Drug Addiction and other addictive Behaviors
According to Irving, Weiner and Craighead, the addiction to substances could cause neurological injury that could in turn cause cognitive impairment to the patient (2010 pp. 1046). This results in negative impacts that affect the quality of life of an organism. Addiction is most often linked to the abuse of substances that act as narcotic stimulants and sedatives, such as psychoactive drugs. In medical terms, substance addiction is referred to as the chronic neurobiological malfunction that contains psychosocial, genetic, and environmental effects and makes a person continue using the substance despite the negative effects caused by it. The addict may lose control over the use of the drug, also known as compulsive behavior that makes himher want to practice the continuous application of the drug even when it is not for medicinal purposes but instead due to cravings.
The term compulsive behavior is used in lay mans language to mean addiction or passionate dedication to activities, or even to hobbies by similarity. An individuals tolerance to a drug, and the consequential physical dependence on it, does not entail addiction as such although the symptoms come with addiction to some drugs. This is due to the inability of the patients motoreceptors in the brain to respond in such a way that would consequently lead to compulsive ritualistic behaviors, making the sufferer dependent on the substance (Weiner and Craighead 2010 pp. 1113). Tolerance is a pharmaceutical phenomenon that refers to the need for the dose of the drug to be gradually and continually increased in order to continue to achieve the desired effect. In his book titled Drugs of abuse neurological reviews and protocols, Wang claims that there is a category of gene called the nac-I, which is a protein of the IEG class whose levels are increased in the body of the addict by increased dosage of the drug hence the resulting tolerance (Wang, 2003 pp. 8).
An example of the above would be where an individual with severe and chronic pain, taking opiate medication such as morphine, will find it necessary to take an increased dosage in order to maintain the ability of the drug to relieve pain. Physical dependence is also a pharmaceutical term which describes a condition where the individual will experience definite characteristic withdrawal symptoms and signs if a drug is unexpectedly discontinued. Most drugs of a therapeutic function display distinctive withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Such drugs include certain antidepressants, oral steroids, opiates and benzodiazepines (Wang, 2003 pp 243). Physical dependence is explained by Wang as the change in gene expression of the patient making himher express the behavioral and physiological changes when the substance is withdrawn.
The use of the term addiction had spread widely to include psychological dependence, hence the common correlation of medical phrases like drug obsession and substance abuse issues. This has led to the description of some of the dependence habits with terms that are not recognized in medicine. These habits or behaviors might include compulsive overeating, addiction to the internet, shopping, exercise and any other such modes of behavior depending on the individual. Researchers are not fully able to model or explain human behavior based on the characteristics of the form of behavioral addiction. However, neural circuits that are engaged in various features of alcohol or substance dependence such as tolerance, reward and motivation exhibit positive or negative progress in the level of addiction (Weiner and Craighead, 2010 pp. 1061).
Different professionals describe different forms of dependence differently according to their revelations in their fields of research. Compulsive repetition in the use of the substance may cause tolerance of the user to the substance and hence the display of withdrawal symptoms should the administration of the substance be stopped. This condition together with substance abuse is considered to be Substance Use Disorder. As pharmacologists continue to describe addiction from a physiological point of view, referring to it as physical dependence, psychiatrists look at the condition as psychological dependence. However, Weiner and Craighead explain that physicians refer to the disorder as addiction. Scientists regard addiction as a brain disease that is associated with physiological and molecular alterations in the brain (2010 pp. 1061).
In such a case, the situation may be termed as compulsive, although to some it may not be considered as addiction. This makes the two forms of addiction difficult to separate as both may display physical and psychological elements. A less familiar situation known as pseudo- addiction is a condition suffered by individuals. In this case, a patient may exhibit drug request behaviors that resemble psychological addiction. However, some of these patients may experience genuine pain or even other adverse symptoms as a result of not having had the prior ones treated. The difference between this condition and psychological addiction is that the effects tend to stop if the pain is treated adequately (Haddox Weissman, 1989 pp. 363).
