Essay On Addiction And Addiction
opinion Essay
1044 words
In Society we are introduced to all different types of people, people who look different from us act different from us, and we even get to meet people from different cultures. Throughout these interactions with one another we learn how to interact, we learn what is morally and socially acceptable. It seems as though, through most interactions between different kinds of people, we all come to the conclusion that drugs are bad for you and they will “destroy your life.” It is not uncommon that one has an addict in his or her family or that one is familiar with somebody with an addiction. So why is it that we are so quick to judge those who are addicted? This is through the social implications of addiction and the stigma of drug use/ addiction …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Opines that people are so quick to judge addicts in our society because they are uneducated about what addiction entails.
- Opines that addiction is a disease, which is surely hard to overcome. the article "myths of addiction" mentions misconceptions about addictions.
- Explains that addiction is a disease and that it is caused by both environmental and genetic factors.
- Analyzes how researchers can see a commonality between addicts of the same drug and see which gene or genes in each addict makes him or her susceptible to addiction.
Most people who disagree with the statement that addiction is a disease believe that addiction is a disease is a statement that addicts use as an excuse for themselves and their addiction, which only further provides them as an excuse to continue on with their addictions by making them feel sorry for themselves. Scientifically speaking, it has been proven that addiction is in fact a disease. A disease is defined as “a morbus, an illness, a sickness that causes an interruption, cessation, or disorder of bodily functions, systems, or organs and is characterized by at least two of these criteria: (1) a recognized etiologic agent (or agents) (2) an identifiable group of signs and symptoms; or (3) consistent anatomical alterations of known body systems” (Gorski, 1996). So technically speaking, addiction to a substance covers both the definition of a disease and fulfills the criteria to fit a disease. Addiction is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. Environmental factors could be a child who is a product of a divorce, a child who has little connection with peers or family members, and many other cases that could lead one to resorting to the use of drugs. Regarding genetic predisposition to addiction, an addict may have a gene or set of genes that is seen to have an increased chance of becoming addicted to a particular drug. As example, “The A1 allele of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 is more common in people
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that alcohol and substance abuse are among the most common reasons for a divorce. the american association for marriage and family therapy states that drug abuse creates an emotional barrier between partners which is not easy to overcome.
- Explains how a parent's substance abuse disorder affects their children, stating that 8.3 million children live with at least one parent who is dependent on or has abused any addictive substance.
- Explains that substance abuse is not a subject to be taken lightly, as it affects the individual, their family, and society.
- Explains that drug abuse is a growing public health problem, citing the national institute on drug abuse and the un international drug control programme.
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that almost 23 million americans are addicted to alcohol or other drugs. an addict is not just a simple noun you can use to classify all of these complex individuals.
- Explains that addiction can be inherited through genetics. the university of utah has done several experiments on mice to pinpoint genes that play a role in addiction.
- Explains how addiction affects the brain and how dopamine, the neurotransmitter that connects to the genetic aspect of addiction, plays a huge role in the permanent changes that take place in an addict.
- Explains that addiction is a life-long struggle for addicts, but it can be remissioned with hard work and lifestyle changes.
- Explains that addiction is a self-inflicted behavior, and that it is more complex than merely making the decision to use or not use. it permanently damages the brain and causes long-term negative effects.
- Explains that addiction relapses similar to that of other chronic diseases.
1297 wordsRead More - Phenotypes and Depressionexplanatory essayTravis, Alan (2010, August 24). Prejudice About Addiction Risk Thwarting New Policy. National Prevention Information Network. Retrieved May 15, 2011, from http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/display/NewsDisplay.asp?NewsNbr=56018
In this essay, the author
- Explains that addiction is genetic, psychology, environmental, or all of them combined. alcohol dependency and the abuse of other substances are a common disorder/ disease that can cluster in families.
- Explains that genetic linkage to alcohol and other substance dependence phenotypes in human's genome was determined using syntenic mapping.
