Substance Abuse
According to the American Psychological Association (Price, 2008) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2008), at least half of an individual's overall susceptibility to drug addiction can be traced to genetic factors. Researchers estimate that genetics account for a full 75% of a person's addiction to tobacco (Price, 2008). Studies on identical twins separated at birth have led to this claim, which revolutionizes research and understanding of substance abuse. One reason for the increased likelihood of addiction may be that some people are genetically predisposed to react a certain way to certain drugs; or are simply more sensitive to drugs ("Genetics," n.d.). Genes may determine whether a person reacts positively or negatively to a drug, leading to basic behavioral responses to drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, genetics might account for differential withdrawal symptoms.
The genetics of addiction are poorly understood and highly complex, given the wide variety of addictive behaviors and the confounding variables with regard to environmental triggers...
Addiction as a Disease: Addiction is a term that has traditionally been used to refer to psychiatric syndrome that is caused by illicit drug use. Actually, addition is the only psychiatric condition whose symptoms are regarded as an illegal activity. In most cases, this term is described on the basis of drug use, which is the main focus of many research and treatment programs. Generally, drug addiction has significant negative effects
Addiction in Nursing Both alcohol and drug abuse are a serious issue plaguing the nursing profession. Drug abuse in nursing includes both illegal drugs and prescribed medications. Not only do they acquire these drugs from dealers on the streets, but also through diverting it from patient prescriptions. This paper will discuss the root causes of this serious problem. The statistics of the number of addicted nurses will be presented. Lastly, what
145)." When the drug impersonates the brain's natural stimuli, causing it to release dopamine, the brain - as is the case with methamphetamine use - will eventually recognize what is happening, in a sense, and will respond to the artificial stimuli by shutting down its dopamine releasing mechanisms (Ling, 2006, documentary film). The Grips of Addiction Like Mark's mice, the drug addict will always have a response to the precipitators in their
History Of Addiction Addiction is an age old phenomena which has existed and has been persistent over the centuries, only difference has been it being acknowledged. People have been and will always be physically dependent on a number of external stimulants that provide them with satisfaction, gratification and enjoyment but when an individual's dependency on certain activities or some of these substances becomes obsessive in a gratuitous way then it is
Substance Use and Abuse Social Effects of Psychoactive Substance Use and Abuse A psychoactive substance is any chemical that has the ability to impact the central nervous system and interfere with the way the brain functions. Stimulants (cocaine, dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine), sedatives (heroin, alcohol), and hallucinogens (psychoactive mushrooms, PCP) are some examples of psychoactive substances. Abusing psychoactive substances not only affects the user but it also impacts those who are around the user.
" (Leshner, 2001) According to the NIDA drug addiction, much like cardiovascular disease causes changes in the individual's biological make up as shown in the following chart. Addiction and Cardiovascular Disease Change Biology Source: NIDA (2007) Furthermore, the NIDA reports that recovery from drug addiction is very much like recovery from other diseases as shown in the following chart. Recovery from Diseases Source: NIDA (2007) The Interim and Final Reports of the Joint Committee of the
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