1. Biopsychology of Drug Addiction
Biopsychology of Drug AddictionUnderstanding of health and diseases relate to interactions
that occur to sociological, psychological and biological factors. Biopsychology has
traditionally been used to mean the interactions between biological factors and the
individual health. Community health as well as individual health, are usually some of the
important aspects of life that have led to the introduction of health care plans and medical
institutions. Biopsychology has lately been expounded to include social factors that affect
behavior of people. The name has been expanded to be called biopsychosocial aspects this
adds various social aspects that affect behavior of individuals (Gurewich, Jenna, Sirkin &
Shepard, 2012).Biopsychology can be used in behavioral medicine. This means that there
are some medical factors that affect the behavior of individuals. One of the medical areas
where medical sciences affect biopsychology is the issue relating to drug addiction. Drug
addiction is a biopsychology issue since it affects the behavior of individuals. It changes the
normal functioning of human organs such as the brain. It could also be said to be a
biopsychosocial issue since it affects individuals as well as other people in family and
community at large. Understanding causes of addiction has been said to be more complex
(Lev-Ran, Adler, Nitzan & Fennig, 2012).Complexity of drug addiction has made addiction to
be regarded as multi-causal. Although drugs may cause addiction, they cause different levels
of addiction to different individuals. Different addicts also have different behaviors. There
are people who may abuse certain drugs and the use does not cause addiction. There are
those who use the same amount of drugs and will not lead to addiction. This makes it
difficult to understand addiction. Drug addiction treatment is also difficult since different
levels of addiction from abuse of similar substance. Treatment of addiction is also
determined by the substance abused. This study will therefore look at the biopsychology in
drug addiction in details and touch on ethical implications in various aspects of drug
addiction (Schwarz, Zelenev, Bruce & Altice, 2012).There are several causes that
researchers have put forward. Biological factors have been viewed to contribute largely to
addiction. Researchers have also reviewed the increasing literature on the causes and have
drawn relationships between drug dependence and vulnerability to alcoholism. A review of
existing literature suggests that there are a number of biological factors that lead an
individual to alcohol and dependence on other drugs such as for instance heroin and
cocaine. The researchers have grouped biological factors into three major clusters, namely:
genetic inheritance of various syndromes of alcoholism, in-utero problems that could affect
the central nervous system some physiological factors that could occur after birth (Schwarz,
2. Zelenev, Bruce & Altice, 2012).The genetic inheritance causes include variability in
reactions and metabolisms to drugs and alcohol. Bodies of different individuals react
differently to alcohol and other drugs. Individuals have different neurological and
biochemical vulnerabilities. Different individuals have different structural differences as
well as differences in temperaments. These in born characteristics have been said to cause
addiction. Drug addiction due to genetic inheritance becomes complex while trying to
contain the situation since the addicts have to alter their neurological make up in order to
attain the desired results (Schwarz, Zelenev, Bruce & Altice, 2012). Addiction due to genetic
make-up leads to depression and could develop into higher levels if it is left
unchecked.There are also situations where addiction results from damage of an unborn
child. The damage of a fetus central nervous system has been viewed to cause addiction.
The damage could also damage autonomic nervous system. Addiction could also be caused
by biochemical or physical damage that could make the children more vulnerable to alcohol
and substance abuse and addiction. Such damages provide higher chances that a child could
be addicted to the drugs and substances. These causes have been said to contribute highly
to early involvement in drugs to children and teenagers. Treatment of this kind of addiction
becomes challenging since a psychiatrist to establish the actual point of damage in order to
fix the situation (Hser., Fu, Wu & Du, 2012).There are other physiological differences that
may occur at any point after birth. Such situations are mainly caused by sicknesses
improper diet. There are nutritional deficiencies that lead a person to drug use and
addiction. Sicknesses could also result into damage of autonomic as well as central nervous
system. Accidents could also lead to damage of nervous system leading to psychological
instability which would eventually lead to drug and alcohol use and addiction. It has also
been observed that physical trauma could also result into drug addiction (Hser., Fu, Wu &
Du, 2012). Studies have stated that individuals will try to fight traumatic feelings by abusing
alcohol and other drugs.The biological factors above can be said to cause drug and alcohol
abuse and addiction. An individual may have addiction due to one or more of them.
