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 on individuals using the drug and those around them such as family and friends. Family and friends are usually forced to watch their loved ones wilt away in illicit drug use. hile addiction has traditionally been regarded as a psychiatric condition, there are numerous debates that have emerged on whether it's a disease or merely an immoral act by a selfish individual. My standpoint is that addiction is actually a disease because of the observations I have made on how…...

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Works Cited:

Dingel, Molly J., Katrina Karkazis, and Barbara A. Koenig. "Framing Nicotine Addiction as a "Disease of the Brain": Social and Ethical Consequences." SOCIAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY 92.5 (2011): 1363-388. Print.

Goldstein, Rita Z., and Nora D. Volkow. "Drug Addiction and Its Underlying Neurobiological Basis: Neuroimaging Evidence for the Involvement of the Frontal Cortex." The American Journal of Psychiatry 159.10 (2002): 1642-652. American Psychiatric Publishing, 2002. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. .

Miller Et. Al. Principles of Addiction: Comprehensive Addictive Behaviors and Disorders. Vol. 1. Waltham, Massachusetts: Academic, 2013. Print.

RICHTER, LINDA. "Addiction a Disease like Any Other." The Washington Times [Washington, DC] 6 May 2013, sec. 2: 2. Print.

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 can be done to address this problem will be overviewed.

Nurses are on health care's front lines. Their hard work, compassion and passion are in increasing demand. Increasing healthcare costs, an increasing aged population, high unemployment and poverty levels, and a variety of other societal factors have all resulted in increasing challenges for the nursing profession and an increasing reliance on their patient care skills. Disturbingly, there are also an increasing number of nurses who have an addiction problem.

Both alcohol and…...

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References

'1 in 3' nurses battle drug addiction: Half of complaints deal with impairment. (2006 Feb 3). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from  http://www.wlwt.com/health/6695910/detail.html .

Causes of drug addiction. (2010). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/Causes-of-Drug-Addiction.html.

Copp, M. (2009, Apr 1). Drug addiction among nurses: Confronting a quiet epidemic. Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Modern+Medicine+Now/Drug-addiction-among-nurses-Confronting-a-quiet-ep/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/592623.

Dunn, D. (2005 Oct). Substance abuse among nurses: Defining the issue. AORN Journal, 82(4). pp. 572-594.

Addiction to Alcohol
ith alcohol addiction posing major health and social problems in the United States, and the family remaining the basic social unit, the effects of alcohol addiction by a family member on the functioning of that social unit is of paramount importance in understanding the degree to which alcohol addiction is disruptive to family life; understanding this may lead to better ways to mitigate the effects of addiction on at least the social components of the problem. The question was asked: hen alcohol addiction is discovered or recognized in a family member living in the household, in what ways are the family dynamics -- the interrelationships and methods of communication -- altered? Some information was also developed regarding the most likely family member to feel the effects caused by another family member's addiction. Information was obtained from two groups with long and deep experience of dealing with the social…...

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Works Cited

Beattie, Martha C. "Meta-Analysis of Social Relationships and Post-treatment Drinking Outcomes: Comparison of Relationship Structure, Function and Quality." Journal of Studies on Alcohol 62.4 (2001): 518. Questia. 14 June 2004  http://www.questia.com/ .

Bennette, Melanie E., et al. "Problem Drinking from Young Adulthood to Adulthood: Patterns, Predictors and Outcomes." Journal of Studies on Alcohol 60.5 (1999): 605. Questia. 14 June 2004

Taoism

On the other hand, Taoism teaches that people should not "strive to serve society and honor people of worth." People should be uneducated, not honor others and should be protected from material desires, which means addiction would be acceptable because people should not be affected by others

The belief that people should be uneducated is not applicable to American society. To get a good job in America, most people have to have a good education. If people were uneducated, they would not make it far. Americans usually look someone who is uneducated down upon. The belief that people should not honor others, can be applied to American Society. By not honoring others, a person is more likely to feel better about them, however it is very difficult to do. There are numerous people that are honored. This includes the President, and many other famous people. In American society, a person can…...

