Three-Way Interaction Between Person And Object

Three Way Interaction Between The Person The Object Of The Addiction

Three-way interaction between the person, the object of the addiction (e.g., drugs, gambling, chocolate), and the societal context of the addiction. This complex interaction raises a controversial social question: Is addiction always a bad thing? Although there is often a significant amount of social stigma attached to addictions, and popular media often focuses on the treatment and prevention of addiction, there may also be associated positive qualities of addictive substances and behaviors. For your initial post, the class will be split into two groups. Please see below for your assigned topic group.

Last name begins with : A through L : Initial post will be written on a specific substance that has addictive potential (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, ibogaine, marijuana, ayahuasca, MDMA) of your choice. Begin your initial post by choosing either a substance or a behavior with addictive potential based on your assigned group. To create a meaningful and interesting discussion, it would behoove you to choose a substance or behavior that has not already been addressed in the discussion board. For this discussion, you must explain both the positive and negative potential of addiction to your chosen substance or behavior. Therefore, you must choose a substance or behavior that presents both positive and negative potential outcomes.

Research your substance or behavior providing at least two peer-reviewed resources to support any claims made. In your post, construct clear and concise arguments using evidence-based psychological concepts and theories to create a brief scenario or example of a situation in which your chosen addiction provides both positive and negative potential outcomes for a subject. Integrate concepts developed from different content domains to support your arguments. Evaluate and comment on the reliability and generalizability of the specific articles and research findings you have chosen to support your arguments. Explain how the APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct might be used to guide your decisions as a psychology professional if you were assigned to consult with the subject in the situation you have created.

Paper For Above instruction

The intricate three-way interaction among the individual person, the object of addiction, and societal influences offers a nuanced perspective on the nature of addiction. Rather than viewing addiction solely as a detrimental condition, this framework invites consideration of the potential positive aspects associated with certain addictive behaviors or substances. To explore this dynamic, I will examine marijuana, a widely used substance with recognized addictive potential. This analysis will discuss both its positive and negative outcomes, supported by peer-reviewed research, psychological theories, and ethical considerations.

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has garnered attention both for its medicinal benefits and potential for misuse. On the positive side, marijuana has been linked to alleviating chronic pain, reducing anxiety, and stimulating appetite in medical contexts. A peer-reviewed study by Whiting et al. (2015) conducted a comprehensive review and found evidence supporting cannabis’s efficacy in treating chronic pain conditions, which can significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from persistent pain disorders. Additionally, the euphoric and relaxing effects of marijuana can promote social bonding and reduce stress, aligning with therapeutic outcomes in certain psychological frameworks like the relaxation response theory (Benson et al., 2000). These benefits highlight the positive potentials of marijuana when used responsibly and under clinical supervision.

Conversely, marijuana use also carries negative implications. Its addictive potential, classified as a Schedule I substance in many countries, can lead to dependency and impaired cognitive functioning, particularly in adolescents and young adults (Volkow et al., 2014). Chronic use has been associated with decreased IQ, impaired memory, and lowered academic or occupational performance (Meier et al., 2012). Moreover, societal perceptions of marijuana as a "benign" substance can inadvertently foster complacency about its risks, contributing to normalization and increased usage, which may escalate into dependency in vulnerable individuals. This duality exemplifies the complex nature of marijuana’s impact, moderated by individual differences and societal attitudes.

From a psychological perspective, addiction to marijuana can be understood through the lens of operant conditioning, where positive reinforcement (euphoria, relaxation) and negative reinforcement (stress relief, avoidance of withdrawal symptoms) sustain use (Koob & Volkow, 2016). The social context, including cultural acceptance and legal status, influences the severity and prevalence of problematic use. For example, in regions where marijuana is legalized, adult use tends to increase, which can normalize consumption but also raise concerns about long-term dependency and social costs.

Professionally, an applied psychologist working with a marijuana-using client would rely on the APA’s Ethical Principles to guide decision-making. For instance, ensuring beneficence and nonmaleficence involves assessing the client’s cognitive, emotional, and social functioning to avoid harm. Respecting autonomy entails supporting the client’s informed decision-making regarding their use, whether for medical or recreational purposes, while maintaining confidentiality. Moreover, justice demands fair access to treatment and education about risks associated with marijuana use. Ethical guidelines also emphasize culturally sensitive practice, acknowledging societal attitudes and legal contexts that influence individual behavior.

Overall, marijuana exemplifies the complex interplay between positive benefits and potential harms within the framework of individual traits, societal norms, and behavioral consequences. Recognizing this duality underscores the importance of a balanced, evidence-based approach in psychological practice, policy formulation, and public health interventions. Future research should continue to delineate the conditions under which marijuana’s benefits outweigh risks, informing ethically sound and socially responsible management of its use.

References

• Benson, H., Beary, J. F., & Clipp, H. (2000). The relaxation response. In J. F. Clipp (Ed.), The Harvard Medical School guide to coping with stress (pp. 67-80). Harvard University Press.
• Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: A neurocircuitry analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 760-773.
• Meier, M. H., Caspi, A., Ambler, A., et al. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(40), E2657–E2664.
• Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.
• Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., et al. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473.