Drug Addiction and Disease

Paper Summary:

The paper explains that whether a particular practice is regarded as an accepted activity or as deviant antisocial behavior is largely a function of culture and social norms. The paper then discusses how genetic predisposition and external environmental factors contribute to make some individuals more predisposed to addiction than others, but defining addiction as a disease still involves amorphous criteria and subjective determination. The paper concludes that ultimately, what matters more than a definitive classification of drug addiction, is that its symptoms be addressed in a manner conducive to their relief and to ending the addiction.

Outline:
Introduction
Distinguishing Disease and Behavior in Drug Addiction
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Drug addiction is unlike other medical diseases, primarily because it is the result of voluntary behavior rather from exposure to bacterial organisms, viruses, or from a genetic disorder. Whereas symptoms normally associated with organic diseases are well defined in strictly objective terms, the symptoms of addiction rely on subjective definition, and to a large degree, on cultural norms and expectations (Reinarman, 2005)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brecher, E. (1972) Licit and Illicit Drugs. Little Brown & Co.: Boston
• LeGrand. L., lacono, W., McGue, M. Predicting Addiction," American Scientist (March-April 2005)
• Reinarman, C. Addiction as Accomplishment: The Discursive Construction of Disease. Addiction Research and Theory; Aug 05 13(4): 307-320
• Sullum, J. "The Surprising Truth about Heroin and Addiction," Reason (June 2003)
• U.S.D.H.H.S. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institutes of Health Pub No. 07-5605, Apr 07

More papers on Drug Addiction and Disease:

• Term Paper # 113650 : "Drug Addiction: A Disease or a Moral Deficiency?"
• Analytical Essay # 110551 : "Drug Addiction and PROMETA"
• Analytical Essay # 128910 : "Drug Addiction - Brain Disease or Moral Issue?"

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