The Role of Mindfulness in Decreasing Impulsivity Among Heroin-Dependent Adults Elizabeth Nelson Palo Alto University The Role of Guided Meditation in Decreasing Impulsivity Among Heroin-Dependent Adults Impulse control and decision-making, both executive functions, are believed to center in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (Bechara, Damasio, Damasio, & Anderson, 1994). Damage to this area increases deficits in decision making (Bechara et. al.,1994). Research has shown that chronic heroin use negatively impacts an individual’s ability to restrain impulses, leading to lack of planning and decreased adaptive and social cognition (Pau, Lee, & Chan, 2001). Heroin is a powerful opiate that crosses the blood-brain barrier and produces potent euphoria (Pau, Lee, & Chan, 2001). Impulse control is defined as an individual’s tendency to act on arising wishes or urges (Murphy & Mackillop, 2012). Greater mindfulness has been shown to decrease substance dependent individuals’ urge to use substances (Murphy & Mackillop, 2012). Mindfulness focuses on the emphasis on staying in the present moment, the natural impermanence of things in an individual’s environment, and the awareness of actions such as noticing what is experienced without judgment or reactive behavior (Murphy & Mackillop, 2012). Research on the implementation of mindfulness techniques and their ability to decrease impulsivity is necessary in order to examine the ways heroin-dependent adults react cognitively, behaviorally, and physiologically to external stimuli. Impulsivity in Heroin-Dependent Adults Research on the impact of chronic heroin use on executive function is scarce (Pau, Lee, & Chan, 2001). Pau, Lee, and Chan (2001) researched the impact of heroi... ... middle of paper ... ...s the participants’ entire drug and alcohol history. Some participants may miss one or more meditation groups. Participants who miss more than three groups will be eliminated from the result analysis. Participants may also omit information about current drug and alcohol use. There is always a chance of drugs or alcohol entering a treatment facility; random drug testing should be utilized. Empirical research is needed on how heroin-dependent adults can begin to improve impulse control and decision-making. Increased impulsivity increases the chances that an individual will be able to remain abstinent from heroin. If the meditation technique implemented in this study significantly improves impulse control, the results should be replicated and clinical application of meditation focusing on resisting urges should be applied in clinical settings.
According to Leshner, drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that is expressed in the form of compulsive behaviors (Leshner, 2001). He believes that drug addiction is influence by both biological, and behavioral factors, and to solve this addiction problem we need to focus on these same factors. On the other hand, Neil Levy argues that addiction is not a brain disease rather it is a behavioral disorder embedded in social context (Levy, 2013). I believe, drug addiction is a recurring brain disease that can be healed when we alter and eliminate all the factors that are reinforcing drug addiction.
A psychological assessment is defined as “the gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation that is accomplished through the use of tools such as tests, interviews, case studies, behavioral observation, and specially designed apparatuses and measurement procedures” (Cohen, Swerdlik, &Sturman, 2013). Although examiners strive toward the assessment being good enough to be useful, they sometimes have to make decisions about what type of error is acceptable. There are many psychological assessments that have been used in the study of addictions, but we will take a look at the Addiction Severity Index.
Koob, G. F., & Simon, E. J. (2009). The Neurobiology of Addiction: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going. NCBI, 115-132. Retrieved APRIL 26, 2014, from www.ncbi.nih.nlm.go/pmc/articles/PMC2901107
Lash, S. J., Timko, C, Curran, G M., McKay, J R., Burden, J L.; (Jun, 2011). Psychology of Addictive Behaviors; Vol 25(2); 238-251. Doi: 10.1037/a0022608
Silverman, K., Roll, J., & Higgins, S. (2008). Introduction to the Special Issue on the Behavior Analysis and Treatment of Drug Addiction. Journal of Applied behavior Analysis, 41(4), 471-480. Retrieved June 12, 2011, from the proquest.com.navigator-ship.passhe.edu database.
Addiction is a disease that causes many neurological effects on the brain. In fact, addiction is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference for psychiatric illnesses (DSM-5) and it affects ten percent of the population (Understanding). Most drugs release chemicals that effects the mid-brain and changes its chemical make up. Specifically, nerve cells in the brain release dopamine when humans engage in pleasurable activities, like eating good food, exercise, and sex (Understanding). This causes the person to seek out that pleasurable activity again and again (Substance Abuse). Drugs, from alcohol and marijuana to heroin, also cause the brain to release dopamine, but faster and stronger than most activities. (Mandal) With repeated use, the addict becomes accustomed to this stronger, quicker pleasure sensation and can no longer feel the milder pleases of normal activity. In this way, the brain becomes “broken,” and the addict continues to seek that good feeling only experienced with drugs (Substanc...
It’s easy to think that mindfulness is a relatively new fad, with companies like Google inviting Zen masters to launch their Mindful Lunches. Maybe we think it’s a new need in today’s fast-paced life or because of a modern desire to be more productive. Mindfulness and meditation, however, are mentioned in ancient texts such as the Bible and have been around for thousands of years.
