Understanding Addiction

The definitions have progressed from tolerance or withdrawal symptoms from a specific drug to chronic intoxication, continued use with increased dosage, dependence, and damaging effects to user (Reinarman 2005). Both of these definitions proved to be too restrictive because all drugs do not have the same effects on every user. The current definition used by physicians and the criminal justice system is based on seven criteria (Reinarman 2005). The constant evolution of how the professional world views drug dependence mirrors society’s change in the understanding of addiction. Historically, “the drink” was viewed as the devil and drugs were often thought to be the cause of many criminal acts (Schneider 2003). After the medicalization of addiction and dawn of decriminalization of drug abuse, public opinion of deviant alcohol and drug use has changed. For the family unit, it is much simpler to accept and approach treatment for addiction if it is classified as a medical disease. In society, drug users can be framed as patients instead of criminals based on current standards. By looking at addiction as a treatable set of signs and symptoms instead of holding the individual accountable for actions they committed while intoxicated, the disease concept releases a lot of the stigma that goes along with

In order to examine this relationship, substance abuse and addiction need to be understood on its own first. Drug addictions contuse to persist on both a national and global level; it is also significant to mention that such issues create a heavy burden on government and justice systems that deal with them. In fact, “9% of Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for a substance abuse disorder (6% for alcohol and 3% for illicit drugs), making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States” (Compton & Change 2017). Such prevalence adds pressure to government systems and taxpayers as they are, “estimated to cost Americans more than $400 billion annually: $224 billion for alcohol ($25 billion in health care) and $193 billion for illicit drugs ($11 billion in health care) (Compton and Chang 2017). Now, substance abuse or addiction are considered, “psychiatric illnesses with specific indicators [which include] a strong desire to use (or craving), and [interruption of] life activities [which are] generally reduced to drug-seeking, drug-using, and recovering from the effects of use” (Compton & Chang 2017) When an individual tries an addictive substance like nicotine, alcohol, or other illicit drugs, it activates certain parts of the brain which can induce, pleasurable feelings and, “very strong memories that drive subsequent behaviors to repeat the rewarding experience” (Compton & Change 2017). If such a drive continues to persist it can transition into a habit and create a dependency on that substance. Now, likewise to treatments to depression, those who suffer from substance abuse disorders also have a variety of treatment options. These treatment options include long term and short term residential treatments (inpatient and outpatient), individualized drug counseling, and group counseling (NIDA, n.d). With

The biological aspect of addiction takes into account the genetic and inherited components of addiction, as well as the effects of addiction on the body itself. It also includes the neurobiological and neurobehavioral theories and studies, which are becoming the most popular ways in studying addiction. The physical component of addiction primarily relies on the dependence of the substance, the tolerance that the body creates as a result, and the experience of withdrawal symptoms. The psychological

Since the creation of drugs, its abuse and addiction became a taboo. As technology advanced into the 21st century, an impetus in civilization created the allure of drugs, which became propagated and popularized into modern society. Consequently, its Achilles heel created a social epidemic which threatened their innocence. Therefore, the conundrum of this phenomenon caused challenges for the addict, society, and treatment providers. Nonetheless, as problem arises, solutions await its discovery; and, as new and innovated ideas emerged, there are precipitate and modern challenges when getting individuals into addiction treatment.

Although, there are many efforts to reduce the stigma of addiction, false concepts among individuals still persist. Many individuals may describe drug addicts as “people who are morally weak and cannot control their impulses”, or simply just “people who cannot get their life together”. Such misconceptions suggesting that

The disease model of addiction rests on three primary assumptions predisposition to use a drug, loss of control over use, and progression (Krivanek, 1988, p.202). These physiological alterations cause an undeniable desire to take more drugs (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). Addicts are viewed as individuals with an incurable disease with drug addiction as the symptom. The disease model argues users cannot be held accountable for their addictions (Kirvanek, 1988).

