Abstract The writer explains that Marie Winn states that the word addiction is sometimes used jokingly to denote a tendency to overindulge in a pleasurable activity. She proceeds to develop her thesis that watching television must be addictive because many are unable to turn if off. The writer argues that Winn has no valid point and no scientific value, as this encourages the belief that anything requiring will power and self control is addictive, and therefore beyond the control of the individual. The writer shows that the word addiction is not only used loosely, but incorrectly. In conclusion, the paper states that addiction is a specialized condition and that overindulging in pleasurable activities is a habit and not an addiction. The writer states that habits can be broken with the use of self-control and discipline.
From the Paper "She then goes on to associate virtually all pleasurable feelings with the feelings of an addict relieved of his withdrawal symptoms. This is silly and an exercise in semantically stretching a point beyond any sense of reality. She also goes on to describe the "denial" phenomenon, or the sense addicts have that they are really in control of their habit and "can quit anytime they want to." After defining this psychological dynamic, she mentions that many "television addicts" feel that they can stop whenever they want to. There is no scientific proof that there is any relation between these two states of mind. May be the "TV addict" thinks he can stop when he wants to because he can stop when he wants to. He just doesn't want to.
"The harm of this kind of rational lies in the fact that more activities are described as addictions today than ever before. We frequently hear that someone is addicted to nail-biting, or talking on the phone, or gossiping, as well as watching television, sleeping late, taking naps or reading The National Enquirer. Virtually any activity that is enjoyable to someone can be described as addictive by the loosely woven set of criteria in Winn's essay."
This paper uses Wilsonian Concept Analysis to gain a better understanding of addiction as a concept. It examines the structural foundation, identification, and relationship to substances.
Abstract This paper explains that the concept of addiction is most often used in the structural context of mental health because the mental health profession is concerned with how to care for the individual who is substance dependent. The author relates that addiction is the sum of the characteristics of unpredictable behavior changes, the inability to maintain impulses and self-control, and the compulsiveness to be gratified through an increase in dependency on the substances abused for pleasure. The paper concludes that the practical results of this conceptual analysis reveal that nurses can better understand and assess the need to care for the addicted client, worker, or family member when they have an increased consciousness about the structural forms that contribute to the solidification of addiction.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Isolating Questions of the Concept
Right Answers
Model Case
Contrary Case
Borderline Case
Invented Case
Social Context
Underlying Anxieties
Practical Results
Results in Language
Conclusion
From the Paper "The following case story serves as a pure example of all of the elements that comprise concept of addiction. Jim is a 35-year-old Caucasian male who began to "shoot heroin" with coworkers after work. His heroin addiction started out as a half a gram of heroin injected intravenously after work and over two years, grew to two grams of heroin per day. John has begun to let his personal appearance deteriorate. His job performance declined and he was fired. A usual day for him now involves sitting in front of the television in a state of euphoria. His wife and daughter, who live with him, urge him to seek help for his illness. His wife states, ?He has become moody and easily agitated."
Tags: mental, dependent, unpredictable, self-control, care
Abstract This paper presents a negative and a positive aspect of the 2004 National Drug Control Strategy with statistics and examples to support the writer's reasoning. The negative addressed from this policy is that the statistics that used are from surveys from only one source while other sources contradict the information. The positive that is addressed from this policy is the strategy of healing America's drug users by providing treatment to drug addicts who cannot afford such services and the drug courts that seek alternatives for treating the drug user's addictions rather than incarceration.
Outline:
A Negative from the President's Policy
A Positive from the President's Policy
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Drug Control Strategy only uses data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) to measure illicit drug use of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders only during the past 30 days. The Monitoring the Future survey of the University of Michigan began surveying 12th graders since 1975 and 8th and 10th graders since 1991 on behaviors and attitudes such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco (MTF, 2007). The surveys from MTF are the sole means from which the National Drug Control Strategy report evaluates its education policies, programs, and design. The National Drug Control Policy should not base their strategy on using surveys, let alone surveys from one institute. Surveys can be inaccurate for many reasons. Students may be unwilling to report using illegal drugs. The National Research Council concluded in 2001 that, "inaccurate response is particularly acute in surveys of drug abuse, since illegal drug use is a stigmatized behavior and respondents are reluctant to report it accurately" (Males, 2005)."
