Defining Addiction Essay

Defining Addiction Essay
This essay will examine how Addiction is defined, and why or if it is recognized as a disease. Reports and critiques of addiction will be examined and
from these this essay will endeavour to look at both sides of the findings.
The definition from the Oxford dictionary describes addiction as a condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or or involved in
something. Addiction itself can be defined as unmanageable, compulsive and an act that is carried out even when it threatens their health and wellbeing
or the potential harmful social consequences it could pose.
The word addict carries with it a negative stigma that is born from the perception of society. Perceptions that addicts are uncaring, unreliable and
unstable do...show more content...
The greater risk of addiction comes from those individuals who enjoy the experience on a higher level and this can be their downfall. Being a social
user or regular user of alcohol or drugs unfortunately has little between them and could end up as an addiction.
Being a social user means that the individual can control what they take and limit the amounts taken. However, the regular user starts of as a social
user then slowly progresses to a more regular basis which then can start to interefere with their home life not just social circumstances. The final point
is when the user loses all control of their consumption and can no longer control the decisions on how much they should be consuming. This is when
they are now approaching the point of becoming an addict.
After the user passes this point in regards to their addiction their main concern will be focusing on themselves. Their life will be revolving primarily
on how they can get their next fix, and looking at ways and means to do this. Addiction is no different whether you are a drug addict or an alcoholic.
So how and why does an individual become an addict?
When considering addiction as a disease it is implying that there are biological factors involved and not just influenced by the social factors that
surround the addict.
When analysising the brain of a non addict it is different from that
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Drug Addiction And Its Effects On Society Essay
Addiction is a condition that results when a person takes in a substance that can make you feel great for a certain amount of time, but when the
continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life. How do you know when you are addicted to something? Is it a
choice or just an effect? What most people do not understand, is that no one really chooses to be an addict. Being addicted to something such as
drugs, alcohol, food, etc., is not due to someone waking up one day and doing it. It is mostly due to deeper issues like depression or influences,
things of that nature, which lead someone on the path for their search of an escape. More times than not, that escape is found in drugs or alcohol.
These substances allow a false reality to take place. Addictions are a problem that will occur all around the world. Drug addiction can refrain any single
person who is dealing with a serious addiction from ultimately accomplishing his/her goals or dreams in their life. The reason addictions happen is
because people feel like they are not able to become addicted, they feel like they are able to stop themselves from doing it again after they try it the
first time but it almost never works that way. Addiction can happen to anyone. It can lead to many bad things, including problems with bodily
functions, social problems, and also family issues. Whenever someone has become addicted to something they or their loved ones need to take it
seriously and seek help for the

The Definition Of Addiction
We have all heard the term "addiction" or "addict" tossed around when describing someone's habits or personality. Each person has his own
definition of this word, usually assumed with drugs or alcohol and reasonably so. According to "Drug use is on the rise in this country and 23.5
million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs." Most addicts may not even know they are addicted. Some people just have to rely on other
things to get them by. Dependence on drugs and alcohol aren't good for one's self or family. Most people probably have anaddiction even if it's small
and unnoticeable. Then, there are those who are in denial and know they have one and may not want or be able to stop. These people are the most
common and don't really notice

Argumentative Essay Addiction
Why is it that when a person is diagnosed, for example, with diabetes, they are provided with Social Security Disability Benefits and a number of free
welfare benefits, but the majority of people diagnosed with addiction receives little to no treatment. According to the article Treating Addiction as a
Chronic Disease, "Health officials estimate 22 million people in the U.S. abuse alcohol or drugs or both and only around 10 percent of them are in
treatment." Deciding whether addiction is deserving of jail time or necessary treatment is a huge controversy in our world today. Will naming
addiction as a disease end the stigma of addicts and provide a better environment for them to seek help?
Addiction has been apart of our society...show more content...
The definition of disease and the effects of addiction correlate immensely in that addiction meets all the requirement of the disease. Addiction is the
number one cause of death in eighteen to twenty–four–year–olds, addiction has a set of known signs and symptoms, and addiction can also be
diagnosed with objective evidence via brain scan (The Science of Drug Abuse and Addiction: The Basics).
Similar to diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, addiction is caused by a combination of behavioral, environmental, and biological factors. Clearly, there
is an increased risk for severe drug–related problems for children of addicts, even if they were raised without any knowledge of their biological
parentsВґ problems. The article "Choosing to stop your addiction" expresses the role of genes when considering addiction. Genes are the instructions
for our bodies structure and function. Each human is different in how we react to certain medications, how each brain copes with stress, and the
amount of a given chemical that is present in our brain. People who show a certain biological differences in their genes, have a more or less
vulnerable to addiction. But it is not just one gene, addiction vulnerability is a very complex trait that is unique in every case. (Washington post.2014).
Like cancer, a parent passes on the gene mistake to their offspring, therefore they are born with a genetic predisposition to addiction. Also, if drugs or
alcohol is

