Psychology of Addiction The Holistic Approach to Addiction As with any other disease, drug addiction causes stress and breaks down the body immune system. Not only does drug addiction break the body immunes system down but it also decreases brain function. In the book addiction treatment a strengths perspective, the authors Wormer and Davis stated, “Other remedies directed toward the physical side of drug use are more natural, holistic approaches. These include various herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, and biofeedback.” (Pg 204) In my opinion, the holistic approach can be very practical for treating the disease of addiction because it will help people gain the proper balance for those who suffer from addiction. Treating the disease of addiction with the holistic approach is very doable in my opinion. Again, the holistic treatment is very beneficial for helping people with getting in tuned with themselves. Therefore, the holistic approach in my opinion will help addicts align their body, mind, and spirit while going through the healing stages of addiction...
Before giving a broad overview on the definition of the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model of Addiction, it must be understood that there is no simple unified theory of addiction that is universally accepted in the health world. This makes the definition of the BPS Model of Addiction not just a simple, one to two sentence definition of what this is, but rather a description of the components within the BPS model of addiction. In a broad sense, this model takes the stand that biological, psychological, and social aspects all contribute to the understanding of addiction. In short, the BPS model of addiction is an attempt to further explain addiction – how it occurs, and how it is maintained. Below is an image (Basic Representation of the BPS Model, 2017) representing this model
Addictions, whether they be alcohol, drugs or even gambling have long been viewed as a badge of ignominy for those that have been plagued by it. Factors such as biological, social and psychological are all considered to be influential in the causation and intensification of addictive behaviors. However, even though these components of the biopsychosocial model are communicated, there are still negative societal perspectives when it concerns the realm of addiction.
Day after day we read in the newspapers and about the political turmoil and the candidates and email and the struggle of American politics. I strive to read more than just those articles, since I want to learn about the real struggles of the American people. I want to learn about the bigger problems behind the scenes in the US and what can be done to help. This was the reasoning for the choice of my article for this week’s critique on addiction and the story of Amanda with a heat wrenching addition to Heroin and her journey through it all.
It has become one of the major social problems of our day, leaving a great number of families and communities within our country devastated and without hope of recuperation for any of their afflicted members and loved ones. Growing to become a big social challenge affecting all aspects of the American society, addiction rates have escalated to enormous proportions within the country as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Addiction has been described as a chronic brain disorder,” resulting from adaptations in the brain that leads to changes in behavior”, according to Dr. Nora Volkow, who also assert that it can be treated (NIDA 2006).
Drug Addiction as a Psychobiological Process 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. Some psychologists and sociologists assert that animal studies do not model the important psychological variables governing drug addiction.
Thank you for covering the addiction treatment options. The 12-Step Programs often goes hand-in-hand with addiction recovery treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA ), and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are organizations for recovering addicts, run by recovering addicts. The 12-Step Programs have a strong spiritual component display that spirituality can be effective for addiction. The regular attendance to meeting, connection with a recovery mentor, and prayer/meditation are strongly associated with recovery and abstinence from drugs and maladaptive behaviors. Meetings offer participants with a support system. By working through each of the twelve steps of AA, many addicts have found restoration
People argue whether drug addiction is a disease or a choice. Today, I will be discussing this argument in hopes to have a better understanding as to why this topic is so controversial. Throughout my research, I easily found information on this topic and I am still not sure I have found any answers.
