Sociological Theories Of Drug Addiction
explanatory Essay
1872 words
The world involving drug addiction is a taboo topic to many. However, drug addiction is a very real topic that occurs worldwide. The widespread use of drugs is not restricted to the United States, with roughly five percent of the world’s population using in the past few months (Mosher & Akins, 2014). Many scientists, doctors, and specialists study addiction and try to find an explanation for why so many become addicted.
There are many theories regarding addiction. The Institute on Drug Abuse has their list of theories such as “the bad habit” and “the CAP theory (cognitive-affective pharmacogenic)” (n.d.). Hari, an author for the Huffington Post, writes about the Rat Park experiment in which a scientist put rats into “condos” in a nice cage
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In this essay, the author
- Explains that drug addiction is a very real topic that occurs worldwide. the widespread use of drugs is not restricted to the united states, with roughly five percent of the world’s population using in the past few months.
- Explains that there are many theories regarding addiction, including the institute on drug abuse's "bad habit" and the cap theory.
- Explains that mosher and akins wrote that these theories are not correct or acceptable, for every type of drug use/abuse.
- Opines that addiction is an important topic, regardless of the theory you follow. there needs to be a unified solution to help addicts overcome their addictions.
- Explains that the nature theory holds that humans alter their consciousness from infancy. they state that some use drugs for the same consciousness alteration as one who listens to soothing music.
- Explains that the biological theories believe that those who use drugs have inherited predispositions to do so.
- Explains that a disease is an impairment of the normal state of an animal or plant body or one of its parts that interrupts or modifies vital functions.
- Explains the problem behavior theory, which focuses on the emotional and mental states of the person.
- Explains that sociological theories focus on the social aspect and how social structure plays a role instead of the individual.
Sociological theories focus on the social aspect and how the social structure plays a role instead of the individual. This theory looks at “differences in drug-taking behavior between and among societies, social categories, and individuals in the population, as well as among drug types” (Goode, 2011). Goode writes that early research of this theory found drug use to be a form of social deviance, with majority of drug users living in disorganized communities (2011).
A sub theory within the sociological theories is referred to as social control. In this theory, “Social control theory assumes that violations of society’s norms are natural, understandable, and not in need of an explanation” (Goode, 2011). Hirschi founded a social bonding theory that states a drug user will engage in a deviant act, such as drug use, to the extent that the bond between society and themselves are broken or weakened (Mosher & Akins, 2014). If the bond between society and the person is strong, the less likely they will subject themselves to drug
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Within this theory, a person who observes others doing drugs will more likely become addicted to them. When we observe addictive behaviors such as drinking or drug use, we, as humans, may want to copy their actions (Horvath, Misra, Epner, & Morgan Cooper, 2015). With this theory, the psychological and sociological effects come into play, with the reinforcement and punishment, or operant conditioning. An example given by Mosher and Akins is as follows; someone who is smoking marijuana may get reinforcement by their friends while the effects of the drug is negative
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- Substance Abuse and Addictionexplanatory essayIntroduction Substance abuse and addiction have become a social problem that afflicts millions of individuals and disrupts the lives of their families and friends. Just one example reveals the extent of the problem: in the United States each year, more women and men die of smoking related lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined (Kola & Kruszynski, 2010). In addition to the personal impact of so much illness and early death, there are dire social costs: huge expenses for medical and social services; millions of hours lost in the workplace; elevated rates of crime associated with illicit drugs; and scores of children who are damaged by their parents’ substance abuse behavior (Lee, 2010). This paper will look at the different theories used in understanding drug abuse and addiction as well as how it can be prevented and treated. Theories (models) in understanding substance abuse and addiction: older versus newer
In this essay, the author
- Explains that substance abuse and addiction are a social problem that afflicts millions of individuals and disrupts the lives of their families and friends.
- Explains that not all individuals who use an addictive drug become addicted. biological factors, such as sex, and genetic predisposition, are responsible for this differential susceptibility.
- Opines that the development of effective treatment programs is a pressing concern given the health and social costs of substance abuse and addiction.