Definition Essay On Drug Addiction
When most people think of addiction, they think of potheads and alcoholics. Although those are the most common types of addiction, there are also
more types like sex addicts and gambling. In a sense, every person has a form of addiction. Weather to caffeine, or food, or cleaning, they are all small
kinds of addiction. Like, if you do not have your daily dose of triple shot espresso in the morning, you will go insane, or whenever you feel an
extreme emotion, you feel the urge to eat. There are some people who have extreme additions, that destroy families, demolish their former selves, and
lose everything they ever had, just for a drink or a few hits.
Having an addiction can scar a family and leave cherished relationships broken. Most people...show more content...
Whether it's cigarettes, alcohol or washing their hands, it is an addiction when you cross the boundaries of hurting yourself and other people to
get that feeling of calmness, security or acceptance. My definition still stands as a mixture between behavioral and chemical addiction. The
differences of these two types of addictions are important to notice because someone's life can be in danger if the improper steps are taken to help
that person or if no steps are taken. Some things that can be done to help chemical addictions or alcohol abusers are AA meetings along with family
and friends support. Medication may also be prescribed to the patient, however. in this case it is very important to know if the addiction is chemical
or behavioral because the consequences can be dangerous. Therapy helps with compulsive disorders along with the support of family and friends as
well. A way to stop addictions is by thinking of the outcome and how it could change your life and the lives around

Essay On Addiction Recovery
6 Vital Benefits of Addiction Recovery
Substance abuse and drug addiction can bring negative repercussions to anyone's life. The effects of these addictions can be very fatal to one's health
especially when done erroneously. Hence, rehabilitation centers and providers of substance abuse treatment in Lyndale Ave Bloomington Minnesota
have been answers for a person to be able to get out from this condition.
But to encourage an addict to get sober is a difficult task. They must be given the motivations to turn a new leaf and do better things in life.
Time to Change, a provider of substance abuse treatment in Lyndale Ave Bloomington Minnesota, gives you all these benefits that they are bound after
they recover from addiction:
1.Develop self–appreciation
During the addiction recovery process, they will taught how to treat themselves better and...show more content...
Treatment from the co–occurring disorders
Substance and drug addiction affects mainly the major organs like your brain and your heart from which they bring about different repercussions
creating co–occurring disorders. Get a trusted source of substance abuse treatment in Lyndale Ave Bloomington Minnesota like Time to Change to get
medical solutions to these secondary disorders.
6.Know how to live the present
Some people who get into drug addiction are either greatly affected by the past or who greatly worry about the future. However, in the addiction
recovery process, you or your loved ones with addiction will help you or them understand the value of the "now". With the line–up of activities and
therapies, you would easily get the grasp of the "now".
Don't wait for another minute to consider the essential benefits of Time to Change addiction recovery plan for you or your loved ones and friends.
Why not call us today and let the good things come into place in your life. Visit our website for more information about Time to Change, the finest
provider of substance abuse treatment in Lyndale Ave Bloomington

The True Definition Of Addiction
I've always wondered what the true definition of addiction is. I know there's bad addictions like drugs and alcohol. Which people should probably
stay away from by the way but that's not the kind im talking about. Some addictions are good ones. For instance people that are addicted to a
certain food or drink. That's kind of my situation. I'm addicted to gum. I think I have a serious issue. For me gum is many things. It does a lot for
me depending on ym situation. In a funny way It's kind of like how cigarettes are for smokers. I chew when I'm mad and sometimes eat two when
I'm down. After I eat i'll chew a piece and also chew after I drink something. I realize it's a little strange to have such affection for an item so simple.
However I'm

