Alcohol drug abuse is a systematic drinking problem that causes both social and health issues. However, alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a disease depicted by unusually high alcohol thirst behavior that results in loss of judgment through over drinking

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Brains on Drugs
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Brains on Drugs
Introduction
Alcohol drug abuse is a systematic drinking problem that causes both social and health
issues. However, alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a disease depicted by unusually high
alcohol thirst behavior that results in loss of judgment through over drinking. Alcohol abuse is
also linked to contributing to over 90,000 American deaths per year. Moreover, alcohol abuse
costs the American citizen a whopping $700 billion every year in risen health care charges,
reduced productivity, and increased crime rate (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018).
Excessive alcohol intake may cause damage to the brain and numerous body parts.
Specific parts of the brain that are susceptible to alcohol-induced damage comprise of three
things: the cerebral cortex (mainly tasked with higher-level brain functioning, that is, sound
decision making and problem-solving abilities), the cerebellum (critical in movement
coordination), and the hippocampus (concerned with learning and memory and learning) (Lewis,
2017). This paper looks into the processes related to drugs and behavior and issues existing
around drug abuse.
Addiction
Abusing drugs such as alcohol can result in addiction. According to Soloski and Pickens
(2018), “addiction is defined as a long-term disease where a person has an irresistible desire to
find and use drugs, despite the harmful consequences associated with the drugs. Addiction is thus
a disease since it can lead to long-term effects in the brain structure, hence impacting normal
functioning and behaviors in an individual’s life. Behavior changes can be noticed at work,
school, or at home and are caused by the drug use.” On the other hand, Khalili (2018) describes
addiction as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking

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and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the
brain—they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting, and
can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.”
Drugs stimulate the limbic structure, which comprises the brain's pleasure center that
releases ‘pleasure’ chemicals. Drugs thus make people feel good due to the release of intense
feelings of pleasure produced. Additionally, persons suffering from depression, anxiety, and
stress-linked disorders usually abuse drugs to reduce distress feelings. But over time, drugs alter
the brain’s structure. The drugs then turn out to be less enjoyable, and other areas of the brain
involved in decision making, judgment, memory, learning, and control over behavior are also
influenced (Khalili et al., 2018). These changes in a person's brain turn a voluntary behavior (to
experiment with drugs) into the compulsive behavior (unwilling to stop) that defines addiction.
Preventing Addiction
The risk of drug use is significantly linked with transition phases in an individual’s life.
For an adult, a job loss or a divorce may enhance increased abuse of drugs, whereas for a minor,
risky stages include changing schools, family slip-up, and moving out of the parent’s house.
When kids transition to elementary vide middle school, they are faced with new and various
challenges in academic, family, and social circumstances. In their transitioning process, getting
exposed to drugs like alcohol and cigarettes for the first time is expected. While proceeding to
high school, teens are faced with exposure and drugs being made accessible to them through
older teenagers and social parties where drugs are easily accessible and used.
When a person does away with high school and starts living more independently, be it in
college or as an employed adult, the individual is more exposed to drug usage while separated
from the protective structure offered by school and family. An increased risk taking behavior is

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part of the standard adolescent change. The desire to experiment new things and become more
sovereign is a healthy thing for teens, but it may also enhance their exposure to drugs as part of
new experiments.
The parts in the human brain that guard a person’s choices in decision-making and their
judgment on things, slowly develop as one grows older and attain full development later on when
individuals are in their early or mid-20s. This creates limitation in a teen’s ability to correctly
carry out evaluation of the risks or dangers of experimenting with drugs. It also makes a young
person more susceptible to peer pressure. Consequently, adolescents are especially vulnerable
owing to the strong effect of peer pressure. Young persons compared to adults, are more
expected to engage in daring or risky behaviors to excite their friends or colleagues and show
their freedom from social and parental rules. With the brain still growing, drug usage at a young
age exposes the users to the risk of disrupting normal brain functioning in areas crucial to one’s
memory, inspiration, judgment, conduct control, and learning (Espada et al., 2015).
Recovering from drug use is a complex and very long process. By the time a person
decides to go for treatment, drug use will have resulted in severe effects in their lives by
interfering with their day-to-day functioning with colleagues at work, family members, and
people in the community. Consequently, treatment becomes necessary in mitigating the harmful
effects of drug use on the individual’s life and improving the person's life to be successful. To
aid in recovery, a counselor will usually pick critical services that will address their patients'
specific social, family, medical, mental, and occupational requirements to assist in the recovery
process.
According to Lewis (2017), when treating addictions to alcohol, medication ought to be
the first action to treatment, usually together with some counseling or behavioral therapy.

