Addiction Paper: Understanding Alcohol And Drug Dependency

Addiction Paper: Understanding Alcohol and Drug Dependency

I need help with this hw ASAP Plz addcition Paper write a 4-5 page Pa I Need Hlpe With This Hw Asap Plzaddiction Paperwrite A 4 5 Page Pa I Need Hlpe With This Hw Asap Plz I NEED HLPE WITH THIS HW ASAP PLZ!!! Addiction Paper Write a 4-5 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 4 credible sources of information and include this in the APA Style bibliography. Define Addiction/Dependency Define Addiction and also define dependency (cite sources of definition) Explain the differences between use, abuse and addiction/dependence 3 points 6 points Signs and Symptoms of Addiction Describe the physical and psychological features of addiction/dependency. What specific characteristics are factors of addiction/dependency? 8 points Theory or Theories Describe the Disease Model of addiction and at least 2 other theories that underlie dependency 9 points Resources/Bibliography Properly cite at least 4 credible sources of information. 4 points Total:30 points

Paper For Above instruction

Substance addiction, particularly involving alcohol and drugs, is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It impacts individuals physically, psychologically, and socially, often leading to severe health issues, disrupted relationships, and impaired social functioning. This paper aims to elucidate the definitions of addiction and dependency, distinguish between use, abuse, and addiction, describe signs and symptoms, explore relevant theories including the Disease Model, and provide credible resources for further understanding.

Defining Addiction and Dependency

Understanding addiction necessitates clear definitions. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM, 2019), addiction is "a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry." It manifests as compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse outcomes. Dependency, while often used interchangeably with addiction, tends to refer more specifically to physiological adaptations, such as tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, that occur with chronic substance use (Koob & Volkow, 2016). For example, a person dependent on alcohol may experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop drinking, indicating a physical dependency. Thus, while addiction emphasizes behavioral compulsions, dependency highlights physiological processes.

Differences Between Use, Abuse, and Addiction

Distinguishing between use, abuse, and addiction is essential in understanding substance involvement. Use refers to the initial and controlled consumption of substances, which may not necessarily lead to problems (NIDA, 2020). Abuse occurs when substance use results in harmful consequences, such as health issues or social problems, but without the compulsive patterns seen in addiction. Addiction or dependence, however, entails a compulsive need for the substance, with significant impairment or distress. For example, occasional social drinking might be considered use, problematic drinking that causes health or social issues qualifies as abuse, while addiction involves persistent drinking despite negative consequences and loss of control (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Signs of addiction encompass physical and psychological features. Physically, individuals may exhibit tolerance—needing increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect—and withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, or nausea upon cessation (Lê et al., 2019). Psychologically, addiction manifests as intense cravings, loss of control over substance intake, neglect of responsibilities, and continued use despite awareness of harms. Behavioral signs include secretive behaviors, failed attempts to quit, and deteriorating relationships. The psychological dependency often involves alterations in brain circuitry related to reward, motivation, and impulse control, reinforcing compulsive use (Koob & Volkow, 2016).

Theories Underlying Addiction

The Disease Model of addiction posits that addiction is a chronic disease characterized by neurobiological changes, necessitating lifelong management. It emphasizes that addiction has genetic, biological, and environmental components, similar to other chronic illnesses like diabetes (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). In contrast, the Moral or Character Model views addiction as a result of moral weakness or lack of willpower; this outdated perspective minimizes biological factors.

Other significant theories include the Biopsychosocial Model, which integrates biological predispositions, psychological factors such as trauma or mental health disorders, and social influences including peer pressure and socioeconomic status. This model recognizes the multifaceted nature of addiction and underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches (Engs, 2018). The Learning Theory suggests addiction develops through behavioral conditioning; substance use becomes reinforced by immediate rewards, and previous experiences of relief or euphoria encourage repeated use, creating a cycle of dependence (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Resources and Credible Sources

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Definitions of addiction and dependence.
  • Engs, R. C. (2018). Theories of addiction. In R. C. Engs & J. K. Zlatar (Eds.), Perspectives on substance abuse and dependence.
  • Kooob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry perspective. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(10), 644-654.
  • Lê, A., et al. (2019). Physical and psychological features of addiction. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 102, 68-75.
  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. Guilford press.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Understanding drug use and addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
  • Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry perspective. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(10), 644-654.
  • World Health Organization. (2018). International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.).

Conclusion

Substance addiction remains a significant public health challenge with complex biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Understanding its definitions, signs, underlying theories, and resources is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Recognizing the distinction between use, abuse, and addiction helps inform better interventions and reduces stigma. The Disease Model and other frameworks provide valuable perspectives, emphasizing that addiction is a manageable medical condition rather than a moral failing. Continued research and education are essential in addressing the epidemic of alcohol and drug dependency worldwide.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Definitions of addiction and dependence.
  • Engs, R. C. (2018). Theories of addiction. In R. C. Engs & J. K. Zlatar (Eds.), Perspectives on substance abuse and dependence.
  • Kooob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry perspective. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(10), 644-654.
  • Lê, A., et al. (2019). Physical and psychological features of addiction. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 102, 68-75.
  • Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. Guilford press.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Understanding drug use and addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
  • World Health Organization. (2018). International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.).

Related Assignments