Social Factors And Addiction Essay

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In the talk, Hari elaborates on how social factors have an impact on addiction. Looking past the chemical hooks, Hari thinks that numerous social factors can “fight off” addiction and the living conditions commonly associated with it. For example, a good job, healthy relationships, and caring family are all social factors that can prevent crippling addiction. This is because of human’s necessity to create bonds during their life. For someone who can’t bond with others, they might bond with substances like drugs and alcohol. According to Hari, this is why the social environment of a drug user is key to their success in society.
2: I would say that addiction is somewhat difficult to define, but has very severe effects on the individual. Biologically, addictions can develop from the use of the reward pathway. Once an individual tries a drug, they receive a pleasurable response and a positive memory is formed. One the person has taken the drug enough, the individual may have developed a tolerance for the chemicals and enzymes produced from the drug. The body may down-regulate the amount of receptors for that drug in the body, leading to the person needing to consume more and more to experience the full effects. At this point, if there is a physical drive for the individual to consume the drug, it has transcended beyond a habit and has become an addiction …show more content…

If someone is lacking social bonds or is feeling depressed, drugs may seem to be an easy way to form a bond and bring some happiness. Other drugs called gateway drugs can lead individuals to take more “hardcore” and addicting drugs. In the case of Ohio, 75% of heroin users were previously prescribed opiates, such as painkillers. In addition to these painkillers, alcohol and marijuana are some of the most common gateway drugs. Social factors like peer pressure and personal finances may lead individuals right to gateway

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