Addiction Is A Disease Research Paper
Professor Lukas
English 1A
29 July 2013 Addiction Is a Disease Literature throughout history has consistently illustrated one undeniable downfall to the human race: temptation. Whether is comes in the form of a beautiful women or a bottle of wine, the power these temptations have over the brain is overwhelming. In today’s society, the idea of persuasion through temptation has been employed excessively: companies use flashy dresses, exotic locations, and sexual innuendos to attract the attention of the buyers. The connotations of these items can convince a buyer to pursue this portrayed lifestyle, whether that means attending a new clue, buying a specific brand of alcohol, or …show more content…
even trying a new drug.
If the product lives up to the expectations, the buyer will almost always continue to buy, creating a pattern in behavior. In the world of drug addiction, this temptation leads to use and abuse of drugs: the more they use the product, the more likely it is that they will re-use. As this pattern in behavior spirals out of control, so does the user’s grasp on reality. However, the question becomes where the line is drawn between simple allure of temptation and physical addiction. An extreme controversy in the medical field has arisen over the debate between what defines addiction and the breath of the term. While it is clear that people make a conscious choice to do the drugs, scientists have struggles to prove the amount of control users have over their addictions after they develop this pattern of behavior. Many people have developed the notion that drug addiction is purely a sign of a weak
mind as opposed to a medical disease; however, drug addiction is a serious disease with chemical, physical, biological and psychological factors. One of the first steps to determining whether or not drug addiction is a disease is to define these terms. Addiction is a subject that has been studied for years by psychologists and medical researchers. While it originates as a conscious decision, an imbalance eventually takes place and alters the chemicals within the brain, rendering the body helpless to the effect. “Recent research has confirmed that addiction is a genetic, biological brain disease. In fact, addiction is called a ‘primary disease’ because it is not cause by anything else and must be treated first before any other issues are going to improve,” (“Causes of Addiction). Before disease was a commonly used term, society was prejudiced against people with disorders, especially in the psychological realm (Dodes). This increased the judgment passed on people with diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and even addiction; however, claiming “I’m ill” became people’s first resort when dealing with psychological problems, leading to a society numb to the word “disease.” In our world today, the word is used so commonly that most people are unaware of the true definition. According to Biology-Online.org, a disease is an abnormal condition which interrupts the normal bodily functions that often leads to feelings of pain and weakness, usually associated with symptoms and signs (“disease”). Using this definition, addiction is clearly classified as a disease. Not only do addicts suffer from feeling different than everyone else, but they experience constant weakness and physical dependency. As you can see, this definition proves that addiction fits into the category of a physical disease and not only a weakness of the mind. Some of the most crucial evidence in showing addiction to be a disease comes from studies on the chemical imbalances within the brain during physical addiction. An example of a physically addictive drug is Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth. Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, natural neurotransmitters that produce feelings of elation and positivity; meanwhile, it blocks the receptors for these neurotransmitters to refill. As the release of these neurotransmitters is increased and the receptors remain blocked, a “high” is experienced from the overflow of dopamine in the brain. However, after repetitive use of meth, the receptors become unresponsive to the dopamine and begin to close up, causing an extreme lack of production. This causes withdrawals, extreme changed in emotion, and even depression, leading the user to continue use and become addicted in order to return their dopamine levels back to normal (“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine”). This cycle is common in addiction: the drugs work as a replacement for natural neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, decreasing the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis within the brain. As you can see, these types of drug addictions are physically affecting the body and mind, rendering the user helpless to these chemical imbalances. In addition to chemical effects, evidence shows that drug addiction is a serious illness by explaining how the body suffers many physical effects as well. Many addicts suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness, weight fluctuations, increased blood pressure, irritability, paranoia, and violent behavior. Methamphetamine also has many unique side effects. For example, insomnia, hypothermia, convulsions, respiratory problems, decreased appetite, tremors, and even strokes (“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine”). These types of effects only occur once the body has become dependent and often can last much longer than the actual dependency, after the addict stops using. These side effects mirror those of well-accepted chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. While these are commonly known as diseases and have the same side effects as drug addiction, people still question the validity of drug addiction as a