However, the presence of all these factors or any one of them can not be use as sufficient
evidence of drug abuse and addiction later in life. Psychologists have had different views on
these factors claiming that these could only lead to drug addiction at early stages of
development. Others have argued that the biological factors could remain dormant in early
stages and start at adolescents when chemical reactions and metabolism are high
(Gurewich., Jenna, Sirkin & Shepard, 2012). They have also argued that when these numbers
intertwine with negative environmental situations, they are likely to cause higher levels of
addiction.Biopsychology has also been advanced to include sociobiological factors that
cause drugs and alcohol addiction. Drug addiction can be explained through implicit and
explicit p0rinciples and underpinnings of philosophy. The philosophical point of view holds
that causes of addiction are multi-directional. Proponents of biopsychosocial perspective
argue that the causes are sensitive and probabilistic to initial dependencies. This means that
alcohol and drug addiction cannot be argued to have a single causative factor, but rather a
variety of interactive and inter-related causes (Gurewich, Jenna, Sirkin & Shepard, 2012).
They also argued that there are some addictions that can not be explained through
biological perspectives. These factors could be explained in sociological terms.Environment
3. has also been noted to cause drug addiction. Person – environment relationship is strongly
an influential factor. Biologists argue that environment contributes to configurations in
genetic make-up. This means that if a person is surrounded by a community that is involved
largely in drug addiction, there are high chances that the person will abuse drugs. This is a
typical biopsychosocial phenomenon that is revealed in the change of behavior of an
individual. Person to person relationship is also viewed as a main cause of drug and alcohol
abuse and addiction. People always follow their peer influence who introduces them to
drugs and eventually they become addicts. It has been observed that individuals have
always been observed to have large influences to behavior of people (Qureshi, Al-Ghamdy &
Al-Habeeb, 2011).Biopsychosocial proponents argue that reciprocal transactions between
environmental factors and personal factors are also possible. This means that individuals
from drug addiction environment can also heal from their addiction when they relate with
an environment which is drug free. This means that reciprocal transactions could act as a
solution to drug addiction. Personal reciprocal transactions could be explained in terms of
change of relationship with peers and other individuals. This means that the change could
have impacts in that a change of peer group from a drug free to drug addict peer group
could result into drug abuse and addiction (Qureshi, Al-Ghamdy & Al-Habeeb, 2011).
Therefore, reciprocal transactions could also be said to cause drug addiction.Future of the
person has also been viewed as a cause of drug addiction. Future events and prospects
could also lead to drug abuse which eventually would lead to addiction. an example is the
overlying incidences where individuals have a myth that individuals will be more active
when they take drugs. Students will be lied upon that drugs increases their ability to study
for longer times. Therefore, they would try these drugs and end up becoming addicts. The
misconception that drugs lead to increased stamina has driven many people into drug abuse
and has led to increased drug addiction in many societies (Lev-Ran, Adler, Nitzan & Fennig,
2012).Treatment of Biopsychological AddictionTreatment of addiction follows particular
models. Addiction treatment providers base their treatment on particular model. There are
other practitioners who will base their treatment on their personal belief, basing on how
well they understand addictions from different causes. This study has identified different
models that has been put forth to overlook on the basis on which addicts are treated. The
paper will look at the disease model, the family model, psycho analytic model as well as
learning theory (Lev-Ran, Adler, Nitzan & Fennig, 2012). These are the major models that
have been widely embraced by drug abuse and addiction care providers.Family ModelsThis
states that an individual addiction status would not be understood without considering his
family relationship. The model holds that different families will tend to resist change which
will affect the endeavors of individuals. There are various individuals who have been said to
have different roots of addiction from family ties. This boils down to inheritance. It has been
found that particular families have alcohol and drug addicted members. This means that
individuals that treat drug abuse and addiction have to know the individuals relation with
his family a well as the condition of the family members in relation to substance abuse and
addiction (Lloyd et.al, 2005). This helps them to determine the various reasons that would
have caused addiction and substance abuse.Psychoanalytic ModelThis model of treating
victims of drug addiction and substance cause is an extension of Sigmund Freud. However,
4. many of its contents have been rooted in other approaches. The model has faced criticism
by perceiving excessive drinking as deeper issue rather than viewing it as central to the
problem. This model tries to analyze the problem from deeper causes of addiction. This aids
in establishing and understanding the cause of addiction in order to have a better position
to approach the condition. This has been as the best approach in giving treatment to drugs
alcohol and addicts. Critics have argued that the model waste time investigating a victim’ s
life history instead of dwelling on treating the individual who is already in addiction (Lloyd
et.al, 2005).The learning modelThis theory dwells much on the cognitive aspects and
behaviors of addicts. The theory holds that addicts have different thoughts that lead to
particular behaviors. This means that treatment of addicts is based on the behaviors that
addicts demonstrate. Proponents of the theory have to understand the thoughts of their
victims in order to offer treatment to the victims. The model argues that individuals develop
