA at only a C-level, and grades plummet with higher consumption. Women need to drink only half what male students do to cause the same effect on their grades. Almost half of academic problems come from abusing alcohol. It's also a factor in about a third of drop-outs. In an environment where binge-drinking is common, so are substance-related legal offences and injuries. Illegal drugs, underage possession of alcohol and drunk driving can costs fines and jail time.Fights, sexual assault, and injuries are more likely to happen when one has been drinking or doing drugs. Half of campus injuries are alcohol-related. One third of people who die in drunken driving crashes are under 25 years old. It's the leading cause of death for young peop le. In 2010, an estimated 22. 6 million Americans aged 12 or older—or 8. 9 percent of the population—had used an illicit drug or abused a psychotherapeutic medication (such as a pain reliever, stimulant, or tranquilizer). This is up from 8. 3 percent in 2002.The increase mostly reflects a recent rise in the use of marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug. [www. oasamhas. gov/] Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else or takes their own prescription in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed. There's a reason that prescription drugs are intended to be taken under the direction of a doctor: if used improperly they can be dangerous. Teens are making the decision to abuse prescription medicines based on misinformation.In fact, many people think that abusing prescription drugs is safer than abusing illicit drugs. Some people take other people's drugs for their intended purposes (to relieve pain, to stay awake, or to fall asleep). Others take them to get high, often at larger doses than prescribed, or by a different route of administration. Most prescription drugs come in pill or capsule form. Sometimes, people who abuse prescription drugs break or crush the pill or capsule, then swallow the drug, sniff it, or â€Å"cook† it—turn it to liquid—and then inject it.What’s wrong with Abusing Prescription Drugs? Taking a drug for another purpose than prescribed. As the facts will tell you, prescription drugs can have dangerous short- and long-term health consequences when used incorrectly or by someone other than for whom they were intended. All of the drug types soon mentioned can produce pleasurable effects at sufficient quantities, so taking them for the purpose of getting high is one of the main reasons people abuse them. ADHD drugs like Adderall are also often abused by students for their effects in promoting alertness and concentration.When abused, prescr iption drugs may be taken in inappropriate doses or by routes of administration that change the way the drugs act in the body, risking overdose. For example, when people who abuse oxycodone (OxyContin) they crush and inhale the pills, a 12-hour dose hits their central nervous system all at once—which increases their risk of addiction and overdose. Almost every medication presents some risk of undesirable side effects, sometimes even serious ones. Doctors consider the potential benefits and risks to each patient before prescribing medications.They understand that drugs affect the body in many ways and take into account things like the drug’s form and dose, its possible side effects, and the potential for addiction or withdrawal. For example, doctors know how to change the dose of a painkiller to prevent withdrawal symptoms. People who abuse drugs might not understand how these factors may affect them or that prescription drugs do more than cause a high, help them stay a wake, help them relax, or relieve pain. Abuse can include taking a friend's or relative's prescription to get high, to treat pain, or because you think it will help with studying.The classes of prescription drugs most commonly abused are: opioid pain relievers, such as Vicodin or Oxycontin; stimulants for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), such as Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin; and central nervous system (CNS) depressants for relieving anxiety, such as Valium or Xanax. The most commonly abused OTC drugs are cough and cold remedies containing dextromethorphan. It is sometimes abused to get high, which requires large doses (more than what is on the package instructions) that can be dangerous.Prescription drugs have chemical names, brand names you may have heard before, and street names. Hillbilly heroin, oxy, OC, oxycotin, percs, happy pills, vikes are for Opaids. Depressants can be called Barbs, reds, red birds, phennies, tooies, yellows, yellow jackets, candy , downers, sleeping pills, tranks and stimulants Skippy, the smart drug, Vitamin R, bennies, black beauties, roses, hearts, speed, uppers. When abused, prescription drugs may be taken in inappropriate doses or by routes of administration that change the way the drugs act in the body, risking overdose.Rehab clinics have seen the sharp increased in the number of college students entering for treatment in the past 10 years. In correspondence to the increasing abuse of prescription opiates, abuse of heroin is also increasing among people age 18-25. For many prescription opiates are a stepping stone to heroin, which provides a greater high for a cheaper price. There continues to be a large â€Å"treatment gap† in this country. In 2010, an estimated 23. 1 million Americans (9. 1 percent) needed treatment for a problem related to drugs or alcohol, but only about 2. million people (1 percent) received treatment What can you do to help someone you suspect is abusing prescription drugs ? Abusing prescription drugs is a dangerous thing. If you suspect someone that you love of abusing these drugs then it may be time to get some information. If you are the parent then talk to their doctor about the prescription and what the dosage was. Explain that you feel that they may be abusing these pills. Make an appointment and ask their doctor to talk to them. People don’t necessarily aim to become addicted to these pills but it happens too often. That is why these pills can only be obtained by a doctor.If you suspect a friend of abusing prescription drugs, calmly sit down and talk to them. Never accuse someone of being addicted by doing so they may become defensive and not only will you not get any answers but you could end up alienating them as well. Talk to a school guidance counselor or