- Explains that scientists were able to link 11 chromosomes, where addictions to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and opoids are clustered together.
- Explains that addiction phenotypes were linked to impulsive and sensation- seeking personality traits, which are prevalent in substance-dependent individuals.
- Explains stereotypes and prejudices used against addicts, including lazy, morally weak, dishonest, self-centered, parasite, and worthless.
- Opines that people who are born or driving into poverty are stereotypes more so than others. when you see a homeless person you are more inclined to believe, that they came about that way because they’re drug addicts/alcoholics.
- Explains that addiction is passed genetically and is the result of a physical disorder. people are still prejudiced about addiction.
- Explains that without positive feedback, addicts tend to turn back to self-destructive behaviors when feeling depressed, helpless, or worthless. rehab centers can help with job placement, and employers can relieve the stress of dealing with discrimination.
- Explains that addiction does not discriminate one race, ethic group, background, upper, middle, or lower class society, and in increasing numbers, it's rising among our youths and sometimes becoming fatal. genetic research and psychology are gaining way to better understand and treat this disease.
- Opines that the first step to erase stereotyping and prejudice is to teach our children to accept everyone for whom and what they are.
- Compares quantitative trait loci associated with alcohol use phenotypes in humans and mouse models.
- Explains substance abuse and mental health services administration's clinical guidelines for the use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid addiction.
- Cites travis, alan, and the national prevention information network. prejudice about addiction risk thwarting new policy.
- Cites the university of virginia health system's report, common genes tied to alcohol, nicotine, cocaine addictions.
1053 wordsRead More - Addiction Essayopinion essayDid you know that in 2009, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 23.5 million people 12 years of age and older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in the United States alone (Caron)? Not to mention the majority of those who needed help were not even able to get it. Addiction is becoming an epidemic that is either looked over or covered up by lavish rehabilitation facilities whose focus is clearly not the treatment of the patient but more on the luxurious center and all of its pricey accommodations. Growing up my family was forced to pay attention to the disease that is addiction. We were forced to see all the ugliness and grief that is addiction’s “baggage.” So, on one hand you see a commercial for the rehab facility “Passages Malibu” that looks more like a millionaire’s resort than a place to get serious help. Then, on the other hand you see the terror and darkness of the actual disease. It can be confusing, especially to someone who isn’t familiar or has just recently been introduced to the idea of addiction. It is time to get real about what addiction truly is and the help that is requires.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that addiction is becoming an epidemic that is either looked over or covered up by lavish rehabilitation facilities whose focus is clearly not the treatment of the patient but more on the luxurious center and all of its expensive accommodations.
- Analyzes the commercial for passages malibu rehab facility. the man in the advertisement says he was once an addict and that this "non- 12 step program" saved his life and can save yours too.
- Opines that the treatment, scoring one star according to rehab review, is not up to the standards it should be.
- Opines that the facility is a slap in the face to anyone who has personally dealt with an addiction.
1078 wordsRead More - Drug Addiction Essaycomparative essayDrug addiction People are trapped in drug addiction due to various reasons. Some will try to take drugs because of curiosity. Some have many people and friends take drugs, and some want to have the experience. Athletes take drugs with the aim of improving their performance as well as to reduce certain problems. i.e. depression, stress, or anxiety.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that many unfortunate factors cause one to fall into drug addiction, but many treatments exist to save an individual from the horrible consequences.
- Explains that genetics does not guarantee that an individual with a family history of drug addiction will become an addict.
- Concludes that drug addiction is caused by family background, peer pressure, and mental illness.
