The Concept of Addiction and Drug Misuse - Term Paper Example

The Concept of Addiction Introduction Drug misuse can be described as the use of substances for a purpose that is not intended or consistent with medical or legal guidelines (WHO 2006). Drug misuse often leads to physical, psychological or social harm. Over time, the misuse of drugs in form of over-the counter medicine, prescribed medications, alcohol, nicotine and marijuana among many other psychoactive substances has increased drastically. This has in turn brought about negative health and socio-economic outcomes that have significantly put a strain on healthcare systems (Rassool 2009). Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted in a bid to provide insight on the causes and the suitable interventions that can be used to address challenges associated with drug misuse (Chandler, Fletcher & Volkow 2009; Volkow 2005). A considerable number of these studies tend to link drug misuse to addiction. Consequently, the concept of addiction is often used when examining drug-related behaviours (Compton & Volkow 2006; Rasmussen 2000; Rassool 2009). However, it is questionable whether the concept of addiction is suitable for effectively defining and examining drug misuse behaviour and other related issues. This essay seeks to examine the meaning of the term addiction when used in relation to drug misuse. It critically assesses the merits and validity of the concept when it comes to defining and understanding drug related behaviour. Addiction A critical review of various relevant literatures, it is evident that there is no clear-cut definition of the term “addiction”. The definition and understanding of this term is highly dependent on a particular ideology, context, culture, clinical practice or aetiology (Colonna 2000; Rassool 2009). Nevertheless, many scholars have attempted to decipher what addiction entails. According to the American Pain Society (2001) addiction is a “chronic, neurobiological disease, with psychosocial, environmental and genetic factors influencing its manifestations and development. It is marked by behaviors such as cravings, weakened control over drug use, compulsive use and continued use regardless of harm (APS 2001, p.2). Similarly, Colonna (2000, p.4), argues that addiction is “a compulsive and progressive condition often characterised by the loss of control to obsessive thinking that produces compulsive behaviour toward any mood-altering substance or activity.” Moreover, Vuchinich & Heather (2003) observe that in many scientific studies, addiction is often described as a chronic compulsive or relapsing disorder. On the other hand, the Institute of Medicine defines addiction as a “brain disease” marked by compulsive use of drugs. Addiction has also been described as a state in which an individual becomes highly dependent on drugs so as to starve off discomfort or unpleasant withdrawal effects (RCP 2000). Based on these definitions, it is evident that addiction is manifested in three fundamental ways. Firstly, addiction is characterised by loss of control. Individuals who are addicted to drugs often have difficulties controlling their impulse or urge for drugs. Secondly, addiction is marked by compulsiveness. This is an obsessive and irrational need for drugs that leads to repetitive and continuous use of drugs despite of the consequences involved. Thirdly, addiction is progressive, it develops over time leading the individual misusing the drugs to become even more dependent on the drugs as they continue to use it (Colonna 2000; RCP 2000; Vuchinich & Heather 2003). It is also worth noting that some of the definitions provided, highlight the role of physical dependence and tolerance in the development of addiction (APS 2001; Lowinson, Ruiz & Milliman, 2005). In this context tolerance refers to the manner in which the body adapts to continuous ingestion of a drug (Rassool 2009). The concept of addiction has often been used when defining or illustrating drug related behaviour. In this regard, Rassool (2009) observes that addiction is synonymous with terms such as misuse and dependence. He argues that addictive behaviour encompasses the misuse of psychoactive substances eventually leading to excessive behavioural patterns. Rassool (2009) further argues that addiction is synonymous with dependence based on the fact that similar to addiction, it involves behavioural responses that include compulsion to take drugs so as to induce certain physical and psychological effects and avoid discomfort (Rassool 2009). On the other hand, Clemmenti, et al. (2000) consider dependence as a prerequisite of addiction. In essence, in order for an individual to be considered as an addict they must exhibit some sort of overreliance or dependency on a drug. This implies that dependence is an aspect of addiction. However, Lowinson et al (2005) observes that there exists a clear distinction between addiction and dependence. One of the main distinctions between addiction and dependence lies in the fact that dependence mainly touches on the physical or psychological responses that contribute to addiction. Hence, dependence is a component of addiction (Davies 1997; Lowinson et al 2005). Drawing on these sentiments, it is apparent that addiction is manifested through an individual’s dependence or reliance on psychoactive substances. Thus leading to regular use of drugs. There are a wide range of social, biological and psychological factors that explain why people use drugs on a regular basis. For instance, factors such as peer