Some experts explain the scope of behavior that is termed as addictive based on the patterns, compulsion, physical addiction and impulse control (Weiner and Craighead, 2010 pp 1062). Addictive non-drug habits include dependency on food, exercise, indoor tanning, relationships with others (codependency) and even work. Compulsion is seen as being triggered by the need to relieve anxiety (Wang, 2003 pp. 77). In the case of impulse control disorders like overeating, a specific compulsive behavior is seen to provide short term satisfaction from the indulgence but can end up proving to be harmful in the long run. Physical addiction is seen as being different from compulsive addiction as it involves the reliance of a habit developing substance that leads to its tolerance and consequential, well defined withdrawal affects.
Despite the fact that different classes of activities are rendered as addictive, more often, individuals engaging in them have a tendency to have attitudes and certain behaviors in common. Studies indicate that indoor tanning by some individuals can be regarded as addictive and similar to being hooked on drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances (Weiner and Craighead, 2010 pp 1062). A third of college students who frequent tanning facilities could be considered addicted to the practice on the basis of the same criteria used to diagnose other forms of substance addiction. These tan-o-holics were reported to show a high level of marijuana and alcohol use and displayed more signs of anxiety than the ones who were not seen as addicted to tanning (Expert Rev. Dermatol, 2010 pp. 123). The results of the study indicate that tanning and the abuse of drugs might have similar characteristics and mechanisms for how people become addicted.
The Ultra Violet light from the tanning beds was indicated as a possible trigger for the discharge of pleasure-inducing chemicals from the brain known as endorphins, which can make people get in a good mood. Research shows that in the future, tanners may have to be treated for a suppressed mood disorder to reduce the risk of them contracting skin cancer. This is because neglecting to treat them would lead to continued visits to tanning beds hence increasing their chances of getting cancer (Expert Rev. Dermatol, 2010 pp. 123). More work is needs to be done, however, to understand the rationale behind tanning addiction and its association with the addiction to other substances.
According to eHome Fellowship (EHF), compulsive shopping addiction is also a form of dependence that is at times referred to as spending addiction (EHF, 2001 para. 1). According to eHome Fellowship, shopping addicts might not even realize that they have a problem with needing to spend. Most addicts of this kind are very likely to perceive a problem only when they run out of money, and then would take it for an income problem. Although this problem may be misconceived as facing women mostly, eHome Fellowship explains that both men and women alike are prone to the problem. The organization further explains that some addicts tend to spend money in order to compensate for aspects in their lives that are damaged or out of control (2001 para. 1).
As a result of most addicts of this kind thinking that the problem is with their level of income, they will likely mis-identify the root cause as a source other than themselves. They might pin this on their bosses, spouses, creditors, prices, or even taxes. This amounts to denial, which may in turn block any kind of solution suggested to them (2001 para. 2). Spending is usually the key symptom having been triggered by some emotion. Later on, the addiction runs deeper and may get rooted to the cycle of spending with every pile of goods bought. EHF reports that the gratification gained from spending, may be overridden when the bills finally arrive, overwhelming the spender and result in sending them back to the emotional feeling of low esteem and emptiness which restarts the cycle all over again (2001 para. 2).
Compulsive shopping addicts may take sanctuary in a form of help that would prove to be of more harm than good to them. EHF reveals that in looking for help, shopping addicts run the risk of seeking a harmful solution to their problem via companies that promise solutions to their problems with only the intention to make money (2001 para. 2). Refinancing and debt consolidation companies, credit card companies and companies offering cash advances may only hide the problems but not solve them. These temporary solutions may also act as a source of other, bigger problems since all they do is offer temporary sources of finance for the addict who has exhausted their source of cash flow.
EFH reveals that shopping addicts may try finding alternative solutions after the failure of substitute sources of money. Some may decide to replace their spending addiction with other addictions such as drinking, binge eating or turning to prescription drugs (2001 para.2). In such cases, what should be administered is a method that puts an end to the cycle and empowers the addicts so that they can deal with the problem from the root.