728 wordsRead More - Essay On Substance Abuseopinion essaySubstance abuse is all too common within most populations, especially in a lower economic class. According to the text, drugs are the new fashion craze (Aguliera, 1998). Designer drugs are now grabbing young adult’s attention and more attention in the older adult population as well (Aguliera, 1998). Some of the people that you may see on the streets would probably be your typical user, but there are some drugs that are being used by your everyday “girl or boy next door” types. When it comes to helping individuals that are abusing drugs, nurses can be the front line in aiding their care. Nurse can help these individuals with finding resources to help them, educate them about stopping the abuse of drugs, and how the government can help these individuals, as well. Nurses that are not familiar with individuals with substance abuse problems can be educated by laws, policies, what their role is in the care of these individuals, and by trying to get what the community itself provides, or what the state that they live in provides.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that nurses can be the front line in aiding individuals that are abusing drugs.
- Explains that substance abuse is a maladaptive pattern of substance that is manifested by recurrence over the 12-month period. it can be any age, race, gender, culture, or social class.
- Explains that there are many laws that encompass substance abuse addiction. mandatory drug screens can be court appointed or be appointed by a drug rehab facility.
- Explains that the healthy people 2010 website provides information on how to improve a person's lifestyle and goals to achieve them. the goal is to reduce substance abuse to protect the health, safety, and quality of life.
- Opines that community nurses cannot force addicts because they are already at a weak state in their life. nurses have the opportunity to educate them about the importance of stopping.
- Explains that the government has spent millions on substance abuse programs for those seeking help. the community nurse must first educate herself about all the different programs that their state has and provides for individuals.
- Opines that health education, promotion, and prevention are crucial for people with addiction.
- Explains that the government has spent millions to maintain programs, treatment centers, and housing for those with substance abuse problems. they have begun a great burden on the financial status in our country today.
- Opines that a community health nurse's role is to help substance abusers stop using and educate the community about drug awareness and alcohol awareness.
- Recommends a community health nurse to care for individuals with substance abuse problems, who are considered outcasts and no good for society.
- Explains that they try to touch upon each subject that would be part of aiding a person on substance abuse. they state that patients need guidance from community nurses to help them be educated, find resources, and learn about laws and policies.
1662 wordsRead More - Essay On Heroin Useopinion essaySummer Cisco Mr. Loudermilk ENG 122 May 2, 2014 "Is heroin use and addiction a growing problem in the United States?” Introduction- The Urge: Heroin has been and continues to get used by many addicts in the world who are not capable to overcome the urge and to stop using this drug, as they are horrified of withdrawal as it is very painful. Most users inject heroin, not knowing the dangers or the strength of the drug, users can risk by getting a disease such as HIV or Hepatitis C, overdosing from it could lead to death. (about.com)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that heroin is used by many addicts who are horrified of withdrawal as it is painful. most users inject heroin, not knowing the dangers or the strength of the drug. overdosing from it could lead to death.
- Explains that heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug made from poppy plants. heroin can be smoked, injected and sniffed up.
- Opines that heroin addiction is becoming a problem for our nation and families are being effected by the substance. users must be taught how to avoid its continuation, some need the help to get away from the addictive drug.
- Explains that heroin use changes the functioning of the brain, resulting in tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. the user can cause harm to their families by using the drug.
- Explains that chronic injectors may suffer scarred or collapsed veins, resulting in serious skin infections and abscesses. heroin addicts will suffer infection of the heart lining and valves if needles are unsterilized.
- Explains that heroin is on the rise for each year and in 2012 it was the highest in 10 years. people were caught for dealing or usage was easier to get.
- Opines that no matter how old a child gets, they will still seek advice from their parents.
- Opines that if a child sees you as an addict, they will become addicts because they haven't been taught how to be responsible for their actions.
- Recommends reaching out to those who suffer with an addiction. talk to your kids at an appropriate age, as this drug affects everyone no matter what age they are, to ensure a successful/drug-free future.
- Opines that children should know about the illegal drugs in the world and the effects of them if they want their future to be successful.
- Opines that the twelve steps emphatically did not work for them. they did heroin as a self-medication for depression, not because of being morally week.
- Describes stanley jackson's struggle to get off heroin and other drugs. he was the only child of addicted parents, and he has a close relationship with his children.
