Discuss the below:
Summary Paper on Addiction
Describing a definition of addiction and another paper explaining the BioPsychoSocial theories of addiction. Now write this paper as a summary of the information you have gathered. The ASAM website and the textbook are your sources of information so far, but you can use other sources and include them in your citations.
Create a 3 page paper (typed, double spaced) explaining alcohol/drug addiction or dependency. Use this rubric and make sure to include certain required information. Use at least 2 credible sources of information and include this in the bibliography.
Define Addiction/Dependency
Explain the differences between use, abuse and addiction/dependence
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
(Use DSM and ASAM definitions) Describe the physical and psychological features of addiction.
Theory or Theories Describe the Disease Model of addiction
Resources/Bibliography Properly cite at least 2 credible sources of information.
Addiction is a brain dysfunction circuit that seeks reward and motivation; this is a definition according to American Society of Addiction Medicine. The dysfunction usually leads to behavior that is manifested through biological, psychological, social and spiritual ways where an individual is in constant pursuit of reward through either abuse of a substance or other behaviour. The individual loses the capability to control one's behaviour and the ability to recognize the individual behaviour which results in challenges with interpersonal relationships and this cycle keeps on recurring which when not treated results in disability or premature death.
Some of the addictive behaviours one may participate are the consumption of alcohol among other substances such as tobacco and it may even go to an extent of neglect of personal care. These behaviours are deposited in the brain memory through previous exposures causing in biological behaviours that seek to satisfy external cues for gratification and this is what cause one to participate in addictive behaviour. The frontal cortex of the brain is responsible for reward, memory and motivation and addiction result in poor decision, impaired sensory perception and alteration in the reward system which manifests itself through addictive behaviour. Some of the factors that result in dysfunction include early exposure which affects the developmental morphology and is a significant factor in the development of addiction.
Studies have shown that genetics contribute to more than half of the likelihood that an addiction will occur. The relations with environment reinforce the behaviour; however through proper parenting one can get away from the vulnerability to have an addiction. Other factors include repeated engagement, cognitive disorders, exposure to trauma as well as disruption of social support and the existence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders. One loses executive functioning and the problem manifests through challenges in perception, learning, impulse control and individual judgment. All these attributes contribute to powerlessness over the addiction and over time it becomes unmanageable taking control over an individual.
The explanation of the definition of addiction actually makes sense and I agree with it, this is because the characteristics meet all the criteria. One is because there is certainly the inability to cut down and one seeks a rewarding experience that always perpetuates the behaviour. There is social disruption which affects interpersonal relationships and significantly affects an individual's functioning due to bad behaviour and a clear disregard of one's emotional response. Addiction leads to emotional stressors which trigger stress circuits in the brain. The behaviour manifests through behavioural, cognitive and emotional changes. This is a chronic disease that usually comes in interrupted remission which is a pathological pursuit and this problem needs to be managed through clinical intervention. Addicted individuals need to be monitored carefully and get engaged in activities that promote their health to improve responsibility, accountability and personal growth. Addiction is a menace that can cause disability or premature death if not managed adequately.