Preview

Substance Abuse and Addiction: Is There a Solution?

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
714 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Substance Abuse and Addiction: Is There a Solution?
Substance Abuse and Addiction: Is There a Solution?
Chad Mooney
California College San Diego
CSS101
September 18, 2012
Prof. Jim Rieser Substance Abuse and Addiction: Is There a Solution? Do you or someone you know have a problem with drugs or alcohol? Has life become unmanageable? You should be aware of the differences between abuse and addiction. Because drug abuse and addiction disrupt so many aspects of your life, treatment is not simple. Understanding drug abuse and addiction and effective treatment approaches can better help a user or addict get their lives on track. Abuse
Substance abuse involves excessive and repeated use of a drug in order to illicit pleasure or escape from problems or reality, in spite of negative consequences. Abusing alcohol and other drugs leads to serious health problems, criminal activity, car crashes, and lost productivity in the workplace (H, W.C., 2002). Commonly abused substances include marijuana, stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine, opiates, hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, prescription drugs, and alcohol. Oftentimes when users abuse substances, they are trying to escape reality or their problems. In doing so, many users create new problems. Whether they are legal, work-related, family or relationship related, or to their health, a substance abuser continues to use regardless of the consequences that their habitual use is causing them.
Addiction
Addiction or dependence can be physical, psychological, or both. Physical addiction refers to the physiological consequences of drug use and is typified by withdrawal symptoms when the user stops taking the drug and tolerance, which is the need to increase the amount used to achieve the initial “high.” Psychological dependence refers to the subjective feelings that the user requires in order to maintain feelings of pleasure or well-being. For example, the user feels he/she needs the substance to numb the pain of an unpleasant experience. The key


References: H, W. C. (2002). Bridging the gap between substance abuse practice and research: The national treatment plan initiative. Journal of Drug Issues, 32(3), 757-768. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/208840151?accountid=41759 Miller, J. S. (1998). A time for everything: Changing attitudes and approaches to reducing substance abuse. Canadian Medical Association.Journal, 159(5), 485-7. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204786799?accountid=41759
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Vulnerable Populations Paper: Substance Abuse
    • 1828 Words
    • 53 Pages

    Vulnerable Populations Paper: Substance Abuse

    [CDC], 2009). Demographics for the user vary from the type of substance being used, cultural background, and family genetics, and for the need to feel accepted (Tracy, 2005). Common clinical issues before treatment can begin is the client must first believe that he has a problem (Martin, 2007). As intervention, a human service worker can counsel the substance abuser friends and family member with not enabling the abuser (Martin, 2007). One of many ideas and discussions for future considerations of the issue of substance abuse is counseling and starting teaching at the adolescent level the harmful effects of drug use.…

    • 1828 Words
    • 53 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Addiction: A Three-Part Disease
    • 1063 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Addiction: A Three-Part Disease

    In order to better understand addiction as a disease as opposed to a moral dilemma it first must be broken down. First you must look at the way in which the chemicals affect the brain. The first attempt at partaking in any mind altering substance can be looked at as a choice to the individual. However what happens after that first time? Are you then in control of how much or how often the substance is introduced to the body? As the substance is consumed it begins to alter the way in which the brain controls our feelings; happy, sad, anger, depression, etc. The brain tries to compensate for the influx of chemicals by reducing the amount of dopamine (a simple organic chemical in the brain system that is responsible for reward-driven learning). Thus when the substance is no longer in the system you can experience extreme “lows” that directly relate to depression. The brain then tells the body that it needs more of the DOC (drug of choice) to make up for that loss. It can be argued that once the levels of dopamine have diminished in the brain the choice of whether or not to use the DOC has been lost. Subconsciously the individual will experience the phenomenon of “craving”. As stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The initial decision to take drugs is mostly voluntary. However, when drug abuse takes over, a person 's ability to exert self control can become seriously impaired. Brain imaging studies from drug-addicted individuals show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory, and…

    • 1063 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Patient Educational Plan
    • 1346 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Patient Educational Plan

    References: Ballard, M. (2004). Over the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol (Book). Library Journal, 129(1), 137. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.…

    • 1346 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Altered State of Consciousness
    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Altered State of Consciousness

    Drug addiction is a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Its characteristics include: (i) an overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means; (ii) a tendency to increase the dose; (iii) a psychic (psychological) and generally a physical dependence on the effects of the drug; and (iv) detrimental effects on the individual and on society.…

    • 522 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Relationship Between Substance Abuse And Addiction
    • 315 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Relationship Between Substance Abuse And Addiction

    Substance Abuse and Addiction are often terms that are confused with one another and used interchangeably but it is important to note that they are not the same. An individual can both abuse a substance and be addicted to it at the same time. However, one can abuse a substance and not be physically addicted to it.…

    • 315 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Drug Addiction Psychology
    • 645 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Drug Addiction Psychology