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Moreover, medications are given to help persons cleanse their bodies from drugs, although
cleansing is not similar to addiction treatment and is of little help to assist one fully recover.
Cleansing/detoxification singularly without succeeding treatment options results typically in the
continuation of drug usage. For individuals suffering from addictions to harmful drugs such as
cannabis or stimulants, no medicines are presently existing to help in treatment; hence, treatment
comprises behavioral therapies. Treatment must be in line with an individual’s drug usage
patterns and drug-related social, medical, and intellectual problems (Lewis, 2017).
The Biopsychosocial Model of Addictions
The Biopsychosocial Model was developed by psychiatrist George L. Engel in 1977
(Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). This model aims to expound that human health and well-being
constitute a complex interaction among biological, psychological, and social influences. The
biological aspect encompasses characteristics like physical alterations, pathogens, and genetic
factors (Kranzler & Soyka, 2018). The psychological aspect examines potential psychological
and mental factors that could lead to misbehavior or disease (Perkins & Sprang, 2013). Finally,
the Biopsychosocial Model's social aspect examines social features of life like culture,
socioeconomic status, religion, poverty, and technology.
Perkins and Sprang (2013), clearly established that it is not each and every individual
who partakes in drug taking will turn out and be an addict (Perkins & Sprang, 2013).
Consequently, drug consumption is considered to be a normal way of an individual’s life and
people do consume drugs as the drugs have a useful impact on their individual goals.
The Diseases Model
The disease model portends that individuals admit to being addicted to alcohol hence
turning to be dependent on. According to Sims (2020), the disease model sees alcohol addiction

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as a disease that catches an individual and lasts for a considerable, hence the model insistence
that alcoholism is a medical disorder, whereby a person is unable to control their desire for
alcohol. Consequently, there is a sequence deterioration in the functioning of the individual,
necessitating him to seek treatment. According to the disease model, substance addiction impacts
negatively one’s behavior and the functioning of the brain. The behavioral and neurochemical
procedures are weakened in the course of the development of the disease. This model’s
application is in healing settings.
Is the brain/disease model adequate for addictions?
The brain disease model of addiction is not entirely true. According to Espada et al.
(2015), addicts do not suffer from any brain injury and from this it can be rightfully said that
addiction is not made up of any neurological diseases. Biopsychosocial factors such as stress do
make an individual to be drawn and become an addict. The home environment, particularly in
the course of childhood, is a critical factor. Older family members or parents who misuse alcohol
could enhance a child’s risk of future alcohol addiction (Khalili, 2018). Additionally, friends and
other peers could have a high level of influence during the teenage years. This is because
teenagers who use drugs have a high bearing effect on those without any risk factors to
experiment with drugs. Teenagers that struggle in school while having underprivileged social
skills have an increased tendency to get addicted to drugs.
Treatment Outcomes
The frequency rates for alcohol substance use displayed very diverse outcomes between
different studies, which revealed various alterations in the substance fixated on and the sample's
statistics, especially age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Across the different research, the incidence
of several substance use disorders (in comparison to unfit alcohol consumption alone) was linked

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with pursuance of lesser education, earlier usage of alcohol, high frequency of school dropout,
increased incidences of internalizing (panic disorder, major depressive incidents, specific and
social phobias) and externalizing (ASPD/CD) diagnoses, enhanced severe cases of alcohol
problems, and – despite interventions of more regular treatment efforts – less often complete
recovery from harmful alcohol usage (Khalili et al., 2018). Therefore, individuals using several
substances showcase impaired judgment, especially in the area of mental suffering.
From several of Alaskan Natives, Espada et al. (2015) established the common co-
occurrence of an opioid use disorder had a significant bearing on the prior onset, increased
alcohol-related problems, and severe high experiences of withdrawal in comparison to co-
occurring cocaine use or marijuana disorders. Consequently, the substance category has an
impact on the extent of mental distress. Overall, externalizing disorders displayed a significant
impairment to treatment efficiency with both specific effects (co-occurring use disorders) and
general (level of externalizing). Many researchers have demonstrated that extremely
externalizing drinkers had increased severeness of unhealthy alcohol usage and poorer treatment
outcomes (Khalili et al., 2018). However, no studies could be found that focused on the effects
(categorically or continuously) associated with increased levels of psychological distress on
treating people’s unhealthy alcohol usage.
Lastly, demographic features of the person have been found by several researchers as
impacting the trajectory of recovery both due to the efficiency of treatments in a specific small
population along with barriers arising to being able to be involved in treatment. Despite the
disagreements across analyses, Soloski and Pickens (2018) metanalysis of researches established
that gender (identifying as female), socioeconomic status (specifically higher income), and
employment were constantly predicting recovery from unhealthy alcohol abuse. These outcomes

