Hi,+please+state+your+addiction

=  The Artefact =
 * The Nature of Addiction** Written by Grace Wilson Student: n8796947 Tutor: Mangalam Sankupellay

====This is a picture that occasionally pops up on different Facebook pages and can be found via a search of Google images. The cartoon style picture outlines a number of addictive behaviours. The cartoons range from things like shopping, exercise, dieting, smoking tobacco or taking illicit drugs. Most people would be familiar with at least a few of the behaviours mentioned and may be able to pinpoint one with which they can identify. It showcases a wide range of behaviours, making people think broadly about addiction, rather then focusing on a single one. ====

= The Public Health Issue =

Addiction costs the Australian society a huge sum of money every year. When put in perspective it can be seen how little illicit drug addiction costs compared to the public health costs associated with, say, alcohol, tobacco or even behavioural addictions (like food addictions). These less criminalised and somewhat more ‘legal’ addictions are normalised in society even though they cost the Australian society more, in financial and social terms (violence, abuse, disease), than illicit drug addiction.

A quick snapshot: The cost of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use to the Australian society in 2004-05 was $56.1 billion according to the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy (2011). This includes cost to the health and hospital system, lost workplace productivity, road accidents and crime. This is shown on the pie graph below:
 * Tobacco accounted for 31.5 billion (56.2%)
 * Alcohol accounted for 15.3 billion (27.3%)
 * Illegal drugs accounted for 8.2 billion (14.6%)

= Literature Review =

It is difficult to define addiction as many sources offer different interpretations about the multitude of factors that influence addiction. A standard encyclopaedia definition of drug addiction states that it is the chronic use of a chemical substance to change the state of the body for non-medical purposes despite negative consequences (Columbia Electronic Encyclopaedia, 2013).

But, as stated by Hall (2013), ‘the problem with any name or label is that it rarely fits all cases’. Hall (2013) tries to elaborate on addiction by introducing the idea that many different theories influence its development such as medical, social, cultural and physiological perspectives; in other words, addiction is a biopychosocial issue. Hall (2013) believes that these views allow addiction to be understood in a more holistic way, and explain how the person came to be addicted. The reasons for continued involvement in the behaviour are important factors in determining the treatment of their behaviour.

Biological Theories From a biological perspective, Kalant (2010) says that it is beginning to be accepted by scientists and media that taking drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, cocaine (and many others) acts on certain cells in the body. When participating in activities such as eating, drinking, taking drugs or having sex, a neurochemical called dopamine is stimulated (Hall, 2013). Dopamine stimulates the feeling of pleasure and reward, so participation in these activities can lead the person so associate a good feeling with the activity. Memory processing is also aided by dopamine, where it is able to bias the brain towards these activities that provide reward (Hall 2013).

This view is also held by Kalant (2010), where it is stated that this ‘reward’ experienced by the brain is what motivates participants to continue use of a drug. This is further reinforced by Dingel, Karkazis and Koenig (2011) where it is stated that the potential to become addicted is a part of our bodies, and that individuals become addicted to the neurotransmitters released in the brain. These sources agree on the facts about biological factors influencing addiction to a range of different activities and substances.

Social/Environmental Theories <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">From a social perspective, a study by Epstein, Hill, Bailey & Hawkins (2013) has shown that childhood experiences and family influences from a young age impact upon later addictions such as alcohol and tobacco. This study relied on qualitative data gained from a longitudinal survey conducted on 808 subjects. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">The limitations of this methodology are that it was reliant on subjects self reporting, and the results were not complemented by quantitative data. Personality factors such as risk taking and sensation seeking also contribute to someone developing an addiction according to Epstein et al (2013).

