The Abuse of Promethazine-Codeine in Hip-Hop Music

I was able to get a few of my friends together to discuss the abuse of Promethazine-Codeine in the Hip-Hop community as well as the ways in which this drug is beneficial to our health when used for its intended purpose.

I was able to use a lot of great sources for this presentation, they are listed below:

(2008, February 26). Retrieved April 9, 2013, from http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/DrugSafetyandRiskManagementAdvisoryCommittee/UCM164898.pdf

Hess, M. (2010). Hip Hop in America : A Regional Guide. Greenwood Press.

Peters Jr., R., Yacoubian Jr., G. S., Rhodes, W., Forsythe, K. J., Bowers, K. S., Eulian, V. M., & ... Essien, E. (2007). Beliefs and Social Norms About Codeine and Promethazine Hydrochloride Cough Syrup (CPHCS) Use and Addiction Among Multi-Ethnic College Students. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs, 39(3), 277-282.

Peters Jr., R. J., Williams, M., Ross, M. W., Atkinson, J., & Yacoubian Jr., G. S. (2007). Codeine Cough Syrup Use Among African-American Crack Cocaine Users. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs, 39(1), 97-102.

TMZ STAFF (2013, March 15). Lil Wayne Hospitalized -- In Critical Condition After More Seizures | TMZ.com. Retrieved April 9, 2013, from http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/15/lil-wayne-seizures-hospitalized-drugs-sizzurp-critical-condition-icu/

Get To Know Me...

Hello everyone. My name is Sydney Hardy-Thomas and I am a senior at Clayton State University. I plan to graduate this summer with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Sociology. In the future I hope to attend graduate school where Human Resources is where I will specialize. 

I am about 5 feet 6 and a half inches with long black hair and an infectious smile. I am an outgoing person once I get to know someone, however I tend to be a bit stand-offish at first meeting.  I am a member of a women’s empowerment group here in Atlanta that was created by a very close friend of mine, called BWU or Black Women Unite. As a short-term goal I am currently preparing to open my own hair salon, and I cannot wait until I am farther along in the process. Working for myself and owning my own business has always been an important aspect of life in which my parents have instilled within me. 

I currently work for the Department of Homeland Security here in Atlanta Georgia. I am a newlywed and presently my family consist of myself, my husband Jerel, and our two month old Rottweiler puppy Tyson whom we adore. I enjoy traveling and I am totally ecstatic about our upcoming vacation to the Bahamas.  Interior decorating is another passion of mine, and I have even coined myself the “HGTV Enthusiast.” In the future I would love to work with at risk youth or children in need in some way or another. Social work, and elementary school counseling are all professions that I have considered. I look forward to this course because I realize that being an effective communicator is the single most important aspect of being a successful helper.

For those of you who may need a little assistance overcoming some of the most difficult challenges that relate to being a effective communicator listed below are several resources that really work.
Public Speaking: For those who have an issue with public speaking this blog names 10 very useful ways in which one can overcome their fear. The tips range from letting go of the "perfectionist" that exist in all of us, to developing the ability to willingly accept criticism.
http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/10-ways-to-conquer-fear-of-public-speaking/

Small Group Communication: This was definitely one of my favorite reads. This blog, written by Sar Sumick, explains keys ways in which to be an effective communicator within a small group setting. It focuses on allowing everyone to take an active part in the decision making process and recognizing that each individual plays a valuable role in the success of the team.
http://www.sexpositiveculture.org/easyblog/entry/secrets-to-successful-small-group-communication-with-sar-surmick

Interpersonal Communication While Interviewing: Assuming that all of us are college students who will soon be looking for work, this link describes clear and concise ways of how to answer interview questions regarding one's interpersonal communication skills. Very helpful!
http://www.netplaces.com/job-interview/interpersonal-skills/