The+Nature+of+Addiction,+Illicit+Drugs+and+Substance+Abuse.


 * //Benjamin James De Leon //**
 * //N8297550 //**


 * //Artefact: //**

(Foundation for a Drug-Free World, n.d).

**The Nature of Addiction: ** For my cultural artefact I obtained a picture from the website drugfreeworld.org. The image clearly depicts a very clear definition of what happens to those who fall into a state of addiction. The picture, “The truth about drugs,” portrays an image of an addict, as well depicts names of popular drugs, and a brief description of how they destroy lives. The image portrays the implications and ramifications of substance abuse and the negative impact that addiction has on an addict’s life (Foundation for a Drug-Free World, n.d).

**Public Health Issues: ** The public health issues associated with recreational and problematic drug addiction range across class, culture, ethnicity, age, sexuality and gender. No matter the socio-economical determinant, the ramifications of addiction remain the same in their outcomes(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008). Between 2004 and 2005, the impact within the Australian public health sector was notable with an expenditure of approximately $8.2 billion. In 2003, Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (2012) reported that substance abuse was also the cause of an estimated 7,705 deaths. Within the same year there were also approximately 54,500 disability adjusted life years attributable to addiction. The burden that addiction places upon the Australian public health sector is substantial(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

**Literature Review: ** Drug addiction is best defined as a chronic, relapsing compulsive behaviour and attitude that is both indicative of the craving for synthetic or natural chemical substance, as well the desire to consume illicit drugs despite the negative consequences and outcomes (Camí & Farré, 2003).

The consumption of illicit drugs as recorded by AIHW, in 2010 was recorded at a staggering 7.3 million people aged 14 and over within the Australian society. The statistic provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare covers approximately 40% of the Australian population, adequately portraying the severe impact in numbers alone that illicit substances have in modern society. Between 2009 to 2010, approximately 15% of Australian population aged 14 and over had used illicit drugs. In this time there were also more than 20,000 drug related hospitalisations in young adults. An estimated 84% was in relation to crime associated with illicit substances, loss of professional productivity, as well as the costs and impacts on the Australian health care system (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

In regards to a scope over a 10 year period, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2012 report clearly portrays that the proportion of Australians who have reported recent or current drug addiction and substance abuse in 2010 at 15% of the population. This was indeed higher than the amount reported in 2007 at 13% of population. Even though there was a clear increase in those who took part in the consumption of illicit drugs, or who suffered from drug addiction between 2007 to 2010, the report also noticeably defined that the increase was still recorded as lower than other proceeding surveys that had been obtained since 1995 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

An additional location of information that is both informative and relative over a period surpassing a decade is the National Drug Strategic Framework. The National Drug Strategy is an initiative that provides a direction and focus for non-government and government sectors for the allocation of resources required to aid in substance abuse. The framework mainly focuses on the areas of drug prevention, reduction of supply, and addiction harm minimisation within Australian Society (Webster, 2011).

The National Drug Strategic Framework began in 1985. The strategic framework was officially endorsed by a coalition of government, non-government, industrial and community sectors between 1998 and 2004. The strategy was then integrated into the National Drug Strategy between 2008 and 2009, this furthering the progression of coordination between all sectors in relation to the Australian community (Australian Government, 2011).

