Internet addiction (IA) is one of the leading contemporary issues affecting teenagers in modern settings despite heightened assessment, screening, and testing to solve it. The Internet is continuously evolving to enhance life, and it is gradually becoming an aspect of human progress. However, teenagers suffer the adverse effects of spending substantial time on the Internet. Accordingly, IA is a significant concern due to its negative impact on the youth. For instance, teenagers addicted to the Internet demonstrate irritation and negligence of duties. As a result, most of the victims experience depression, low self-esteem, and emotional instability. This paper evaluates Internet addiction as an issue affecting teenagers today and assesses the causes, assessment tools, and support options.
Foremost, external stressors driven by societal triggers contribute to teenager IA. Peer pressure is one factor, which pushes teens to Internet dependence by influencing an individuals body image perception. Friends pursue their peers to spend most of their time online admiring their role models who motivate them to focus on physical appearance. Besides, family issues also drive them to social media as an escape route. Teens in families which experience constant conflicts tend to suffer from IA disorders (Schneider et al., 2017). Exposure to school demands exacerbates their situation concerning Internet use. Thus, stressful academic and social needs compel young people to depend on the Internet for relief.
To combat the issue, physicians use evidence-based assessment strategies to screen external stressors for IA in adolescent patients. Leading examination models include the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed to evaluate Internet compulsions presence and degree (Poli, 2017). IAT consists of 20 items extracted from research and clinical studies, which identify possible addiction indicators. The Internet addiction scale (IAS) is a framework employed to assess compulsion aspects, such as obsession, withdrawal, tolerance deception, general impairment, and distraction (Poli, 2017). An additional question to include in the assessment tools is whether financial needs compel teens to spend most of their time on the Internet. Parents or guardians have the right to know about the money spent by their children, but it would be unethical to ask to explain what the teenagers do with the money provided. Availability of research-based assessment tools helps to assess IA stressors.
Therefore, support options concentrate on behavior change in adolescent patients with IA. According to Young (2019), The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) does not include the problem in its classification. Hence, social interventions include those used to treat similar conditions, such as gambling addiction. Therapy is a recommendable option to help adolescent patients with Internet compulsion. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a specific support tool, which clinicians can use to help victims adjust their Internet usage. Mihajlov and Vejmelka (2017) suggest that a participant can engage in timed therapy sessions concentrating on the interactive traits. Attending CBT meetings is an effective therapeutic approach to help patients confront mental predispositions which cause the problematic behavior.
In conclusion, IA is one of the leading issues experienced by teenagers today. Most victims demonstrate problematic behaviors, such as irritation, negligence, and subsequent depression or stress. Notably, IA is attributed to body image, family, and academic demand issues in teens. Hence, clinicians use IAT and IAS to screen and recognize the victims exposed to IA. Accordingly, timed CBT is a useful support tool, which can help adolescent patients modify their behavior and overcome addiction. Although IA remains a concern, appropriate interventions can help youths challenge it and adjust to normal behavior.
References
Mihajlov, M., & Vejmelka, L. (2017). Internet addiction: A review of the first twenty years. Psychiatria Danubina, 29(3), 260-272. Web.
Poli, R. (2017). Internet addiction update: Diagnostic criteria, assessment and prevalence. Neuropsychiatry, 7(1), 4-8. Web.
Thinking of addiction, I realize that it comes at a high cost, and we must be aware of its consequences to not let ourselves or anyone become an addict. I believe that any sort of substance/action obsession has a damaging effect either on the physical or mental health of an individual. Therefore, it is critical to support this person, as addiction is in no way a choice; it is a sickness that should be treated patiently and carefully.
Seeing people struggle with addictions is emotionally hard for me as I constantly seek ways of helping these people. For instance, my sisters great acquaintance was deeply entrenched in drug addiction, and, naturally, it affected her life tremendously. I was curious to know how her addition influenced her family, but it turned out her parents were only focused on protecting the reputation of their names. Yet it was not until a life-threatening overdose that her family realized they had to take it seriously and they had to do something about it. I believe it was a good decision as it is of utmost importance to show support to people who struggle with addictions and encourage them to be strong to continue fighting (Robinson & Smith, 2021). Moreover, every family member started to play their part as a family to help her by taking her to rehab and never leaving her alone. She realized the power of having a family only when everyone showed their support and decided to quit.
To sum up, drugs are powerful substances that can completely enrapture and control ones mind. Even though I have never experienced such a type of addiction, nor have I personally met people who suffer from it, I realize how destructive the power of drugs is. Furthermore, after listening to my sisters story, I understand that once someone delves too deeply into a substance, it can consume them.
The United States of America has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Some of the local hospitals such as Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Hospital are ranked among the top hospitals globally (Hiremath, 2015). People fly from all over the world to get specialized medication in the country. It is a sign of the commitment from various stakeholders in ensuring that the healthcare system in the country is maintained.
Despite the impressive image that the healthcare system in the country has, drug abuse among nurses is a serious problem that threatens the quality care that is offered. Nurses are some of the most important players in any medical facility. Given that they always interact with patients and their loved ones more often than any other medical team, their actions, demeanor, decisions, and attitude matters a lot. It is unfortunate that drug addiction is becoming a major problem among nurses. The study seeks to determine the prevalence of this problem and what can be done to address it.
Literature Review
Drug addiction among nurses is not something unique problem because it has been in existence for several years. It has attracted the attention of many scholars who are interested in investigating reasons behind the increasing incidences of drug abuse among nurses in the United States. In this section of the paper, the researcher will look at the findings made by various scholars who have investigated this problem.
Understanding the Drug Addiction Problem among Nurses
Drug abuse in the United States is one of the common social problems that the government has been trying to deal with for the past several decades. Billings and Halstead (2016) define drug addiction as a state of mind characterized by compulsive seeking and use of drugs despite the known harmful consequences. It is a situation where one has no control of their mind as to avoid the use of drugs.
It occurs when one uses drugs for some time, and the body system gets used to it to the extent that it is difficult to manage the desire. The mind gets to rely on drugs to function, although it is impaired soon after taking it. Drug addiction among nurses is a serious problem, more so when they report to work after using drugs. Others even use the drugs after reporting to work, making it difficult for them to undertake their duties properly.
After taking drugs, some nurses may act irrationally. It becomes difficult to predict their actions as they become erratic in decision-making processes. Nurses who are intoxicated tend to make mistakes on drug administration, monitoring and reporting patients condition, and staying focused on their work. The relationship between them and the patients may deteriorate depending on their actions. They may also fail to embrace team-spirit that would enable them to work closely with other nurses, doctors, or other clinical officers.
The Affected Group
Drug abuse among nurses affects a wide range of people. According to Morin, Fastbom, and Laroche, (2015), patients are the most affected group of people when they are handled by nurses who are regular abusers of drugs. Patients often entrust their health to the medical team once they come to the hospital. Most of them do not understand the relevance and significance of the drugs they are given.
They believe that a medical team is a professional unit with officers who know what to do to help them overcome their medical problem. However, when it turns out that the nurses they trust with their health are mentally impaired because of drug abuse then it is possible that they may face dire consequences. Many patients have lost their lives because of the mistakes committed by the medical team. Others sustain lifelong injuries because of such errors. Nurses are also affected by misjudgments committed by their colleagues if they become mentally impaired because of drug abuse. They have to share the blame for the faults of such nurses. Others are forced to spend long hours correcting such mistakes.
Discussion
The review of the literature reveals that the problem of drug addiction is posing a serious threat to the quality of service offered in the local healthcare institutions. The United States has a reputation for its quality health that it offers, but that may not be the case in the future if the current problem of substance abuse among nurses is not addressed. Studies suggest that the problem is increasing in intensity and measures need to be taken to tackle it as soon as possible. According to Wilkes (2018), drug abuse is an undesirable habit that many people often try to avoid because of the known consequences. However, some find themselves doing drugs and overcoming it becomes a major issue. The likelihood of a nurse becoming an addict depends on different factors.