Information about the neurological development informs how a drug addict who uses heroin repeatedly, alter the neurological circuitry for dopamine which triggers pleasure. According to the chronicity model, changes in the dopamine system which develops various emotions such as feelings of pain, depression, and desire for more of the drug. Garcia explains that although she doesn’t deal with the brain, she is interested in how the scientific understanding of addiction is perceived and personal experiences of heroin addicts. She explains that she works for community- based treatment programs that adopted the “chronic illness-care model”. She explains that she anticipates for the heroin addicts to complete the program successfully, but is fully aware that most of not able and will return. The Neuvo Dia’s executive director explains that she would like for the recovery to be a onetime thing, but understands that it’s not. Garcia explains the different problems of chronicity and how it affects the addicts. She explains that there were extremely high rates of relapse at the clinic during the year she worked as an attendant. During her shifts, she observed different
Recently, there has been hope that these disorders may be controllable to pharmacological treatments that have been able to treat other psychopathological disorders. “Pharmacological” approaches to drug abuse tend to be guided by the primary drug used by the individual, though substitution has been the guiding principle in some instances, as in the case of methadone maintenance in opioid addiction. Alternatively, aggressively and abruptly removing the effects of the primary drug being abused has been tried, as in the case of using naltrexone to treat opioid or alcohol addiction. Though reportedly successful in some instances, it is not clear that these approaches effectively control drug cravings or a return to drug use as a response to stressful life experiences. Recent experimental studies of the factors that induce craving and relapse to drug use have shown that the effects of these different events are brought about by separable neural circulation. Another finding that came from these studies is that the motivation for substance seeking induced by events that have a part in relapse are intensified by the duration and amount of pre-exposure to a drug and time passed since withdrawal of the drug. One implication of such findings is that whatever approach is taken, treatment will have to be maintained over an extended period of time after the initial removal of drug
Meditation is known as a mind and body technique, which practices awareness, and induces tranquility in order to connect the mind and the body. It is also described as “mental fasting,” implying clearing and cleansing of the mind by the absence of distractions and negative emotions. It has shown to benefit its users psychologically, physically, as well as spiritually. Meditation works by bringing about a relaxed and healthy state by physiologically and biochemically altering the body. It is characterized as a state of rest, while allowing the body to become more alert (Hanc 2012). This is accomplished through a dramatic decrease in metabolism, in turn, relaxing breathing patterns, and thus slowing activity within the nervous system. Upon completion of meditation one is more likely to show faster reactions to certain stimuli, a greater level of creativity, and a more conscious understanding and comprehension. Meditation is for self-fulfillment. There are different forms of meditation and various results that can be achieved.
A major theme that we have discussed at length is how impulsivity can drive compulsive drug use, a defining factor of addiction. We discussed how drug addiction is the transition from impulsivity that involves positive reinforcement to a compulsive disorder that involves negative reinforcement. In other words, an individual’s impulsivity may lead him/her to engage in drug use, which is positively reinforced from the pleasurable effects of the drug. However, once the addiction progresses, this impulsivity shifts to compulsivity in which the drug serves as negative reinforcement for extreme stress and discomfort that arises from a lack of the drug. The Belin article expands on this shift from impulsivity to compulsivity by demonstrating through experimentation on rats how impulsivity is a key component in the development of compulsive drug use.
The Journal of Neuroscience Dobler-Mikola, A. Gschwed, P. Gutzwiller, F. Steffen, T. Rehm, J. Uch engagen, A. Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Injectable Heroin Prescription for Refractory Opioid Addicts: a follow-up study. The Lancet, volume 358, pg. 1417-1420. Everitt, B. Robbins, T. (1999) Drug addiction: bad habits add up. Macmillian Magazines, volume 389, pg.
Substance use and abuse are major contributors to death and disability and can lead to addiction, and numerous health, social, and mental concerns. Consequences to a person’s health can include cardiovascular disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, and sexually transmitted disease. In addition to poor health outcomes and premature death, addiction can cause self-destructive behavior. The brain is made of many parts that all work together as a team and each part of the brain has a job to do. When drugs enter the brain, they can interrupt the work and actually change the way the brain performs its jobs. Individuals who engage in substance use and abuse are more prone to engage in risky behaviors, which can result in injury, sexually transmitted disease, and overdose. Among youth, alcohol and drug use can result in social and developmental problems, which can impact the quality of life during adulthood. Even a one-time drug experience could lead to accidents or disease. Because experimentation is a common motivation for adolescents to use drugs, the Healthy People 2020 prevention messages must be aimed at keeping young people from trying drugs in the first place. The prevention and treatment of substance abuse are priority measures in the Healthy People 2020 which include reducing youth illicit drug abuse and reduce drug – induced deaths, reduce average annual
There are many addictions in the world, and drug addiction is the biggest. People may experiment with the drug for many reasons. “If your drug use is causing problems in your life, then you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem”.(Lawrence Robinson pg.1) Many people start out using drugs by peer pressure or out of their own curiosity. Stress, anxiety, lows self-esteem and depression could be another factor to start using drugs. The drug takes over your body and gives you a good feeling that many people tend to enjoy. The urge to use the drug can keep increasing rapidly after the first use. The urge can become so severe that your mind can find many other ways to deny the factor of addiction. Very few drug addicts can feel and realize when they have crossed the line with drugs. A drug addicts mind can build up a very large tolerance for the drug that they start to abandon the activities they used to do on a daily basis like showering, hobbies, socializing and even being associated with family members. The person with the addiction will continue to use the drug knowing that it is harming there body, but they don’t have any remorse. A drug addict will often try to hide their problem, so they can continue to use without anyone’s input. Family and friends may try to use preaching methods or tell the user that they need to stop using the drug. This method is not ...
Mental health refers to the state of individuals psychologically, emotionally and socially. Mental health affects a person’s emotions, feelings, thoughts, and sections when exposed to different situations. Furthermore, mental health is responsible for a person’s reaction to stress and other social conditions. Generally, mental health affects how a person relates to others and their ability to understand and interact with them. Therefore, problems that affect a person’s mental health affect the abilities to socialize, their feelings, moods, reaction to situations. The person experiencing mental health problem may portray different behaviors when confronted with different issues. Mental health issues have several