Abstract This paper is written in the form of a revealing monologue by a drug addict in a detoxification center. The writer creatively and believably gives the reader a window into the mind of the persona, showing the progression from grade A student to indifferent drug abuser, and exposing how drugs cause delusions of invincibility in the user.
From the Paper "I, myself, am drowning in my routine now. I used to have this 'nice' life before: A-student, loving and caring parents, heap of friends and boyfriends, and all of what goes with it. Makes me smile when I think back about it. I was flying, flying very high above reality. Took me almost fifteen years to land. I know all about it now. How good grades just help you in front of your parents, but don't give you anything. Not even a personal satisfaction, you know. How loving and caring parents turn out to be depressed people, being aware of it or not. Look at my dad: too scared to live, too scared to die. How heaps of friends and boyfriends are just faces you add in your routine for a little while, and then once they are not seen everyday anymore, they disappear from your mind."
Tags: depressing, schedule, control, freedom, choice, help
Abstract This paper provides a brief literature review and "talking points" on the topic of alcoholism and controlled drinking. According to the paper, some researchers believe that controlled drinking is a more effective strategy than is abstinence. This is attributed to the presence of alcohol in multiple aspects of daily life. It stresses the point that a reformed alcoholic will frequently be exposed to others who are drinking, and will subsequently feel pressures to drink.
From the Paper "Some researchers believe that controlled drinking is a more effective strategy than is abstinence. This is attributed to the presence of alcohol in multiple aspects of daily life. A reformed alcoholic will frequently be exposed to others who are drinking, and will subsequently feel pressures to drink. Additionally, there are questions concerning the feasibility of total abstinence when the alcoholic has defined this substance as a coping mechanism for dealing with problems, and this makes it extremely difficult for an alcoholic to completely sever themselves from the coping tool without making them vulnerable to relapse in moments of weakness. It has been proposed that controlled drinking is a strategy that will help circumvent these issues while also allowing the alcoholic to impose controls over their abuse of alcohol. "
Abstract This paper presents a research proposal and the final paper that explores the impact of serotonin, dopamine and GABA on impulse control disorders. The paper emphasizes the interactive nature of these three neural transmitters. The paper provides evidence that chemical imbalances in the brain can significantly disrupt or destroy the basic biological ability to control impulsive behaviors. The paper also shows how all research supports the interactive nature of the neuro-chemical basis of behavior.
From the Paper "Literature from leading physician researchers on impulse related behaviors such as aggression, violence or addictive behaviors such as compulsive gambling states a stronger link exists between serotonin deficits and impulse dyscontrol than previously thought. Even fewer studies have studied adults with conduct disorders that are represented in the comprehensive literature review provided in the research paper. Other studies represented seek to demonstrate the effects of serotonin and the link between serotonin and both dopamine and GABA such that when there is a deficit in serotonin, deficits coexist in the other two."
Abstract This paper takes a look at addictions such as drug usage and gambling. The author first defines the term addiction and takes a look at what makes a person an addict, be it to food, drugs or cigarettes. In particular, the paper looks at dependency on drugs and addiction to gambling and examines how these addictions prove to be a strong hindrance to people's chance of living a quality life.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Definitions of Addiction DSM IV Substance Dependence
Drug Addiction Gambling Addiction Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Nature has a way of making people addicted to some extent. There is that thing in people that hooks them with anything that will give pleasure and remove pain. Millions of people have habits or cravings not only to drugs, alcohol, food and cigarettes; but also to sleeping pills, tranquilizers, amphetamines, coffee, sugar, gambling, exercise, sex, love and many others. But that does not necessarily qualify them as addicts. It is normal for people to want some things because of the good feeling they get out of it. For others, it is the feeling of relief in avoiding the pain caused by stopping the habit that makes them keep on the habit. Fewer others are simply drowned and powerless to stop. What then makes a real addict different from everybody else who craves for things that bring pleasure and avoids pain? The answer to this has long been debated by scientists and researchers for decades with many different versions published."
