The Learning Influence of Addiction - Research Paper Example

? The Learning Influence of Addiction of The Learning Influence of Addiction Introduction Drug addiction is usually a complicated illness distinguishable due to the strong and sometimes uncontrollable craving for a particular substance (Kadden, 2002). Although getting into drug use is usually a voluntary process, with time an individual’s ability to decide not to use it becomes compromised and seeking for and consuming of drugs becomes a compulsory. This behavior is caused by prolonged exposure of drugs on the functioning of the brain (Nordfjarn, Rundmo, Hole, 2010). Addiction is therefore considered as a brain illness which impacts numerous brain circuits especially those dealing with learning, memory, inhibitory control and motivation. Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective method to treat addiction (Kadden, 2002). Based on the cognitive-behavior theory; dependence on alcohol and drugs are learned behaviors acquired via ones experience (Kadden, 2002). This paper seeks to explore treatment of addiction through use of CBT. Development of Substance Related Disorder To effectively treat addiction, it is critical to first understand how substance related disorders develop. Cognitive-behavior therapy assumes that the critical factors explaining the way persons begin using drugs is after learning to do it. This may be explained by classical conditioning, Bandura’s social learning theory and operant conditioning (Kadden, 2002). Classical conditioning was developed by Pavlov who demonstrated that in case one stimulus for instance ringing a bell is paired with another stimulus such as lunch time, this could lead to a reliable response such as salivating of a dog. In the same way, cocaine abuse could be paired with specific places, particular individuals, time of day or week or a certain feeling and exposure to these cues becomes sufficient to cause an intense urge to abuse a drug and it eventually leads to addiction. In classical conditioning perspective, triggers may either be external or internal (Kadden, 2002). Development of addiction could also be explained by the operant conditioning. Operant conditioning postulates that one learns through consequences where it is noted that lab animals will strive to get the same substance since the consequences of using such substance is pleasurable (Nordfjarn, Rundmo, Hole, 2010). In the same note, behaviors of alcohol or drug use are reinforced by the consequences that one gets after using them (Miller, Short, Garland and Clark, 2010). For instance, an individual who gets sexually aroused or feels comfortable in a social gathering by consuming a certain substance will most likely repeat the act later due to positive reinforcement achieved. In case use of a certain substance helps one to reduce stress, anxiety, tension, or depression; there is also likelihood for using the substance in the future in a process of negative reinforcement (Miller, Short, Garland and Clark, 2010). Negative reinforcement is described as a situation where an unpleasant feeling is terminated or reduced. Despite the presence of negative impacts from using these substances which may include anxiety, depression and withdrawal symptoms that are supposed to reduce desire to use the substance in future, they occur long after their use and do not match the reinforcing consequences making quitting a hard thing. On the other hand, development of alcohol and drug abuse behaviors may be explained using the Bandura’s social learning theory. This theory posits that individuals learn from each other through imitation, modeling or observation. The theory argues that majority of human behaviors are learned through modeling. The social learning theory argues that in the same way children learn how to speak from their parents through listening and imitation, drug abusers learn these habits from those they spend time with (Nongard, n.d). Consequently, individuals brought up by parents who use alcohol, they are likely to learn to drink as a way of solving their problems. Additionally, teenagers mostly start smoking after seeing their peers smoke and similarly most drug users begin using them after seeing members of their families or friends use such drugs. Application of CBT to Treat Addiction Cognitive-behavior therapy is undertaken in two stages; functional analysis and skills training. Functional analysis is usually the first stage in helping patients identify the reasons for their indulgence in substance abuse (Nongard, n.d). During the functional analysis, the drug user is also assisted in determining what they require to do to avoid or cope with the triggers that drive them to use the drug. To effectively carry out functional analysis, the circumstances surrounding the substance use are explored together with the available resources available to compliment the process (Nongard, n.d). These concerns may be evaluated during the initial sessions with the psychologist via open ended evaluation of the drug abuse history of the patient, his view of what drove him to the vice and the intended goals during treatment. In the functional analysis, the therapist should also explore the obstacles and deficiencies that the patient has been faced as he attempted to quit such a habit (Nongard, n.d). Moreover, the therapist should also seek to understand the skills and strengths of the patient that may be utilized during the rehabilitation period. Understanding the determinants of drug abuse among the patients is best understood from social, environmental, physical, cognitive and emotional perspectives. The assessment tools which may be used to evaluate the extent of substance abuse include an Addition Severity Index, Change Assessment Scale and a Treatment Attitudes and Expectation Form. To carry out psychiatric diagnosis, therapists may use Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, California Psychology Inventory Socialization Scale or a Beck Depression Inventory (Nongard, n.d). After functional analysis, the next step in CBT is skills training to the patient. Learning is an important process in CBT where psychologist informs their patients that the main goal is to assist them in unlearning the old behaviors and acquire new behavior (Nongard, n.d). Skill training is encouraged based on a rationale that the patient could have never acquired effective ways of coping with challenges of adulthood given that most people begin drug use during adolescence. Moreover, it is also assumed that where a patient had learned coping strategies; this could have been degrade through continued reliance on drugs and coping strategies may also be affected by the groups he spends time with. The critical areas addressed in skills training include fostering of motivation to the patient to abstain from substance abuse. Furthermore, patients are trained coping skills where patients learn to identify high risk areas which may influence them to drugs and develop alternatives which help them avoid such areas (Nongard, n.d). Skills training also changes the contingent reinforcements; where habits associated with drug use in the patient are reduced for instance, going to the bar is substituted with a another habit. They are also trained on how to manage painful affects and how to improve their interpersonal skills and enhance their social supports. Advantages of CBT to Psychologists CBT is beneficial to psychologists given that it is a comparatively short process which has been found through clinical trials and empirical studies as effective in treating addiction (Nongard, n.d). The process is also well structured, goals oriented and focused in addressing the immediate concerns of the patient (Nongard, n.d). The approach is flexible and individualized and compatible in treating different kinds of addictions. Conclusion In the light of the above discussions and reflections, it is conclusive that CBT is an effective method for treating addiction. CBT is usually carried out through steps of functional analysis and skills training. The method is based on the assumption that most behaviors are learnt socially as may be explained through classical conditioning, operant conditioning and the social learning theory. The development of substance related disorder and the factors associated with an individual’s drug problem must be understood before treatment can be commenced. CBT has been found to be significantly effective in the treatment of substance addiction. Nonetheless, the therapist should focus on achieving an understanding of the strengths and skills of the patient so that he or she can utilize them during the period of therapy to enhance the speed to which treatment is achieved. References Kadden, R (2002). Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Substance Dependence: Coping Skills Training. Retrieved 29th June, 2012 Miller, L. D., Short, C., Garland, E. J., & Clark, S. (2010). The ABCs of CBT (cognitive behavior therapy): Evidence-based approaches to child anxiety in public school settings. Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD, 88(4), 432-439. Nongard, R. (n.d). Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Cocaine Addiction. Retrieved 29th June, 2012 from < http://www.fastceus.com/courses/cbt-cocaine-3ceu-course.pdf > Nordfjarn, T. Rundmo, T., Hole, R. (2010). Treatment and Recovery As Perceived By Patients with Substance Addiction. Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, 17 (1), 46-64 Read More