disease. However, when looking at the parallels between these diseases, drug addiction clearly is in the same category and comes with the same repercussions. Another factor in determining the validity of drug addiction as a disease is the genetic aspect. In the article “Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction,” The National Institute of Drug Abuse notes “The genes that people are born with –in combination with environmental influences- account for about half of their addiction vulnerability,” showing that someone with addiction in their genes is more likely to become addicted once experimenting with drugs. For instance, if Billy’s father had a drug addiction, Billy would be highly susceptible to developing his own addiction during his life. The specific substance to which he becomes addicted is dependent on his exposure during his life, not particularly his fathers’ substance of choice. The Dopamine Dialogue states “If you have a genetic family history of addiction, you have a 50-80% chance of developing the disease yourself (depending on if you are male or female),” (“Causes of Addiction”). In addition, twin studies conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse found that identical twins are more likely to both develop an addiction that fraternal twins (“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction”). While no disease is attributed solely to genetics, they can play an integral role in the development of drug addiction, which clearly shows that it isn’t a matter of a “weak mind.” Not only does drug addiction take a physical and chemical toll on the body, but to prove addiction as a disease many studies have been done to test the psychological damage done in the brain as well. Just like many other diseases, the psyche is affected in various ways: feelings of helplessness, guilt, shame, sadness, and anger are common in drug addiction. These feelings mimic those of people with diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. For instance, a victim of diabetes become distressed, dysfunctional, and feels deviant from society because of the way they have to eat due to their lack of insulin. These three “D’s” are the signs used in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose psychological diseases (Huffman 496-7). Likewise, a person suffering from addiction experiences these same feelings of sadness, helplessness and anger. The only difference between these two diseases is the stigma that surrounds them: people with addiction suffer from additional scrutiny because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of drug addiction within society. People argue that addiction is not a disease because they believe addicts can choose to change their behavior. These beliefs can lead to extreme judgments of those suffering from addiction, resulting in guilt. Addicts get the notion that they are weak-minded and should be able to overcome their disease, when it has been proven that addiction is not simply mind over matter. Researchers from the National Institute of Drug Abuse have published the knowledge that “drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so,” (“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction”). Like any disease, addiction is neither a choice nor a mindset: it is an imbalance within the brain and needs medical attention and psychological support in order for the addict to conquer this disease. When considering the evidence, it is undeniable that addiction is a disease. Today’s society confuses addiction with pure lack of willpower to deny temptations; however, the roots of addiction are much deeper and have much more serious consequences. As with any disease, addicts suffer from sundry symptoms: chemical changes within the body and brain such as altered levels of dopamine; physical changes in behavior such as shakiness and weight loss; and psychological changes that can traumatize the psyche for a lifetime. In addition, the genetic factor to addiction proves that it is rooted much deeper than simply a weak mind. Many fail to grasp these aspects that make addiction such a struggle to overcome. Addiction is constantly viewed as a moral issue, a weakness, a lack of intelligence, or a response to trauma. But there is a distinct line between simply falling victim to temptation and developing an addiction. Being tempted into trying a new drug for the first time is a decision; becoming addicted to the drug is a combination of genetic, biological, chemical, and psychological factors pulling the user in, regardless of their choice to stop. Ultimately, addiction is a dangerous disease, and without the understanding and support from society, the battle addicts suffer will never end.
Works Cited
Cardwell, Roberta. Email Interview. 28 July 2013. “Causes of Addiction.” Dopamine Dialogue. Wordpress, 1 July 2013. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://dopaminedialogue.wordpress.com/links/>.
“Disease.” Biology Online. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/ Disease>.
Dodes, Lance, M.D. “The Heart of Addiction: Is Addiction Really a Disease?” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 17 Dec. 2011. Web. 20 July 2013. <http:// www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-heart-addiction/201112/is-addiction-really-disease>.
“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine.” National Institute of Drug Abuse. Mar. 2010. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine>.
Huffman, Karen. Psychology in Action. 10th ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2012. Print.
McCauley, Kevin T., Dr. Addiction. Institute for Addiction. Print
Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2004. Print.
“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction.” National Institute of Drug Abuse. Nov. 2012. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction>.
