Article Critique: Addiction - Essay Example

Review of the Application of Positive Psychology to Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery Research

The issue addressed in the article is an addiction where the empirical research article, details the use of positive psychology in solving an addiction to substance abuse, addiction, and recovery. The research asks the question if there is evidence to support the use of positive psychology in theory, research, and recovery from addictions.

The facts and data used to support the assertion of the use of positive psychology include the use of self-administering exercises that promote positive thinking and not or fixing negative thoughts, feelings, and behavior including “Three Good Things”, “Best Future Self” and other exercises aimed at promoting kindness, mindfulness, and generosity are used to support the assertion (Krentzman, March 01, 2013). This data is taken from results of previous studies conducted to test the use of this research including a meta-analysis of 51 respondents and randomized controls on the use of positive psychology in drug addiction and the results point to better results and the development of lasting relations. Research by Emmons and McCullough (2003) and Froh et al. (2008) point to the use of positive psychology successfully as well as the use of positive psychology in treatment, recovery, and post-recovery care as depicted in practices in recovery centers, recovery organizations/institutions/ homes (Krentzman, March 01, 2013). Other data sources were scholarly publications that tested positive psychology and the results that were gained to conclude the use of positive psychology in solving drug addiction.

The inference reached based on these data is positive psychology derives results in solving substance addiction, recovery, and post-recovery when it is used. The data, therefore, support the claim made by the researcher that positive psychology is used in solving addiction and recovery from substance abuse. The point of view that exists from positive psychology as tackled by the author in the article is the use of Psychology as the usual meaning of psychology that existed before the introduction of positive psychology in solving addiction difficulties. This other point of view embraced the reduction of suffering and decreasing pathology as the aim of psychological history and as a means of solving societal problems. I can rely on the article due to the diversity in the literature and data sources from which the article uses to base the inference and conclusion on the use of positive psychology in solving addiction and the future prospects of its use.

This article examines if addiction is a matter of choice or if is it a disease explained by scientific research and examined in the lab. The reporter asks the question and uses different instances and court cases to show the extent of the impact that addiction has had on the American population including an addition to substance abuse, gambling, fast food, and spending (Stossel, April 21, 2014). The reporter uses information from the National Institute of Drug Abuse on drug addiction and studies by Stephen Dewey stating that addiction is genetically related, research results by Dr. Robert Risinger of Medical College of Wisconsin show that addiction changes the brain, and research on environmental impact and choice from Canadian researchers of Wake Forest University (Stossel, April 21, 2014). The inference reached is that addiction could be a choice and free will as pointed out by previous research presented in this article as well as testimonials of Frey and other drug users who have quit substance abuse and other addictions.

The other point of view in explaining the assertions made in the article is that addiction is a disease that affects the brain and could be because of the environment where the person addicted lives. This finding is according to research by Dr. Michael Nader of Wake Forest University. This is a reliable source of information owing to the in-depth analysis and large scope of the data and information sources in terms of research, real situations, and testimonials used by the researcher in the presentation of the assertions and conclusions in the article.