Drug Addiction

Addiction: is it a disease or a choice? A disease can be described as “a disorder of structure or function that produces specific signs or symptoms, or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of a physical injury.” Knowing this, one can believe addiction is a disease. It is something that is done frequently, that usually does not end, just as a disease; it cannot cease on its own, because it requires some form of treatment. The big question regarding addiction is why people believe it to be a choice opposed to a disease.

• Alcoholism is an addictive disease process characterized by: Craving and compulsions Loss of control Continued use despite adverse consequences

Addiction is also one of the only diseases that actually leads to another disease. By drinking, smoking or taking drugs a person can develop cancers, liver disease, heart problems, lung disease, and more. These diseases are brought on by the action of the addict. There is not another disease that produces another disease based on a person’s actions. Also there are many people who experiment with drugs that do not go on to become addicts. One final thought to support my viewpoint. There are also addicts that quit cold turkey and do not use again ever. (15) They did it on their own, under their own will power, without any medical intervention or 12 step program. There is no other medical disease that a person can use their own will power and decision making to stop having a disease. What I will concede is that there is an addictive compulsive component when someone makes the poor choice of using drugs, alcohol, or gambling and such. I believe we are all hard wired to have a tendency for obsessive compulsive behaviors, it is how we choose to act or not act on them that I think sets those of us apart from others.

Did you know that it is statistically proven that addiction is more common than diabetes? 10% of the human population is addicted to either a drug or alcohol. A person can be addicted to several substances, not just drugs and alcohol. By having more options of addiction, this will increase the percentage of addicts. There is so many scenarios to addiction that anyone around could be an addict without realizing it. Several people may believe addiction is something that can easily fixed or they may think it is rare. What people do not know is that addiction is a situation much more serious and goes in depth further than they may expect. It’s a desire that no one wants. It is a condition that is difficult to escape once you begin. Addicts can be so in depth with addiction that they can not get out of it. Addiction is an action that comes with negative yet impactful outcomes.

Science through history have implemented many effective solutions for drug addiction treatments. These are proved to be as effective as treatments for any other chronic medical conditions. Despite the variety and effectiveness of treatments available, many people nowadays believe that treatment is ineffective. Similar as the Puerto-Rican parents case their beliefs are due to unrealistic expectations. They would expect immediate change and wellness. Many persons go toward treating drug addiction with using more drugs that would reverse the effect of the first one, expecting quick response and when it is seen as ineffective or slow, they consider it as a failure. In fact, as we discussed previously that drug addiction and abuse overall are chronic disorders based on choices and decision making, they require long-term frequent repeated treatment sessions for the abstinence (4) of such disorders .

Addiction is more of a condition than a disease, and can be considered to be a behavioral disorder that stems from personal choice. Addiction is a controversial issue, and many people debate on whether addiction is seen as a disease or a personal choice. There has been many studies that have proven addiction to be a disease that stems from personal choice. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes habitual drug use ( Drug abuse, 2012). Over time the brain changes, and the person who is addicted loses control over themselves, resulting in excessive behaviors. Addiction is characterized by the, inability to consistently withdraw, impairment in behavioral control, craving for drugs or rewarding experiences, reduced recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors and personal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response (American Society of Addiction Medicine, 2015). Out of all the possible things that people tend to be addicted to, drug addiction is the most common addiction that is known.

While still a new development, addiction is most certainly a disease. Addiction may cause underlying changes in brain circuits it is easy to compare this to Parkinson 's disease or Alzheimer 's. With these diseases, there may be a genetic component involved, but overall it occurs organically. Non pharmacological factors may be the cause of addiction, such as genetic makeup,gender, age or personality (Maisto,2015). Addiction unfortunately is also self-induced and can be avoided (unlike Parkinson 's or Alzheimer 's).

Have you ever wondered if addiction is a disease or a choice? This topic has been very controversial and has brought up many debates to fathom the whole thing. Many researchers have taken a stand, that being a drug addict is completely a disease that can only be cured by taking “drugs”. On the other side, there are other researchers who are for it not being a disease but just a matter of choice. Having considered and carried a lot of research on this controversial issue, my stand remains that drug abuse or drug addiction is wholly a matter of choice and not a disease.

What the sole cause of addiction is a highly contended issue as it is an illness that stems from both physiological and psychology factors. This essay will focus on drug addiction and in order to effectively evaluate its potential causes and treatments, I will examine the effects of cocaine. Drug addiction is a complex illness that entails countless physiological and psychological changes in a person. There is no singular cause that has been determined to onset addiction but rather an accumulation of social, environmental and even genetic factors (Agrawal and Lynskey 2008). The best approach to counteract cocaine addiction involves behavioral intervention programs as well as incorporating medication to assist with the onset withdrawal symptoms

Addiction is considered a brain disease that changes the way the brain works, thinks and reacts. Genetics is one way to determine means of addiction through linkage and association. Some effects of drug use can cause permanent damage to the brain and cause abnormalities. Although there is no cure for addiction doctors have came up with many different medications to treat symptoms.

Even though drug and alcohol addiction is the repeated and excessive use of drugs and alcohol to achieve a certain effect, which involves two components: physical and psychological dependency, they both can be treated. The cause of substance abuse is examined through several studies which showed drugs and alcohol are used to get relief from untreated mental or physical pain, through genetics, and low self-esteem. It is very important to know information about drug and alcohol addiction because not only is it a battle for the individual it impacts their family as well.

Drug abuse is an increasing epidemic in today’s society. There are so many types of drugs being abused today, both legal and illegal. These drugs affect the human body in many different ways. Drug abuse can lead to addiction. “Drug addiction involves the repeated and excessive use of a drug to produce pleasure or escape reality despite its destructive effects” (“Environmental Health Perspectives,” 2005). Drug addicts believe that drugs are necessary for them to have a feeling of well-being (“New Insight in to Drug Addiction and Self-Control,” 2008). People are addicted to all types of illegal and prescription drugs (“New Insight in to Drug Addiction and Self-Control,” 2008). Some people think that drug abuse is a

Many aspects contribute to an individual's ability to resist drug use and most importantly addiction, significantly fueling the debate whether it is nature or nurture that is the primary consideration in understanding addiction (Crofton, Zhang, & Green, 2015). Addiction is a disease based on the ability of drugs and their use to alter a person’s brain and behavior whereby they compulsively seek drugs despite any other associated risk (Stanis& Andersen, 2014). Drug use is thought to alter the brain’s dopamine surges where receptors for dopamine are reduced (Stanis& Andersen, 2014). However, despite substantial research that supports addiction as a disease, controversy exists in that it is usually the individual who initially chooses to use drugs. Numerous observers support that is this primary voluntary choice that makes it difficult for some to see drugs addicts as anything other than criminal. Otherwise, drug use would probably be legal, and there would be few drug crimes. Focusing on resilience may be a consideration that could find support over a broader spectrum of beliefs. Resilience will be discussed.

One important problem that has been rapidly increasing among our society today is drug addiction. Drug addiction can set back the user from achieving their goals, it’s important to make wise decisions to have a successful future. Brain changes in addicts are not abnormal, and do not prove the brain disease theory which is the first argument that drug addiction is a choice and not a disease. The overall argument in this essay is whether drug addiction is a choice or a disease and I’m on the choice side. Drug addiction is a choice and not a disease because how can it be a disease if individuals bring it upon their selves? A person has to make a choice to use a substance, whether that choice is needed for a medical need, or that choice is just

-Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.