The Prevalence of the Problem in the United States
The problem of hard drug abuse among nurses is relatively less common than that of subscription drug abuse in the United States according to the existing studies (Kantor, Rehm, Haas, Chan, & Giovannucci, 2015). However, Billings and Halstead (2016) warn that this may be so because many of them go undetected or are not reported. Most of the drug and alcohol users can do their work properly without being detected by the relevant administrative authorities in the institutions where they serve. It means that the problem may be more prevalent than what is often reported in the existing studies.
Nurses who are working in highly stressing environments such as the oncology departments and surgical rooms are likely to become abusers of drugs or alcohol (Skidmore-Roth, 2015). They start using these drugs as a means to manage their stress. However, they soon slip into addiction and find it difficult to overcome the behavior. Roux (2017) note that there are no clear statistics as to the number of nurses abusing hard drugs when at work.
The number of nurses abusing prescription drugs is alarmingly high in the country, as opposed to those using hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin. In a report by Townsend and Morgan (2017), about 78% of nurses have abused prescription drugs in one way or the other. The number is increasing at a rate of 28% every year. The most common of them is the painkillers. Most of them cite stresses at work, long working hours, and ease of accessing the drugs as the main reasons why they abuse drugs.
Managing Drug Addiction among Nurses
It is critical to ensure that drug addiction among nurses is addressed as soon as possible. Townsend and Morgan (2017) argue that nurses perception towards drug abuse and addiction is critical in solving this problem. These nurses must understand that they are in the best position to address this problem because the often start abusing these drugs willingly. Their perception must change towards drugs.
They must know how to handle the challenges at work. Whenever necessary, they can visit specialists such as psychiatrists to help them deal with the problem of addiction. The hospital administrations also need to develop a drug-testing program for their nurses to determine if they are abusing drugs. The policy-makers at both national and state levels must also come up with punitive measures for nurses who report to work when drunk. The habit needs to be discouraged.
Conclusion
Nurses play a critical role in the institutions of healthcare where they work on a daily basis. They are responsible for administering drugs, monitoring the condition of their patients, making necessary reports to the doctors, and helping their patients both emotionally and physically. This noble profession is under attack by the emerging problem of drug addiction. Some nurses have become addicted to prescription drugs while others have become regular users of hard drugs. It is important to address this problem to restore public faith in hospitals.
References
Billings, M., & Halstead, J. (2016). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Daneman, N., Bronskill, S., Gruneir, A., Newman, A., Fischer, H., Rochon, P.,& Anderson, G. (2015). Variability in antibiotic use across nursing homes and the risk of antibiotic-related adverse outcomes for individual residents. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 175(8), 1331-1339. Web.
Hiremath, P. (2015). Alcohol addiction among nurses. Journal of Community & Public Health Nursing, 1(1), 1-2. Web.
Kantor, E., Rehm, C., Haas, J., Chan, A., & Giovannucci, E. (2015). Trends in prescription drug use among adults in the United States from 1999-2012. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 314(17), 1818-1831. Web.
Morin, L., Fastbom, J., & Laroche, M. (2015). Potentially inappropriate drug use in older people: A nationwide comparison of different explicit criteria for population-based estimates. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 80(2), 315-324.
Roux, G. (2017). Issues and trends in nursing: Practice, policy and leadership. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Skidmore-Roth, L. (2015). Mosbys drug guide for nursing students. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Talbert, J. (2018). Substance abuse among nurses. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 13(1), 17-19. Web.
Townsend, M., & Morgan, K. (2017). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
Wilkes, G. (2018). 2018 oncology nursing drug handbook. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Consumption of alcohol is entrenched within the customs of the modern day societies. Its origin dates back thousands of years ago. It has through the times been seen as a good way of enhancing relaxation and having fun. In fact physiologists argue that a little alcohol is healthy. As drinking increasingly becomes more popular, more people are getting addicted. The implications of alcohol addiction are very serious to both the victim and the family of the addicted.
Alcoholism is known to have numerous adverse effects. Alcoholics have wives, husbands, children and other close relatives who are mindful of their welfare. They can disturb family members to an extent of causing detrimental effects that often take long to overcome. According to United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately seventy six million American grownup family members have been addicted to alcoholism. Each family member is differently affected by this menace. For pregnant mothers, effects are felt even by the unborn child. Alcohol diffuses in all body parts and tissues of an expectant mother including the vascular structure that provides oxygen to the fetus making it easy to permeate through the film that disunites the mother and fetal blood systems. When expectant women take alcohol, the alcohol concentration in the fetus bloodstream equates their own. This leads to a condition Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) on the fetus. The syndrome may cause birth defects among children. Globally, approximately 5000 babies are born with these defects every year. The higher the intake of alcohol by expectant women, the more serious the FAS symptoms become. Such babies are shorter and emaciated compared to ordinary kids (Parsons Par. 2-5).
Alcoholism does not only have adverse effects on the unborn children but also to the normal babies. Most of these children develop signs such as solitude, low sense of worth and persistent depression. Some times the children feel as though they contributed to their parents alcoholism and hence suffer from elevated levels of anxiety and trauma. Such children experience recurrent nightmares, sobbing and bed wetting. They also lack companies and are afraid of going to school. Older children exhibit depressive signs such as staying by themselves, compulsive thoroughness, hoarding and or being extremely skeptical. As these children feel different from others, they build up a weak self-image where they almost resemble their addicted parents. The nerve-racking environment at home denies them concentration at schools leading to poor performance. They are incapable of establishing a rapport with their teachers and fellow students (Berger 154).
Alcoholism is attributed to many forms of crimes and cruelty, incest and rough treatment are the most common. Over 30% of incest cases and 75% of household fighting comes from alcoholics. Victims of such crimes blame themselves for what transpires and feel guilty. They feel powerless and embarrassed resulting to even more drinking in an attempt to overcome the pain. Most of the children, who go through this ordeal, have problems with intimacy in future. Out of frustration from their parents, they fear that they might also be frustrated by their lovers if they engage in relationships. Unfortunately, most of them end up engaging with drunkard partners. They are thus more likely to indulge in alcoholism than those from non-alcoholic families. This is because they are incapable of dealing with stress appropriately (Silverstein 144).
Some of the physical adverse effects of alcoholism include damaging of the nervous system and destruction of brain cells. Some parts of the brain are very sensitive to alcohol. Alcohol destroys the conduction of nerve impulses in brain and the nervous system. Prolonged alcohol consumption leads to organic damage that attests itself physically and psychologically. Physically, it is portrayed through persons lacking balance, being impotent as well as developing lack of feeling in their feet and hands. On psychological and behavioral aspect, alcoholics loose rational abilities, vitiated ability to learning and a higher tendency of mental confusion. The victims develop a condition called delirium tremens where they suffer from excessive exhilaration, anxiety, trembling, hasty pulse and delusions. They also suffer from liver damage complications known as cirrhosis. This may lead to problems of liver failure, liver cancer and subsequent death. Excessive alcohol consumption might also lead to infection and prolonged stomach inflammation. This inflammation results from improper food digestion as well as absorption. This might subsequently lead to malnutrition among the alcoholics. Most of the alcohol victims suffer also from erectile dysfunction and throat cancer (Kennard Par. 1-8).
People who are addicted to alcohol experience withdrawal problems when they attempt to quit drinking or cut on the level of alcohol intake. The problem begins after 6 to 24 hours from their last drink and persists for a span of about five days. During this period, they suffer from severe headache, profuse sweating as well as lack of good sleep. The withdrawal might be very dangerous and thus requires advice from doctors to avoid extreme complications which may worsen the situation (Wekesser 345).
Works cited
Berger, G. Alcoholism and the family. New York: Franklin Watts, 1993.
Kennard, Jerry. The Physical Effects of Alcoholism. About.com.2006. Web.
