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While “addiction” is a term commonly used, the conceptualisation of addiction remains controversial even among researchers and clinicians (Merlo, Stone & Bibbey, 2013:1). There is a great debate over how to classify non-substance addictions within the diagnostic classification of mental disorder. Many have suggested that the constellation of symptoms and impairments in functioning associated with behavioral disorder are simply symptoms of other disorders and do not have enough in common to warrant their own category (Karim & Chaudhri, 2012:5). The DSM-IV-TR did not include a condition called “addiction”. It described substance abuse and substance dependence as distinct psychiatric disorder, and did not include any addiction behaviors that …show more content…
The substance use or behaviour which was originally intended for pleasurable recreation has now become compulsive driven and the act has become so deeply ingrained that the person continues to perform it in a repetitive fashion despite great and mounting negative consequences (Frances, 2010:1). Behavioral addictions share characteristics with substance and alcohol abuse and include pathological gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, compulsive buying, compulsive sexual behaviour, internet addiction, and binge eating …show more content…
It usually contains inducing and reinforcing features which may contribute to the promotion of addictive tendencies and it features all the core components of addiction (Griffiths, 1995:15). Griffiths (2000:211) states that technological addictions are a sub-set of behavioral addictions and that behavioral addictions feature the core components of addictions namely: salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict and relapse. These core components will now be expanded upon. • Mood modification (relief or euphoria) This refers to the subjective experiences that people report as a consequence of engaging in the particular activity and can be seen as a coping strategy (i.e. they experience an arousing “buzz” or a “high” or paradoxically tranquilizing feel of “escape” or “numbing”). • Withdrawal symptoms These are the unpleasant feeling states and/or physical effects that occur when the particular activity is discontinued or suddenly reduced (e.g. shakes, moodiness, irritability,
There are many different definitions in which people provide regarding addiction. May (1988) describes that addiction “is a state of compulsion, obsession, or preoccupation that enslaves a person’s will and desire” (p. 14). Individuals who suffer from addiction provide their time and energy toward other things that are not healthy and safe. The book
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.
Sally Satel, author of “Addiction Doesn’t Discriminate? Wrong,” leads us down a harrowing path of the causes and effects that lead people to addiction. It can be a choice, possibly subconscious, or a condition that leads a person left fighting a lifelong battle they did not intend to sign up for. Mental and emotional health/conditions, personality traits, attitudes, values, behaviors, choices, and perceived rewards are just a few of the supposed causes of becoming an addict.
Toates, F. (2010) ‘The nature of addictions: scientific evidence and personal accounts’ in SDK228 The science of the mind: investigating mental health, Book 3, Addictions, Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 1-30.
The term addiction can be interpreted in many ways, concering both illegal and legal substances. Not only can one become addicted to a substance, but also activities like gambling, shoplifting, and sex. Prior to considering addiction, one must first understand what constitutes a substance. Levinthal (2002) describes a drug as a chemical substance that changes the functioning of the body when ingested (4). Although illegal drugs may come to mind when hearing this definition, alcohol and tobacco fit under this criteria as well. For the purpose of this essay, controlled and regulated (licit/legal) substances will be focused upon. Alcohol is a regulated substance that can be thought of as a social drug (Levinthal, 2002, p.192) and arguably tobacco
The biopsychosocial model of addiction theorizes that crossing biological, psychological and social and systemic properties are essential features of health and
Addiction is something that may seem inevitable but at the end it’s entirely the fault of a person who is addicted. In the article by Charles Duhigg ‘the power of habit’ Angie Bachmann got addicted to gambling, it was because of her fault as she kept accepting the offers from cassino and many other reasons.. Both knew what they were doing but still Angie let herself get into the situation, and the casino encouraged it. She was a well settled housewife, when everybody used to leave the house she was all alone. One fine day, while passing through the street she took a visit to casino just for a change.
Another model of addiction is the psychological model of addiction, which claims addiction stems from mental disorders. The disorders could be disposition instabilities, mental illnesses, or coherent difficulties. It is believed that, in most cases, mental disorders and addiction occur concurrently. From recent research, most people who seek addiction treatment have another mental disorder. In this regard, personality plays an extremely vital role in the fight against addiction. Some individuals who are not strong in character may find it hard to fight addiction urges, which eventually lands them into the addicts’ bracket. The solution to this condition is to first accept one’s weaknesses. This may involve consulting a counselor who is able to help to discover one’s personality (Baker, Piper, Mccarthy, Majeskie, & Fiore, 2004).
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.
New Diagnostic guidelines redefine addiction: changes may lead to earlier interventions, better prognoses. (2012). Mind, Mood & Memory, 8(10), 6.
Main Point: What defines an addiction? According to Psychology Today, “Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance…. or engages in an activity….that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.” This can range anywhere from drug use to eating disorders, to gambling, to even texting in today’s generation. Shocking to say the least, especially when most people do not even know they are addicted or are an addict until they realize this definition.
A disease should be considered as an uncontrollable illness that can negatively impact one’s life for a consistent amount of time (Kneale, and French). Diseases are not wanted nor would one fuel the disease’s progression by continuously repeating the same behavior. Some particular diseases are genetically transmitted and are apparent at birth. An addiction, on the other hand, is the repetition of a particular behavior regardless of the consequences. If the behavior is stopped, then it is not uncommon for withdrawal symptoms to become evident. An addiction is something that is carried out through personal choice and is controllable based upon the actions that are being taken (Digilio). An addiction can be stopped at an...
Being addicted to sex, gambling, exercise, smoking, compulsive shopping, and thrill seeking create a habitual release of high levels of dopamine. The rush of dopamine reinforces a certain behavior, making it a habit. Addiction is the obsessive repeating of a habit. Addictions can manifest in dysfunction of the systems. Usually with addictions, there are overlapping addictions that replace each other. Those who are deprived of their main addiction will resort to other addictions to fulfill their release of dopamine. Overeating, drinking caffeine, and smoking are often the remedy to fulfilling the addictive void and low levels of
Addiction is medically recognized as a mental illness; wanting to involve ones self in something that is physically or psychologically infatuating can create the illusion that engaging in this activity is needed or necessary.