    The emphasis is on biological mechanisms underlying addiction, although some other factors influencing drug addiction will also be discussed. The presentation is limited primarily to psychomotor stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine) and opiates (e.g., heroin, morphine) for two reasons. First, considerable knowledge has been gained during the past 15 years regarding the neurobiological mechanisms mediating their addictive properties. Second, these two pharmacological classes represent the best examples of potent addictive drugs, and the elucidation of their addiction potential can provide a framework for understanding abuse and addiction to other psychotropic agents.…

    • 645 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Drug Abuse Prevention
    • 3316 Words
    • 95 Pages

    Drug Abuse Prevention

    The term drug abuse most often refers to the use of a drug with such frequency that it causes physical or mental harm to the user or impairs social functioning. Although the term seems to imply that users abuse the drugs they take, in fact, it is themselves or others they abuse by using drugs.…

    • 3316 Words
    • 95 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
    • 1651 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

    * Impulsive - Use is unpredictable and can lead to unexpected accidents and harm. However there is not continual use or dependency.…

    • 1651 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Drugs Inside the Body
    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Drugs Inside the Body

    Addiction to different substances is not typically something that happens intentionally, and is not something that happens overnight. Drug use progresses through different stages and slowly leads to dependency of a substance. Users tend to begin with experimentation, for a wide range of different reasons. The most typical experimentations are for reasons along the lines of peer pressure, for self medication, improved performance in sports, to feel a “high” or to coax negative feelings. (Long and Short Term Effects of Substance Abuse, 2013). With use of a substance, dopamine is released into the brain leaving the user with a satisfying experience. For some, experimentation is a one-time occurrence while for others it may be just the beginning of more problems to come. After experimentation those who liked the reaction they felt begin to develop more regular use, not necessarily with any problems. Once regular use of a substance is established, some may begin to develop cravings for the drug of use and may change their habits, lifestyle, or behavior to accommodate their substance use. In this stage, behavior tends to become more dangerous and irresponsible. If the situation worsens, the user will become dependent on the drug, regardless of the major consequences it will start to have on their life and health. This can mean…

    • 1022 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    SOCIOLOGY IA Final Kill
    • 2749 Words
    • 10 Pages

    SOCIOLOGY IA Final Kill

    Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance related disorder. Widely differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, medical and criminal justice contexts. We’re all aware of person who abuse drugs in particularly alcohol and how they behave after they are fully intoxicated. Alcohol is one of the most abuse drugs worldwide based on research conducted.…

    • 2749 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Chemical Dependency
    • 2244 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Chemical Dependency

    Substance dependence is when the frequent and repetitive use of drugs becomes habitual and a physical dependence occurs. Substance dependence in adolescents is identifiable by negative physical symptoms, which usually includes tolerance of the drug (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal, symptoms experienced when use of the drug is abruptly discontinued. (Wikipedia, 2008)…

    • 2244 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Best Essays

    Incarceration vs. Treatment
    • 2072 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Incarceration vs. Treatment

    Drug addiction is considered a progressive disease that if left untreated can result in death. When we become addicted we have lost control of the desire and need for the substance. This loss of control causes us to become consumed by the desire and the need for the substance. Addiction produces changes in the brain that cause our behavior to change. This change in behavior is what leads to the loss of control. “This is not something that develops overnight for any individual. Generally there is a series of steps that individuals go through from experimentation and occasional use to the actual loss of control.” (HBO). The progression of this disease has no specific time frame. It differs from person to person. Regardless of time, addiction follows the same path. We become addicted, our disease progresses, and either we get help and recover or we take one of the following options: jail, institution, or death.…

    • 2072 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Best Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency
    • 1690 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency

    According to UAB's health website, "Substance abuse is used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use leading to significant problems or distress such as failure to attend work/school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and or family relationships. Substance abuse, as a disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the abusive use of legal substances. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse."…

    • 1690 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Theories of the Etiology of Addiction
    • 2144 Words
    • 9 Pages

    Theories of the Etiology of Addiction

    Certain models and theories regarding addiction have a tremendously valuable impact con society’s reaction toward addiction. There are certain aspects of each theory which are very important in the treatment of addiction. Not all addicts and alcoholics fit into the specific criteria of one theory or model so it is beneficial for Chemical Dependency Counselors to have an in depth understanding of various theories to draw from. Most theories about addiction fail to provide a comprehensive account of chemical abuse, dependence or addiction. There is truth and speculation to every theory. It is important for Chemical Dependency Counselors to continue to research and critique theories because it initiates the creation of new theories. For the purpose of examining two contrasting theories this dissertation analyzes the Disease Model of addiction against the merits of the Moral Model of addiction.…

    • 2144 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction
    • 1744 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction

    4. MacMaster, Samuel A. "Harm Reduction: a New Perspective on Substance Abuse Services." (2004): 1-11. Print.…

    • 1744 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More