Parsons, Tetyana. Alcoholism and Its Effect on the Family. AllPsych Online. 2003. Web.
Silverstein, H. Alcoholism. New York: Franklin Watts, 1990.
Wekesser, C. Alcoholism. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1994.
Cognition is a complex of biological discoveries, behavioral theories, and experimental discoveries. As such all its components have various models and hypotheses explaining the processes. Some components of cognition include memory, attention, and implicit and explicit functions. The effect of drugs to impair cognition has been researched extensively and all major substances of abuse have been found to affect cognition. Most accomplish this through their toxicity to the brain cells while others cause adaptability and hyperfunctioning of certain areas of the brain involved in decision making, reward, and impulsiveness. These findings were initially theories based on experimental models and biochemical reactions. However, newer techniques of imaging and measuring brain activity, as well as the development of sensitive tests that measure and evaluate aspects of cognition have provided proof. Detailed knowledge about addiction and the mechanism of dependence, abuse, craving, and loss of control allows the development of interventions that target the different processes of cognition, thereby preventing further damage and helping with the addiction. The detail also enables tailoring of these interventions according to the individuals level of impairment thereby maximizing success and reducing relapse. A combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapy ensures maximal success in treating addiction.
Cognition in addiction
Social cognition is a field of cognitive neuroscience, which is a combination of neuroscience and cognitive psychology. It attempts to explain peoples attitudes, interactions, emotions, and self-control by looking at key components such as memory, attention, and implicit and explicit cognition. The theories behind these themes have roots in biological and psychological discoveries that have been based on experiments on human and non-human subjects. These discoveries have shaped what we know and understand about complex behaviors in normal as well as impaired individuals such as autistics. Whereas the biological theories stem from the delineation of brain pathways, neurotransmitters, and imaging analyses, the psychological ones also look at the influence of aspects of the environment such as education and culture on the development of cognition.
The highest level of cognition involves monitoring ones behavior and adjusting it according to feedback relating to the outcome of the behavior. It involves problem-solving and making complex decisions. This process has multiple levels, from processing environmental cues and judging the extent of motivation to alter behavior. This self-regulation is directly affected by certain drugs, so pointing the finger at the reward and reinforcement center in the brain is not sufficient to explain this dysregulation in cognition. Drug addiction might be associated with psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder because for drug addicts just thinking about using drugs provides relief from unpleasant moods and sensations.
Memory and its changes
Memory is simply the ability of an individual to register, store and recall information when needed. As a component of cognitive neuroscience, it is based on several models. The Atkinson-Shiffrin model is relatively simple and proposes that long-term memory is made up of procedural and episodic memory, among other components, and that events only reach long-term memory stores after having been recalled several times. However, it was shown later that no such practice was needed for all events. Later in 1974, a working-memory model was proposed. According to this, memory was composed of three units, the central-executive, also known as attention, which sends all information to the other components. The phonological loop stores auditory information, and the visuospatial sketchpad stores visual and spatial data. Another component, the episodic buffer, works to link all these pieces of data so that they are stored as integrated pieces and with chronological meaning. Around this time, another model explained memory through levels of processing, such as organization, distinctiveness, effort, and elaboration.
Certain factors can result in a change in memory function. However, if left undiagnosed and untreated they can result in irreversible memory impairment. Addiction to certain substances can result in such changes. Most importantly, alcohol has been known to result in short-term memory loss which progresses on to amnesia and then a disorder known as Korsakoffs syndrome, characterized by confabulation which makes up for the gaps in memory. Drinking can deprive the body of thiamine, or Vitamin B12, which can cause permanent damage to neurons. The chances of an addict developing this deficiency increase with age, as the rate of absorption of this vitamin and other nutrients go down. A recent study cited in the database of the National Institutes of Health found that people infected with HIV are often heavy drinkers, and this deals a double blow to their short-term episodic memory. (Fama et al) Drugs have neuro-toxic and neuro-adaptive effects that lead to cognitive impairment in which memory loss is prominent. Moreover, areas in the brain such as the anterior cingulated and pre-frontal cortex are concerned with drug-related memories that lead to drug craving. (Robbins et al)
Craving
This leads us to another important aspect of cognition impairment in addiction; craving. It was thought previously drug abuse and addiction can best be explained by the high produced by drugs. However, this simplistic view was challenged once it was discovered that disruptions in the frontal part of the brain due to repeated drug use were responsible for impairment in decision making, response inhibition, and planning. Side-effects that were thought to be incidental findings in drug addicts have now been attributed to the effects of the drugs themselves. One model of craving is the know/go system. This explains the interaction of cognition and emotion. A cool know system and a hot emotional go system are involved in craving and abstinence. The cool system can self-regulate and control whereas the hot system is impulsive and reflexive and the basis of classical conditioning. The balance between the emotional and composing systems is determined by stress, developmental maturity, and the individuals self-regulatory dynamics.
The hallmark of addiction, which is craving or compulsive drug-seeking, can be explained by changes in the frontal cortex. PET scanning and MRI have been used to measure drug abusers brain activity during episodes of craving, and it was found that activity in the decision making and motivation centers in the brains frontal cortex had heightened activity. These findings were reproducible in other labs, and they suggested that this impairment resulted in the inability of addicts to look beyond the immediate gratification that drugs afforded or the long-term negative impact of drug use. (Carpenter) The biological explanation involves dopamine (plays a role in reward center) and serotonin pathways in the brain and depletion of other neurotransmitters such as tryptophan and phenylalanine.
Attention
Another aspect of cognition, which also plays a part in memory, is attention. It is the process of focusing and concentrating on one source. It can be classified into five different types, and this classification has been valuable in evaluating attention in people with different brain pathologies. The types include focused, sustained, selective, alternating, and divided attention. The executive function of the brain, which has been mentioned, previously, determines which pieces of incoming information should be given attention to, depending on what the goals of the person are. This theory emerges from the positive incentive model of addiction. This bears great importance for people with addictions as their goals, especially during craving are impaired.
Studies have shown that attention towards drug-related stimuli increases with the duration of drug use and the development of dependence. This leads to increased action tendencies to get alcohol, increased impulsive decision making, and impaired inhibitory control overdrives and behavior. (Field) It was concluded in another study that Because drug stimuli produce conditioned responses that may motivate drug-taking, biased attention toward these cues may play an important role in drug use and relapse following treatment. (Robbins) Various tools are present to investigate attentional bias but the most commonly used are the modified Stroop and the attentional probe tasks. There is uncertainty concerning if acute abstinence is associated with increased attentional bias and if the degree of addiction influences the degree of bias.
Implicit cognition
Delving into the intricacies of cognition also reveals that there are two sub-levels to it, the lower one dealing with a quick, inflexible, automatic process termed implicit cognition, and the higher explicit level which concerns slow, flexible actions that require thinking and judgment. In a way, it is a bit like Freuds id and superego. An example of implicit cognition is the response towards an object that the subject is prejudiced towards. This response is automatic and instantaneous, involving the amygdala in the brain. The stronger the prejudice, the higher is the amplitude of response in the amygdala. Explicit processing can be demonstrated through mentalization, in which people can understand and predict the beliefs, intentions, and desires of others. However, it is little known if explicit processes build on implicit ones, or if they interact togetherthe explicit modulating the implicit. (Frith)
Both implicit and explicit processes are important in the development of addictive behavior. Implicit cognition is important to evaluate because it may predict individuals who are at a high risk of relapse that may not be screened for by using self-reporting. Knowledge of implicit functioning may lead to the development of interventions that target both levels of cognition rather than explicit alone, and therefore have better results. Also, modification of these interventions according to the individual may be possible through knowledge of implicit functions.