English 1A
29 July 2013 Addiction Is a Disease Literature throughout history has consistently illustrated one undeniable downfall to the human race: temptation. Whether is comes in the form of a beautiful women or a bottle of wine, the power these temptations have over the brain is overwhelming. In today’s society, the idea of persuasion through temptation has been employed excessively: companies use flashy dresses, exotic locations, and sexual innuendos to attract the attention of the buyers. The connotations of these items can convince a buyer to pursue this portrayed lifestyle, whether that means attending a new clue, buying a specific brand of alcohol, or …show more content…
even trying a new drug.
If the product lives up to the expectations, the buyer will almost always continue to buy, creating a pattern in behavior. In the world of drug addiction, this temptation leads to use and abuse of drugs: the more they use the product, the more likely it is that they will re-use. As this pattern in behavior spirals out of control, so does the user’s grasp on reality. However, the question becomes where the line is drawn between simple allure of temptation and physical addiction. An extreme controversy in the medical field has arisen over the debate between what defines addiction and the breath of the term. While it is clear that people make a conscious choice to do the drugs, scientists have struggles to prove the amount of control users have over their addictions after they develop this pattern of behavior. Many people have developed the notion that drug addiction is purely a sign of a weak
mind as opposed to a medical disease; however, drug addiction is a serious disease with chemical, physical, biological and psychological factors. One of the first steps to determining whether or not drug addiction is a disease is to define these terms. Addiction is a subject that has been studied for years by psychologists and medical researchers. While it originates as a conscious decision, an imbalance eventually takes place and alters the chemicals within the brain, rendering the body helpless to the effect. “Recent research has confirmed that addiction is a genetic, biological brain disease. In fact, addiction is called a ‘primary disease’ because it is not cause by anything else and must be treated first before any other issues are going to improve,” (“Causes of Addiction). Before disease was a commonly used term, society was prejudiced against people with disorders, especially in the psychological realm (Dodes). This increased the judgment passed on people with diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and even addiction; however, claiming “I’m ill” became people’s first resort when dealing with psychological problems, leading to a society numb to the word “disease.” In our world today, the word is used so commonly that most people are unaware of the true definition. According to Biology-Online.org, a disease is an abnormal condition which interrupts the normal bodily functions that often leads to feelings of pain and weakness, usually associated with symptoms and signs (“disease”). Using this definition, addiction is clearly classified as a disease. Not only do addicts suffer from feeling different than everyone else, but they experience constant weakness and physical dependency. As you can see, this definition proves that addiction fits into the category of a physical disease and not only a weakness of the mind. Some of the most crucial evidence in showing addiction to be a disease comes from studies on the chemical imbalances within the brain during physical addiction. An example of a physically addictive drug is Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth. Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, natural neurotransmitters that produce feelings of elation and positivity; meanwhile, it blocks the receptors for these neurotransmitters to refill. As the release of these neurotransmitters is increased and the receptors remain blocked, a “high” is experienced from the overflow of dopamine in the brain. However, after repetitive use of meth, the receptors become unresponsive to the dopamine and begin to close up, causing an extreme lack of production. This causes withdrawals, extreme changed in emotion, and even depression, leading the user to continue use and become addicted in order to return their dopamine levels back to normal (“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine”). This cycle is common in addiction: the drugs work as a replacement for natural neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, decreasing the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis within the brain. As you can see, these types of drug addictions are physically affecting the body and mind, rendering the user helpless to these chemical imbalances. In addition to chemical effects, evidence shows that drug addiction is a serious illness by explaining how the body suffers many physical effects as well. Many addicts suffer from symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness, weight fluctuations, increased blood pressure, irritability, paranoia, and violent behavior. Methamphetamine also has many unique side effects. For example, insomnia, hypothermia, convulsions, respiratory problems, decreased appetite, tremors, and even strokes (“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine”). These types of effects only occur once the body has become dependent and often can last much longer than the actual dependency, after the addict stops using. These side effects mirror those of well-accepted chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. While these are commonly known as diseases and have the same side effects as drug addiction, people still question the validity of drug addiction as a disease. However, when looking at the parallels between these