On the 25th of February 2011 the National Drug Strategy of 2010 to 2015, was officially recognised and endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Drug strategy. The council recognized the strategy as an effective program that best supported the required change in those who suffer from drug addiction or the negative ramifications being addicted to illicit substances. The National Drug Strategy clearly defines that the issue of drug addiction is one of the utmost importance. The debilitation caused from addiction to illicit substances is a very obvious drain on the Australian society, The Australian public health sector, as well government and non-government sectors alike (Australian Government, 2011).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Recognition of the severe negative impact drug addiction has on the Australian society, as well public and private health sectors, is also clearly portrayed within the Australian Bureau of <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Statistics. Societal, recreational and problematic addiction is found across all ages, ethnicities, gender, societal <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">status and class. The article conveys that the complications associated to substance abuse are incredibly dangerous in regards to consequences. The article proceeds to define the effects that addiction has on an individual’s physiological and psychological state, as well as their behavioural mannerisms and relational abilities (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In correlation to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2007 the National Drug Strategy Survey conveyed that 23% of the Australian population aged between 15 to 24 years old had reported using illicit drugs. The article focuses on and adequately portrays the extent substance abuse has over a long period of time in the Australian public health sector, and defines it as substantial. In 2005 to 2006 there occurred 11,700 hospital related health issues that were caused from the consumption of illicit drugs (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The article draws upon data that has been recorded by multiple Australian Bureau of Statistics sources. More specifically from the 2005 personal safety survey, the causes of death collection, the criminal courts collection, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare national hospital morbidity database, and the 2004 to 2005 National Drug Strategy household survey (NDSHS). The article portrays over a protracted duration the detrimental effect illicit substance abuse and addiction has on the Australian health care system, as well the negative affect on the individuals who partake in the consumption of illicit drugs (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2008).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The articles previously have expressed methodologies based within surveys that have been aimed to obtain a statistical progression over a ten year period of what occurs to a user when taking illicit drugs. More specifically within the Australian population. The limitations of the articles are that the participants of the statistical values could have felt pressured, or threatened when providing information, therefore could have been emotionally compromised. If this were the case, then the results provided could have been different, thus there is also the potential for a certain degree of variance within the statistical values.

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cultural and Social Analysis: ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Across many cultures and ethnicities, the addiction to illicit drugs and substance abuse is in most cases the first and foremost health issue that affects a vast array of people, from substance users, to associated individuals who are forced to be in indirect or direct contact. Available data on substance abuse portrays that culturally the consumption of illicit drugs is larger in the USA, Canada and Australia, in comparison to the consumption of illicit drugs within the European Union. In all nations the most used drug is cannabis, this prevalence can be attributed to the trend that the majority of drug users wish to partake in the act for recreational purposes. This is done with the mindset to obtain a social high, rather than become addicted in the conventional sense of craving the drug as a method of escapism and release <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">(Verster, 2012) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The nature of addiction can be defined within multiple theories and models. Theories and models are made up of attributed concepts and propositions, these help define, explain and predict addiction. Concepts that are associated to addiction define properties such as craving, relapse, remission and abstinence (Rasmussen, 2000).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Models associated to addiction include; The Conventional Model which incorporates the moral, legal, medical, pharmacological ramifications to addiction. Another model is the disease concept, which talks about the effects of disease and bacteria transmitted and transferred between addicts. The Contemporary Theory includes the biological, physiological, spiritual and psychological ramifications of addiction. The Comprehensive Model includes the effect on the public health system and the clinicians as well as the addict and user (Rasmussen, 2000).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Theories associated to addiction include; biological dependency to a substance, also known as realism. Also the social compulsive behaviour of consuming an illicit drug that causes negative effects, and yet the individual continues to consume the substance. This is known as Constructivism, when an individual portrays a craving and need that’s based in repetition and dependence (Sulkunen, 2011).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Drugs and addiction do not discriminate between class, culture, ethnicity, age or gender. No matter an individual’s determinants or socioeconomic status, it is clearly obvious that many individuals are seeking a certain form of release or distraction in life. Individuals use drugs for a range of reasons, these could include; for pleasure, they enjoy the taste, friends and family use them, they are lonely, they need to relax, religious purposes, pain relief, boredom, help deal with mental and emotional problems, dependency issues, and finally because they lack the courage to be themselves without the aid of substances (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Australians between the ages of 18 to 24, approximately 27%, were the most prevalent of all ages to have had drugs in the last 12 months. The age group least likely to consume illicit drugs was 65 years and older(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">As portrayed by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012), compared to heterosexual population groups, the consumption of illicit drugs was higher among homosexual and bisexual population groups, at approximately 36%, or 2.6 times higher than other subpopulation groups. Cannabis, methamphetamines, and ecstasy where proven to be used more by the unemployed, compared to those with employment. Within a 12 month period, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations used higher amounts of cannabis than non-indigenous Australians, approximately 18% and 10% respectively(Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2012).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">As a paramedic it is important to understand the nature and concept of drug addiction. We are called to be clinicians who aim to uphold tolerance and acceptance of all individuals, no matter their medical condition, physiological and psychological state. Addict or not, it is a mandate to treat all people equal.