What exactly is an addiction? It is common to hear an individual say they are addicted to something without fully knowing or understanding the
definition of addiction. Addiction can be described as a dependence on a substance or behavior which affects the physical, psychological and emotional
wellbeing in an individual (What is addiction?, n/a). The trouble with everyday addictions such as: cell phones, drugs, and gambling, affect people's
everyday life and lives of their loved ones dramatically. Almost everyone has come encounter with a cell phone whether it is a smart phone or just
a basic cell phone. It was found that the use of smartphones is about nine hours out the day for college students. Individuals who cannot go without
their cell phones or also known as being addicted to cell phones have the same symptoms a drug addict might have. According to James Robert,
"Certain people use smartphones to lift their moods. And it may take more and more time on those phones to provide the same level of enjoyment."
Robert even says, "They feel as if when their battery dies or losing their phone can cause an anxiety or panic attack." There was a study that asked
college students how many hours they spent on their cellphones during a day. "I spend more time than I should on my cell phone," said one such
statement. "I get agitated when my cell phone is not in sight," said another. The trouble with being addicted to a cellphone is it interferes with normal
activities and can

Essay On Addiction And Alcohol
Addiction and Mood and Affect Discussion
Drug and alcohol addiction can be described as a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, and difficult to
control use of these substances despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Addiction is a brain disease since the abuse of
drugs and alcohol results to changes in the structure and function of the brain which challenges a persons ability to resist the desire to take the drugs or
even to control the number of drugs or alcohol taken. In the initial stages people take drugs and alcohol voluntarily but with the brain changes an
individual will experience an intense impulse to take drugs which one cannot do without and this thus...show more content...
Treatment from drugs and alcohol addiction is possible and it should be adjusted based on how the patient responds thus treatment plans are reviewed
often and modified to fit the patient's changing needs. It has been shown that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures
the best chance of success for most patients since it helps in providing continued recovery. For Opioids, treatment will include detoxification, inpatient
rehabilitation and outpatient therapy. This treatment will depend on some factors such as the period of time that thedrug has been taken and the last
time it was taken. Detoxification involves withdrawing from the drug, methadone is normally prescribed if one is withdrawing from a powerful
opioid. Rehab lasts from 30 to 90 days with more time devoted to individual therapy, group therapy as well as other activities that help promote
recovery from opiates and other substances .Counseling sessions are also included (Eric Patterson, 2016).
Alcohol treatment and rehabilitation can be through behavioral treatment whereby the aim is to change drinking behavior through counseling which
takes 21 to 28 on average. During this period detoxification is occurring whereby avoiding alcohol enable the body to get rid of alcohol toxins Mutual
support from friends and family or counselling doctors then follow.
Benzo treatment

Addiction: Is it a Disease or a Choice? Essay
Addiction: is it a disease or a choice? A disease can be described as "a disorder of structure or function that produces specific signs or symptoms, or
that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of a physical injury." Knowing this, one can believe addiction is a disease. It is
something that is done frequently, that usually does not end, just as a disease; it cannot cease on its own, because it requires some form of treatment.
The big question regarding addiction is why people believe it to be a choice opposed to a disease.
Addiction affects 40% of the population in the Western world (Lewis, Marc). There are many different kinds of addictions such as: food, drugs,
alcohol, tobacco, gambling or sexual aspects. When...show more content...
If addiction is put in the disease category, it alleviates shame and gets people to seek treatment sooner. Addiction can be referred to as a matter of
choice. If someone chooses to be addicted to something, they make the choice to not put an end to the use of the substance. An addiction is not
something that can be forced upon an individual. Self–medication is the effort and ability to help oneself to better themselves, when it comes to their
addiction. They find ways to replace the action, or they add other things thinking it will help them recover. The road to recovery is like a
developmental process for the individuals that are suffering.
Addiction is now mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM). With it being
mentioned in this book, the idea cannot be dismissed about it being a disease (Leyton, Marco). This book is used to look up diseases and learn more
about the overview, symptoms and possible cures. All of the diseases known are listed. It's like the dictionary or encyclopedia of human diseases.
Some people continue to believe an addiction is nothing but a choice. If presented well, it could make a valid argument along

