...Causes and treatment of addiction Addiction Overview The current model to explain addiction suggests that addiction begins with the basic pleasure and reward circuits in the brain, which involve the chemical dopamine. These reward centers are designed to activate during pleasurable acts such as eating. Whenever ingesting a substance causes these reward circuits to activate, addiction and dependence is possible. However, addictive behaviors that are considered damaging or destructive have characteristics that distinguish them from normal behavior (see common characteristics of destructive addictions. Examples of common destructive addictions are alcohol intoxication, alcoholism, cocaine abuse, drug dependence and abuse, methamphetamine abuse, narcotic abuse, and substance abuse. People with addictions often cannot quit on their own. Addiction is an illness that requires treatment. Treatment may include counseling, behavioral therapies, self-help groups or medical treatment. People often assume that those with addictions should be able to quit by simply making up their minds to do so. Addiction is thought to be possible for a wide range of chemical substances. Dependence, most often related to physical symptoms, can occur for a subset of the chemicals that cause addiction. For instance, rarely an individual is prescribed a medication by a doctor for a legitimate reason (such as pain after an injury) and this can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms if this medication is stopped...
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...The Causes of Drug Addiction For many, the subject of drug use in any way whether it be the production, the exchange or the actual use is a touchy issue. Drugs such as meth, cocaine, and crack have been around for decades and drugs like heroine have been around for centuries. Drugs such as cocaine and heroin can cause major life-altering effects on a person by impairing internal organs, limiting one's abilities and skills that would make one suitable to interact with others successfully. They produce hallucinations, anger, forgetfulness and many other adverse causes. There are countless occurrences of users of hard drugs disregarding the law and committing a crime while in the pursuit of the drug of their choice or while on the drug. Drug addiction almost always leads to criminal conduct. Illegal drug use often leads to crimes such as murder, robbery, burglaries and assaults. Without a doubt drugs and criminal behavior are closely associated. “Drug offenders account for more than one-third of the growth in state prison population and more than 80 percent of the increase in the number of prison inmates since 1985.” (Dewey) In 2013, nearly 40% 0f the inmates in the United States said they committed violent crimes to support their drug habit. Surprisingly jail time alone has had little effect on the reduction of drug addiction or in promoting recovery. A large number of users who were addicted to heroin began with prescription painkillers and only substituted heroin when their...
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...Drug addiction is a serious threat to public health in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 21.6 million Americans over the age of 11 required professional treatment for substance abuse in 2011. Out of this number, 2.3 million — just over 10 percent — actually received treatment at a facility dedicated to treating addiction. These are sad statistics, and often, reading figures like this tempts people to open up discussions about how addictions are diagnosed and treated in this country, and how they are sometimes ignored. But, it might also be valuable to discuss how addictions actually develop, and the impact that addictions have on both the addict and on that addict’s community. These cause-and-effect discussions might be dire, but they might provide just the kind of spur to action that some families need in order to address a problem unfolding in their midst. How Addiction Develops how an addiction developsTo understand the root causes of addiction, it’s important to understand how the use of illicit drugs affects the brain. The brain has a natural system for identifying and reinforcing positive experiences. When a person eats a delicious meal, spends intimate time with a loved one, or curls up in a warm blanket on a cold night, the brain rewards the behavior by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. Repeating these experiences reinforces the behavior by teaching the brain to expect those pleasant sensations. Addictive...
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...Food addiction is a major leading cause in obesity during this time. Many people think that food addiction is not a big deal since it is not as harmful as drugs or alcohol, but in reality, it can be just as bad. While some people believe that fast food is the only thing leading to obesity, others may say that TV- advertisements, and the promotion of unhealthy foods is what causes addiction, leading to obesity. There is, in fact, such a thing as unhealthy food addiction. In the Article “Food addiction plays a major role in obesity epidemic” Dr. Valerie Taylor stated, “Compulsive and out of control tendency to eat plays a fundamental role in causing obesity,” This statement from Dr. Taylor proves that the tendency to eat, also known as food addiction, is a major role in leading to obesity....