parents if you suspect that a friend is abusing prescription drugs. The goal is to get them help and not lose the friendship. They will need you and they need your friendship. Tell them about the other health risks that could happen and that you will be there for them and that you will get through it together.Support is a great thing to have. When someone has a drug problem, it’s not always easy to know what to do. If you are concerned about someone’s drug use (illicit or prescription), encourage him or her to talk to a parent, school guidance counselor, or other trusted adult. There are also anonymous resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is a crisis hotline that can help with many problems, not just suicide. This includes problems due to drug use.Family and friends who are concerned about a loved one or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call this Lifeline. In addition, the Treatment Referral Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)—offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—refers callers to treatment facilities, support groups, and other local organizations that can provide help for their specific needs. You can also locate treatment centers in your state by going to. A person who takes drugs whether prescription or not above and beyond the prescribed amount is a person who abuses prescription drugs.Statistics say that there is an estimated 36 million people in the United States alone between the ages of 12 years old and older have abused prescription drugs at least one time in their lives. The most common prescription drugs often abused are Xanax, Valium, Ritalin, OxyCotin and Vicodin. These prescriptions start out being given by a doctor for an injury or treatment. Drug use, also involving marijuana and alcohol is common among college students across the nation. Students can usually articulate why they have chosen to use drugs, but they all fail to consider the long-term consequences of recreational drug use.These lon g-term effects include committing crimes, academic failure, medical problems and social problems. English 162 Oct 3, 2012 National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Wasting the Best and the Brightest: Substance Abuse at American Colleges and Universities (New York: 2007). National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. You’ve Got Drugs: IV: Prescription Drug Pushers on the Internet (New York, 2007). Teens and Prescription Drugs: An Analysis of Recent Trends on the Emerging Drug Threat (Washington, D.C. : Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2007). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings (Office of Applied Studies, NSDUH Series H-32, DHHS Publication No. SMA 07-4293). Rockville, MD, 2007. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (Reprinted 2008). This publication provides an overview of the science behind the disease of addiction. Publication #NIH 08-5605. Available online at www. drugabuse. gov/scienceofaddiction.

Positive Degree of Adjectives and Adverbs in English

In English  grammar, the positive degree is the basic, uncompared form of an adjective or adverb, as opposed to either the comparative or superlative. Also called the base form  or the absolute degree. The concept of positive degree in the English language is one of the simplest to grasp.    For example, in the phrase the big prize, the adjective big is in the positive degree (the form that appears in a dictionary). The comparative form of big is bigger; the superlative form is biggest. C. Edward Good notes that the raw adjective--in its positive state--merely describes the noun modified; it doesnt care about how this particular person or thing stacks up against other members of the same noun class (Whose Grammar Book Is This Anyway? 2002) Etymology From the Latin, to place Examples and Observations Yertle the turtle was king of the pond.A nice little pond. It was clean. It was neat.The water was warm. There was plenty to eat.(Dr. Seuss,  Yertle the Turtle. Random House, 1958)There were three nice, fat little pigs.  The first was  small, the second was smaller, and the third was the smallest of all.(Howard Pyle, The Three Little Pigs and the Ogre. The Wonder Clock, 1988)It was a large heart with lots of hearts growing smaller inside, and piercing from the outside rim to the smallest heart was an arrow.(Maya Angelou,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Random House, 1969)Few  things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a  good  example.(Mark Twain,  Puddnhead Wilson, 1894)The tone of the trombone is allied in quality to that of the French horn. It also possesses a noble and  majestic sound, one that is even larger and rounder than the horns tone.(Aaron Copland,  What to Listen For in Music, 1939)Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been  sober, responsible, and  cautious, but because it has been  playful, rebellious, and  immature.(Tom Robbins, Still Life with Woodpecker. Random House, 1980)Marys parents  traveled far  to trade and to search for food.(Shannon Lowry, Natives of the Far North. Stackpole, 1994)The inspirational value of the space program is probably of far greater importance to education than any input of dollars.(Arthur C. Clarke,  Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible,1962) Three Degrees to Consider   Adjectives change form to show degree of comparison. There are  three degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative. . . .The  positive degree  describes one item or one group of items. The positive form is the form used in dictionary definitions. (A.C. Krizan et al., Business Communication, 8th ed. South-Western, Cengage, 2011)Adjectives change form or add more or most to show comparison. Almost all one-syllable adjectives—as well as many of two syllables—add er to their positive (noncomparative) form to show comparison with one thing; this form is called the comparative form. To show  comparison  with two or more things, these adjectives add est; this is called the superlative form. Some two-syllable adjectives and almost all adjectives with three or more syllables show comparison with one item by placing the word more before the adjective; they show comparison with two or more items by placing the word most before the adjective.(Peder Jo nes and Jay Farness, College Writing Skills, 5th ed. Collegiate Press, 2002) Pronunciation: POZ-i-tiv