The effects of addiction to shopping are not only reflected on the addicts but also the people close to and around them. According to Beating Addictions, a UK based organization that tries to assist addicts of shopping, physical, financial and psychological related problems could have adverse effects to the people around the addicts (2010 para. 7). The financial disparity that arises from over-purchasing of unnecessary goods may take its toll on affected family members due to the financial drain, and ensuing additional tension and arguments within the family unit.
Exercise addiction is a type of dependence that has proven to be an important topic of discussion to many people who have ended up trapped in the habit either with their knowledge or unknowingly. People setting out to keep fit and live healthy lives may end up addicted to the practice. According to McGough, a fitness facility may act as a convenient and yet irresistible trap for members of a certain community (2004 para. 1). Despite the fact that fitness facilities are established partly to act as an intervention to eating disorders, studies indicate that most people, who most of the time happen to be college students, suffer from an eating disorder (Kerr, Lindner Blaydon, 2007 pp. 55). With reference to the college students, this might owe to the fact that most of them experience life changing conditions, while they are moving away from home, that could make some feel pushed to be thin and fit due to social pressures. Other non-college attending individuals may also fall victim of society pressures to be fit and end up addicted to exercise.
Eating disorders are caused by different factors. According to McGough, the gym has been used as a tool to promote health and well-being in individuals. However, some individuals with eating disorders like bulimia take advantage of this as part of their binging and purging cycles (2004 pp. 1). Bulimia is an eating disorder in which sufferers are obsessed with their weight. Such individuals drastically overeat then force themselves to purge or get rid of the calories through vigorous exercise (Helpguide.org, 2010 para. 1). McGough explains that eating disorders could go undetected for a long time because the sufferers may be of a normal weight yet they are suffering serious health risks like dehydration. Bulimics are mostly prone to loss of potassium and sodium exposing them to heart complications and an added risk of passing out during exercise and then perhaps hitting their heads when they fall (McGough 2004 pp. 1).
The repercussions of this form of addiction are dire and may even lead to death if not acted upon with seriousness and urgency. The most that fitness-facility staff and management can do is to observe the training habits relative to the needs of their members and weigh them against safe exercise practices in order to ensure the safety of members. The greatest responsibility, however, lies with the individual. Before choosing an exercise program, one must ensure to choose a plan which suits their health needs and which will not strain their bodies. Control should be exercised by setting limits so that individuals do not get addicted to exercising.
Internet is a massive source of information for social, personal and educational usage. As a source of entertainment, internet provides a broad array of informational and entertainment material from books, journals, movies, pictures, blogs, music and other products. Internet addiction is yet another habit that is captivating with the continuing advancement in technology. The additional emergence of various online social networks like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter make the internet a favorable place for some individuals to pass time. Cyber space addiction may be as a result of different products offered on the internet relating to the different needs of the user. This habit may result in compulsive alcohol use. The two are related since excessive alcohol consumption leads to irrational behavior such as spending a lot of time on the internet without a particular productive reason (Internet Mental Health, 2009 para. 1).
Research conducted by Roberts and Young reveals that internet addiction is associated with significant psycho-social or occupational impairment disorders (1998 pp.1). Addicts are seen to be able to spend up to 38 hours per week on the internet for non-academic or employment purposes. Young and Roberts revealed that so many hours on the internet were detrimental to the addicts performance in their schools, and workplaces in the case of employees. In a comparison against non-addicts, internet usage of approximately 8 hours per week revealed an unavailability of any significant consequences. Roberts and young discovered that interactive chat rooms and online games were the most addictive. This kind of behavioral impulse resulted in failure to improve cognitive abilities without the involvement of any intoxicant and is shown to be related to pathological gambling. As a result, a formal term for this kind of addiction is Pathological Internet Use (PIU) according to Roberts and Young (1998 pp. 1).