- Describes tian, mao, wang, li, zhou, q, cao j, & xu l.
- Explains the major theories of substance abuse and addiction using an integrative approach that addresses the problem as an urgent but elusive goal.
- Explains that environmental stimuli can rapidly become strongly associated with the subjective effects of substance abuse and addiction.
1946 wordsRead More - aanalytical essayAddiction is a term that has traditionally been used to refer to psychiatric syndrome that is caused by illicit drug use. Actually, addition is the only psychiatric condition whose symptoms are regarded as an illegal activity. In most cases, this term is described on the basis of drug use, which is the main focus of many research and treatment programs. Generally, drug addiction has significant negative effects on individuals using the drug and those around them such as family and friends. Family and friends are usually forced to watch their loved ones wilt away in illicit drug use. While addiction has traditionally been regarded as a psychiatric condition, there are numerous debates that have emerged on whether it’s a disease or merely an immoral act by a selfish individual. My standpoint is that addiction is actually a disease because of the observations I have made on how illicit drug use takes control of the addict. I have watched my brother battle prescription drug addiction and eventually passed away from an overdose at the age of thirty-two years. As a result, I believe that addiction is a disease because it changes the functioning of the addict’s brain. In essence, studies have demonstrated the effects of chemical substances on the brain and how addiction affects feelings, thoughts, and actions.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that addiction is a disease because it changes the functioning of the addict's brain.
- Argues that excessive use of drugs has been regarded as a bad habit, immoral act, sin, and crime. however, many individuals do not understand the process with which an individual becomes addicted to illicit or prescription drugs.
- Explains that the shift in view of addiction is influenced by the current medicalization framework in which problems and behaviors have become described and treated as medical problems.
- Explains that addiction is a complex disease that requires more than good intentions and strong will to overcome.
- Explains that addiction is a disease because of the changes it causes on the normal functioning of an addict's brain.
- Explains that addiction is a disease because of complex physiological procedures involved in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors.
- Argues that gerber's fundamental issue is not whether addiction is a disease but on why this question is still asked.
- Explains that excessive drug use and abuse leads to addiction, which disrupts normal functions of nerve cells in two ways. one is by imitating the ordinary chemical messengers of the brain, while the other involves over stimulating the reward circuit.
- Explains that biological studies on addition have focused on the involvement of dopamine in the drug addiction process.
- Explains that the increase in dopamine results in a brain saturated in the chemical or neurotransmitters, particularly in sections that control feelings of joy, movement, motivation, and emotion. this in turn produces euphoric impacts in reaction to psychoactive drugs.
- Explains that the brain adapts to the irresistible surges in dopamine by generating less or lessening the number of receptors of this chemical in the reward system.
- Explains that addiction is a chronic reversing disease that needs to be treated like other diseases since it affects the functioning of an addict.
- Explains addiction is a condition that develops from an immoral act or increased dependency on drugs for normal functioning of the body.
1419 wordsRead More - Why Methamphetamine is Such a Popular Drugexplanatory essayRobinson, T. E. (2003). The Psychology And Neurobiology Of Addiction: An Incentive-sensitization View. Addiction, 54.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that drugs have been used for medical and recreational purposes for thousands of years. methamphetamine is one of the most popular drugs on the market.
- Explains that addiction to methamphetamine is a compulsive pattern of drug-seeking behavior that takes place at the expense of most other activities.
- Explains that methamphetamine use in america started in western states and spread to farmland areas and quickly reached the east coast.
- Explains foltin, w., & hart, c. l. acute physiological and behavioral effects of intranasal methamphetamine in humans.
- Explains that methamphetamine taking over and consuming a user’s life is too common among abusers of the drug.
- Explains that methamphetamine is a highly concentrated drug, which is legal, affordable, and easy to manufacture.
- Explains that methamphetamine use: clinical and forensic aspects. robinson, t. e. and roll, j. m.