As such addiction is characterized by disinhibition and loss of control, even though intentions to restrain might be present. This influence on cognition may in turn be dependant on the level of intact executive functioning. A study done in the Netherlands regarding alcohol addiction showed that Implicit positive-arousal cognitions predicted alcohol use after 1 month more strongly in students with lower levels of working memory capacity, whereas explicit positive-arousal cognitions predicted 1-month follow-up alcohol use more strongly in students with higher levels of working memory capacity. (Thrush) This has significance as it indicates that different interventions may be needed for different groups of people.
Details of these sublevels of cognition are helpful when intervention strategies are being designed. Those that target implicit function include attentional re-training, in which automatic responses are directly targeted and the patient may not be aware that an intervention is being received. These interventions result in the formation of new attentional responses and cognitive behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that addiction is a condition that can be looked upon as a chronic brain disease. Therefore combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with pharmacological interventions would not only make sense but has also been shown to be quite successful. CBT deals effectively with the patients feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, which are all dependent on cognition. A vital component of CBT centers is about identifying negative thoughts, which could lead to relapse or continued substance abuse and this helps in relapse prevention. Treating acute symptoms, like withdrawal anxiety and craving while ignoring the impairment in decision making and loss of self-control, leads only to frustration and relapses. These coping skills are essential to restore functionality and repair damage incurred due to addictive habits. When novel medications are paired with continued sobriety and motivation, then only can any meaningful healing result. Clinicians are finding that if addiction is looked at as a condition resulting from brain damage that impairs cognition, and not as a failure of morals, maximally effective treatment can be given to patients. (Urschel III)
References
Fama, R., et al. Working and Episodic Memory in HIV Infection, Alcoholism, and Their Comorbidity: Baseline and 1-Year Follow-up Examinations. Alcohol Clin Exp Res (2009).
Robbins, T. W., K. D. Ersche, and B. J. Everitt. Drug Addiction and the Memory Systems of the Brain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1141 (2008): 1-21.
Carpenter, SIRI. Cognition Is Central to Drug Addiction Monitor on Psychology 32.5 (2001).
Field, M., T. Schoenmakers, and R. W. Wiers. Cognitive Processes in Alcohol Binges: A Review and Research Agenda. Curr Drug Abuse Rev 1.3 (2008): 263-79.
Robbins, S. J., and R. N. Ehrman. The Role of Attentional Bias in Substance Abuse. Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 3.4 (2004): 243-60.
Frith, Chris D., and Uta Frith. Implicit and Explicit Processes in Social Cognition. 60.3 (2008): 503-10.
Thush, C., et al. Interactions between Implicit and Explicit Cognition and Working Memory Capacity in the Prediction of Alcohol Use in at-Risk Adolescents. Drug Alcohol Depend 94.1-3 (2008): 116-24.
A family is a natural social system that occurs in heterogeneous forms today and represents a diversity of cultural heritage. The addictions that have effects on marriage can be classified into two groups: substance addiction and process addiction. Prominently ranked among the various types of substance addiction is drug addiction.
Drug abuse entails constant and excessive usage of drugs to create feelings of happiness and blot out reality despite its well-known harmful effects. The substances misused are mostly unlawful (Cutter, Jaffe-Gill, Segal & Segal) such as uppers {stimulants like cocaine}, downers {depressants like heroin}, all around {psychedelics like marijuana, LSD, and MDMA [ecstasy]} (Inaba & Cohen, 2) or in several cases even legal substances such as prescription drugs to treat illnesses such as dementia, depression, hypertension, arrhythmia, psychosis and panic disorder (Inaba et al., p. 214). Such prescription drugs are antidepressants like Prozac, antipsychotics like Zyprexa, anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax, and panic disorder drugs like Inderal (Inaba et al., p. 34). Drug abuse turns into drug addiction when the drug ceases to exist as a choice and turns into an essential need (Cutter et al.). Drug addiction is defined as the recurring inability to avoid drug use despite prior decisions to do so (Qureshi, Al-Ghamdi & Al-Habeeb). It has developed into a major problem that is currently plaguing almost every nation in the world irrespective of whether they are developed, under-developed or undeveloped or whether their people are prosperous or poor.
Several causes have been identified that lead to drug abuse. The first cause is to seek relief from mental illnesses. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reported that nearly 50% of drug addicts are burdened with mental illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder (Cutter et al.). The second cause is to look for thrills (Cutter et al.). Potential users are attracted by several refined and synthesized forms of drugs that are to be put in the body by using unique new, efficient, and rapid methods (Inaba et al., p. 2). Users are curious to try out a drug and judge for themselves if the reportedly high feeling is indeed experienced (Cutter et al.), such as using PCP to spike a marijuana cigarette to check the reported high (Inaba et al., p. 64). A study conducted in 1987 revealed that thrill-seeking behavior could be hereditary (Qureshi et al.). The third cause is peer emulation. Users who are weak-minded or peer-adulating, tend to imitate others and use the drug not because they want to, but to appear cool and one of the group. This is a powerful cause in the case of school and college students. In addition young men easily become victims to peer emulation because it is the male tendency to value autonomy {like power, aggressiveness, and competitiveness} (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 56). The fourth cause is to escape from emotional suffering brought about by natural calamities {such as the widespread disruption of families that took place in the U.S in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p.10)}, as well as personal difficulties in life such as bad grades, failed relationships, stress, isolation, and disesteem. Although the drug user knows that the drug cannot and will not deal with the personal difficulty effectively, still the temporary relief obtained from its usage can be so alluring that the harmful effects of the drug seem insignificant (Cutter et al.). Such relief occurs when the psychoactive drug acts directly on those parts of the brain that exercise control over emotions and actions, generating positive feelings in the addict (Qureshi et al.). The last cause is an abnormality in the brain structure of some individuals that make them more prone to drug addiction. In the latest breaking news released in October 2008, scientists based in the UKs University of Nottingham discovered this trait. The abnormality is contained in the decision-making portion of the brain called the frontal cortex. Of all the people who start as experimental drug users, it is only around 15% who cross over the dividing line between experimental use and hardcore addiction. The Nottingham University scientists are now certain that a significant part of this 15% segment comprises individuals with brain abnormalities (Medical News Today).
Drug addiction has several harmful effects on the addicts, their friends, and their family. The first is a danger to physical health. Drug addiction involves long-term molecular and cellular modification. Drug addicts are in real danger of damaging physical organs like the heart, liver, and lungs. Drug addiction {especially cocaine addiction} is fast emerging internationally as a formidable conduit for the expansion of deadly infectious diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, and tuberculosis (Qureshi et al.). The second effect is a serious dent in the finances of the drug addicts and their family members. It is natural and necessary for the family to generate savings to develop a reasonable standard of living. The money family members earn is regarded as family income (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 15). The drug addict splurges their hard-earned savings on his or her drug addiction, thereby contributing to financial instability in the family. There are also high possibilities of addicts jobs or school enrolment being put into grave jeopardy, which is another worrying finance-related factor. The third effect is the alienation of family members. A family relationship is characterized by love and loyalty (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 4). Instead of giving love and affection to other family members, the drug addicts erratic behavior tends to break the close bond that exists in the family. Drug addicts are unable to relax or have fun without imbibing drugs. They alternate between mood swings, angry tirades, incoherent speech, irritation, hysterical behavior, and general change of attitude. This is accompanied by widespread neglect of responsibilities towards the family (Cutter et al.). The fourth effect is endangering reputation in the eyes of society. A family is an institution that is embedded in society (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 23). Drug addicts frequently resort to money borrowing, selling household articles, and stealing money from others. These crimes, in addition to the crime of possessing and using drugs, could well result in arrest and incarceration, thereby bringing disgrace to the addicts and their spouses.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that drug addiction has nothing but bad effects on the addicts and those near and dear to them. The only way to alleviate the problem is for the addict to obtain treatment as quickly as possible. The psychological intervention has now become more accessible to people in the U.S as compared to the pre-War days (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 101). Addicts should realize that it is not only them that need help but their family members to are hurting and need help (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 20). It would greatly help if the addicts family members take an active interest, encourage and participate in the treatment process as such a response will not only act as a self-confidence booster for the addicts but will also make them realize the reliability and value of their loved ones. It would greatly help if the spouses can rope in the support of a network of friends, extended family, clergy, neighbors, and employers to contribute to the recovery of the addicts (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, p. 11).