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...The impact of Social Media Addiction on an Individual’s Social Life & Mental Health and the factors that causes Social Media Addiction Anku Sherpa ACADEMIC YEAR 2014 Data Driven Decision Making Stamford International University ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to understand the factors that causes Social media addiction and the impacts of Social media addiction on the social life and mental health of its users. The research will be conducted amongst users of Social media in Thailand and will highlight whether Socio Demographic factors such as age, gender, level of education and marital status influence Social media addiction. The respondents for the study will be chosen through non probability – convenience sampling and the research will focus on only quantitative approach. Lastly, the research study will also attempt to illustrate whether there is a relationship between Social media addiction and Human interaction and Mental health. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Thesis would not have been completed with the continual support of our facilitator Dr. Apitep Saekow and we would like to thank him for his continued support and guidance throughout the writing of this research study. Our sincere gratitude also towards the Stamford International University for providing us with an opportunity to conduct this research and providing us with the necessary resources through the Stamford Library. Our Special thanks also goes out to all our friends who helped us...
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...Abstract Addictions covers a range of maladaptive traits to include substance use, alcohol or behavior leading to significant impairments. There are various causes of addiction, but some theoretical frameworks indicates that addictions may have a genetic component that leads to a predisposition to develop addiction, a disease model of addiction or as the result of self-medicating of a primary disorder. This paper will take a theoretical view of the causes of addiction as well as developing a working definition of addiction. Causes of Addiction There are numerous theories regarding addiction and the causes of addiction; however, for the purpose of this paper we will discuss three areas or models of addiction as it relates to substance and alcohol related abuse. Before delving into the causes of addiction we will develop an understanding of what addiction is and what it is not by viewing a few theories and definitions of addiction. We will also develop an understanding of what constitute a diagnosis of addiction and causes one to develop an addiction in the context of genetic predisposition, disease and the prevalence of addiction among individuals with co-occurring disorders stemming from traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse. Addiction Defining addiction is not a simplistic task as there are many theories and definitions of addiction and how addiction develops. In Drugs and addiction: an Introduction to Epigenetics, Wong...
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...Study Addiction is a “primary, chronic disease, of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry”. Addiction is the uncontrollable seeking and overuse of an object. Addiction is not limited to objects; it could apply to certain activities and behaviors as well. Addiction can be classified into two types: “chemical and non-chemical”. The chemical type of addiction includes: drugs, alcohol, cigarette smoking, and the like. On the other hand, the non-chemical type of addiction includes: sex, shopping, computer, etc. We can encounter the different types of addiction if we study it. But if we talk about “addiction”, computer addiction is really similar to all other types of addiction because in computer addiction they have a common goal. This goal is to let their victims escape from their problems in real life. And the most common victims of computer addiction are the minor age. Technology has developed so much that it is almost crucial to have electronic devices particularly the personal computers at home, school, internet café, etc. Teenagers have gotten so used to have technology around them. However, while having these computers that make life easier, comfortable, and handy at most of the times, it could also have negative effects on their lives particularly in their studies when used too much. When these computers are used too much by these teenagers, they will develop a kind of addiction which is now commonly called computer addiction. Computer addiction is defined...
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...Substance Addictions Versus Process Addictions Substance Addictions Alavi et al (2012) discussed the difficulties in defining the concept of addiction but the authors believed that the core component for defining the addiction concept is “the dependence on a substance (Alavi et al, 2012).” Substance abuse is a pattern of an individual using a substance to achieve a mood altering purpose. Another reason individuals seek out substances can be due to depression or negative self-esteem, they look at the substance as a chance to escape or as a way to feel in power over their own life. Over time this can develop into a serious problem as the addiction takes hold causing the individual to require the substance more frequently and in higher dosages to achieve the same effect. Capuzzi & Stauffer (2012) felt that in focusing on the behavioral aspects that it captured the tone that addiction has a “chronic, relapsing, and compulsive nature (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012).” The cycle of abuse tends to cause the abusers to suffer a decline in their performances within the home, their job, and their role within the family. Types of Substances Capuzzi & Stauffer (2012) examined multiple substances of addiction such as “depressants, stimulants, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, and opioids (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2012).” A depressant is a substance that lowers the anxiety of the individual taking it, it promotes to the user a sense of well-being. Stimulants provide the users with...
