The Impact On Substance Dependence
Edward Hall
Substance dependence is defined as a dysfunctional pattern of substance use and abuse. This leads to a clinical significant tolerance or distress. People who suffer from substance dependence are incapable to stop or decrease the use of the drug/substance they are taking; therefore they become dependent on whatever substance it is they are doing. Substance dependence is more of a physical dependence as well; signs of tolerance and withdrawal distinguish it.
“Mental dependence is when use of a substance is a conditioned response to an event or fueling. These are known as ‘triggers’.” Triggers could be emotional things such as the atmosphere or people that influence the behavior. When
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“Behavior is learned from the environment through the process of observational learning.”- Albert Bandura. Albert Bandura’s social learning theory happens merely through observing other individuals or through direct instruction (such as peer pressures).
Substance dependence could be a learned behavior, and that is what social learning theory suggests. Because if the individual sees others experiencing happiness from a substance, they will want to do it as well. What they have learned is that the substance causes delight and euphoria, not knowing what the symptoms or dangers of it will cause down the road.
Some of the emotional symptoms that occur on substance dependency can be depression and anxiety, as the most common symptom. As the level and combination of drugs increase, the more the individual will depend on the substance to get through daily
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This leads to a clinical significant tolerance or distress. People who suffer from substance dependence are incapable to stop or decrease the use of the drug/substance they are taking; therefore they become dependent on whatever substance it is they are doing. Substance dependence is more of a physical dependence as well; signs of tolerance and withdrawal distinguish it.
“Mental dependence is when use of a substance is a conditioned response to an event or fueling. These are known as ‘triggers’.” Triggers could be emotional things such as the atmosphere or people that influence the behavior. When a person remains or lingers on the thought of using alcohol, drugs or some other type of substance, despite all the obstacles and complications it put them through, they are diagnosed with substance dependence. Substance dependence causes an ample amount of desolation and distress.
There are many causes as to why substance dependence occurs. Most of the time it takes place due to peer pressure, boredom, a way to deal with stress or discomfort, financial worries, the list could go on. The most common reason or justification is because of the loss of a loved one. The second highest cause is peer pressure; People in general are very easily influenced to do many things by
Generally speaking, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) references substance dependence (in this case, alcohol) as a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms that shows that the person is continuing use of the substance even with adverse effects on the individual’s life. Specifically, for a person to be diagnosed with substance dependence they must show at least three of the following symptoms; tolerance, withdrawal, substance being taken in larger amounts of over a longer period of time than intended, an unsuccessful desire or effort to control the use of the substance, there is a great deal of time devoted to the drug, important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced due to the substance, and the individual continues use of the substance even with the knowledge that the substance is causing physical or psychological problems (APA, 2000).
In 1977, Psychologist Albert Bandura adopted the Social Learning Theory making it an influential and important theory. Bandura believed that direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning capabilities. Bandura argued that individuals could learn new information and behavior by watching other individuals and the type of leanings can be explained by a wide variety of behaviors. This theory acknowledges that just because something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in a change in behavior. However, the influence from others can cause a change in
Addiction may be defined as the chronic use of drugs alongside the problems resulting from their use. Despite the person being aware of the consequences of using the drug, he continues to use it. If not attended to, addiction may cause serious social problems and even death (Hanson et al. 36). In order to address drug addiction, it is vital to understand addiction itself and where it stems from.
Addiction is defined simply as a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as drugs) or do something like gambling (Addiction, 2016). Addiction can be crippling and can control all aspects of your life to the point of not being able to function as a productive member of society. Addicts can have a life long struggle, even once sober, or clean, from the addiction.
George F. Koob defines addiction as a compulsion to take a drug without control over the intake and a chronic relapse disorder (1). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association defined "substance dependence" as a syndrome basically equivalent to addiction, and the diagnostic criteria used to describe the symptoms of substance dependence to a large extent define compulsion and loss of control of drug intake (1). Considering drug addiction as a disorder implies that there are some biological factors as well as social factors.
Alcohol Dependence is a disease characterized by: a strong need or compulsion to drink, the frequent inability to stop drinking once a person has begun, the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, shakiness) when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking, and the need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel an affect. Most experts agree that alcoholism is a disease just as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis are diseases. Like these other diseases, alcoholism tends to run in the family. Drinking alcohol is not the only factor that leads to alcoholism, it is a chronic disease that leaves an everlasting effect on the person's life and his family.