diseases, drug addiction clearly is in the same category and comes with the same repercussions. Another factor in determining the validity of drug addiction as a disease is the genetic aspect. In the article “Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction,” The National Institute of Drug Abuse notes “The genes that people are born with –in combination with environmental influences- account for about half of their addiction vulnerability,” showing that someone with addiction in their genes is more likely to become addicted once experimenting with drugs. For instance, if Billy’s father had a drug addiction, Billy would be highly susceptible to developing his own addiction during his life. The specific substance to which he becomes addicted is dependent on his exposure during his life, not particularly his fathers’ substance of choice. The Dopamine Dialogue states “If you have a genetic family history of addiction, you have a 50-80% chance of developing the disease yourself (depending on if you are male or female),” (“Causes of Addiction”). In addition, twin studies conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse found that identical twins are more likely to both develop an addiction that fraternal twins (“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction”). While no disease is attributed solely to genetics, they can play an integral role in the development of drug addiction, which clearly shows that it isn’t a matter of a “weak mind.” Not only does drug addiction take a physical and chemical toll on the body, but to prove addiction as a disease many studies have been done to test the psychological damage done in the brain as well. Just like many other diseases, the psyche is affected in various ways: feelings of helplessness, guilt, shame, sadness, and anger are common in drug addiction. These feelings mimic those of people with diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. For instance, a victim of diabetes become distressed, dysfunctional, and feels deviant from society because of the way they have to eat due to their lack of insulin. These three “D’s” are the signs used in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose psychological diseases (Huffman 496-7). Likewise, a person suffering from addiction experiences these same feelings of sadness, helplessness and anger. The only difference between these two diseases is the stigma that surrounds them: people with addiction suffer from additional scrutiny because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of drug addiction within society. People argue that addiction is not a disease because they believe addicts can choose to change their behavior. These beliefs can lead to extreme judgments of those suffering from addiction, resulting in guilt. Addicts get the notion that they are weak-minded and should be able to overcome their disease, when it has been proven that addiction is not simply mind over matter. Researchers from the National Institute of Drug Abuse have published the knowledge that “drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even for those who are ready to do so,” (“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction”). Like any disease, addiction is neither a choice nor a mindset: it is an imbalance within the brain and needs medical attention and psychological support in order for the addict to conquer this disease. When considering the evidence, it is undeniable that addiction is a disease. Today’s society confuses addiction with pure lack of willpower to deny temptations; however, the roots of addiction are much deeper and have much more serious consequences. As with any disease, addicts suffer from sundry symptoms: chemical changes within the body and brain such as altered levels of dopamine; physical changes in behavior such as shakiness and weight loss; and psychological changes that can traumatize the psyche for a lifetime. In addition, the genetic factor to addiction proves that it is rooted much deeper than simply a weak mind. Many fail to grasp these aspects that make addiction such a struggle to overcome. Addiction is constantly viewed as a moral issue, a weakness, a lack of intelligence, or a response to trauma. But there is a distinct line between simply falling victim to temptation and developing an addiction. Being tempted into trying a new drug for the first time is a decision; becoming addicted to the drug is a combination of genetic, biological, chemical, and psychological factors pulling the user in, regardless of their choice to stop. Ultimately, addiction is a dangerous disease, and without the understanding and support from society, the battle addicts suffer will never end.
Works Cited
Cardwell, Roberta. Email Interview. 28 July 2013. “Causes of Addiction.” Dopamine Dialogue. Wordpress, 1 July 2013. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://dopaminedialogue.wordpress.com/links/>.
“Disease.” Biology Online. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/ Disease>.
Dodes, Lance, M.D. “The Heart of Addiction: Is Addiction Really a Disease?” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 17 Dec. 2011. Web. 20 July 2013. <http:// www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-heart-addiction/201112/is-addiction-really-disease>.
“DrugFacts: Methamphetamine.” National Institute of Drug Abuse. Mar. 2010. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine>.
Huffman, Karen. Psychology in Action. 10th ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2012. Print.
McCauley, Kevin T., Dr. Addiction. Institute for Addiction. Print
Physical and Psychological Effects of Substance Use. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2004. Print.
“Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction.” National Institute of Drug Abuse. Nov. 2012. Web. 20 July 2013. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction>.