References
Could Brain Abnormality Predict Drug Addiction? Medical News Today. 2008.
Cutter D., Jaffe-Gill E., Segal R. & Segal J. Drug Abuse and Addiction: Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, and Effects. Helpguide.org. 2008. Web.
Goldenberg H. & Goldenberg I. Family Therapy: An Overview. USA: Brooks Cole. 2007.
Inaba D. & Cohen W.E. Uppers, Downers, All Arounders. USA: CNS Publications. 2003.
Social media addiction is the extensive usage of social network platforms, including Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, disrupting individuals daily lives. Despite social media connecting people across the globe, 18% of US citizens are considered addicted to social media, engendered by its variable reward system engendering satisfaction (Hou et al., 2019). The negative effects of excessive and abnormal social media enslavement are poor sleep hygiene, low self-esteem, relationship problems, and loneliness. The paper will discuss solutions to overcoming social media addiction.
Solution 1
The first solution is taking away the convenience by modifying a feature on the gadget. The brain reward system can be triggered by frequently dinging notifications, which are hard to resist reading them. Therefore, turning off notifications from smartphones and accessing media platforms through laptops and desktops, which have limited support for Android and IOS, lowers addiction (Hou et al., 2019). Putting phones in airplane mode or leaving them in silence and do not disturb fashion serves as the best strategy for minimizing time spent on screen.
Solution 2
Embracing good behavior drives limiting social media usage to a specific time. Adopting and following certain rules, like no phones at the dinner table and no mobiles during bedtime, enables separating real connectivity from online time (Hou et al., 2019). Exemplary conduct engenders taking hobbies that do not revolve around technology, which helps fight feelings of loneliness and boredom feelings. A busy mind assists in reducing addiction to social media platforms.
Solution 3
Another way of overcoming social media dependency is through espousing self-talk and undertaking reflections to improve work productivity. Communicating ones problem with specialists, such as mental counselors, can help develop a timetable that guides the time to access digital Internet gadgets (Hou et al., 2019). Therefore, a person becomes focused on life goals and attending to activities more essential than social media, thus reducing addiction significantly.
Conclusion
Finally, social media addiction lowers productivity and may trigger hopelessness resulting in massive discouragement. It is required to break bad habits and manage emotions while using electronic devices, including smartphones having social media accessibility. People need to adopt good behaviors, or setting rules, modify some features in digital appliances, and communicate their issues with specialists to fight the increased screen dependency, which negatively impacts their daily lives.
References
Hou, Y., Xiong, D., Jiang, T., Song, L., & Wang, Q. (2019). Social media addiction: Its impact, mediation, and intervention. Cyberpsychology: Journal of psychosocial research on cyberspace, 13(1).
Drug addiction remains one of the major problems that affect modern-day youths. According to Perfas (2003), youths never realize that they are getting addicted until such a time when it is too late to fight the addiction. In most of the cases, they get into drugs to get accepted by their peers. They get convinced that doing drugs is cool and gives the user some supernormal powers. When they start using it, they get high and start to believe the myths and misconceptions about the use of drugs.
However, the more they use these drugs the more they get wasted away. They find themselves obsessed with drugs. They are forced to do anything just to get money to buy drugs. Given that most of the time they are often high on drugs, they cannot find time to engage in meaningful work that can earn them some money. They are forced to resort to crime as the only way of getting money to buy drugs.
Rehabilitation of such youths is the only solution that can help in transforming them into normal people who respect the rule of law and can earn a living the right way. Rehabilitation helps them fight addiction, freeing their system from overreliance on drugs. In this paper, the researcher will review the character of Renton in the Trainspotting Movie.
Main Issues in the Movie
In this movie, there are several issues that come out very clearly which need the attention of a counselor. First, the use of various types of drugs by the youth in Edinburgh is worrying. It is affecting their health, social life, and their current and future economic status. Alcoholism is another major issue affecting society. Once the youth take alcohol, they lose control of themselves. They engage in immoral activities that expose them to diseases and unplanned pregnancies. They become socially irresponsible and unable to perform basic tasks such as simple hygiene in their immediate environment.
Renton
Renton is one of the main characters in this movie whose life demonstrates the pattern that youths take towards becoming drug addicts. The movie gives a brief insight into his family and we can learn that his mother is a drug addict. He says, My mother is also a drug addict (Macdonald 1996).
This background information helps in explaining some of the factors that could have led to him becoming a drug addict. It is possible that when he was a child, he was exposed to some form of drugs that were used by the mother. In the movie, we see a young child living with the addicts being constantly exposed to the smoke from the drugs and contaminated instruments that the mother and her friends use when they are administering drugs. It is possible that Renton was also brought up in a similar environment.
At one moment, we see him trying to straighten up his life and move away from drug addiction. He cleans up the house, makes some repair, and promises to change his way of life. However, his efforts are thwarted when his friends, most of whom are addicts, convince him to get back to drugs. Renton says, I chose not to choose life. I chose something else (Macdonald 1996). He chose to go back to addiction and this decision had serious consequences on him.
The pain and anguish that he had to endure as an addict was great. For instance, he dropped his drugs in a very dirty toilet. He had to dip his hand into the toilet to trace them. It was so disgusting when he was forced to plunge into the toilet to trace his drugs. The drive-in him towards drugs was stronger than any other force. He reached a stage where he was willing to do anything just to get drugs. We also see him engaged in a romantic relationship with a teenage girl.
Assessment and Case Formulation of the Client
A critical analysis of the life of Renton reveals that he is a person of strong character. As the movie begins, we meet a young man who is in the wrong company but determined to change. He knows very well that drug addiction is wrong and dangerous to his health. I have witnessed many cases where clients strongly believe that drug and alcohol abuse poses danger to their lives. Most of the addicts argue that drugs and alcohol give meaning to their lives and without which then life becomes miserable (Metsch, Miles, & McCoy, 2009).
However, Renton has demonstrated that he knows about the dangers of using drugs. That is why he says that he chose not to choose life when he started engaging in drugs. In my experience as a professional counselor, I know that dealing with such clients can sometimes be very challenging. Hanson (2001) says that it is easy to transform a drug addict who previously did not clearly understand the dangers of using drugs. However, for the person who knows the dangers of drugs, nothing will come as a surprise to them (Henderson, Dohan, & Schmidt, 2006). It makes it necessary to repackage the message in a way that will make him learn something new from the counseling session.
I noticed that Renton knows about the law and is keen not to break them because he fears going to jail. In one of the incidences, he meets a young lady whom he gets romantically involved with after a night out. To him, the girl looks mature and very responsible.
However, it comes as a shock to him when he later realized that the girl was underage and a high school student. He is very remorseful and vows to cancel the relationship. The feeling of remorse is very important when planning to transform an addict (Jones, 2006). It can be used as a tool that will make them see the sense of changing their irresponsible lifestyle. It offers a good starting point when counseling him.
Renton comes out as a rational person who always knows what is right and wrong, and he is willing to avoid doing the wrong thing. According to Hales (2008), when planning to start a counseling session, sometimes it may be necessary to determine if the client is rational or not in their actions. In this movie, some of Rentons friends would viciously attack innocent individuals without remorse. However, this is not the case with our client. Sometimes he engaged in criminal activities like stealing from the elderly who are receiving treatments in nursing homes. At the back of his mind, he knows that it is wrong to steal. As a counselor, I know that dealing with such clients may not pose a serious challenge (Hall, Amodeo, & Bilt, 2010).