Substance abuse is a tragedy that touches many lives. Abuse begins with a single use event that, with continued use and overindulgence, transforms into a battle. The abuser most always loses that battle. Personal relationships, social ties, and employment suffers. Irresponsible and erratic behavior becomes the norm, and though the abuser is aware on some level of the reckless and thoughtless acts that they commit, they continue to use and abuse their drug of choice. What starts as experimentation often ends in addiction. The best hope for a person in the grips of substance abuse is immediate,

Fingarette’s (1988) position is that no leading research authorities accept the disease concept of alcoholism (p.4). The experts say the disease concept is “old and biased”, a model whose suggestions are invalid. But, the basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous (2001) states that not only does alcoholism affect the mind, but the body as well (xxvi). In a letter written to Alcoholics Anonymous, Dr.William D.Silkworth, a well known chief physician at a nationally prominent hospital that specialized in treating alcoholism and drug addiction, state that “the action of alcohol on chronic alcoholics is a manifestation of an allergy called “the phenomenon of craving” (Alcoholics Anonymous,2001,p.xxviii). Some may believe that alcoholism is just a matter of self control or self will, but we have shown that it takes much more than the unaided will to arrest this sometimes fatal disease Many have suffered the effects of alcoholism and can attest to the fact that it is a disease. Some can remember drinking until passed out, the trouble they caused themselves and others while

Addiction treatment is a complex and paradoxical issue. Despite the fact that most of the medical and academic institutions define addiction as a chronic brain disease, it is too often treated on an acute basis. Chronic conditions are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as requiring ongoing management over a period of years or decades and cover a wide range of health problems. The goals of chronic care are not to cure, but to enhance functional status, minimize distressing symptoms, prolong life through secondary prevention and enhance quality of life.

The decades-old United States war on drugs has not been successful and very cost ineffective (Madden, 2008). Today, drug addiction continues to be an important public health problem in our nation. The U.S. spends more than $700 billion dollars annually in costs related to substance abuse (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2015). Drug-related costs include abuse of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, crime, lost work productivity, and health care (NIDA, 2015). And the costs corresponding to those whose lives are ruined or whose death is premature, are too immense to be measured. Collateral damage such as that of family members who have to endure witnessing these experiences is not just unfortunate; it is also priceless. Treatment programs for drug addiction are available, and psychosocial approaches have demonstrated to be better than no-treatment controls (Madden, 2008; Silverman, Roll, & Higgins, 2008). Unfortunately, currently available treatment programs are not effective in all individuals, and high relapse rates are typical (Silverman et al., 2008). Considering the immense impact drug addiction has on individuals as well as society, the development of a treatment program that produces long-term abstinence outcomes is of paramount importance.

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 .

The other perspective moves away from drug control approaches that criminalize drug users to evidence based strategies that treat addiction as a chronic medical disease. The harm reduction perspective begins with the assumption that it is not reasonable to assume that individuals make healthy decisions. Examples of this approach include NSEPs, Opioid agonist therapy, behavioral interactions, among others. Proponents of this approach hold that those trapped in dangerous behaviors often are unable and/or are unwilling to break free of them, and should be at least enabled to continue these behaviors in a less harmful manner (Viahov et al, 2001). Hence, treating drug dependency as illness absolves drug users of

There is no right answer to “What causes addiction?” Addiction is 50% hereditary. The other half is just bad situation handling. Once a person with a history of addiction in the family is born, they may have the addiction gene. A person with this gene is more at risk than others to become an addict. A person who smoke, or drink, for the first time will experience ‘high’ that will never be experienced again. People become addicted by trying to reach the first ‘high’ they’ve experienced, and it will not happen again.

Drug addiction is a complex problem in society today. Addiction is a condition that extremely affects the person’s mind and body. Addiction also has wide sweeping effects on that person’s social connection and functioning. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t realize the social influence of their addiction until much of their functioning has greatly deteriorated.

Drug and alcohol addiction is a very serious and widespread problem in America, and across the globe. Drug addiction is a constant craving, seeking, and using of a substance, despite the negative consequences it may have on the addict or those around them. When drug use becomes more frequent, it is considered drug abuse. Once an individual’s drug abuse is can no longer be controlled, and they are using the drug to get through everyday life, it beomes an addiction. A person on drugs has an altered way of thinking, behaving, and perceiving. There are treatment facilities all over the world dedicated to help those suffering with drug addictions. All