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Addiction or disease definition essay
Is addiction a disease
Addiction or disease definition essay
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Addiction: The Evil Gene For several decades the matter of addiction has been disputed, many believe it to be self-inflicted, while others believe it is genetically driven. Researchers are currently proving the former incorrect, as they are coming closer to pinpointing the gene that is associated with addiction, more specifically alcoholism. Children of alcoholics are more susceptible to become addicts because of their genetic makeup. The controversy has one prominent root, and that is the question of whether alcoholism is considered a disease or not. “The AMA (American Medical Association) has labeled it a disease for decades… it meets their criteria for classification as a disease” (Ruth np). Alcoholism is as much a disease as cancer and diabetes are, but frequently those who are suffering from addiction receive negative feedback because of the stigma that comes along with it. People often believe addiction is a sign of weakness or lack of self-control. However, it is an uncontrollable disease such as the ones listed previously (Ruth np). For those who suffer from addiction, a highly addictive substance called tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) can be found in their brains. It is said to be …show more content…
He is frequently at social events every night of the week and socially drinks. George is in a state of denial and refuses to recognize his excessive drinking habits. He fails to believe that he possesses many of the red flags of an alcoholic like; how he spends a fraction of his income on his alcohol cravings and is slowing ruining friendships and relationships because he is growing insensitive to others. His addiction is apparent if one were to look into his preference on how he enjoys spending his leisure time, however from the looks of his face and his established career it would be difficult to identify him as an alcoholic (Hayon
One of the many human behaviors seen in literature is alcoholism. It is known that many writers used alcohol and sometimes abused its consumption to get “inspiration” during the process of writing. Ernest Hemingway is one of many alcoholic writers. In a letter he wrote to Ivan Kashkin, a Russian translator and critic in 1935, he explains his love of alcohol: “… I have drunk since I was
First one must understand what exactly alcoholism is, and whom it effects. By definition, alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease, with genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, characterized by continuous impaired control over drinking. The disease can and does effect all people of all ages, sexes, races, and economic status. This is clearly a horrific issue, and ...
According to a study published inThe Journal of the American Medical Association some scientists believe that some people may have a gene that makes them more probable of them inherit a tendency to be alcoholics.
After denial the family tries to get rid of the problem. The non-alcoholic parent realizes that the drinking is not normal and tries to tell the alcoholic to quit, be more careful, or at least cut down. The parent also tries to hide the problems from the outside and keep up a strong look. The kids may now start to have problems due to the family stress.(Harrison)
Nurnberger, John. "Alcoholism Is a Genetic Disorder." Alcohol Abuse. Ed. Christine Watkins. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "Unraveling the Genetics or Alcohol...
When people hear the word "drug," they usually think of an illegal substance such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or any other drug that can be found on the street. Most people never consider the fact that consuming alcohol can be just as harmful as illegal drugs, not only on the body, but on the mind and spirit as well (#1). If constantly abused, alcohol can be even worse for one than taking illegal drugs (#5) Irresponsible drinking can destroy a person's life as well as the lives of those around them. When people become both physically and psychologically addicted to alcohol, they become an alcoholic and suffer from a disease called alcoholism. One denotation of this term is "a diseased condition of the system, brought about by the continued use of alcoholic liquors" (Webster's Dictionary, 37). Another definition of this term, given to me by my English professor, Janet Gould who is in fact, a recovering alcoholic, is that alcoholism is a mental dependence and a physical allergy (#3). Alcoholism somehow affects us all through a parent, sibling, friend, or even personal encounters with a stranger. In fact "alcoholics may become angry and argumentative, quiet and withdrawn, or depressed. They may also feel more anxious, sad, tense, and confused. They then seek relief by drinking more" (Gitlow 175).
Slutske, W. S., D’Onofrio, B. M., Turkheimer, E., Emery, R. E., Harden, K. P., Heath, A. C., et al. (2008). Searching for an environmental effect of parental alcoholism on offspring alcohol use disorder: A genetically informed study of children of alcoholics. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 117, 534-551.