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...Gambling Addiction The Good and Bad Of The Addiction DeVry University HOSP 440 15897 - Casino Management Dr. Warren Jahn - Professor Submitted by: Michael Phillip Bunker Date: 12/30/2012 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Foundation, Facts and Statistics, and the Psychological Rationale of Gambling Addiction 4 Foundations of Gambling Addiction 4 Facts and Statistics 4 Psychological Rationale of a Gambling Addiction 6 Causes and Effects as well as Consequences Concerning Gambling Addiction 7 Causes of Gambling Addiction 7 Effects of Gambling Addiction 8 Consequences of Gambling Addiction 9 Differences and Degrees of Gambling in Demographics, Types, and Stages Concerning Gambling 10 Gambling Addiction and Gender 10 Age of the Gambling Addict 11 The Different Types of Gamblers 11 Various Stages of Gambling Addiction 12 Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Gambling Addictions 13 Risk Factors of Gambling Addiction 13 Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction 14 Diagnosis, Treatment, and Help for Gamblers, Families, and Other Loved Ones 15 Diagnosis Pertaining to Gambling Addiction 15 Treatment for the Gambling Addiction 16 Help for Families, Friends, and Other Loved Ones 16 Conclusion 17 References 19 Introduction When we come to the idea of a gambling addiction, the behavior is known to be abnormal and the uncontrollable urge to gamble is strong. Exploration of these concepts will be in the following. First, will be the...
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...General Psychology Final Report 2/3/2009 Drug and Alcohol Addiction Many people in the world suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. There are many different causes and effects of addiction. Understanding the causes and effects of addiction can lead to treatment and or cures for them. Some people believe that nature; which refers to heredity, or the influence of inherited characteristics causes addiction. (Ciccarelli and Meyer, 2006). My theory is that nurture; which refers to the influence of the environment, plays a part in it as well. Often times it’s difficult to spot an addict. Some of the signs of being an addict are; mood, body language, and appearance. The mood of an addict can go from mean and angry, if they need a drink or drugs to calm their nerves, or they can be upbeat and very happy, if they are high on drugs or alcohol. Sometimes depending on the type of personality of the addict, they can become very depressed, even when they are high. The body language of someone that is high on drugs or alcohol is often apparent in their eyes, they are often vacant and void of the presence. Often times the eyes communicate an emptiness, loneliness or despair, such as in someone that is depressed. Sometime the pupils of the eyes are dilated, and the person can’t stay focused. (Answers.Yahoo.Com) The appearance of an addict can be an indication that they are using. They will often let their hair grow long and not comb it, or they are just unkempt looking...
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...Alcohol and Drug Addiction Liberty University Abstract This paper is a reflection of addiction in the United States and the statistics that prove addiction is a major issue within the country. Discussed in the paper will be first the primary causes of addiction and risk factors that may lead to an addiction in an individual. Going further into the problem, the cycle of addiction and how to break free of the cycle and an individual’s addiction is talked about. Since there are different drugs that can cause addiction, a breakdown of certain drugs is given. These drugs include alcohol, prescription drugs, heroin, and marijuana. Next, the side effects of drug addiction to the drugs chosen are described in depth as well as the signs that can be viewed in screening for drug addiction. Resources available to drug addiction are touched on and treatment options to explore what can be done if an individual does suffer from drug addiction. Finally, what human service professionals are doing to assist individuals who are addicted and how they can improve on training to ensure that addiction can be caught early enough to make a difference? Introduction to Drug Addiction Addiction is a chronic disease of brain reward, motivation and memory in individuals who submit to any number of different drugs available to them. Such chronic need for the drugs leads to manifestations biologically, psychologically, spiritually and even socially in any given individual (ASAM, 2014). These, however...