Therefore, aftercare often concentrates on different ways to manage stress, deal with urges, develop healthy relationships, etc.
One of the biggest issues with treating addictions is that the initial stages such as detoxification are typically successful; however, relapse rates tend to be high (McNeece & DiNitto, 2008). As mentioned above the number one reason for relapse and stress, but there are other factors that play into relapse. There has been research to suggest that many addicts are much better able to remain abstinent when they attach personal relevance to abstinence such as coming to believe that there are addictive behavior is structured to their relationships, occupation, personal goals, or freedom. However, it is still surprising many researchers in individuals at how illogical addictive behavior is in many people. For example, many addicts continue to engage in their addictive behavior despite severe consequences such as loss of family, loss of job,…...

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References

McNeece, C.A. & DiNitto, D.M. (2008). Chemical dependency: A systems approach (4th ed.).

Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Robbins L.N. & Reiger, D.N. (1991). Psychiatric disorders in America: The Epidemiologic

Catchment Area study. New York: The Free Press.

One researcher suggested that instead of seeking a strict operational definition, one should think of alcoholism as they do mountains and seasons: "you know these things when you see them" (Shaffer pp).
The most common conceptual error made by clinicians, researchers, and social-policy makers is to think that addiction resides as a latent property of an object, such as a drug or game of chance (Shaffer pp). For example, conventional wisdom refers to "addictive drugs" or "addictive gambling," however, addiction is not the product of a substance, game, or technology, though each of these things has the capacity to influence human experience (Shaffer pp). Experience is the currency of addiction, thus when a particular pattern of behavior can reliably and robustly change emotional experience, the potential for addiction emerges (Shaffer pp). Addiction is the description of a relationship between organisms and objects within their environment, it is not simply the…...

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Works Cited

Definitions of addiction on the Web."  http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&oi=defmore&q=define:addiction 

Shaffer, Howard J. "On the Nature and Meaning of Addiction." National Forum.

9/22/1999. Retrieved July 17, 2005 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

Addiction
Methadone Maintenace

Methadone

Methadone Maintenance

Methadone maintenance is essentially the use of methadone over a period of time for the treatment of individuals who are addicted to opioid drugs such as heroin. In more formal terms the central aim of methadone maintenance is defined as follows: "Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can help injection drug users (IDUs) reduce or stop injecting and return to productive lives" (METHADONE MAINTENANCE TEATMENT, 2002)

There is still however a certain degree of debate and contention about this form of treatment. The controversy around the use of methadone will be included in this overview of research and the benefits and concerns surrounding this form of treatment.

Overview: Benefits and Treatment Concerns

There are an increasing number of people addicted to drugs like heroin in the United States. It is estimated that about 980, 000 people are addicted to heroin as well as other opiates. Furthermore, it is estimated that five to ten…...

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References

Anderson I. And Kearney T. ( 2000) Use of methadone. West J. Med., 172(1), pp. 43 -- 46.

Retrieved from  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070723/ 

Chapter 8 - Looking ahead on methadone. CAMH. Retrieved from,  http://www.camh.net/Care_Treatment/Resources_clients_families_friends/Methadone_Maintenance_Treatment/mmt_clienthndbk_ch8.html 

Kleber D. ( 2008) Methadone Maintenance 4 Decades Later. JAMA. 300(19),

Addiction is something that is rarely talked about. Such reticence is not surprising since most addictions generally invite social disapproval. The linkage between addictions and social disapproval is, however, unfortunate because it prevents the addict from seeking timely help in treating what is essentially a complex illness. The absence of medical and psychological treatment, in turn, often leads to serious consequences. Indeed, this chain of events is precisely what occurred in the case of a close family friend, Bob, who was addicted to alcohol.
Bob began his journey towards alcoholism when he was just a teenager. Although he had heard about the harmful effects of alcohol, he was confident that he would be able to prevent any habit from getting out of control. This confidence, coupled with the irresistible pleasure of an alcoholic high, resulted in Bob spending many an evening with his friends knocking back beer after beer. Till this…...

Most of the time in families as the one that Jay come from, they separate making it harder for them to come together as a family in order to fix the issue. esearch does show that children of alcohol injuring individuals report a higher occurrence of emotional and school-connected difficulties.
Legal History of Jay: The parents of Jay began taking a great concern about their son right after he had an accident in the car which was two weeks after his 16th birthday. After that things went downhill for him because he got his driver's license taking away from him at that time and the later on were given a DUI charge. Jay thinks that his parents are making a big deal out of nothing and it is apparent that he is not taking this seriously at all. He makes the point that there should not be a whole lot…...