According to Metsch and Pollack (2005), the ability of a drug or alcohol addict to transform largely depends on their will power. Their resolve to quit addiction determines their chances of freeing themselves from drugs and alcohol in the rehabilitation centers (Leukefeld, Gullotta, & Gregrich, 2011).
I believe that Renton has the will power. His biggest weakness is the wrong group of friends that keeps dragging him back to the abuse of drugs and alcohol every time he makes a positive step away from the use of drugs and alcohol. As a counselor, I believe that one of the biggest tasks that Renton will have to do is to keep away from most of his current friends. He can stay in the company of Tommy. Renton describes Tommy as a sincere person. He never took drugs, he never lied to anyone, and he never cheated on anyone. Such friends may help him become a better person.
Substance Abuse Counseling Model
Recent studies have shown that those who struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol also have some form of mental problems. Gorman (2008) says that Many people who struggle with a drug or alcohol problem do so as a way of coping with depression or stress, and consuming harmful substances can severely damage mental health, (p. 67).
When choosing an appropriate model for counseling Renton, I will take into consideration the fact that he is struggling with mental problems such as depression and stress. As such, the most appropriate model would be an Integrated Treatment Model. This model helps in addressing substance abuse and mental health problems simultaneously. This will eliminate cases where the client makes positive progress only to relapse because of these mental issues. The figure below shows the model that I intend to use when handling this patient.
Figure 1: Integrated Treatment Model.
I will start by finding ways of excluding Renton from some of his friends who have been a negative influence on his social life. I will strictly ensure that Tommy is the only friend that he keeps. The schoolgirl she met at the club is also another bad influence because she is an alcoholic hence he will need to find a way of detaching himself from her despite the blackmail. According to Stevens & Smith (2013), the first step in helping drug and alcohol addicts is to ensure that they are in the right company.
Friends are a major influence on what a person does. The next step will be to use this model to address issues of addiction and mental problems. I will ask him to state the reasons that could have led him to be an addict. I will be interested in identifying mental-related problems such as stress or depression. I will write down all the factors that he mentions, from peer pressure to family issues, and personal problems. After gathering comprehensive information that led him into addiction, I will request him to state the factors that led to his relapse when he had started making a successful effort to quit the use of drugs and alcohol. I will then address these mental issues as the patient starts his medication. The two will run concurrently.
I believe the outcome will be a complete recovery from the use of drugs and alcohol. Jones (2006) says that when mental issues and drug addiction problems are addressed concurrently, then it is often likely that the outcome will be satisfactory. The main challenge that I expect is how to pull Renton away from his friends. I will consider taking him to a rehabilitation center as the only support available that can make him stay away from the negative influence of his friends.
Ethical issues
One of the ethical codes that may arise when handling the patient is the need to avoid favoritism. All the friends of Renton who are drug and alcohol addicts also need some form of help. Singling Renton out and separating him from his friends may create an impression that he is favored among the rest. There is also the code of secrecy that I will need to observe. Renton has been involved in antisocial behavior that he may not be willing to share with me for fear of victimization.
I will need to offer him an assurance that I will neither judge him harshly nor report him to the authorities. For instance, his romantic relationship with the underage girl may earn him a term in prison. I am bound by my ethical code of practice never to share our discussions with anyone else.
Conclusion
Trainspotting is a very interesting movie that brings out the life of youths who have become drug addicts. Renton and his friends rely on drugs and alcohol to normalize their body systems. The addiction is so bad that sometimes they engage in criminal activities just to get money for drugs and alcohol. They all need professional help to overcome their condition. The study has looked at ways and steps through which Renton can be helped to overcome his addiction. The rest may need to go through the same procedure.
References
French, A. (2006). Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions among Native Americans. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 22(1), 81-91.
Gorman, M. (2008). Substance Abuse. The American Journal of Nursing, 98(11), 6668.
Hales, R. E. (2008). Study guide to substance abuse treatment: A companion to the American Psychiatric Publishing textbook of substance abuse treatment, fourth edition. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
Hall, M., Amodeo, M., & Bilt, V. (2010). Social Workers Employed in Substance Abuse Treatment Agencies: A Training Needs Assessment. Social Work, 45(2), 141155.
Hanson, M. (2001). Alcoholism and Other Drug Addictions. Handbook of Social Work Practice with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations, 2(4), 6496.
Henderson, S., Dohan, D., & Schmidt, L. (2006). Barriers to Identifying Substance Abuse in the Reformed Welfare System. Social Service Review, 80(2), 217238.
Jones, H. E. (2006). Drug Addiction during Pregnancy: Advances in Maternal Treatment and Understanding Child Outcomes. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(3), 126130.
Leukefeld, C. G., Gullotta, T. P., & Gregrich, J. (2011). Handbook of evidence-based substance abuse treatment in criminal justice settings. New York, NY: Springer.
There exists much research exploration into the relations between crack cocaine and heroin and the commitment of felony. Nonetheless, there has not been much research into the links between crack, heroin and cocaine and the commitment of avenue law-breakings. In this essay, evidence is drawn on the investigative substantiation to study the nature of these relations and found that heroin and crack cocaine abuse is not the unswerving reason of paltry offense such as shoplifting. This is from the reason that the beginning of involvement in petty crimes such as shoplifting tends to come first before initiation into drug use. On the other hand, it is also found out that usual use of heroin and crack cocaine ultimately leads to and is in fact linked to street stealing and snatch thievery. This latter verdict was arrived at by illustrating how and why avenue law-breakings were one-off deeds of extreme anxiety.
During deliberations concerning the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 for instance, participants of the forum articulated profound unease about augmented crime connected to crack cocaine and heroin. This discussion also provides a synopsis of the present-day understanding of the correlation between these substances and crime. Sources analyzed here include experiential analyses, both in print and unprinted, and open witness information obtained by the sentencing commission. Analyses of the societal situation surrounding the distribution of these substances, how violent behavior linked with the drugs compares in the past to violent behavior associated with other substance eras and how offences connected with these substances compares to that linked with other drugs were also carried out.
Social research Methods
Fieldwork
The research work consisted of two components. The first were statistics obtained from the Greater Manchester Police, commonly referred to as GMP, The Greater Manchester Street Crime Steering Group, youth offending teams and drug action teams. This made it possible for forty four respondents to be interviewed and definitely these are representative of offenders in the streets of the larger Manchester. Statistical information was also sought from the respondents regarding the first time that they got to use the drugs and the first time they committed offences. They were provided with an interview guide to guide them answer questions appropriately and obtain the required information (Allen, 2006).
Analysis of Data
All the questions and responses were recorded, transliterated and afterwards coded. The coding involved areas such as the drug type and the kind of crime the offenders committed (Allen, 2006). The questionnaire involved taking basic information on how the victims got involved in crime and an explanation of the subsequent stories that explained their drug use. The following conclusions were made from the data analysis:
Systemic Crime
Systemic crime emerges from the arrangement of drug circulation. It includes conflicts over region between competitor drug traders, attacks and executions committed within involved groups. There are also robberies of substance traders and the normally vicious reprisal by the traders or their chiefs, execution of spies, disagreements over drugs and drug equipment, penalty for trading in contaminated or fake substances, castigation for being unable to forfeit ones credit and burglary hostility connected to the societal ecosystem of those specific areas (Arrigo and Williams, 2006).
The coding exercise established that respondents were not out to find a justification for their involvement in drug use. The availability of these substances or their exposure to these drugs led systemically or automatically to their attachment to abuse and crime. Taking part in offensive behavior was thus referred to a rite of passage rather than a result of peer pressure by the interviewees (Arrigo and Williams, 2006).
Critical Moments and Routes into Heroin and Crack Cocaine
The main focus in this area is the users of drugs and the reason as to why these people get into this. A large number of the interviewees said that at first they hated these substances before they got into the fray.
