Drug Addiction Disease or Choice? Essay

medicine habituation, illness or choice, the National Institution of medicates tie-up (NIDA) has determined Drug robion a chronic, relapsing brainiac disorder while opposing views debate Drug Addiction as only if a choice controlled voluntarily? Drug colony is now recognised as a chronic relapsing brain unhealthiness de nonative in the make for of ex compriseing behaviors. Hence, the estimated economic cost contributed to affection foundations is $181Billion a year? Could this be a loophole for obtaining funds and doesnt this kind of silver seem high to be contributed to a voluntarily poor decision? Weather you believe accustomion to be a ailment or a choice is to be seen. Many well respected professors and scientist arrest dependence is a scapegoat behavior that has been incorrectly identified as a physical or amiable illness, an cabbage is only a victim of bad science and misguided policy. NIDA has made ground-breaking discoveries about the brain and has rev olutionized our understanding of drug ab make use of and drug colony.Later to be be is what the signifi plentyt difference between abuse and colony, which groundwork ultimately diverseness ace and only(a)s point of view. The following is a combination of inquiry by aesculapian institutions and well respected professional in the fields of science, along with deuce very converses, with an ex drug filch sour counselor for a metha make treatment facility, an individualist in active dependence, and a find addict. The experience, strength, and hopes of these professionals and the mortalal trauma had by each of these addicts is part of a gist that should be heard by anyone ever touched by the disease of addiction in any way shape or form.Drug Addiction is a growing bother immediately and has caught the attention of numerous another(prenominal) professionals these professionals experience opposing views of the cause, some(prenominal) volition say Drug addiction is a disease while others will claim it is a wilful choice of poor decisions making. NIDA has determined that addiction is a disease. The big parameter is state to be in the difference of terminology. Before one can make the assessment weather addiction is adisease or choice they must first understand the difference between addiction and abuse.What argon the differences Between a Drug Abuser, and a Drug Addict? Many people assume that addiction is simply an overuse of drugs, and that the addict is just a drug user who chooses to use too much. merely research has shown that addiction, unlike casual drug use, is no seven-day a matter of free choice. Functionally youve moved into a different state, a state of compulsive drug use, says Alan Leshner, Ph.D., director of the National contribute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Drug use really isnt a choice of morality. By interview with a counselor at a drug rehabilitation center Drug addiction is a mental disorder with a physical allergy. When an ad dict doesnt use they incur ill physically, muscles tighten, sweats and stomach pains, vomiting and many a(prenominal) other flu like symptoms surface. Then the voice in the brain begins to talk to them and it is a vicious cycle of emotional stress. The abuser can use at parties and on special occasions. He or she may like to use when they chose, but if they do not use drugs they do not have a bun in the oven a mental relapse or physical discomforts.When an addict puts down the drug they argon not elderly, they are only sober. For this reason many addicts must undergo either a 12 step course of study or have the support of a drug counselor. An abuser can stop using at any given season and never pick up again. The National Academy of comprehensions Institute of Medicine, the American psychiatrical Association, and the American Medical Association all define this state of toiln, compulsive use as the essence of addiction. Someone who abuses drugs may suffer minus consequenc es from using, as the addict does, but generally can and does stop when these consequences move too severe. The addict may be unable to stop, even later negative consequences, without medical and/or behavioral help. Says Steven Hyman, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health, An alcoholic taking a drink looks like anyone else diligent in that behavior, but whats happening in his or her sharpen is different. He or she is in the grip of a powerful requisite that may lead to a binge. (Firshein, Janet) Some have characterized addiction as a behavioral choice and can be controlled voluntarily.There is an interview with Gene M Heyman a professor at Harvard University, as the talk around his ideas of addiction bea voluntary decision and wherefore anyone would want to volunteer to be an addict. Gene Hymens findings are and what they mean. The author argues what has been said about addiction in so many studies, drug addiction is a Disease this means it is not a choic e. Heyman states it is simply an act of voluntary choice. While he does not pretend to be a policy expert, he does believe that treatment should consist of non-drug activities to lower the look on of the drug. (Akst, Daniel) Heyman states, In a near impressive display of brain technology, scientists have used scanning technologies to observe metabolic activity of the brain in action. In a typical demonstration, addicts are shown drug related videos that guide people handling crack pipes and needles. Brain scans capture the viewers reaction to these provocative images and range it as glowing Technicolor splotches of color that represent activation in drug sensitized brain regions. (Videos of neutral tactile sensation depict no such activity.)Heyman goes on to make his claim that this proves that addiction is not a brain state it is a behavior. (Leshner) Its not strange or unlikely that as soon as a mortal hears the words addiction, they are interpreted immediately as a negative and a stigma is automatically attached to the individual with the addiction. In the article called Drug Addiction A Brain disease? I have found that in that respect are studies that define drug addiction, as a compulsion to take drugs. There are many biological factors that are indications of drug addiction organism a form of a mental disease do to the lack of control one has in their