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References:

Chen, Y., Song, G., Yang, F., Zhang, S., Zhang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2012). Risk assessment and hierarchical risk management of enterprises in chemical industrial parks based on catastrophe theory. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 9(12), 4386-402.

Drewes, J., Hemming, J., Ladenburger, S.J., Schauer, J., & Sonzogni, W. (2005). An assessment of endocrine disrupting activity changes during wastewater treatment through the use of bioassays and chemical measurements. Water Environment Research, 77(1), 12-23.

Gilron, G., Archbold, J., Goldacker, S., & Downie, J. (2007). Issues related to chemical analysis, data reporting, and use: Implications for human health risk assessment of PCBs and PBDEs in fish tissue. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 13(4), 773-791.

Hill, R.A., & Sendashonga, C. (2003). General principles for risk assessment of living modified organisms: Lessons from chemical risk assessment. Environmental Biosafety Research, 2(2), 81-8.

For low-functioning addicts, the negative consequences are all over the place and clear to anyone with which the addict has a relationship. Every decision, endeavor, or feeling revolves around and is controlled by the addiction, which creates all sorts of dysfunction across all of life.
Disease or personal moral failure?

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is defined as "a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry; Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations; This is reflected in the individual pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other compulsive behaviors. The addiction is characterized by impairment in behavioral control, craving, inability to consistently abstain, and diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behaviors and interpersonal relationships. Like other chronic diseases, addiction can involve cycles of relapse and remission; Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is…...

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References

ASAM. (2011). Retrieved on March 30, 2011, from www.asam.org.

Knapp, Caroline. (1996). Drinking: A love story. New York, NY: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Stiles, Steven. (2011). Thorns in the heart. Second edition. Santa Cruz, CA: CreateSpace.

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 termed as an addiction. The contentment or happiness that was initially associated with stimulants has ceased to be the main reason of one being involved with them and it is slowly turning to the pleasures that are given by the substance or the activity becoming the life line of that person and hence ends up being a very crucial part of the person's existence and their survival (Senwor, 2010).

Different forms of addiction

Unlike the old schools of thoughts addiction is not…...

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References

Pearson Education, (2006). Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse. Retrieved February 28, 2014 from  http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/science/drug-addiction-drug-abuse-history.html 

William, W., (2010). Significant Events in the History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America. Retrieved February 28, 2014 from http://www.*****/pr/AddictionTreatment&RecoveryInAmerica.pdf

Melemis, S.M.(2014). The Genetics of Addiction. Retrieved February 28, 2014 from  http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/is-addiction-a-disease.htm 

Senwor, W., (2010). History of Addiction. Retrieved February 28, 2014 from  http://www.slideshare.net/Senwor680/history-of-addiction

Internet Addiction Disorder
Internet Addiction

Internet Addiction Disorder is a disease that has emerged in recent years and is at the time still new in terms of identification of symptom and treatment options as well. This work will research and examine information relating to the disorder illustrated in Internet usage, or over-use according to some.

Evidence of Internet Addiction Disorder

Stated symptoms of Internet Addiction are: (1) Using the online services everyday without any skipping; (2) Loosing track of time after making a connection; (3) Going out less and less; (4) Spending less and less time on meals at work or at home, eating in from of the computer monitor; (5) Denial of spending too much time online; (6) Others complaining of too much time being spent online; (7) Checking email too many times a day; (8) Thinking one has the best web site of all and pushing ones' UL upon people; (9) Logging…...

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References

Federvisch, Anne (1997) Internet Addiction 7 Aug 1997 Online available at; http://www.nurseweek.com/features/97-8/iadct.html

Addictions and Life Page: Symptoms of Internet Addiction (2005) Retrieved from the Internet 08-20-2005. http://www.addictions.org/internet.htm)

DeAngelis, Tori (2000)s Internet Addiction Real Monitor on Psychology Vol.31 No.3 2000 April. Online available at http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr00/addiction.html

Caught in the Net at Work (2000) Monitor on Psychology Vol.31, No.3 2000 April Online available at: http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr00/addiction_box.html

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. esearchers 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…...