Physical or Sexual Abuse as a Critical Moment
It was established from the interviewees responses that sexual abuse was a critical moment that led current drug addicts into the vice. From the coding it was established that there exists a very strong relation between sexual abuse and hard drugs. Most of the sexual abuse victims got into substance abuse in order to run away from the reality that they had been molested in one way or another. This led to their addiction to these substances (Allen, 2006).
The data analysis unearthed an empirical link between sexual abuse and the use of hard drugs such as cocaine. Most of the respondents who used drugs in this way were trying to phase out the feeling of being assaulted or molested. Evidence is given of a respondent named Joanne who admitted that from being sexually abused, she felt devalued and couldnt deal with her emotions. This therefore necessitated the use of cocaine to numb her feelings. From the analysis, it is evident that most sexual abuse victims got into drugs to block out the feeling of being deflowered .
However, the researcher does not make reference to the age of the respondents as a determinant to the quality of the analysis. One of the respondents cited as a victim to sexual abuse, gives an account of an incident when she was 12. It turns out that at the time of the interview, she had only discovered that she was abused (from a discussion with a friend) and no account of her age is given at the time of the research. This therefore leaves the research open to interpretation, not mentioning the fact that if she was older; say 5 years or more (from the time of abuse), she could have started using drugs not primarily from the sexual assault but other factors as well. These finding are therefore ambiguous.
Death and Bereavement as Critical Moments
The literature here avoids making an exact declaration that death and bereavement as a way into drug abuse. However, after the interviews followed by transcription and coding, it was clear that quite a number of the correspondents got into substance abuse as an escape from the reality that they had lost their loved ones (Allen, 2006).
The analysis made about bereavement was done on an ethical ground though the extent of analysis is vague because the researcher generalizes death with other occurrences that may have led to the drug abuse. Stano, one of the respondents is said to have bought a friend a bag of cocaine as they chatted about the death of his father. This account already shows that the respondent was already exposed to the drug (heroine) before he was bereaved.
Upon further analysis, the respondent is said to have been angry about the girlfriends abortion almost at the same time he started using heroin. This exposes the fact that the respondent could have been under other relationship strains with the girlfriend, probably of communication or trust breakdown which later led to his use of heroine. The analysis of bereavement should therefore have been done on pure account of his fathers death and not on the girlfriends secret abortion. Moreover, the researcher indicates that his first instance of drug use was as a result of buying a friend a bag of cocaine. Peer influence may have played a role here. The analysis should have been more specific to bereavement otherwise its ambiguous; let alone the fact that no proof is given on the respondents truthfulness.
Contribution of Heroin and Crack Cocaine towards Street Crime
Most substance abusers began this habit at critical moments in their lives. Thus, this was not the direct cause of their involvement in unlawful acts. In fact, at the initial stages, they were able to control their drug intake and thus their urge was not that high as for individuals who are fully addicted (Dostoyevsky, 2006). Substantial study shows that heroine abusers have the ability to control their narcotics and thus keep away from criminological activities. This is all possible if the drug users are able to restrain their intake to the amounts that they can afford. Consequently, cases of burglary, muggings and robbery with violence are limited since abusers are able to sustain themselves.
The reason for initial blanket attribution of substance abuse by previous statistics may have therefore acquired a political twist because this analysis shows a different scenario. It can therefore be said that government statistics and the society in general fail to show detailed analysis of the use of hard drugs like cocaine and heroine because of its illegality. The blatant association of drug use to crime is therefore made to emphasize or enforce the fight against drug use by the society coupled by a general acceptance of the society that drug use leads to crime. This is probably made to justify governments fight against drug use and for society to back it up.
Upon further analysis, a large number of the substance abusers lived perfectly normal lives before getting into drugs. This contributes to their ability to practice restrain in matters consumption and thus are able to live within their incomes. In fact, one respondent said that he got to use these drugs after getting his monthly pay and once he could not afford the drugs he had to wait till the next pay-day (Dostoyevsky, 2006).
Criminology is not reliant upon the values of crime in any straight way since the intangible connection between the two ideas is not that real. This reality is not only peculiar to criminology. For instance, Mathematics does not rely on results in the viewpoint of mathematics and this is a reality which many mathematicians are vocal about. Nonetheless, there are times of cracks in the past of mathematics when long-held assumptions at the core of mathematical exercise were challenged by contentious outcomes like the Zermelo alternative truism and Gödels unfinished theorems. Throughout these periods mathematicians got seriously involved in questions of thinking so that to better describe their own practices and determine apparent discrepancies that threatened their work (Agozino, 2003).
Another research carried out in the year 2001 reveals that as much as the pulling out symptoms is bearable whenever an abuser decides to reduce their intake, then he or she can extend his/her time in between drug intake. This forms a major step toward quitting the use of these substances and consequent reduction of criminological activities. However, this analysis is vulnerable to deception from the respondents.
When Drug Needs Cause Street Crime
Many of the respondents had been in control at one time during their drug abuse period but again found them so deep into the habit after some time. However, the deep involvement in heroin and crack cocaine was not the push factor into involvement in crime activities by the respondents. Surprisingly, most of them resorted to beg for cash to obtain their daily dosages of these drugs (Allen, 2006).
As much as heroin and crack cocaine addiction is associated with criminological activities, most of the interviewees said that they could only get involved in certain crimes to satisfy their dosage needs. They got into acquisitive offences like shoplifting and fraud to a lesser extent.
Another surprising revelation by these respondents is the fact that they at all times were unwilling to get involved in person-related acquisitive crimes such as muggings and snatch thievery (Allen, 2006). The reason for this is that a majority of these individuals were themselves victims of abuse in the past. They thus have an idea of how it feels to be hurt by another person. They do not want to inflict such hurt to innocent people. This is the reason as to why statistics show that most of the apprehended shoplifters are usually substance users.
Nevertheless, this analysis may be incorrect because some respondents may have wanted to seem good in the eyes of the researcher. However, the analysis is backed up by previous studies done in Amsterdam involving 150 opiate users that depict the same findings. The findings also conform to the results findings done on NEW ADAMS program that showed that drug users are likely to be more associated with acquired crimes of a non personal nature like shop-lifting. The study further showed that about 85% of shop lifters were associated with the abuse of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroine. Only a slight majority were identified to commit crimes and robbery (about 6%).
Street Crime when Busy Making Plans
Most heroin and crack users get themselves into crimes that they regard as acceptable or as aforementioned. This is mainly shoplifting because these people are out to avoid street crime. They can only get into street crime if and only if shoplifting fails. They thus can be said to be having both plans A and B. Most of them termed their involvement in street crime as a particularly low point in their day(s). One female respondent confessed how she opted to get into commercial sex work in order to make cash to spend on her addiction rather than engaging in street crime. She was forced into this after feeling really guilty after she got engaged in street crime (Dostoyevsky, 2006).
The extent to which the researcher has shown the relation between street crime and drug abuse is hereby factual because most of the respondents give account of personal experiences, difficult to fabricate. The account given of the commercial sex worker describes an event unique to an individual engaged in the practice. In this analysis, it is hard to fabricate or deceive the researcher in such a case. Other respondents also give the same account thereby enforcing the analysis.
Conclusion
Even though much research has been carried out concerning the relation between drugs such as heroine and crime in general, much is lacking in the relation between these drugs and street crime. This essay tended to bring out some of this information. It has been satisfactorily shown that crimes such as shoplifting are not necessarily a consequence of abuse of these substances. Again, the governments allegation that crime is a direct result of drug abuse needs to be revisited since there are other logistics involved. The correspondence of unlawful acts and drugs is not all proof that these substances lead to criminological activities. As much as these two tend to go hand-inhand, criminology may come before one gets immersed in drug abuse. This therefore means that the governments move toward dealing with crime needs to be relooked at if positive results are to be achieved. There needs to be a better way of dealing with critical moments such treating sexual abuse victims or those who have been bereaved.
References
Agozino, B. 2003, Counter-Colonial Criminology: A Critique of Imperialist Reason, Pluto Press, London.