Alcoholism has been a problem throughout the history of humanity, a disease which has caused many people to be overcome with burdens, problems, and debts. Alcoholism is a term that is widely recognized throughout the United States and the World. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and often fatal; it is a disorder and not due to other diseases or emotional problems.
...f Alcoholics Anonymous describes alcoholism as a “cunning, baffling, and powerful “ disease (Alcoholics Anonymous 2001). So when it is said by opponents of the disease concept that alcoholism is a condition of moral weakness or a behavioral condition, I am reminded of people I have met or personally known who have the disease of alcoholism. Most of them were good ,hard working people whom one would never suspect of being alcoholics. But over time alcohol took its toll on their bodies and minds, and, before long they were only shells of their former selves. Many of these alcoholics ended up in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, not because they were “bad people” or had “behavioral problems” , but simply because they had a disease called “alcoholism”. Because of what chronic drinking does to the mind and body, alcoholism should definitely be considered a disease.
We discovered that many do not believe that alcoholism is a disease, but instead a choice and lack of willpower. It is said that drinkers can limit themselves and make better choices on their own or with a little help. Many others including myself believe that alcoholism is in fact a disease and not a choice. There has been research that proves that there is a gene in many alcoholics. The gene shows that the disease can be hereditary like others and may not be something that just anyone can help. Everyone has their own opinion and point of view on this subject. There are supporting facts on both sides so it may never be determined fully as a disease or not, but I guess we will see. “The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.” – Russel
Research now shows that genetics and environmental factors play a major part in alcohol and it addictiveness; it is believed that it is easily passed down through generations of families (Medical Library, 2003). In the last thirty years of research the theory that genetics play a part in alcoholism has been proven. One type of research done to prove this theory was that of adopted children. It showed that children who had alcoholism throughout their biological families and who were separated at birth from their parents seemed to have a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol then other children in the same situation whose biological parents were not alcoholics (Cross,
Humans are environmentally and genetically predisposed to developing motivated addictive behavior. Addiction is a brain disease and a behavior disorder. All behaviors are choices. Choices that adolescences make at a young age directly affect the outcomes of their futures. Many factors contribute to an adolescence, becoming an addict or exhibiting drug seeking behavior.
Researchers have placed more emphasis on nature because of addictions (Agin).. For this reason, there is the same amount of chances to be an alcoholic as there is to have a mental disorder if someone in the family has had or was either because of genes. Newspaper reports, “scientists are on the verge of discovering the gene for alcoholism.” (McLeod). Gaten himself in 1883 suggested that human society could be improved by “better breeding” (McLeod). What Gaten is trying to say is that the children of two adults would not have any mental disorders or be an alcoholic if there was better breeding. The behavioral genes are the genes that gives inheritance of alcoholism, or addiction. So, behavioral genes can give inheritance of alcoholism or other addictions by the wrong breeding. In summation, if one's grandparent or even an ancestor has an addiction, there will be a good chance that the breeds will have the same type of
Alcohol also has debilitating effects on the individuals’ ability to function effectively in a cognitive way. Alcoholics who are drunk are not cognizant of subtle social cues. They may behave in a socially improper way without even being aware of their actions. On the other hand, because they are only conscious of obvious externalized social cues, they are likely to be ultra- sensitive in their reactions to the situation. Deprived of their ability to think clearly and deeply, alcoholics, under the influence of alcohol, do not realize that they can behave in an alternative way. What is even more dangerous is that drunken people can develop a sense of grandiosity and believe that they are more powerful than they actually are.
Throughout history people have drank alcohol as a means of wealth, just to pass the time, or as an escape from reality. In today’s modern world, people use alcohol as a means of having a good time or just love the taste of alcohol. For the individuals who love alcohol and drink a surplus amount of alcohol every week is considered an alcoholic, also known as alcoholism. Alcoholics are known to destroy their futures drinking liquor, so to prevent such cases Alcoholics Anonymous was created. Alcoholism is given many broad definitions, but the one thing that all the definitions have in common are that alcoholism is a disease and an addiction. Alcoholism is considered a disease that not only harms the alcoholic, but the family of the individual as well.