1301 wordsRead More - Criminological Theories Explaining Behaviors of The Cocaine Kidsanalytical essay...haviors he so wishes to comprehend are those whom he labels as The Cocaine Kids. Now that examples of these drug sellers’ behaviors have been provided, the criminological theories that can explain such behaviors have been made visible to the unseen eye. Criminological theories including the theory of Differential Association, the Subculture of Violence Theory, and the Social Learning Theory can be viewed as methods for developing a knowledgeable understanding of how and why such behaviors introduced individuals to the drug-selling world, kept them submerge deep within it, and allowed for them to leave it.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the cocaine kids: the inside story of a teenage drug ring is an intriguing narrative of the experiences terry williams witnessed first hand while observing the lives of "the kids" and their involvement in the cocaine trade.
- Introduces the criminological theory of differential association, which explains the behavior of drug sellers.
- Elaborates on sutherland's propositions in order to provide proof of how differential association theory is relevant to understanding the behaviors of the drug sellers portrayed within the novel.
- Explains the subculture of violence theory, which argues that there are certain subcultures favorable to the use of violence and a result of this is why individuals within such subculturals begin to not feel guilty about the violence they take part in.
- Explains ronald akers' social learning theory, which is a combination of sociology and psychology that states how individuals learn to become offenders.
- Analyzes how social learning theory, pertaining to its mechanism of differential social reinforcement, can be utilized to develop an understanding of specific behaviors shown by drug sellers.
- Explains that negative reinforcement is when an individual continues to do a criminal behavior because it allows him or her to prevent attaining something bad. the cocaine kids reasons for entering into the cocaine trade are explained by the social learning theory.
- Explains that terry williams recorded several years of behaviors and experiences, through observation, of the teenagers who have engrossed themselves in the drug-trading world. the criminological theories that can explain such behaviors have been made visible to the unseen eye.
1362 wordsRead More - Drug Abuse and The Theories Behind Addictionanalytical essayThe multi-causal model of drug abuse takes into account social and individual causes of addiction, both distant and immediate, that lead to a disposition to using drugs, drug use and the social and individual consequences. Why a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol is different for everyone. Some are genetically predisposed, some learn it from their environment (i.e. family or friends), and still others use it to avoid a trauma they have experienced. The case history describes a client that had both social and individual causes for her alcohol use and subsequent dependence.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the multi-causal model of drug abuse takes into account social and individual causes of addiction, both distant and immediate.
- Explains that the client was a victim of child abuse, which led to feelings of fear and sadness, and the pressure of keeping up appearances due to her mother's status in society.
- Explains that after long-term use the consequences were unpleasant. she neglected her children and couldn't maintain a romantic relationship. her excessive drinking embarrassed her family.
- Explains that addiction theories are based in the biopsychosocial approach to addiction. psychological theories include cognitive-behavioral theories, learning theory, psychodynamic theories and personality theories.
- Explains that cognitive-behavioral theories propose several reasons for drug use, such as the desire for variety, pleasure, and avoidance. the client's case history shows a strong link between traumatic events and resulting substance use.
- Explains that psychodynamic theories associate alcoholism with ego deficiencies, assuming that alcohol provided a sense of security that was missing in their childhood due to poor parenting and weak attachments.
- Argues that personality traits predispose a person to alcohol use, although there is little evidence that this is the case. however, personality factors, such as impulsive behavior, nonconformist views, deviant and anti-social behavior and stress, can contribute to addiction.
- Explains that genetic theories assume that addicts are predisposed due to genetic factors based on adoption studies, history of alcoholism in a family, and twin studies.
- Argues that sociocultural theories attribute environmental factors as the cause of alcohol use and abuse, but culture-specific theories and subculture theories do not apply to this client.
- Illustrates the model of drug abuse and the theories behind addiction are varied. there is no concrete reason for one person who drinks to become alcohol dependent versus the one who does not.
955 wordsRead More - Social Aspect of Substance Abuseexplanatory essayAddiction is a difficult disease that involves several different factors including biological, psychological and sociological aspects. Anderson (1997) states that substance use refers generally to the ingestion of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, PCP, amphetamines, etc. The use of illicit drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, are less frequently included in this definition, despite their widespread use and undisputed potential for harm. Substance abuse, however, is a more value-laden term which implies substance use, probably over time, which is somehow detrimental or harmful. Thus, substance use need not constitute substance abuse, although they often coexist. Wormer, Davis (2010) indicates that addiction is often defined as an illness not just of the individual but of the whole family. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that an estimated 22 million Americans age 12 or older suffered from substance dependence or abuse due to alcohol, illicit drugs or both.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that culturally sensitive research perspectives and treatment options are the key to closing the gap of substance abuse disparities in the black community.
