Addiction Is A Disease Of The Mind And Obsession
Addiction Is A Disease Of The Mind A Disease Of Obsession And A Dise
Addiction is a disease of the mind, a disease of obsession, and a disease of isolation. The role of a particular substance, whether it is alcohol, opiates, marijuana, gambling, food, or sex, is merely the symptom of the disease, not the disease itself. Any substance has the potential to be abused due to the addiction disease itself. Many naively believe that merely removing the substance from the addicted person will "cure them." If the disease of addiction were that simple, this disease would not be a rampant social problem. "The idea of addiction being a neurological disorder is critical to understanding its development and the recovery process" (Recovery Connection, n. d.).
There are a variety of reasons and opportunities that support people with addiction seeking help. Whether from internal turmoil and conflict, outside interventions, or a combination of both, clients will seek to stop the addiction cycle. The goal is to develop a healthier lifestyle called recovery. It may take months, years, or decades before this process leads to the path of recovery (Recovery Connection n. d.). For this Assignment, review this week's resources and explore co-occurring disorders and their impact on addiction or addictive behavior.
You also examine how an individual's addiction impacts other individuals or society. Support your response with references to the resources and current literature. Submit a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following: Provide two examples of how symptoms of a co-occurring disorder may influence efforts to stop the abuse of a substance. Describe the symptoms and how substance abuse or an addictive behavior might temporarily counteract the symptoms of the co-occurring disorder. Explain how the development of a ritual around substance abuse or addictive behavior can be used to strengthen an addiction or be used to treat an addiction.
Explain why the type of substance or other obsession is relevant when it comes to the disease of addiction itself. Describe three examples of how an individual's addiction might impact others or society.
Paper For Above instruction
The intricate relationship between addiction and co-occurring disorders significantly complicates efforts toward recovery. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, involve the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in an individual. These co-morbid conditions influence the course of treatment and recovery because symptoms of one disorder can exacerbate or mask the symptoms of the other. This intertwined relationship affects both the individual and society at large, emphasizing the need for integrated treatment approaches.
Impact of Co-Occurring Disorders on Efforts to Stop Substance Abuse
One example of how co-occurring disorder symptoms influence substance abuse cessation is with individuals experiencing depression and substance dependence. Depression often manifests as persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and loss of interest, which can drive individuals to seek relief through substances like alcohol or opioids. Paradoxically, substance use may temporarily alleviate depressive symptoms by activating reward pathways or numbing emotional pain, creating a cycle where substances are used to self-medicate (Kessler et al., 2003). However, this temporary relief hinders long-term recovery, as underlying depression remains unaddressed, increasing the risk of relapse.
A second example involves individuals with anxiety disorders and alcoholism. Anxiety symptoms such as excessive worry, hyperarousal, and panic attacks can lead individuals to use alcohol to diminish these feelings. While alcohol initially reduces anxiety, it ultimately worsens it over time, along with impairing judgment and increasing health risks (Miller et al., 2018). The use of substances as a coping mechanism can create a dangerous feedback loop, making it difficult to develop healthier strategies for managing anxiety without relapse into substance abuse.
Role of Rituals in Reinforcing or Treating Addiction
The development of rituals around substance use or addictive behaviors can serve to reinforce addiction. For example, a person might establish a routine of drinking a glass of wine every evening as a way to unwind. Over time, this ritual becomes associated with specific emotional states or activities, strengthening the neural pathways linked to addiction. Such rituals become a psychologically ingrained part of daily life, making withdrawal or abstinence more challenging (O’Brien, 2020). Conversely, rituals can also be adapted therapeutically to support sobriety, such as establishing new routines that promote healthy behaviors and reinforce recovery goals, thereby replacing destructive rituals with positive ones.
The Relevance of Substance Type in the Disease of Addiction
The specific substance or obsession involved in addiction significantly affects its development, progression, and treatment. Different substances act on various brain pathways and neurotransmitter systems, resulting in distinct physical and psychological impacts. For instance, stimulants like cocaine create intense euphoria and rapid addiction due to their effect on dopamine release, while opioids produce pain relief and profound physical dependence (Koob & Le Moal, 2020). The obsession or fixation tied to particular substances often reflects their unique effects and cultural associations.
Impacts of Addiction on Others and Society
First, addiction can lead to familial disintegration. Family members often suffer emotional distress, financial hardship, and even physical harm as they try to support or cope with the addicted individual's behaviors (Luthar et al., 2019). Second, societal impacts include increased healthcare costs and strain on social services resulting from addiction-related health issues, crimes, and accidents. For example, alcohol-related traffic fatalities impose a significant burden on transportation safety systems. Third, addiction can perpetuate economic disadvantages, with individuals losing employment opportunities due to their condition, consequently reducing workforce productivity and increasing societal welfare costs (Rehm et al., 2020). These examples highlight the broad societal consequences of addiction beyond the individual level.
References
- Kessler, R. C., et al. (2003). The epidemiology of co-occurring depressive and substance use disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 60(7), 655-663.
- Miller, W. R., et al. (2018). Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: Comorbidity and Treatment Strategies. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 79(4), 123-130.
- O’Brien, C. P. (2020). Rituals and Recovery: The Role of Behavior in Addiction Treatment. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(4), 569-576.
- Koob, G. F., & Le Moal, M. (2020). Neurobiology of Addiction. Elsevier.
- Luthar, S. S., et al. (2019). Family Dynamics and Addiction: Effects on Recovery Outcomes. Family Process, 58(2), 366-380.
- Rehm, J., et al. (2020). The Global Impact of Alcohol Consumption. The Lancet, 389(10078), 1525-1532.