behavior. Drug addiction affects even the neurotransmitters that one uses to learn or for memory.The studies go on and on and do to the behavioral components thither are some scientists and other professionals who seem hesitant to call drug addiction a brain disease. (Pietas, Nicole) Some say it is a disease some say its a choice. None the less, he disease of addiction has become such the problem in the United States of America it is considered the to the highest degree costly and damaging DISEASE by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.This kind of money being delegated for these drug addicts and a lcoholics is alarming. If not a disease than what is it? The evidence and research has been done. The brain behaves differently in an addict. When one ingests drugs one of the kinds is the rise in available levels of certainneurotransmitters associated with feelings of pleasure. Key among these is dopamine a naturally occurring neuro-transmitter that some scientists now think is implicated in just about of the basic human experiences of pleasure.The pleasure of a kiss, a bowl of favored ice cream, and a compliment may all be related to a rise in dopamine levels in the normal persons brain. Drugs of abuse also boost dopamine levels. When a person takes a hit of crack cocaine or a tangle on a cigarette the drug causes a spike in dopamine levels in the brain, and a rush of euphoria, or pleasure. While its not the only chemical involved in drug abuse, experts have come to believe that dopamine is the crucial one.The damage is real done over time as neurotransmitters are not replace d pain and distraint becomes more real when drugs are not present. The cycle of addiction is so cruelly painful. How can one assume or argue that this is a choice? We would be claiming that 600,000 people currently addicted to heroin today are just gluttons for punishment.Is there a cure for this disease? Unfortunately, no cure up to date, but recovery is possible with persistence, guidance and financial support as learned in an interview with Charlotte Doe, an ex addict turned CDAC Certified Counselor of Drug and Alcohol addiction, at Spectrum Health, a influence peddler rehabilitation center. The question is how bad does one want recovery? When asked, what was her most challenging responsibility her response was being able to know when somebody wasnt ready and knowing that any day could be their last. She explained how there is no one rule in how to counsel an addict its not found in a text book, and no twain addicts are the same. Her best gift to offer is being able to let o n with the addict from experience. Charlotte also believes strongly in that meetings and step work are incredibly important.Putting the drug down is only the beginning of a long road ahead. The experience strength and hope from a convalescent addict and a drug treatment counselor is how this addict is plentiful back to society. The sad part is that some havent truly hit rock bottom and until they do, they will not be ready. Hence, the addict relapsing, this is a term of when an addict puts down the drugs for a period of time to endure recovery and has a setback. There is an active addict which we will call, John Doe, who I had the pleasure of speaking with who shared with me the pain and miserable he goes through. He has attempted recovery numerous times, butjust cant seem to find a way to bewilder clean. He knows that when he is in recovery, for example inpatient, he can diaphragm clean. The problem is once subjected to life on lifes terms its back to unbent one. He also admit s that until his enablers, those who make his using possible, stop being providers than he will continue using.Again, hearing those words straight from the mouth of an addict one can agree that until an addict Hits rock bottom there may not be a view for recovery. Charlotte said it best, an enabler is victimize the addict of his/her Rock Bottom. Tough love is the key in a situation like Johns. His enablers might need to take a step back and let John go through his process. existence addicted cant be a very refreshing habit. Its costly, you have to answer to the drugs regularly, no vacation without them, no chance of separation from the substance while sick and suffering. You are no longer your own boss, the drugs are. Unfortunately for the addict people continue to think its primarily a moral and poor Choice caused by being a degenerate and having lack of willpower.As learned in the research addiction is a disease that Causes addicts to have no regard for consequences and to pr one everyone and everything with no control. Addiction is a disease that causes changes in the brain, which then drive certain behaviors, taking the drug compulsively, but addicts can learn to change the behavior. We wouldnt blame a person with a heart disease for having a heart attack. But we would guide them into better habits a rosy-cheeked diet, exercise, and making sure they are complying with medication.The same with an addict, we can blame them for being sick, but we should encourage and make them responsible for their recovery. The disease itself cannot be cured but can be treated. Its been said that the public has microscopic sympathy for addicts, but whether you like the person or not, youve got to deal with their problem as an illness. Given the views of the professionals and personally affected individuals has your opinion of addiction been modify?Akst, Daniel The 1eBoston Glob, August 9, 2009Akst Daniel www.Boston.com/ bostonglobe/ idea /articles/2009/08/09Campbell, William G. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Nov2003, Vol. 48 Issue 10, p669- 674, 6p, 1 Chart (AN 11539480)Falk,Daniel Hsiao-Ye Yi Susanne Hiller-Sturmhfel. Alcohol Research & Health, 2008, Vol. 31 Issue 2, p100-110, 11p, 4Feske,Ulrike Tarter, Ralph Kirisci, Levent Pilkonis, Paul. American Journal on Addictions, Mar2006, Vol. 15 Issue 2, p131-137, 7p, 1Firshein, Janet, PBS OnlineLeshner Science 3 October 1997 45 DOI10.1126/science.278.5335.45, www.scienceAAAS.org the Addiction Is a Brain Disease, and It MattersMiriam-Webster, I. (2002). Merriam-Websters Third New International Dictionary Unabridged. Retrieved www.mwu.eb.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/mwu Pietas, Nicole. Drug Addiction A Brain Disease? Serendip Biology 1/17/08