Addiction Definition
According to several medical websites and professionals, both of our answers for the first question can be used for a bad habit or addiction. Coming
from an addict, recovery is difficult. I am currently attending therapy, but at times, I don't feel like it is working. I'm trying my best to make a healthy
change in my life. No one understands that a bad habit or addiction can take over a person's mind instantly. In my case, I didn't care that I was addicted
to something, but as soon as I seen someone else with an addiction, I urged them immediately to get help. I care about others more than myself and I
know I shouldn't. I believe most people get addicted to something because of childhood trauma. Parents and others don't understand that

Essay on Problems of Drug Addictions
Problems of Drug Addictions
Drugs have been a major issue for society for much of the 20th century. Drugs are something that effect everyone, regardless of race or financial
standing. They not only affect the user but also how are society is shaped. There are literally hundreds of drugs currently available. All seemingly have
the same affect on the user and no matter how potent or illicit, they effect the body and mind negatively. Besides these negative effects, there is the
financial aspect that has affected users through many generations. Whether rich or poor, chemicals are needed by the body and the user for the feel of
an intense high. Above and beyond all, there is the criminal element that always comes into play for society. Both...show more content...
This generally leads to other drug usage, and usually harder drugs like cocaine and herion which can cause major problems for the human body.
Depressants include mostly the drug known as [delta‑9‑tetradrocannabinol] or otherwise known as marijuana (Pradhan). Cannabis,
which is obtained from the plant cannabis sativa, effects the central nervous system of the brain. It is grown widely across the world and is
harvested as a cash crop in many countries. There are two main types: the dried leaves and buds are known as marijuana, as a solid resin it either
then becomes hashish or hash. This is collected from the flower head then processed into a thick liquid, prepared in a resin. All of these preparations
can be, either eaten or smoked. In some cultures, there are some herbal medicines used in many countries as a painkiller for treatment of glaucoma,
insomnia in a the short‑ term effect of the drug. There is no conclusive evidence that long‑term use of cannabis can cause damage to
physical and mental health. "Studies have found that prolonged heavy use does cause physical damage to the brain and short‑term memory
loss has been reported in several investigations" Walter L. Way (The Drug Scene Prentice‑Hall 1970 p. 25). Short term effects of marijuana can
impair coordination, attention, and memory, which could become hazardous. Barbiturates are also considered a

How Addiction Changed My Life
Addiction Although I have never been an addict, my entire life has been consumed by them. I could never imagine the need to become mentally
impaired to suppress feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Addiction is a systemic disease, medically and in the sense that it affects everyone the addict
comes in contact with. Addiction changes the way a person interacts with everyone, it changes their work ethic and it changes if they have a home or
not, it can create a thief, it can cause death, it simply changes the addict's life, and everyone around that addict is affected by their choices. Addiction
is common but not every addict is the same so I am just going to talk about the addicts in my life, my mother and my father. At one point in time we
were...show more content...
I am not even sure they knew what their addiction was doing to us. I believe in their minds that they may have believed that they were truly hiding
what they were doing and that we girls had no idea what was going on. Addiction kills people, but luckily my parents never died. But my mom did
contract Hepatitis C and I haven't talked to my father much since we left over ten years ago. Everyone was always so focused on helping my
mother and father that people could never really see that we were the ones who needed help. My grandmother had to change her life in order to
take in three girls who weren't even her responsibility, she had to move to a big house and pay for daycare and school expenses she didn't
previously have. We girls had to change schools, we lost all of clothes, we lost our parents, we were forced into a world that we were blind to.
While my mother and father probably though they were only hurting themselves during the three years I lived with my grandmother, they truly
continuously hurt all of us. My mother would never go away, we would go with my grandmother to search the streets for her, to make sure she was
alive. We picked her up from jail when she was incarcerated for prostitution, she popped in and out with many men who we didn't know and she never
stayed long, we took her to the hospital when someone would beat her. She was always