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">This personality data is also supported by Romano, Osborne, Truzoli & Reed (2013) who states that internet addicts also display personality traits such as novelty or sensation seeking, impulsiveness and even aggression. It could be assumed that when a person does not have adequate social support (be it from family, friends or help groups), they struggle to control their addiction, Romano et al (2013) also notes that addicts tend to be socially isolated. This is supported by Johansen, Brendryen, Darnell,& Wennesland (2013) where it was found that when a person was a member of a social recovery group they were able to remain abstinent more successfully then if they weren’t involved in some social support networks.

<span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Psychological Theories <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Psychologically, Romano et al (2013) states that addicts feel depressed and have low self esteem. In this study, Romano et al (2013) used a series of psychological tests on a group of volunteers to gauge mood and anxiety levels before and after the use of the internet. In addicts it was shown that a positive mood was dissipated by the use of the internet. Some of the limitations were that there appeared to be no control group and very little quantitative data about the subjects observed. There was little consideration about what the subjects did during their normal life which could affect these results.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">In a survey by Lawrence, Rasinski, Yoon & Curlin (2013) conducted on physicians and psychiatrists, it was found that approximately a third of these healthcare professionals believe addiction is related to psychological ‘woundedness’. This could be from a number of factors such as mental illness, trauma or esteem issues. In the same article by Lawrence et al (2013), it was noted that dependence often emerges from psychological distress or mental illness. In this study, US primary care physicians (specialists in either family medicine, general or internal medicine) and psychiatrists were mailed up to three separate surveys. Over 1500 responses to the surveys were generated, meaning there was a significant sample size to draw data from. The survey was accompanied by a monetary incentive of up to $50, which may have influenced participation.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">In general, the literature reveals that biological, social and psychological factors can all affect the nature of addiction. The nature of addiction is such that these factors both individually and in concert with each make addiction a complex and multi-faceted issue. It would also be wrong to assume that addiction only relates to drugs. But does addiction go beyond drugs? Many sources claim this to be the case. It can be found that internet use, virtual gaming, eating, sex, pornography, work, gambling and many other addictions affect people – not just alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs.

= <span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Cultural Analysis =

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">As mentioned above, addiction is a condition with multiple causes and effects – the factors that influence it as well as the issues that arise from it are extremely varied. A postmodernist lens on addiction helps to illustrate the variability that each individual faces throughout his or her specific addiction. As noted by Hall (2011) above, a holistic approach to treatment can be taken to better understand an individual’s problem. Postmodernism is well suited to this holistic approach as it allows the situation to be analysed not from a particular dogma, but from within the situation as it presents itself. The most important idea in postmodernism is that everything is relative, rather than absolute. Every matter of fact is only true in relation to the context of the matter, so for an addict their position in society and their relationship to others are very critical factors.

<span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">So who are the social groups who are more affected by this issue? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">From the literature present above, one could assume that people who suffer from addictions have no other rewarding thing in their life which gives them as much happiness, relief or pleasure as their specific addiction. They may be people who have suffered great trauma, grief or excessive stress, people who suffer from mental illness or ones who fall within low socio economic status. Unfortunately, Indigenous Australian’s are subject of many of the aforementioned sufferings, and they are therefore overrepresented amongst those with addiction.

<span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why this issue is important: <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is important to understand the many causes of addiction because modern life can be extremely stressful for a majority of people in the population, it should be no surprise that people console themselves in such a wide range of addictions to (seemingly) heal their wounds and escape reality.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Awareness of this issue is important, as de-criminalisation of illicit drug addiction, in the hope that addicts can escape the negative stigma they usually attract, may assist recovery for some sufferers. Awareness and acceptance that alcohol, gambling and food addiction are equally harmful and costly to society would probably allow society to see that these focuses of addition are also contributing to ill-health of the population.

<span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where should public health experts focus: <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Through research explored above, it was shown that childhood influences greatly determine whether a person will be a smoker, a drinker and what their personality is likely to look like. The solution to addiction may lie in targeting children and family interactions to treat the issue before it develops. Creating a healthier, more positive environment for children in risky families could be key focus for public health experts. Broad education about the negative effects of addition to things other than (but not leaving out) illicit drugs could also improve general population health and relieve the burden of addiction on the public purse.