1259 wordsRead More - Drug Essay: Drug Use And Abuseexplanatory essayDrug Use and Abuse CRJ124 NICC Sara Nelson I Intro Drug use as well as drug abuse is on a constant rise. There is a wide spread misunderstanding about drugs. Many believe a drug is something that the government has said is illegal to use or consume. However this is not entirely true. A drug is any chemical you take that affects the way your body works.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that drug use and abuse is on a constant rise. many believe that drugs are illegal to use or consume, but this is not entirely true.
- Explains that they chose drug use as their topic because they can remember someone in their life always being addicted to drugs or using drugs. they have made it a goal of theirs to make sure their daughter knows right from wrong and say no.
- Opines that substance abuse of any kind is common among most populations. an estimated 12.8 million americans use drugs, and 6 percent of them are kids.
- Opines that drug abuse is everywhere throughout the world. drugs are not biast against age, sex, gender, or race.
- Explains that nonmedical use and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health problem.
- Explains the most commonly used drugs among teens from the ages of 12 and 18 are cocaine, marijuana, haroin, and inhalants. young teens use drugs for many different reasons.
- Explains a study that compared the amount of drugs reported to being used in urban and rural areas. professionals believe this is simply because drugs are more widely available.
- Explains that the government and law enforcement have really cracked down on the use and sale of drugs in the united states.
- Explains that drug abuse and the ability to stop using has a lot to do with the brain. dopamine is an important neurotransmitter for drug users.
- Cites http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug-substance-abuse_addiction_signs_effects-treatment.html and https://drugabuse.gov.
857 wordsRead More - Essay On Heroinexplanatory essayHeroin The manners in which heroin can be ingested into the body are through inhaling, smoking, and injecting. All of these methods of using heroin cause a dependent reaction in the brain due to the immediate effects. Intravenous users of heroin describe a euphoric feeling immediately after injection, the instantaneous high is known as a “rush” (NIDA, 2013).
In this essay, the author
- Explains how heroin can be ingested into the body through inhaling, smoking, and injecting. it causes a dependent reaction in the brain due to the immediate effects.
- Explains that loneliness is associated with stress, anxiety, and social inadequacy. pre-existent psychopathological circumstances, such as troublesome or disrupted relationships, contribute to substance addiction.
- Explains that youth and young adults who have experienced traumatic events cope by turning to drugs or alcohol. traumatic event experiences can be common among persons with heroin addiction.
- Explains that social functioning systems include families, churches, work place, and anywhere in a community that allows developing relationships among individuals. the biopsychosocial perspective of the person-in-environment approach focuses on an individual and their immediate environment.
616 wordsRead More - Addiction: A Desease Or A Choice?opinion essayIt is true that drugs and alcohol can cause diseases, but does that make the addiction problem a disease? Perhaps this topic is so controversial because of the lack of knowledge or understanding of drug addiction.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that people argue whether drug addiction is a disease or choice. they will be discussing this argument in hopes to understand why this topic is so controversial.
- Argues that addiction is a choice, not disease, while those on the other side of the argument claim just the opposite.
- Opines that drug addiction is a choice, and that the research on this topic seemed to have the most support and facts to dismiss the idea of addiction as disease.
- Explains that alcoholism and drug addiction are not diseases because they can be avoided and there is help available to change these behaviors.
- Opines that drug and alcohol dependency can be passed down through hereditary, but there is no concrete evidence that proves that this is a disease.
- Opines that drugs and alcohol can cause diseases, but does that make the addiction problem a disease?
- Analyzes how a website titled "addiction is a chronic disease" compared diabetes and cancer to support their idea that drug addiction is chronic. the encyclopedia of psychoactive drugs states that there are three components of the disease.
- Narrates how they interviewed an ex-addict who wishes to remain unknown. she has been clean and sober for seven years and was an addict for about twenty years.
- Opines that it is amazing that a question can be so controversial and not even say what the real controversy is.
675 wordsRead More