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were strengthened by the naturalistic, longitudinal (1, 3, 8, and 16 years) group observation of
persons who, at the first visit, had not gone to look for early treatment despite encountering
problems with alcohol use (Soloski & Pickens, 2018). Inside the study was the examination of
differences in results for those who enquired help (self-help groups/ professional treatment) and
looked at forecasters of short-term lessening (at 3 years) and long-term relapse (at 16 years).
Soloski and Pickens (2018) established that help-seeking behaviors had an impact in facilitating
recovery. In regards to short period remission, it was noted that being of female gender and of
higher educational attainment acted as a significant predictor. It was also established that lower
educational attainment and unemployment status at the 3-year follow-up predicted persons who
underwent re-occurrence of alcohol use at year twelve Soloski & Pickens, 2018).
Altogether it seems that females have a little good outcome when involved in the alcohol
use recovery process. Compared to the evident proof of differences grounded on race, gender,
and/ethnicity, it has had a massive effect on successful self-regaining from unhealthy alcohol
usage in manners that differ widely. Though Espada et al. (2015) established no clear
race/ethnicity variances in treatment outcomes, Kranzler and Soyka (2018) showcased many
barriers particular to racial/ethnic sectors. Barriers happened across numerous segments
encompassing policy/ insurance barriers (lack of insurance for men of color), service availability
(lack of specialized treatment or transportation to receive treatment in the community), and
service provision (cultural intolerance/incompetence).
Khalili et al. (2018) reported that having “young, less-educated, and treatment-naive
Latinos going for treatment would have huge consequences for intervention tolerability, health
literacy and fidelity.” In examining disparities in treatment completion across racial/ethnic
groups, Sims (2020) pointed out that black and Hispanic youths underwent several individual-

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level protective factors such as living and schooling arrangements, substance use history, and
referral pathways.
Substance Abuse Intervention and Prevention
Random Drug Testing
Random drug testing is considered one kind of substance use intervention by across the
Cincinnati despite the inconsistencies of the intervention method. Nonetheless, the U.S.
administration goes on to give support to Random Drug Testing (RDT) notwithstanding the
controversial issues surrounding the method procedure. A number of ethical aspects surrounding
this procedure raise several questions on its effectiveness. Espada et al. (2015) studied over 200
young adults’ view on the effectiveness and objectiveness of this method. It was established that
RDT did indeed lessen alcohol use among teenagers however it was not the most suitable option
(Espada et al., 2015). Through RDT, school administrations tend to remove stress on treatment
and prevention while concentrating on a more punitive approach. Rather than the method being
proactive in teenager’s alcohol abuse, therefore making RDT to be reactive. Several researchers
have concerns on how this method is conducted and which does violate civil rights violations.
Consequently, RDT is a blurred criterion to be employed in assessing whether teenagers are at
high risk of abusing alcohols. Additionally, test accuracy prices range from $30 to $100 per test
and this is quite expensive ((Espada et al., 2015).
D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E employs taking the teenagers in their tentative years to go and meet with law
enforcement (D.A.R.E.) officers at least twice a week for approximately 2 hours for 17 weeks.
The teenagers are enlightened on kinds of peer pressure that teenagers normally experience in
attempting to start using drugs and ways the teenagers can use to resist drug usage by saying no,

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and approaches which they can use to increase their self-esteem, and combat stress. However,
several researchers against this program cite how a 17-week program can be effective in
abhorring teenagers from living a drug-free life. Therefore, the is a need of combination with
other programs to give school-aged students a step by step logical method in order to ensure self-
discipline among the teenagers for this program to be effective (Sims, 2020). D.A.R.E. on its
own is not effective in preventing teenagers from drug abuse. The program has to be
amalgamated with other interventions programs throughout a young adult’s early life and career.
Psychosocial Behavioral Interventions
Alcohol brief interventions and motivational interviewing
Motivational enhancement employs methods that makes an individual ready to alter their
ways and therefore seek treatment. These aim to pinpoint a severe alcohol problem and motivate
a person to act against it (Lewis, 2017). This intervention encompasses motivational
interviewing, conducted just once or even twice with persons trying to beat alcohol abuse. For
instance, in many corrections centers-based research, great success was recorded in motivational
interviews, including a lessening in drug abuse, drink–driving, and increased post-test
contemplation scores. The effectiveness of the intervention was seen through the reductions in
injuries and an increase in one’s willingness to rectify his behavior after three consecutive
months of starting alcohol brief interventions and motivational interviewing. Also, there was a
decrease in both offending and drinking on follow-up (Lewis, 2017).
Cognitive behavioral counselling/psychological interventions
Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks out to assist patients to be capable of recognizing,
avoiding, and coping up with the environments where they are more inclined to abusing alcohol.
According to Kranzler and Soyka (2018), reports of positive outcomes from cognitive behavioral