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Analysis of Artefact and Reflection: ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">It is in my opinion that my artefact was extremely useful and very applicable in relation to the representation of what occurs to an individual who consumes illicit drugs. Substance abuse is a horrible compulsive behaviour that can and almost always does often ruin an individual’s psychological, physiological relational, emotional, moral and ethical state.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The image focuses on the ramifications of drug addiction and substance abuse. I personally feel that drugs are the scourge of modern day society. Within this essay it is clearly revealed that illicit drugs and addiction has impacted both individuals and entire nations in a very severe and real manner. The image in my opinion is great as it is both applicable and informative; all the while it is honest and down to earth.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The artefact provides a sense of what it would be like if an individual could place themselves in an addicts shoes. By sharing a relative understanding of the implications of addiction, it allows others to learn from the mistakes and failures of those who have come from a state of addiction and substance abuse.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">I feel this assessment piece will aid me in the future as a paramedic. This has been important to learn, as my role in paramedics will be to care for all people, no matter their situation or circumstance. I now have a positive outlook on the matter, with the understanding that there is hope and readily available help for change.

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Reference List ** Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). //Risk taking by Young People.// Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Chapter5002008

Australian Government. (2011). National Drug Strategic Framework. Retrieved from Australian Government National Drug Strategy website http://www.nationaldrugstrategy.gov.au/internet/drugstrategy/publishing.nsf/Content/national-drug-strategic-framework-lp

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2012). //Australia’s health 2012.// Australia’s health series no.13. Cat. no. AUS 156. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737422169

Camí, J., & Farré, M. (2003). Drug addiction. //The New England Journal of Medicine, 349//(10), 975-86. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/223927319?accountid=13380

Foundation for a Drug-Free World. (n.d). The Truth about Drugs. Retrieved 28 October 2013 from http://www.drugfreeworld.org/#/documentaries

Obembe, S. (2012). //Practical skills and clinical management of alcoholism & drug addiction//.[EBL Version]. Retrieved from http://qut.eblib.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=980020&echo=1&userid=qK8j10rBfY1LtNap%2fhRPFw%3d%3d&tstamp=1383458986&id=AD8AFE6966E247F21176AB6CE612BBF00AB46451

Rasmussen, S. (2000). Theories and models of addiction. In //Addiction treatment: Theory and practice.// (pp. 22-43). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/10.4135/9781452231877.n2

Sulkunen, P. (2011). Addiction. In D. Southerton (Ed.), //Encyclopedia of consumer culture.// (pp. 6-8). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/10.4135/9781412994248.n3

Verster, J. C. (2012). //Drug abuse and addiction in medical illness: Causes, consequences and treatment//. [EBL Version]. Retrieved from http://reader.eblib.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/(S(5eu33gbirrebu1b34lbxhm5x))/Reader.aspx?p=973531&o=96&u=qK8j10rBfY1LtNap%2fhRPFw%3d%3d&t=1383464412&h=AE6C3D632567F6B595DB199010D44131618E76D1&s=10642287&ut=245&pg=1&r=img&c=-1&pat=n

Webster, I. (2011). The National Drug Strategy 2010-2015. //Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia News// (53). Retrieved from http://www.adca.org.au/sites/default/files/publications/adcanews_issue%2053_v2_web.pdf

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Reflection:

'I just really love meat' - So is Factory Farming and Animal Cruelty justifiable? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> []

“Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64697924