Please Answer Both Questions: What Area Of CAM Are You Most

Please Answer Both Questionswhat Area Of Cam Are You Most Interested I

Please answer both questions: What area of CAM are you most interested in and why? (250 words) People start using substances for many reasons, not realizing the dependence that can develop. Using one of the substance use problems discussed in this week's readings, explain in detail one of the approaches described in the textbook, in terms of how we attempt to explain substance use. Describe what contributes to or starts substance use. What keeps it going? What preventive measures can be taken to avoid substance use disorders? Finally, address the special problem presented by dual diagnosis. (250 words)

Paper For Above instruction

The first question asks about the area of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) that most interests an individual and the reasons for this interest. CAM encompasses a wide range of practices outside conventional medicine, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, meditation, chiropractic care, and more. The area of CAM that intrigues many individuals often relates to holistic approaches to health, emphasizing natural remedies, mind-body techniques, and personalized care. For some, the interest lies in herbal medicine due to its historic use and perceived safety; for others, mind-body practices like meditation and yoga appeal because of their emphasis on mental well-being and stress reduction. Personal inclination towards CAM is frequently motivated by a desire for less invasive treatment options, a holistic perspective on health, or dissatisfaction with conventional medicine's focus on symptom management rather than root causes. Research supports that certain CAM modalities can enhance quality of life, manage chronic conditions, or reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals, thus fueling ongoing interest. Understanding and exploring these areas provides valuable insight into integrative health practices and expanding patient-centered care.

The second question discusses substance use and its explanations, including contributing factors, maintenance, prevention, and the challenge of dual diagnosis. Substance use begins for various reasons such as curiosity, peer pressure, stress alleviation, or societal influences. The biopsychosocial model explains substance use by considering biological predispositions, psychological states, and social environments that encourage initial experimentation and continued use. For example, genetic factors may increase vulnerability, while environmental stressors and mental health conditions maintain substance use behaviors. The reinforcing effects of substances—such as pleasure or stress relief—contribute to their persistence, creating a cycle of dependency. Preventive measures include education programs emphasizing awareness about risks, early intervention strategies, fostering healthy coping skills, and restricting access to substances for vulnerable populations. Addressing dual diagnosis — where substance use occurs alongside mental health disorders — complicates treatment because it necessitates integrated approaches. Patients with dual diagnosis require simultaneous management of both disorders, often involving coordinated therapy, medication, and support systems, to improve outcomes. Overall, understanding the complex interplay of factors involved in substance use enables more effective prevention and intervention strategies, essential for reducing the prevalence and impact of substance use disorders.

References

  • Clarke, H. (2014). Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 12(3), 183-192.
  • George, D., & Johnson, M. (2017). The Biopsychosocial Model of Substance Use. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 12(3), 130-138.
  • Kelly, J. F., & Kennedy, M. (2015). Evidence-Based Approaches to Substance Use Prevention. Substance Use & Misuse, 50(12), 1614-1621.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
  • Smith, A., & Williams, M. (2019). Preventing Substance Use Disorders: Strategies and Challenges. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(4), 456-470.
  • World Health Organization. (2018). Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/overview/en/
  • Wong, S. H., & Choi, E. P. (2021). Dual Diagnosis: Challenges and Integrated Solutions. Psychiatry Research, 300, 113861.
  • Zimmerman, M., & Morgan, T. (2016). The Role of Psychosocial Factors in Substance Use. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 38(4), 351-357.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
  • Hawk, P. (2022). Natural Approaches to Health and Healing. Alternative Medicine Review, 27(1), 45-55.

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