Allen, C. 2005, The links between heroin, crack cocaine and crime. British Journal of Criminology, 45 (1), 355-372.
Arrigo, B. & Williams, C. 2006, Philosophy, Crime, and Criminology, University of Illinois Press, Urbana.
Dostoyevsky, F. 2006, Crime and Punishment, Signet Classics, New York.
Nowadays, the social conditions of different people are changing for the better, but this does not entirely protect them from the emergence of adverse mental illnesses and addictions. Unfortunately, addiction to psychoactive substances remains a pressing problem (Rosen, et al., 2018). Such substances include alcohol (Class A), which causes many disorders and dangerous social behaviors. The story of Gwen Cummings, the main character in the movie 28 Days, is precisely about the harmful effects of alcohol on life. The plot begins with the wedding of Lily, Gwens sister, which turns into a meltdown. Sour moods, anxiety, and an unconscious understatement of guilt lead to legal problems, and Gwen is faced with a choice: a rehab facility or jail time. Gwen chooses rehab, and with that begins her journey to recovery from alcohol addiction.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Gwen Cummings is a newspaper columnist who leads a dissipated life and neglects her health. She is unconcerned with carelessness, endless fun, and a desire to show her independence. Gwen often disregards her sister Lilys advice, not wanting to listen to her relatives opinions. Instead, her partner Jasper controls her life: for example, pushing her to use psychoactive substances. Gwen considers it fun and thinks she can stop at any time and stop. Very quickly, however, drugs and alcohol cease to be fun and a way to relax for a while. Gwen develops an alcohol addiction with co-occurring behavioral disorders.
The story of getting into rehab is entirely the result of alcohol addiction. The movie begins with Gwen waking up hungover after a party and realizing that she is late for her sisters wedding. While she is getting ready, she drinks a beer, the first symptom of addiction that characterizes the stage of alcoholism, when no action can be taken without stimulus. Gwen calmly gets behind the wheel while drunk and drives to her sisters wedding she is not embarrassed by drunk driving. Gwen spoiled the cake and does not feel much guilt and thinks the matter can be easily fixed another sign of addiction: denial of the magnitude of the accident that happened because of alcohol. Gwen gets behind the wheel of the limo again to buy a new cake, but this time with consequences. She crashes into someones house, and though she will not admit her illness, Gwen chooses rehab over the prison.
As mentioned, Gwen does not believe she is addicted and refuses treatment. This behavior is characteristic of most patients diagnosed with alcohol addiction (Rosen, et al., 2018). Gwen dominates other patients in the institution and contributes to other peoples habits: she helps find alcoholic beverages and shares the drugs Jasper brings her. Gwen is not serious about her diagnosis, believing she will stop using substances at any time; she does not feel like it right now.
She is always supported in the facility by counselor Cornell, who believes in Gwen and tries to guide her on the right path to recovery. Gwen gradually listens to other people and becomes aware of her problem. However, on Jaspers next visit, she takes alcohol, after which she becomes angry with herself and throws the bottles out the window. Gwen experiences withdrawal symptoms (abstinence symptoms): an agitated emotional state, sleep problems, hand tremors, and headaches (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It causes Gwen to panic as she tries to escape through the window and return the alcohol, but falls and twists her ankle. Cornells counselor helps her, and she trusts him and accepts her diagnosis: alcohol addiction.
Among other characteristic symptoms of Gwens addiction, there is an anxiety disorder and some signs of depression. In addition, she constantly experiences psycho-emotional stress, which causes her to drink in excessive quantities. Her strong dependence on her lover Jasper does not allow her to fully cope with her problems, as she is too driven and believes that she only needs him. Gwen is easily influenced socially, has trouble sleeping and remembering, and probably has severely damaged inhibitory centers GABA neurotransmitters (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The cyclical nature of affective disorder prevents her from overcoming addiction on her own. In my opinion, the rehab center was her salvation because otherwise, she would never have sought help.
Nature or Nurture
Gwens disease is the result of several factors, primarily social and psychological. It may be noted that women, in general, have more difficulty coping with alcohol addiction. Still, a genetic component does not play a role here, but rather the mothers social influence on the child. An analysis of the reasons for Gwens behavior must begin with an overview of her childhood and teenage life. Gwen and Lilys mother was an alcoholic who believed that if fun does not accompany you, that kind of life is terrible. Alcohol was constantly in little Gwens house, her father was not around, and there were no other good examples. Her mothers influence was strong, and after her death, Gwen probably has PTSD, a traumatic experience disorder that led her down the same path.
Gwen grew up, and as an adult, after meeting Jasper, the addiction picks up. Gwen is easily suggestible, so she is subject to other peoples influence. The social causes of alcoholism are always related to the people who accompany the alcoholics life. Gwens addiction is a product of various factors, dominated by her dysfunctional environment and traumatic experiences. Even after treatment, she reaches out to Jasper in an attempt to change him but finds the strength to pull back, which already speaks volumes about her as a strong person who was able to find a way out. It is impossible to pinpoint which factor was the determining factor in Gwens disorder; in my opinion, it is a combination of social influences and the mental illnesses that accompanied her.
Treatment and Prognosis
The following therapeutic principles were used in the film: group therapy, family sessions with Lily, and equine therapy methods. In addition, Gwen listened to lectures on the dangers of alcohol: she was especially struck by the class on liver cirrhosis; she never thought about the severe consequences. This scene reaffirmed how much of an addict she was and the need for treatment. In many ways, I like the therapies used in the film, but I would like to add what techniques I would use.
First, I offered Gwen a CAGE questionnaire and assessed her condition on the signs of reduction, irritation, guilt, and action. I think it would help to be specific about what her problem is and her reasons for drinking. Based on the DSM-5, I would assess the criteria that Gwens behavior meets. I would also like to use detox as a first step, as it would help follow the four-step principle of recovery from addiction: awareness, submission, action, overcoming. If not to help with full awareness of the habit, detoxification would at the very least open your eyes to the fact that it is possible not to be permanently stressed.
I found a study that confirms the effectiveness of 28-day inpatient hospitalization. At the end of treatment, most patients felt much better, which contributed significantly to a decrease in relapses (Rosen, et al., 2018). It seems to me that in the case of Gwen, efficacy can only be achieved with entire hospitalization. Of course, family and friends cannot be forbidden to visit her. Still, before doing so, I would gather a complete life and family history, which would greatly assist in identifying the causes of alcoholism. I also liked the schema of assessing cognitive, psychological, and affective functions with information technology. In my opinion, this would have shown current and final efficacy and showing Gwen the results would have helped her reduce her psychological stress.
I like the idea of equine therapy in the film, but I would emphasize personal and group counseling. In my opinion, the application of complex treatment will show positive dynamics. The outcome will be favorable only if the psychologist will purposefully help to rid the patient of psychological stress and cautiously get rid of harmful social factors. Withdrawal from alcohol addiction can be carried out thoroughly, but both the patient and the doctor must be involved in the process.
Conclusion
To summarize the overview, I can point a few main things. Firstly, in the film, Gwen demonstrates the traditional behavior of an addicted person: excessive use, denial of the problem, withdrawal syndromes, refusal of treatment. Secondly, Gwens disorder is dual: social factors, upbringing, and psychological traumas are involved. I think the film is an excellent demonstration of the effectiveness of group therapies, in which the CAGE system and reinforcement of personal counseling will fit harmoniously. The film realistically demonstrates alcohol addiction but does not fully reveal the difficulties of the path to recovery. Nevertheless, 28 Days is an adequate representation of alcoholism and the consequences to which it leads.
References
Rosen, A. S., Sodos, L. M., Hirst, R. B., Vaughn, D., Lorkiewicz, S. A. (2018). Cream of the crop: Clinical representativeness of eligible and ineligible cannabis users in research. Substance Use & Misuse, 53, 12, pp. 1937-1950.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