According to a research conducted by Block on the topic of internet addiction in South Korea there was revealed a series of approximately ten cardiopulmonary associate deaths that occurred in internet cafs and a non-related game murder (2007 para. 2). The writer adds that South Korea regards internet addiction as among its most serious issues of public health. He further points out that the government of South Korea issued a report in 2006 estimating that about 210,000 children in the country between the ages of 6 years and 19 years are affected by internet addiction and require clinical attention (2007 para. 2). He further adds that among the affected population needing treatment, 80 will need to be placed under psychotropic medication while the rest require hospitalization.
Having revealed the link between psychiatric illnesses such as depression with alcohol and drug abuse, extensive research has also shown that depression overlaps with addictive behaviors like pathological gambling and eating disorders. The writers further indicate that the concept of internet addiction had been accredited by mental health professionals as a serious form of addiction. However, limited research has been conducted to determine whether it falls under the category of psychiatric illness (1998 pp. 1). The results of the research by Young and Roberts reveal that high levels of depression are associated with internet addiction. This suggests that clinical depression is associated with this form of addiction to a great degree. Sufferers clinical depression are encouraged by the writers to seek medical diagnosis and help in order to avoid outcomes such as low self esteem, fear of rejection, a constant need for approval and depression which may trigger the need to increase internet use owing to the interactive packages therein that are likely to get users addicted (1998, pp.3).
According to the California State University, drug addiction, a progressive disease, is deeply rooted in human motivations and emotions (1997 para. 5). The universitys Northridge College further insists that people do not ruin themselves, their families and other relations because they feel the need to but because they are compelled to such actions by the psychological and emotional situations that they might be experiencing at that moment. Their actions can result in financial ruin, acts of assault, loss of respect by others or even themselves, and could even end up in a state of incarceration - something they did not envisage (1997 para. 5).
Direct neurological effects from substance abuse are seen to be more evident compared to non-substance abuse. This can be manifested in the form of brain malfunction owing to high levels of stress. This is because substances are taken into the body by the users which act on the brain to produce a desired outcome. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that cases of stroke and brain injury are likely to occur due to excessive intake of narcotics and other drugs. The bodys functional ability is damaged due to the excessive presence of these substances in the body (2010 para. 3).
As seen in the case of Internet addiction, excessive emotional or psychological issues associated with non-substance abuse can lead to neurological damage as the brain controls the mental balance of the individual. Wong explains in his book, Drugs of abuse Neurological reviews and Protocols that there is evidence of inappropriate neural mechanisms that are responsible for behavioral aspects which contribute to drug addiction (2003, pp. 4). He emphasizes that the neural mechanisms are either goal oriented or lean towards rewards. Dense patterns of plasticity in synapses are also blamed for poor neural adaptation that results in unfavorable practices like drug compulsion (Wang, 2003 pp.13).
Substance and non-substance abuse may result in neurological injury that may be manifested in behavioral activities that suggest abnormality in code and conduct. These neurological changes, resulting from both substance and non-substance abuse, may result in chemical alterations in DNA that may end up making the individuals dependent on the substance or the habit. The cause of neural damage is direct in substance abuse as the substances affect the neural systems directly to create the desired effect. In the case of non substance addiction, the habits affect the mind of the addict indirectly by motivating emotions that satisfy the addict. The resulting behavioral characteristics are more or less the same. Addicts end up gaining short term satisfaction from the indulgence or being dependent on the habit or substance.
Similarities between substance and behavioral addictions are drawn owing to the fact that in most of them, initial indulgence is motivated by emotional or psychological factors like low self esteem, external pressures and feelings of self-pity and worthlessness. The difference is seen in the different ways addicts tend to deal with their shortcomings. Some will deal with them through binge-eating, exercising too much, alcohol and drug abuse, etc. Variance in the ways in which individuals deal with their situations may depend on their location, availability of the substances and practices they can indulge in, and also the availability of external support groups such as families and friends who can help them deal with their problems.
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