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counselling/ psychological interventions comprise reduced alcohol abuse and abstinence. The
Counselor assesses the most appropriate treatment modality involving a group or individual, and
what counseling is needed for the client. This decision is intended to be a mutual one between
the involved counselor and client. The counselor usually manages the provision of services
acknowledged by the client. Additionally, the all-inclusive Intervention purposed for At-Risk
Teenagers (HEART) that encompasses cognitive behavioral methods does lead to optimistic
lifestyle transformation in psychosocial functioning specifically for young female offenders
(Sims, 2020).
A literature evaluation of effectiveness of this intervention for women offenders carried
out by Kranzler and Soyka (2018) comprised of several studies assessing psychosocial
interventions and its conclusion was there is insufficient evidence as to which method is
effective. It was also pointed out that between men and women, the gender faced with higher
extent of psychological health problems is women, and that this should be considered when
designing intervention programs.
Spiritual interventions
In Parkes et al. (1), the mentioned 12-step facilitation is seen by the researchers involved
as an efficient method of dealing with alcohol abuse. 12-step facilitation is an individual therapy,
usually carried out in 12 weekly session in preparing an individual to be engaged in 12-step
mutual support programs. These programs, such as Alcoholic and Anonymous, are non-medical
treatments, however they offer complementary and societal support to various treatments. In the
recovery process, the 12-step facilitation does follow three main things which are themes of
acceptance, surrender, and also active involvement in the recovery process. It offers positive
results after release and in lessening desire for alcohol. This suggests that having a spiritual

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focused intervention method can be beneficial and needs to be executed by being lenient on both
individual and cultural contemplations (Lewis, 2017).
Family interventions
Family intervention does assist persons (especially young people) with drug usage related
problems, together with their families in addressing impacts on drug usage patterns and overall
improvement in normal family functioning. A number of studies concentrated on evaluation of
family interventions for young people (Sims, 2020). In one research, there was a random pick of
participants to get either an extended service intervention or a family empowerment intervention.
Though follow up after 3 years indicated only a very small difference between the various
interventions, it was found that there was a correlation between completion of course and level of
alcohol consumption, whereby a decreased intake is seen by those who completed the course.
individuals who finished the family intervention course lessened their initial alcohol
consumption. Secondly, in a non-controlled study, re-offense rate for persons who had
undergone family intervention is seen to be at 48% which is relatively lower compared to the
national norm which was between 70 and 80 % (Sims, 2020).
Social Cultural intervention
Social Cultural beliefs have an impact on changing the approach of people towards drug
abuse and their behavior concerning any substance use or abuse. Culture shapes the perspectives
people have on drugs through understanding the impacts associated with drug intake. For
example, North America's peyote cult helped those with high addictions to alcohol to receive
spiritual healing from their chronic alcohol addictions during cultural ceremonies. Acculturation
which is the extent to which one identifies with his/her culture, also impacts a person’s use or
abuse of drugs. Culture education is an intervention to be carried out among culture members to

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promote good behavioral practices and avoid cultural abuse problems associated with the victims
losing traditional culture (Perkins and Sprang, 2013).
Behavioral therapies
Behavioral therapies assist individuals in alcohol drug addiction treatment and does
modify their behaviors and attitudes related to drug use. This causes individuals to be left with
skills that will enable them to handle successfully stressful conditions and also several triggers
that might result in any other relapse to the addiction. Behavioral therapies do enhance
medication success and assist individuals be in treatment for longer periods. For example,
contingency management utilize positive reinforcement like offering providing privileges or
rewards when one remains drug-free, while going for counseling sessions, or undertaking
treatment medications as agreed.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the biopsychosocial model of alcohol use disorder does form the basis of
alcohol drug treatment medication. It assumes “addiction” to be complex and very long pattern
comprising of biological, behavioral, psychological, and sociological components. They
comprise the subjective desire experience, gratification that is short term and the risk of longer-
term harm, and rapid alterations in physical as well as psychological states. Different medication
could be employed at diverse stages of addiction treatment to assist a patient in recovering from
alcohol use and avoid relapse. To come up with an effective prevention response or treatment, it
is critical to comprehend the multifaceted interaction among environmental and personal
characteristics along with risk plus protective factors that aid in substance use. Assessing suitable
intervention method for a comprehensive prevention strategy is very important in recovering
from addiction.

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