Abstract This paper explores the possibility of addiction to video games. Research articles are presented that look at the addictive qualities of the games and who is susceptible. The author also compares this addiction to drug and alcohol abuse and pathological gambling. This literature review combines information from various articles to take a closer look at this issue.
Outline:
Description of Video Games
Definition of Addiction The Players
Who is Susceptible to Addiction?
Measuring Levels of Addiction Areas for Further Research
From the Paper "Video games are designed with many levels, appealing characters, interesting storylines and state-of-the art graphics. Some games use characters and movies that are already familiar and known to potential players. All of these factors have been designed to provide the user with a form of appealing entertainment that they want to purchase and then repeatedly to play. Video games are heavily advertised to attract a player's interest and then influence users into trying them."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that addictive behavior is a process that is initiated by certain motivational factors and causative features. The writer maintains that the use of psychological theories to describe and analyze these motivational patterns of behavior is essential in order to understand and create preventative strategies to combat addiction. In this essay, various theories of motivation are used to explain the addictive syndrome. These include cognitive and behavioral theories as well as socio-psychological and other theoretical stances. The pleasure principle and motivation towards fulfillment and self-efficacy and the search for excitement are also dealt with in relation to disinhibition theories of motivation. These are discussed to provide a clear and integrated overview of the central motivational theories that lead to and maintain addictive behavior. The writer concludes that the various theories of motivation are important points of departure in the alleviation and the reduction of the negative outcomes of addictive behavior in society.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Overview of the Motivational Theories and Addiction Sensation and Experience Seeking
Opponent Processes
Developmental Theories
Summation and Conclusion
From the Paper "Motivation is one of the complex aspects of our psychological makeup. The reason why we do certain things and the causative factors that influence human behavior and actions are often seemingly mysterious and even irrational. Various theories of motivation can be applied to views of addictive behavior, and especially to harmful and potentially deadly addictions such as some forms of drug abuse.
"Drug addiction and abuse has a long and complex history in human society with regard to individual and social developments and actions. Drugs and their effects on the mind and consciousness states of experience can be traced back to the origins of human history."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of internet addiction, where by people become addicted to surfing the internet for hours on end, affecting the way in which they relate and interact with their family, colleagues, friends and society in general. According to this paper, internet addiction should be treated in a similar manner to other types of addiction.
From the Paper "Addiction may take on a variety of forms. People might become addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. Addictions, in fact, have become almost expected. However, the continued rise in the advancements of technology has brought about concerns relating to video games, pornography, and the Internet. As with addictions related to substances, many people become addicted to computers. The Internet provides a lure for them that they cannot ignore. Furthermore, as in all other addictions, Internet addiction affects the ways in which people interact in society, how they function within their families, and how they conduct their lives. It is evident that Internet addicts share many of the same traits correlated with other addictions, and therefore, the problem is one that needs to be addressed."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough examination into the profession of an addiction counselor. It explains that the profession lacks cohesion because it is quite new and only basic norms have been set. It looks at the hurdles in training to be an addiction counselor and what qualifications are needed. It then examines the type of personality one should possess in order to be a successful addiction counselor. Different methods of counseling are discussed as well as developments in the field, in research and practice. The paper concludes with examining the future of the addiction counseling field.
From the Paper "Addiction counseling is a profession with a low level of cohesion due to very significant state-to-state differences in certification and licensure requirements, the variety of levels of qualifications among practicing counselors, and the emergence of new demands--in terms of knowledge and coverage--for addiction counselors at a time when fiscal support and insurance reimbursements for drug intervention programs are shrinking and demand is increasing. As the profession struggles to organize itself by adding to its arsenal of competencies, however, the National Curriculum Committee (NCC) of the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) seeks to define the broadest range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes for all addiction professionals while also producing a defining list of attributes that all addiction counselors share. As the field expands and contracts on various fronts new opportunities arise as counselors add to the knowledge and skills they use in practice. But the basic attitudes and other personal characteristics of counselors remain constant and this allows for the creation of a profile of the addiction counselor in terms of attributes that facilitate the connection with clients, negotiate the difficult problems of empathy and distance, and are productive of the kind of sustained attention and efficiency of execution without which no addiction counselor can serve her/his clients adequately. The addiction counselor must, in short, become a combination of an efficient bureaucrat, an empathetic supporter, a model of constancy and consistency, and the possessor of a variety of knowledge and skills that will facilitate clients' recovery."