- Introduces alice b. britt, a clinical specialist in psychiatry/mental health, who is part-time clinical faculty member at the catholic university of america.
- Explains that addiction is a difficult disease that involves biological, psychological, and sociological aspects.
- States that social/economic and cultural factors are a potent force in the development of alcohol and drug misuse, the ability to get and receive help, and the availability of supports.
- Explains the dasis report: black admissions to substance abuse treatment: 1999. clucas, a., and clark, v.
1014 wordsRead More - Drug Abuse in Americaopinion essayUse of drugs by early adolescents is increasing by the minute. Approximately 12.8 million Americans twelve and older use illegal drugs daily. Adolescents seem to abuse drugs more than any other age group. Ninety percent of Americans who have used illegal drugs have used marijuana or hashish. Society says drugs are evil and that they can turn a person into a rapist or murderer. America happens to be the most drug-aware and drug-experienced society in the world (Bancroft 2). Yet the United States of America has the highest drug abuse rate of any country in the world. Most Americans believe that drug abuse is a social problem. 45% of Americans know someone that is a drug addict. Drug use threatens every socio-economic background, geographical area, and race. Drug abuse has become a social problem because it has started to cause criminal activity and violence. Specifically, it leads to gender violence, employment and education delays and problems, and creates drug cartels.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the united states of america has the highest drug abuse rate of any country in the world. adolescents abuse drugs more than any other age group.
- Explains that 48% of gender-based violence is caused by drug consumption. drug abusers believe they are in control of everyone they have a relationship with due to masculine exterior.
- Explains that drug abuse can affect education and obtaining employment. heavy drug users tend to have lower test scores than the average student.
- Explains that drug abusers have been found to commit various crimes, such as murder and robbery.
- Compares the violence between meth users and heroin users in a 1997 study. crack-cocaine is another popular illicit drug that can cause violent acts.
- Opines that drug abuse is a shared problem and the us government deals with it by throwing them in jail with murderers and thieves. rehab centers include counseling, non-judgmental therapy, open communication, and meaningful activities.
- Opines that americans are selfish when it comes to social problems that do not directly affect them or their loved ones.
- Describes bennett, james, 1970, drug abuse and what we can do about it, riverside county, ca.
- Analyzes dr. yeremian's study that showed students who misuse drugs are alienated and separated personalities.
- Cites fernandez-montalvo, jose lopez-goni, and alfonso arteaga for their paper, "violent behaviors in drug addiction: differential profiles of drug-addicted patients."
1618 wordsRead More - Drug Abuse In The United Statescomparative essayDrug abuse has been a major issue in the United States. It has dated back to the 1800’s. Drug abuse has also been strongly influenced on our youth. Drug addiction has resulted from drug abuse. Drug addiction leads to an increase in crimes due to the cost of many drugs sold on the streets. Drug addiction is a disease which needs medical attention to overcome. There are different types of drugs that are classified in different categories, which will be discussed below. The United States is constantly fighting to control drug abuse. First, let’s talk about the history of drug abuse.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that drug abuse has been a major issue in the united states since the 1800's. drug addiction leads to increased crimes due to the cost of many drugs sold on the streets.
- Explains that drug abuse has been a major issue in the united states. drug abuse is directly linked to crime.
- Explains that marijuana use is one of the most abused drugs by teens in the united states. mtf studies have been conducting this information since 1975.
- Estimates that $64.8 billion has been spent on illicit drugs by americans in 2000. it is difficult to measure how much money is actually spent.
- Defines drug addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
- Explains that marijuana is medically used to relieve pain, glaucoma, and cancer treatment. narcotics are opium, codeine, heroin, methadone and morphine.
