Addiction Research Paper

Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder by which an individual acquires when a compulsive repetitive behaviour is observed. Addiction, which is also known as dependence, often involves substance abuse hence is referred to as drug addiction generally. It is characterised by behaviours such as urge and crave towards obtaining and consuming a drug, inability to limit drug intake as well as presenting with withdrawal symptoms without drug consumption (Galanter, Herbert, Kleber, 2008). Chronic exposure to drugs of abuse disrupts the status quo of brain reward system and causes addiction (Galanter,et al, 2008). Addiction can occur with every potentially abusive illicit drug, and each distinctive drug expresses different level of dependence. (Robinson, Smith, Saisan, 2014) This essay will focus particularly on methamphetamine (meth). Methamphetamine is the chemical N–methyl–1–phenylpropan–2–amine. Referring to National Drug Strategy Household survey, more than 21% of the age group between 21-29 year-old had tried meth (Kaye, Darke, Duflou, Mcketin, 2008). According to annual research conducted between year 1995 to 2005, there have been continuous increasing data reported on the number of methamphetamine users. Statistical analysis showed 35% increment of methamphetamine users from 30% to 65% per 100,000 capitals (Perry, 2009). This outcome alerts the significance of methamphetamine abuse issue in the society and urges the need of treatment intervention. Misuse of a strong stimulant drug like methamphetamine induces serious adverse effects like psychosis, physical consequences and possibly fatalities (Mcketin, et al, 2012).

Addiction can be caused by many factors, mainly stress and peer pressure. Stress is one of the key reason people ...

... middle of paper ...

...busers receiving contingency management intervention (n=51) had higher percentage and longer periods of abstinence as compared to the control group (n=62). (Galanter,et al, 2008)

In the nutshell, addiction continues to be a worldwide issue in this developing nation. Many risk factors are known to cause addictive behaviour primarily stress factor and peer pressure influence. Researches progressively prove the efficacy of CBT, matrix and contingency management as treatment options for drug addiction in particular with methamphetamine use. Further researches however are needed to warrant the use of pharmacological treatment as an alternative potential medical treatment for such addiction.

Galanter, M., Herbert, D. & Kleber, M.D., 2008. The American Psychiatric Publishing textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment [Electronic version]. )