addiction due to the environment they are in. the model takes into consideration the actual
causes in regard to the environment. The model takes three forms, namely: cognitive
modalities, behavioral modalities and the combination of the two which is behavioral-
cognitive modalities (Hylton, 2008).Disease modelThis model has widely been embraced
largely in the United States since 1960s. This model asserts that certain individuals have
physical or psychological features that impede them from regulating intake of alcohol or
other drugs abuse. The disease model prescribes collaborative treatment in that addicted
victims are persuaded to abstain from alcohol and other drug abuse. Most treatment centers
incorporate this treatment model with other models. The model has faced criticism that it
brings confusion in treatment to both victims and clinicians (Hylton, 2008). Such models as
moral model, and biological ones have been blended together to offer treatment to
substance abusers and victims of addiction.The models discussed show the modern
treatment of addiction. Biopsychology treatment is very useful because it integrates various
causes of drug addiction and tries to make treatment on these causes. Biopsychosocial
programs engage in risks assessments and seek to enhance prevention and treatment of
individuals who are not only addicted, but also those who are at the risk chemical
dependence. The theory however does not represent a paradigm shift although the
transactional philosophy may have an impact on theoretical and research in behavioral and
sciences. The Biopsychosocial model is a universal model that integrates different
approaches to treatment and seeks to find deeper understanding of addiction rather than
treating the observable conditions and aspects (Robinson, Smith & Saisan, 2012).There are
specialists in prevention of addiction who are advocating for development of methods for
risk assessment and protective factors in children and among the youth. Their major
objective is to prevent the youth from alcohol abuse and drug addiction. The specialists
have taken their campaign in schools and other places where the youth and children are
easily accessible. They also target peer groups and family. They argue that prevention of
drug and alcohol abuse will help to reduce the rates of addiction, eventually leading to its
complete eradication (Robinson, Smith & Saisan, 2012).Ethical Implications of Drug
AddictionHaving looked at the various extreme causes of drug abuse and addiction, it is also
important to look at various ethical implications of substance abuse and addiction. Most of
these points will dwell much on ethical issues in cure and prevention of biopsychology in
5. drug addiction. Ethical issues that surround a particular action taken towards prevention or
curing addicts should morally and ethically acceptable (Dryden & Edwards, 2012). All
measures should observe ethics and should be morally acceptable by observing the norms
of the society where the victim of addiction comes from.In rehabilitation centers, the
services that are provided should observe high ethical standards. The rehabilitation centers
should provide their services in the best possible. Individuals who seek treatment for their
loved ones or themselves should rest assured that the services they seek are efficient. This
means that all individuals who have long term rehab have to receive the services they
searched for. Treatment of drug addiction without observing ethical standards can not
guarantee efficient services and results. Care and treatment providers should provide their
service in a manner that he expected results equal to the actual results (Dryden & Edwards,
2012).One of the greatest ethical concerns is confidentiality. While family members and
other groups consider the rehab centers, they have to select the best rehab centre that has a
record of high confidentiality levels. Care given in drug addiction and substance abuse
treatment is similar to that one offered in contemporary healthcare institutions and the
ethical standards that need to be observed are almost similar. There is information that the
victims feel they should not be able to share with everyone after recovery. It is the moral
obligation of doctors and other therapist to keep such information confidential. Addiction
victims should be let to come to grip with their different experiences which is regarded as
part of the rehabilitation process (Zimmer, 2012).The other ethical issue is equal treatment.
Surprisingly, treatment of drug addiction is not based on equal treatment; it is based on
individual services that are customized according to the condition of each individual in
rehabilitation centers. The media has also misappropriated the understanding of addiction.
The media has regarded addiction as poor decision, rather than a disease that require early
treatment. It is therefore important that the media recognizes that substance and alcohol
addicts are in need of medical attention and from professionals. Stigma is not part of
practices that are undertaken in rehabilitation centers. This means that care givers and
therapists in rehabilitation centers should treat all their clients in a manner that suggest
equal importance (Zimmer, 2012).SummaryThis study has shown that biopsychology in
addiction is an important area of investigation. This is because it views drug addiction in a
wide perspective. The paper has detailed on the major causes of alcohol abuse and drug
addiction. The causes have included the most recent information and the latest researched
causes that have been discovered. It has also reviewed literature extensively on the
treatment of drug abuse and addiction. Treatment has been explained by the use of
treatment models that have been developed to show how various addiction care givers
approach various levels of addiction. Confidentiality has been viewed as the overlying
ethical issue. It has shown that rehab care givers and doctors should honor the wish of the
recovered victims. Since there have been launched campaigns to educate youth and
children, it is clear that the future, drug abuse and addiction rates will
lower.ReferencesDryden, R & Edwards, MD (2012) “ Drug Abuse and Addiction,” Retrieved
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addicts released from compulsory rehabilitation in China,” Journal of Substance Abuse
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