pressure, genetic factors, low self-esteem and mental disorders can predispose individuals to regular drug misuse (Hanson, Venturelli & Fleckenstein 2014). This implies that addiction is subjective and can vary from person to person depending on the factors that cause or instigate it. When examining the key factors that contribute to drug misuse among people, it plausible to argue that addiction is a suitable term for defining drug-related behaviours and issues. As observed earlier, the root cause of drug misuse can be linked to a wide range of social, biological and psychological factors (Gossop 2013; South 1999). Based on this premise, it can be argued that one of the merits of using the term addiction to define drug related behaviours and issues is that it takes into account psychological, biological, behavioural and social aspects that premediate drug misuse. For instance, drawing on the definition provided by the American Pain Society (2001) on what addiction entails, it is evident that it touches on the key factors that contribute to drug misuse among people. The American Pain Society (2001) define addiction as a “chronic, neurobiological disease, with psychosocial, environmental and genetic factors influencing its manifestations and development. It is marked by behaviors such as cravings, weakened control over drug use, compulsive use and continued use regardless of harm (APS 2001, p.2). This definition is a clear example that the term addiction is valid or suitable for defining drug-related behaviours and issues. However, Alexander & Schweighofer (1988) suggest that the use of the term addiction for defining drug-related behaviours and issues may not be suitable. They argue that the term addiction is ambiguous and has a wide range of meanings. In the past centuries the term addiction was used to refer to a state of being intensely involved or dedicated to a particular activity. In essence, addiction was perceived in a positive light (Alexander & Schweighofer 1988). Therefore, the connection between addiction and drug misuse implies that addiction is a harmful involvement that produces negative outcomes which is not always the case. Furthermore, Alexander & Schweighofer (1988) argue that use of the term addiction for defining drug-related behaviours and issues may not be suitable because it is restrictive in nature. Contrary to the restrictive definition of drug addiction provided by scholars such as RCP (2000) who view addiction as a state in which an individual becomes highly dependent on drugs so as to starve off discomfort or unpleasant withdrawal effects (RCP 2000), Alexander & Schweighofer (1988) suggest that the term addiction is multi-dimensional in nature. They argue that addiction cannot be exclusively or primarily linked to drug addiction. This can be demonstrated in a number of ways. For instance, there are severely compulsive relationships or habits such as hoarding that can be described as addiction. Therefore, the use of the term addiction to define drug related issues is too ambiguous and can cause confusion since the term is multi-dimensional in nature. Another problem associated with the use of the term addiction in defining drug related issues lies in the fact that drug misuse is often linked to harmful outcomes. For example, Rassool (2009) observes that drug misuse often leads to physical , psychological or social harm. This in turn brings about negative health and socio-economic outcomes (Rassool 2009). Nevertheless, Alexander & Schweighofer (1988) note that although addiction can be devastating it is not always harmful. It can sometimes be harmless or even beneficial to persons who uses drugs. For example, a study carried out by Khantzian, Mack and Schtzberg (1974) found that heroin addiction was beneficial in calming users, eliminating migraines or headaches, reducing fear, enhancing moods and creating detachment from bad events. Based on these findings, it is plausible to argue the term addiction does not effectively capture the implications associated with drug misuse. Therefore, it might not be suitable for defining drug related behaviour or issues. Conclusion This essay has critically examined the meaning of the term addiction when used in relation to drug misuse. Moreover, it has critically assessed the merits and validity of the concept when it comes to defining and understanding drug related behaviour. The findings of this essay depict that addiction is a disorder marked by loss of control, dependence and compulsive use of drugs. Although some studies have found addiction to be synonymous with dependence, others argue that dependence is a component or prerequisite of addiction. This paper further established that one of the merits of using addiction to define drug related behaviour or issues lies in the fact that it takes into account psychological, biological, behavioural and social aspects that premediate drug misuse. However, the fact that the term addiction is ambiguous, multidimensional and does not necessarily bring about harmful outcomes limits its suitability in defining drug related behaviour or issues. BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, B.K & Schweighofer, A. R, 1988, ‘Defining Addiction’, Canadian Psychology vol 29, no.2, pp. 151-162. American Pain Society (APS) 2001, Definitions Related to the Use of Opioids for the Treatment of Pain, viewed January 21 2015 Clementi, F. Fornasari, D. & Gotti, C. 2000, Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors, Springer, London. 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