= <span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Analysis of the Artefact and my learning reflections =

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Throughout the semester I have learnt to appreciate the diverse range of circumstances that affect health in Australia and around the world. This is consistent with a postmodern lens on health issues. Through my research into addiction, through the perspective of postmodernism, I feel much less judgemental about drug or behavioural addiction, and generally less negative about different groups of people because I can see that situational factors are part of the picture of every person’s place in the world. I also think that addiction goes beyond illicit drugs, and there are negative health consequences for other addictions in particular food, tobacco and alcohol.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">I now know that individuals cannot always be blamed for the situation they may be in, and that their environment and social context is something to consider before giving them a label. I feel as though this will be beneficial for my future career in health, because I will be able to listen to and treat clients while keeping an open and accepting mind about whatever their culture, background, sexuality or behavioural issues might be.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">The only criticism I have of postmodernism as a perspective is that, if it is taken too far, it will we begin to encourage too much acceptance.. I still think it is necessary to treat some issues as more serious then others, or more destructive to the individual. There is always a place for quantitative data in the analysis of public health issues and for decisions to be made on the basis of this analysis. Ideally, methodologies which embrace both qualitative and quantitative methods will provide the best starting point for public health decisions.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think the cartoons in my artefact are a good reminder that different people have different issues. I also think the diagram shows a variety of addictions on a level playing field, as they can all be destructive to the person’s mental, financial, physical and social wellbeing. Through my research I have come to realise how illicit drug addiction is not any different to alcohol, tobacco or any other addiction. Society should rethink the nature of addition and what it means to be an addict

= <span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: Georgia,serif;">References =

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hall, P. (2011). A Biopsychosocial view of sex addiction. //Sexual & Relationship Therapy//, 26(3), 217-228. Doi:10.1080 14681994.2011.628310

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dingel, M. J., Karkazis, K., & Koenig, B. A. (2011). Framing Nicotine Addiction as a 'Disease of the Brain': Social and Ethical Consequences. //Social Science Quarterly// (Wiley-Blackwell), 92(5), 1363-1388. doi:10.1111/j.1540-6237.2011.00822.x

<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Drug addiction and drug abuse. (2013). //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Columbia Electronic //<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Encyclopaedia//, 6th Edition, 1-4.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kalant, H. (2010). What neurobiology cannot tell us about addiction. //Addiction//, 105(5), 780-789. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02739.x

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Epstein, M., Hill, K. G., Bailey, J. A., & Hawkins, J. (2013). The Effect of General and Drug-Specific Family Environments on Comorbid and Drug-Specific Problem Behavior: A Longitudinal Examination. //Developmental Psychology//, 49(6), 1151-1164. Retrieved from [|http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ehost/detail?sid=dbe0b948-4f3b-406b-9d94-7a8806ce08d8%40sessionmgr114&vid=6&hid=108&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=eric&AN=EJ1008112]

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Johansen, A. B., Brendryen, H., Darnell, F. J., & Wennesland, D. K. (2013). Practical support aids addiction recovery: the positive identity model of change. //BMC Psychiatry,// 13(1), 1-11. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-201

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Romano, M., Osborne, L. A., Truzoli, R., & Reed, P. (2013). Differential Psychological Impact of Internet Exposure on Internet Addicts. //Plos ONE//, 8(2), 1-4. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0055162

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lawrence, R, E., Rasinski, K. A., Yoon, J. D., & Curlin, F. A. (2013). Physician’s Beliefs about the Nature of Addiction: A survey of Primary Care Physicians and Psychiatrists.//The American Journal on Addictions,// 22(3), 213-260. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00332.x

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, Commonwealth of Australia. (2011). National Drug Strategy 2010-2015. Retrieved from The Australian Government National Drug Strategy website <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf/Content/nds2015

= <span style="color: #ff33c1; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Reflections = 1: http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64696328

2: http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64696412