Drug Addiction
Young Hover
Professor Olia
PSYC 101
October 29, 2008
Drug Addiction
Growing up in a household with my parents fading in and out of our lives, just like a loose light bulb would flicker, could be part of the reason why my brother is addicted to drugs. Constantly arguing at each other over what I thought at the time were the littlest things in life, I believe led to a younger brother choosing the wrong path to tranquility. My younger brother is 32 years old and has had a drug problem for at least the last 10 to 12 years. It started out with just drinking at parties and progressed to drugs. His problem has escalated to the point that he does not pay his bills and barely keeps a job. He has been arrested more than once on a drug related charge and is now awaiting a hearing. I am very worried about him because even after being arrested and spending several days in jail, he still chooses to be involved with drugs. Up to this point, either my parents or I have always been there to bail him out financially or otherwise, but I have finally decided that until he makes the choice to straighten himself out, I can no longer offer any support to him. I have tried to convince him to get help, but he is always quick to tell me that he agrees with me and is going to stop on his own.
The only problem with that is he is addicted to drugs now. Being addicted means compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for the initial decision to take drugs was voluntary, over time the changes in his brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect his self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to continue taking drugs. I always wondered why he would not stop using these harmful drugs. A research study
Professor Olia
PSYC 101
October 29, 2008
Drug Addiction
Growing up in a household with my parents fading in and out of our lives, just like a loose light bulb would flicker, could be part of the reason why my brother is addicted to drugs. Constantly arguing at each other over what I thought at the time were the littlest things in life, I believe led to a younger brother choosing the wrong path to tranquility. My younger brother is 32 years old and has had a drug problem for at least the last 10 to 12 years. It started out with just drinking at parties and progressed to drugs. His problem has escalated to the point that he does not pay his bills and barely keeps a job. He has been arrested more than once on a drug related charge and is now awaiting a hearing. I am very worried about him because even after being arrested and spending several days in jail, he still chooses to be involved with drugs. Up to this point, either my parents or I have always been there to bail him out financially or otherwise, but I have finally decided that until he makes the choice to straighten himself out, I can no longer offer any support to him. I have tried to convince him to get help, but he is always quick to tell me that he agrees with me and is going to stop on his own.
The only problem with that is he is addicted to drugs now. Being addicted means compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain. Although it is true that for the initial decision to take drugs was voluntary, over time the changes in his brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect his self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to continue taking drugs. I always wondered why he would not stop using these harmful drugs. A research study