Cause And Effect Essay On Drug Addiction
Drug Addiction: The Effects Nowadays, the amount of drug users is growing day by day. Unfortunately, these people are not aware of their
vulnerability. Whether we talk about prescription, OTC or illegal drugs, the excessive use of these substances lead to considerably dangerous
consequences; having health problems is the most well–known of them. However, drug abuse causes other serious effects on people such as money
and job–related problems, likelihood to engage in criminal acts, and even potential death. People with drug issues are subject to money and job–related
problems. When someone develops a dependence on drugs, they are not concerned about how much money they spend as long as they get the
drugs they want. Consequently, people are faced with economic problems that might lead them to misery. Besides this, having a dependence on
drugs can have a damaging effect on someone's job or career. The famous soccer player, Diego Maradona, is a living example of this. Maradona
developed an addiction to cocaine, for which he was banned from soccer for 15 months in 1991 after testing positive for cocaine. After his
comeback, at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, he was sent home for failing a drug test for ephedrine doping (Williams). Clearly, drugs only
left an awful stain on Maradona's career. Those addicted to drugs are more likely to engage in criminal activity. There are three types of crimes related
to drugs: use–related crimes, which occur because the drugs

Definition Of The Drug Addiction Essay
CHAPTER # 1
INTERODUCTION
Definition of the Drug Addiction
(Moal2006).It is a condition in which there is an irresistible craving to continue taking a drug/chemical/medicine to which one has become habitual
through frequent consumption because it produces a specific effect, usually modification of mental condition
Nowadays Drug addiction is a big problem in society. It is quickly increasing day by day. We want to determine the factors identification of drug
addiction in youngsters in DIK. Here youngsters age between 10 to 18 years.
Why do take drug youngsters
1.Now a day's life has become so busy and full of tensions as well. Few people think that these drugs can make their life better or temporarily remove
their tensions. Few people take drugs to bring changes in their life style. There are multiple reasons for drug addiction most important are:
People think drugs will keep them fit and fine.
People take drugs to forget painful memories
To escape from the depression and anxieties
To relieve tediousness
Just for experimental purpose or for a bet
To look grown up.
People think that these drugs are the real solution for every problem but they are actually putting themselves in much bigger problem. Find out the truth
about drug
Many factors are taking drug addiction but Poverty and society are main factors of drug addictions in DIK. Many people take drug for relaxation
himself due to stress. The some take drug as a fashion. Addicted youngsters create big

Addiction
Addiction
Addiction
Abstract Addiction knows no prejudice; it does not care what race, religion, sex or orientation. You can be addicted to drugs, gambling, x–box,
shopping and eating. Addiction is an illness that requires, for most, professional help and that once you are an addict you are always an addict.
Addiction is everywhere, from celebrity tabloids, to television, and possibly to a family member or close friend. There is alcoholism, drug abuse, and
gambling addiction; the effects of such are devastating. The purpose of this paper is to address some of the different forms of addiction and types of
addictive behaviors.
Addiction is defined as a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior...show more content...
(Omniomania: Shopping Addiction, 2010)
When people who suffer from omniomania begin to feel anxious, nervous or depressed the go shopping to make themselves feel better, they get a
"high" from shopping, a high similar to that of drug addicts. It is believed that shopping provides a stimulant of beta–endorphines in the brain, which
give the person the "high" feeling. People continue to shop to gain the euphoric feeling and then can become addicted to shopping. (Intili, 2004)
It is believed that about 6% of Americans have a shopping addiction; of the 6% 90% are women. To a shopping addict trips to the mall become the
main way to cope with stress, even when it is having a negative impact on the rest of their life. The addiction will affect their relationships and finances.
(Omniomania: Shopping Addiction, 2010) It is a never ending merry–go–round; the stress from relationships and finances just reinforces the urge to
shop more in order to feel better.
Treatment for this addiction usually starts with financial counseling. The shopper is usually in denial as to the amount of debt and or effect they
shopping has had on their life and they need see it in paper and admit to having a problem before any kind of counseling or therapy will work.
Gambling addiction also know as compulsive gambling is a type of impulse control disorder. (Healthyplace.com, 2008) It is a progressive disease that
can wreck havoc on relationships, work, and finances.