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...Jessica Gagne May 22, 2014 English Cause and Effect Essay The Cause and Effect of Drug Addiction What is drug addiction? Drug addiction refers to the obsessive and repeated use of dangerous amounts of drugs and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs.Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to become compulsive. Many people view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction. Drug addiction is not just an addiction it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. For this reason there are many causes of psychological and physical changes...
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...UNDERSTANDING DRUG ADDICTION Chartorieah Shinez Sanders COM/156 03/26/2012 Nicholas Delzotto Understanding Drug Addiction All over the world, people are losing their loved ones to a mind altering disease called drug addiction. If something isn’t done; the disease will continue to grow, destroy happy homes and take more young lives. Drug addiction is a severe illness that people should be taught to avoid the continuing overwhelming of the nation. First you should learn what the disease is, who is affected, what causes the disease and how we can help those that are suffering from this disease. Drug addiction has been described as a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use (What is Drug Addiction?, Section para.3). Yes, it is true that individuals have the option to refuse these mind altering substances that cause addiction and other health risks but there are several risk factors that could influence the individuals decision such as, a person’s biology but that problem drinking and problem drug use are not caused exclusively by biologic traits says Christopher Freed (2010). While biology is not completely the cause of drug addiction, some people were born into a family that has a history of drug addiction and if you combine that with peer pressure or, the feeling of wanting to fit in; your outcome will be another individual who uses or is addicted to drugs. This is one of the biggest influences on many teenagers and young...
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...sex addiction. In addition, this will discuss the addiction, sex addiction behaviors, and the treatment. What is sex addiction? Sex addiction is when an individual has strong intense sex desires. A person that’s addicted to sex has repeated sex thoughts and the sex thoughts make it impossible to function normally. The sex thoughts overpower a person wellbeing which makes it hard to engage in healthy relationships. Sex addicts suffer from distorted thinking which leads to justifying and rationalizing his or her behaviors (Herkov, 2012). In addition, some sex addicts tend to put the blame on other for his or her issues. However, individuals who are addicted to sex often deny there is a problem because of the shame and guilt. The addiction first starts in the mind. Once the addiction gets into the mind it moves to fantasy, ritual, acting out, and the big shame happens. It is the shame that keeps repeated sex behaviors and isolation. Sex addicts live a double life. The double life includes: trying to have healthy relationships with those around him or her and the sex addiction as a secret. The sex addict problem is not the sex but it is the pain he or she is facing (Miller, 2005). Once the pain is dealt with or discovered, than the sex addict will be set free. There are several causes to sex addict’s behaviors. Rejection is a big cause to sex addictions which leads to full shame and feeds the addiction even more (Miller, 2005). Some other causes include:...
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...modern day technology. With the making of new systems and new games on different video game engines everyone wants the new generation of gaming. Even personal computers are one of the most used systems for gaming. Medical officials have slowly been investigating how big video games are becoming and how individuals playing these games are starting to show signs of serious addiction problems. The modern day video games can become very addicting that it can cause individuals to neglect their families, their health, and lose their jobs. In 2011 on a divorce online survey showed that 15 percent of the divorces were due to their spouses’ addiction to video games (Whatcott, 2011). The cause of divorce is the spouse whether it be male or female are not getting the attention they want from that individual. Instead the individual would rather play a virtual reality for hours until it is time to go to bed, then wake up and do it again. Video games have become more personal than they used to be back in the old Nintendo days. They have managed to make games more competitive which is a huge cause of video game addiction. Most research suggests that massively multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft and Call of Duty tend to be the two most addicting games (Conrad, 2012). The reason these two games have caused so much chaos is because of how competitive they have made it as well as the feeling of accomplishment that an individual could not get in reality. Spouses blame the makers of...
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