- Explains that drug addiction can cause many different diseases, including cancer, heart attack, and strokes.
- States that there is extensive evidence of the strong relationship between drug use and crime supported by a review of evidence. drug use is serious and needs to be controlled.
- Explains the harrison act, which made all individuals that sold heroin, morphine, cocaine, and opium pay taxes. the marijuana tax act effectively outlawed marijuana.
- Explains how the u.s. is trying to control drug abuse through strict enforcement, interdiction, drug treatment, and drug forfeiture.
- Concludes that drug abuse has been an issue in the united states for a while. it has affected many young children as well.
- Describes the principles of drug abuse treatment for crimianl justice populations- a research-based guide from national institute on drug abuse.
- Cites asia, d. t. (n.d.). risk of disease with drug use.
- Cites gaiter, d. j., "study says drugs influence criminal behavior".
- Explains schmalleger's criminolgoy today: an integrative introduction.
1743 wordsRead More - Neil Levy's Article: Addiction Is A Brain Disease?opinion essayAccording to Leshner, drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that is expressed in the form of compulsive behaviors (Leshner, 2001). He believes that drug addiction is influence by both biological, and behavioral factors, and to solve this addiction problem we need to focus on these same factors. On the other hand, Neil Levy argues that addiction is not a brain disease rather it is a behavioral disorder embedded in social context (Levy, 2013). I believe, drug addiction is a recurring brain disease that can be healed when we alter and eliminate all the factors that are reinforcing drug addiction.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that addiction is a recurring brain disease that can be healed when we alter and eliminate all the factors that are reinforcing drug addiction.
- Opines that it is high time to take a close look at the factors that are influencing drug addiction and understand the impact it has in our lives.
- Opines that addiction can be prevented through information and education about its negative effects. leshner advocated people to understand drug abuse and its origins.
- Opines that leshner's article provided solid scientific evidences to support his argument that drug addiction is a brain disease and there are treatments to overcome it. however, the article seems outdated since it was published more than fifteen years ago.
- Analyzes neil levy's argument that addiction is a behavioral disorder caused by the person’s social environment and the lack of resources.
- Concludes that drug addiction is a brain disease since it affects the brain and impairs one's thinking, and working ability. leshner provided evidences and findings from scientific studies to support his claims.
1019 wordsRead More - Burn the Fuse of Drug Abuseexplanatory essayDrug abuse and addiction not only has negative effects in the lives of the people involved, but also in the lives of their close relatives, friends and immediate society. It leads to disintegration, failure in school, loss of employment and violence. Although intake of drugs is a voluntary and conscious decision initially, continuous intake of drugs changes the brain and challenges the self-control of the “addicted person” and inhibits the ability to resist extreme desire for drug intake.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that drug abuse is a complex disease that requires more than will power or mere good intentions to change. it is difficult to relent even if one is ready.
- Explains that drug abuse and addiction leads to disintegration, failure in school, loss of employment, and violence.
- Explains that drug abuse is a situation where one takes unprescribed drugs due to depression, illness or fear of the unknown, which could lead to stigmatization, ashamed or isolated.
- Explains that the combination of medical treatments and behavioral therapy can reduce the emergence of drug addiction or abuse. these treatments are specific to each patient and deal with their social and psychiatric problems until full recovery is achieved.
- Proposes a paper that focuses on the medical culture that has led to drug abuse and addiction in recent times: the traditional medicine versus modernized health care.
- Explains the psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction, which is a widely known fact to most people involved in crime today.
- Explains that although drug addiction is a conscious act, drug abuse most of the time doesn't begin consciously. an article from the department of anthropology at the university of hawaii evaluates the social and cultural effects of drugs when taken by individuals.
- Explains that drug abuse isn't a last resort and through constant effort one can reduce this habit until it's finally lost. social support promotes the well-being and helps bring the victim to normal state.
- Cites etkin l. nina, jason a. leonard, davis i. margret, olson d. bradley, and ferrari r. joseph.
- Cites mccabe, boyd, murray, prom, ramirez, sandi, obando, karenkeris, and kliewer.
668 wordsRead More