Argumentative Essay On Addiction
Addiction Rough Draft Did you know that it is statistically proven that addiction is more common than diabetes? 10% of the human population is
addicted to either a drug or alcohol. A person can be addicted to several substances, not just drugs and alcohol. By having more options of addiction,
this will increase the percentage of addicts. There is so many scenarios to addiction that anyone around could be an addict without realizing it.
Several people may believe addiction is something that can easily fixed or they may think it is rare. What people do not know is that addiction is
a situation much more serious and goes in depth further than they may expect. It's a desire that no one wants. It is a condition that is difficult to
escape once you begin. Addicts can be so in depth with addiction that they can not get out of it. Addiction is an action that comes with negative yet
impactful outcomes. Addiction can affect those who are around especially family members. Fit will affect other by the actions you do.
Aggression can develop and people will begin to isolate. No one likes to be around an aggressive person. An addict can also have mood swings. Drugs
or alcohol, for example, already affect your mentally when not sober. Family members can feel like they are the ones to be blamed. Family supports
and loves one another. By seeing a family member fall into bad habits, it would be logical that they would feel like they have failed as family. Not
only would they feel like they

Essay On Drug Addiction
When a person has a drug addiction, they have a disease that has the ability to affect and hurt the entire family. Everyone in the addict's immediate
family is affected in one way or another. Addiction impacts a family's finances, physical health as well as psychological wellbeing. It can also cause
tension, miscommunication, and more frequent arguments within a household which in turn creates an unhealthy environment for everyone involved.
The addict can be very unpredictable which can cause anxiety, emotional pain, stress, and a loss of trust because that person cannot be counted on to
follow through with what they say. Frequently, the people who are addicted don't even realize or believe they are causing these problems within their
families. And unfortunately, they don't view themselves as sick or suffering from a problem, so they don't reach out for help. When the person finally
realizes they may have a problem, they believe the solution is to escape and run away from their addiction.
In "Sonny's Blues," Sonny tells his brother "I couldn't tell you when Mama died – but the reason I wanted to leave Harlem so bad was to get away
from drugs. And then, when I ran away, that's what I was running from– really." (218) At this point, Sonny is telling his brother he was willing to leave
his family behind to run away from his addiction. But it also shows how misguided he was, or rather all drug addicts, to think he could just run away
from the drugs. Because in the end, he ends

Thesis Statement On Drug Addiction
Drug addiction: A Modern–Day Disease
Sarah Ghadban
2nd of May 2017
Study Skills II Tuesday (9am to 11am)
Sarah Ghadban
Professor. Katherine Bagby
Study Skills II
Drug addiction: A Modern–Day DiseaseThesis statement: Drug abuse is a complex disease that needs enduring and extensive treatment. People who
have struggled with substance abuse have often found it extremely difficult to quit due to the physical and/or mental addiction.
OutlineI. Introduction
II. Factors contributing to becoming an addict
A.Environment
B.Hereditary
III. Mental Addiction & Physical Addiction
A.Withdrawals
V. Specific Psychoactive Drugs
A.Depressants/Benzodiazepines– Xanax
B.Opiates– Oxycodone
C.Psychedelics– LSD
D.Stimulants– Amphetamine
VI. Road to Recovery
A.Rehab
B.Therapy

VIII. Conclusion
Sarah Ghadban
Professor. Katherine Bagby
Study Skills II
April 25th 2017
Drug addiction: A Modern–Day Disease...show more content...
They assume addicts lack moral principles or self–discipline and that they can quit by simply deciding to. The reality is, people who have struggled
with substance abuse have often found it extremely difficult to quit due to the physical and/or mental addiction. Drug have the ability to change the
brain patterns and cause health complications, making things harder in the long–term and may determine life or death. Fortunately, because of more
research, there are more ways to back out of an addiction and seek help through an enduring and extensive treatment. Factors that affect the likelihood
and speed of developing an addiction are environmental and individual factors, including genetics and

Defining Addiction Essay

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Defining Addiction Essay