Abstract This paper examines addiction and addictive behaviors as a social issue in Canada. The paper discusses the scope and nature of the problem, possible solutions, and policy responses. It further discusses whether addictions are a cause or consequence of the social conditions associated with them.
From the Paper "Addictions are a serious social problem in Canada as in other Western industrial countries and indeed in most, if not all, societies around the world. The prohibition of alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviors by several world religions attest that the problem of addiction is an ancient one. Addictions and the patterns of behavior associated with addiction cause enormous misery to addicts and those around them and on society as a whole."
Abstract The paper states that video gaming addiction has been recognized as a new form of addiction requiring treatment, as today's video games are extremely graphic and realistic. The paper discusses the fact that youth who escape into the world of video gaming, spending excessive time in this particular pursuit are at a high risk of developing video gaming addiction, which in turn is linked to violence among youth. The paper concludes that future research should concentrate on identification of individual characteristics that, when combined with excessive time spent video gaming, is likely to lead to the individual developing an addiction to video gaming.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Summary & Recommendations for Future Research
From the Paper "The work of Taylor (2006) entitled: "Video Game Addiction A Treatable Mental Condition" states that according to Maressa Orzack, McLean Hospital Computer Addiction Study Center Director and an assistant clinical psychology professor at Harvard University states that: "Computer addiction is an activity in which the person spends too much time, risking everything from relationships to finances." (2006) A separate report entitled: "Game Away the Day" states that researchers states that the Society for Neurosciences has stated indications that the individual who spends an excessive amount of time video gaming has "the same physiological responses that trigger a smoker's craving" and that this research was established through use of electroencephalography (EEG) measurement of brain activity in those addicted to video gaming."
Abstract This paper discusses a program of meditation introduced in Indian prisons, Vipassana, that enables inmates to overcome addiction and problems of mental health while gaining a new orientation of themselves and their situations. The paper examines the Vipassana experiment in New Delhi's Tihar Jail and discusses the benefits of implementing this program into Canadian prisons.
Outline:
Introduction
Addictions and Canadian Offenders
Recognizing Addiction in India
What is Vipassana?
Closing Gaps in Practice and Planning
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper "Terry explained that Canadian recidivism often revolves around an offender's ability to cope with addiction, the ex-offender a person having overcome addiction, and the repeat offender a person not having achieved this. (2002) Canadian officials and institutions need to look further afield for programming, bearing in mind how Third World settings are keenly hampered by fiscal concerns. In short, a program affordable and effective in India is apt to prove effective given the extra supports available in the West. Moreover, what has been offered to Canadian federal offenders has not always served addicted offenders well -- the addict is frequently the 'repeat offender' with whom Federal prisons often deal."
Abstract The following paper further discusses the criteria for determining if an individual has a sexual addiction and offers physiological, social and psychological reasons for this disorder. Freud, a recovering sex addict - Michael Ryan and Toby Jackson's ?Medicalizing Temptation" are made reference to.
From the Paper "?The fastest-growing group is successful professionals. Society is becoming increasingly sexualized. Hard to imagine, but it is. Everyday, there are constantly sexual references and stories involving sex in the paper, more sexual programs in prime time, more advertising. It gives people the impression that sex is the answer.
Some might joke that if you have to be addicted to something, sex isn't bad. But the uncontrollable compulsion to seduce and conquer is definitely not enjoyable, and if untreated, it can destroy careers, marriages, and lives. What's missing from a sexual addict's life can't be found in repeating the same old patterns. But it can be discovered in the lives of the people we care about ?the ones we really care about."