D., “Kicking the habit : It’s no Longer All-or-Nothing”, “Holistic therapies are helping to bridge the gap between conventional, exclusively abstinence-oriented approaches and the newer, more controversial harm reduction philosophy”. It is believed that people develop addictions to get back into balance therefore the Holistic therapies helps restore your balance. In this particular type of program it is believed that a person cannot be forced to do anything which means they find it acceptable to not abstain from using drugs. When the person is treated with respect, they in turn will eventually take care of themselves. Part of the treatment is a massage which can have a chemical impact on the body and can release tension. With the use of Hatha Yoga, you hold positions for a long time stretching and contrasting your muscles while breathing
Prolonged abuse of any substance can cause long-lasting, widespread changes in brain function and structure. This fact should then encourage research exploring ways to treat this disease—addiction—because of how universally the effects of substance abuse are felt. Its implications are even felt in the realm of public health, seeing as how drug-use is responsible for the transmission of many diseases (ex: AIDS, hepatitis), and a recognition of this abuse as a brain disorder “characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use” will help lower social costs for the consequences and ineffective treatment of the disease (1).
The facilities are best provided to get rid of from the drug addiction. Although, the person, who suffers from this terrible problem, struggles greatly, there was a wrong choice, which made them pay for it. The best drug addiction treatment program really works from the bottom of the problem and make those addicted persons realize that whatever they are doing is very harmful and wrong as well. If an addiction of anything is again and again repeated, they will suffer from a ...
Addiction is a very controversial topic. I support the argument that addiction is in fact a disease. Many believe that once you’re addicted it is just a matter of hard work and willpower to overcome it. On a chemical level certain drugs can block receptor sites for neurotransmitters, which will then prompt the brain to create more sites thinking that it needs to make more sites for more neurotransmitters. This will leave a persons brain with too many open unnecessary receptor sites. Also some drugs can mimic certain neurotransmitters and fit into a receptor site and this is how your brain would make a person seem like they cannot live without that substance. Eventually after consistent use of an addicting substance a person’s body will ultimately end up gaining dependence on the abused substance. In the case of alcohol, scientific research shows that a certain signaling pathway in the human brain can be connected with alcohol dependence. A gene, called neurofibromatosis type 1, controls this specific pathway. Furthermore, neurofibromatosis controls gamma-amino butyric acid, a chemical in the brain that heightens feelings of relaxation and lowers anxiety. Scientists have found that this gene is associated with excessive drinking in mice. The central amygdala is significant in the decision making process, and also with addiction-related processes. This is where gamma-amino butyric is released in the central nervous system and has shown a significant change from recreational drinking to alcohol dependence. In experiments, it shows that mice with functional neurofibromatosis genes steadily increased ethanol intake. Being that alcohol has a plethora of negatives on the human body and brain this shows that the addiction to alco...
Addiction is everywhere, from celebrity tabloids, to television, and possibly to a family member or close friend. There is alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling addiction; the effects of such are devastating. For example, the following excerpt is from the harrowing Leaving Dirty Jersey: A Crystal Meth Memoir by James Salant:
By definition: “Any activity, substance, object, or behavior that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive behavior. “
Drug abuse is on the rise. While the use of drugs like cocaine and heroin is in a state of decline in certain parts of the world, prescription drugs abuse is on the rise (UNODC, 2013). Prescription drugs that were prescribed with the intention to do well are now one of the leading causes of self-harm. Drug abuse has no gender or social class, it can affect people regardless of social status and wealth, and now more than ever we need to understand the reason behind the abuse. What psychological factors could cause an individual to abuse drugs in the first place? In this research essay, I will discuss how each one of the major school of psychology perspectives could attempt to explain a person would abuse drugs, and with that information in hand I will determine how a modern day psychologist could take this information and approach this problem.
One time is all it takes. Just trying one sip, one puff, or one pill can lead to addiction. Addiction is when a person becomes “hooked” on a drug. Addiction lowers one’s ability to make independent choices. It consumes one’s thoughts and actions. Drug use is when one ingests a substance into their system. The substance does not necessarily have to be an illicit drug; for instance, it can be psychoactive drug or an over-the-counter drug. Psychoactive drugs have an impact on the central nervous system and can change consciousness, mood, perception, and thought. The main categories of psychoactive drugs include depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Depressants act on GABA receptors to produce calming, sedating effects. Stimulants imitate the effects of epinephrine and increase activity in the central