Drug addiction is more complicated than medicine thought in previous years. It’s not because someone is weak or unable to control themselves. They are chemical such a dopamine in the human body that makes the process difficult. The brain works in a neuropath way and drug interrupt the normal process which stops the frontal lobe to work as it should. Treatment isn’t done right and patients tend to repeat their habit after they get out of rehab. Psychological treatment is not as effective as chemical injection for dopamine to reward the brain. However, even after the treatment is complete, it will be a life struggle to stay away from drugs since the brain will always look for a simpler way to reward itself.
Addiction is a condition that develops from a simple immoral act or increased dependency on drugs for normal functioning of the body. While it has traditionally been considered as a condition brought by behavioral problems, addiction is a disease of the brain as evident in the findings in neuroscience, genetics, and biological studies. The condition is a disease because of the significant effects it has on the structure and function of the brain.
These individuals devote themselves completely to certain substance that allows them to forget about their reality and leads them into a world of ecstasy, one which they are unable to reach without it. Continuously, their addiction takes over their lives and turns them into "slaves" of the substance causing their lives to fall apart and eventually leads to being homeless, in jail, or dead. However, there are other forms of addiction whether is a mild addiction and not as severe as drugs or alcohol but it still falls under its definition. Some examples of addictions that we do not notice are pornography, internet, television, eating, entertainment, and money. Most of these examples have their own negative aspects. Also, others might have a dependency on unhealthy eating habits which eventually leads to their bodies suffering from a broad range of medical conditions. Others also tend to create a dependency on shopping and spending money on unnecessary materials. Lastly, some individuals also have bad habits that involve constant lying and deceiving. All of these examples are just a few of the things that fall under the umbrella of what an addiction truly is and each has a negative connotation to it. Yes, some might disagree with certain examples given but truth is we each have our own addictions we just try to hide them and point out the addictions of others instead of helping
There are many assumptions of why an individual may use different substances and perhaps go from a “social” user to becoming addicted. Understanding the different theories models of addiction many help in the process of treatment for the addict. Although people in general vary in their own ideologies of addiction when working as a clinician one must set aside their own person beliefs. Typically as a clinician it is best for the client to define how they view their addiction and their view may encompass more than one of the five theories. Some theories suggest genetic and other biological factors whiles others emphasize personality or social factors. In this study three theories are defined and given to three different people with different cultural backgrounds, different ideologies, different experiences, and most importantly different reference point of addiction.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug and substance use. Despite its harmful consequences to the human body, addicts continue to seek for more drugs to keep their systems active. Millions of people abuse drugs and substances in the world today. As a result of substance abuse, addicts can easily lose control of their actions. Addiction is a long-lasting brain illness that disrupts the normal body functioning. It holds the brain hostage.
Social Learning Theory- is learned by observing others in social situations, especially the family and the media, and by perceiving the benefits or rewards to the behavior (Isaacs, 2000).
Within this theory, a person who observes others doing drugs will more likely become addicted to them. When we observe addictive behaviors such as drinking or drug use, we, as humans, may want to copy their actions (Horvath, Misra, Epner, & Morgan Cooper, 2015). With this theory, the psychological and sociological effects come into play, with the reinforcement and punishment, or operant conditioning. An example given by Mosher and Akins is as follows; someone who is smoking marijuana may get reinforcement by their friends while the effects of the drug is negative
Furthermore, mental illness and drug addiction are conditions that often occur together. This is a person who has two brain disorders that influence one another, and which both need treatment. Some say that certain drugs may actually cause mental illness in individuals with a weak genetic profile (Genetic Science Learning Center, 2011).With that being said, symptoms may get worse, but drugs do not necessarily cause mental illness. Some people may begin using drugs of abuse as a form of self-medication. For instance, drugs of abuse may temporarily relieve some of the symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, or depression, but the problems will still exist. Therefore, the form of self-medicating when using drugs can lead to harmful effects in a person’s mental health. People who have been undiagnosed may also suffer from serious mental disorders. So they may take drugs to relieve their symptom which is known as self-me...
Alcohol dependence is when you use alcohol consistently for a period of time, and your body changes as a result. This can make it hard to stop drinking because you may start to feel sick or feel different when you