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References

"Genes and Addiction." Retrieved online:  http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/genes/ 

"Genetics," (n.d.). Chapter 4. Retrieved online:  http://www.princeton.edu/~ota/disk1/1993/9311/931106.PDF 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (2008). Genetics: The blueprint of health and disease. Retrieved online:  http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/topics-in-brief/genetics-addiction 

Price, M. (2008). Genes matter in addiction. American Psychological Association. Retrieved online: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict.aspx

D., Sayers, and Pearson)
In addition to this myriad of theories purporting answers to addictions, the following two approaches are also used.

Environmental Approaches to preventing substance abuse, particularly with includes education, but primarily focuses on changing the environment(s) of the addicted individual.

A www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=22336&topicid=1006&catid=15"The ehavioral Approach, especially with youth, reportedly proves effective in preventing substance abuse. (Addiction)

etter Understandings to attain a better understanding in the field of addiction, sociological research, as well as, a number of other disciplines in the social sciences could prove beneficial. Determining which one would be best, albeit, would be similar to asking an addict which drug or activity is best, in that in both cases, the answer would depend on the individual, the need, the circumstances, as well as, a number of other relevant components. What can be affirmatively answered, albeit, is that many in society currently concur that addiction constitutes: "a species of madness." (Columbia) in…...

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Bibliography

Advanced Pain Treatment and Diagnostic Group. (2003). 15 April 2008 http://www.advancedpaintreatment.com/types.asp.

Addiction. (2008). Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 15 April 2008  http://www.rwjf.org/pr/productlist.jsp?topicid=1006&catid=15 .

The Columbia World of Quotations. New York: Columbia University Press, 1996. 15 April 2008  http://www.bartleby.com/66/34/12934.html 

Drug-Impaired Driving by Youth Remains Serious Problem." National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA; October 29, 2007. 15 April 2008  http://www.nida.nih.gov/newsroom/07/NR1029.html .

Abstract Addictions come in various formats and types. Today, drug and substance abuse has been identified as some of the most prevalent forms of addiction – with most of those affected being the youth. In essence, the future of the world, and more specifically the future of our nation, is largely founded on the sobriety and ability of those in the youthful age bracket to effectively function (both mentally and physically) in an increasingly complex and dynamic world. Drug and substance addiction could cause significant impairments at a personal level. The impact of drug and substance abuse on social systems is even greater – with drug abuse and addiction being linked to increased crime rates, child neglect, increased burden on the healthcare system, etc. My review of existing literature reveals that although various strategies have been adopted in an attempt to reign in the concern of drug and substance addiction, the…...

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References

Bowen, S., Witkiewitz, K., Clifasefi, S.L., Grow, J., Chawla, N., Hsu, S., Carroll, H.A. …Larimer, M.E. (2014). Relative Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Standard Relapse Prevention, and Treatment as Usual for Substance Use Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 71(5), 547-556.

Engel, K., Schaefer, M., Stickel, A., Binder, H., Heinz, A. & Richter, C. (2016). The Role of Psychological Distress in Relapse Prevention of Alcohol Addiction: Can High Scores on the SCL-90-R Predict Alcohol Relapse? Alcohol and Alcoholism, 51(1), 27-31.

Mohammadpoorasl, A., Fakhari, A., Akbari, H., Karimi, F., Bostanabad, M.A., Rostami, F. & Hajizadeh, M. (2012). Addiction Relapse and Its Predictors: A Prospective Study. J Addict Res Ther., 3(1), 122-126.

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Writing an essay about drug abuse, it is important to start by distinguishing it from drug usage. Most people use some type of drugs casually or recreationally.  Whether it is a morning caffeine fix, a glass of wine with dinner, over-the-counter painkillers when a headache strikes, or some recreational marijuana, substances are a part of everyday life.  While using drugs may be an acceptable way to relax, to ease pain, or to handle other issues, drug abuse can have profoundly negative effects on a person’s life.

Unfortunately, there is not a bright-line between drug use and drug abuse. ....

Electronic medical records, which refer to medical records that are not only stored in electronic systems (which includes almost all medical records in the modern world, with the exception of some medical records maintained in non-industrialized nations), but that are accessible to multiple healthcare providers across different platforms.  The question is whether these records are able to improve quality of care by allowing healthcare providers to get a full picture of a patient’s medical history, as well as any presenting concerns or issues, as soon as the patient presents for medical treatment.  It would seem like the....