Natures+Cruelest+Addictions

__**The Nature of Addiction its Impacts and Effects**__ By Louis Probin N8589551 Tutor: Michelle Cornford

__**Cultural Artefact:**__ The use of Heroin to escape reality



This dark image sets the scene on the nature of addiction. This image shows the moments after an addict has “shot up”. A typical and otherwise general setting that people around the world whether they are involved with drugs or not will understand. Yet what is the nature of this so called addiction and why are drugs used other than for medicinal purposes? Edgar Allan Poe once said “I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom.” (Goodreads Inc, 2013)

__**Public Health Issue**__

The public health issue that this artefact depicts is the nature and concept of addiction and how it applies to the spectrum of drug users within our society. To further understand and grasp the concept of the Nature of Addiction it is necessary to understand and be able to differentiate between recreational and problematic drug use. This topic also focuses on examining the social, psychological, and physiological factors that may contribute to an individuals drug addiction.

__**Literature Review**__ The ‘Nature of Addiction’, a confusing and somewhat unclear term that tries to explain the true meaning of addiction. To shed some light on this ominous set of words and its darker meaning this review will enable the reader to further expand their knowledge of the concept pertaining to the nature of addiction and to answer the question of what does the nature of addiction mean. This review will also delve into the differences between recreational and problematic drug use and will explore the underlying factors that contribute to drug addiction such as Social, Psychological and Physiological aspects.

In modern day society, addiction is defined as a chronic brain disease where the individual can suffer from regular relapses that causes the sufferer to compulsively seek and use drugs or participate in addictive behaviours (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2012). Addiction is one of the toughest issues that the Australian society faces. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) 38% of the Australian population over the age of 14 have used illicit drugs or prescribed drugs for non-medicinal purposes. Addiction nonetheless has two elements that must be understood to be able to grasp the full concept implied by the nature of addiction. These two concepts are Tolerance and Withdrawal (Bissette, 2013). An individual is drawn to an addictive substance or behaviour as it affects their emotions by enhancing positive emotions and experiences and numbing the more unwanted memories and emotions. The substances used include both illicit and medicinal drugs and addictive behaviours can range from sexual intercourse to other forms of behaviour that instigate a sense of euphoria by causing the release of Dopamine in the body (Davis, C., & Loxton, J, N, 2013).

However once the effects of the addictive substance or the release of dopamine wear off, the unwanted emotions or memories return and tend to be exacerbated due to the after effects of addiction. Causing the addicted individuals to further act upon their addiction (Bissette, 2013). Soon heavy use or intense involvement of an addiction causes the body to build a Tolerance towards the associated addictive substance or behaviour. This tolerance that builds up over time causes the user to increase either the amount of substances used or increase the amount of involvement in a behaviour so that they are able to reach the same level of euphoria (Bissette, 2013). Unfortunately with the building tolerance as the body becomes familiar and dependant on the addictive substances or behaviours, if the individual does not act upon their addiction then they can experience painful physical and emotional Withdrawals(Fisher, D., Grap, M, J., Younger, J, B., Ameringer, S., & Elswick, R, K, 2013).

Now that their is a solid structure to the overall concept of addiction and its nature, then the next step is to explore the differences between recreational and problematic drug use. Recreational drug use is how many addictions begin, however the use of recreational drugs use or addictive behaviours over time turns into problematic drug addiction (Richeimer, 2008). There are many reasons for the recreational use of drugs, some people use drugs to assist with relaxation, to socialise, to escape unwanted feelings and problems in their lives, to relieve boredom, to be perceived as grown-up and to experiment (Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 2013 & ReachOut, 2013). Problematic drug use is where issues begin to arise that have severe impacts on the individuals health and their relationships between family, friends and work colleagues. Problematic drug use is perceived as the use of injecting substances into the body or through long-duration or regular usage of drugs or participation in addictive behaviours (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 2011). These issues that impact on a problematic drug user range from: Health issues such as mental and physical problems to the contraction of communicable diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C; Through to social issues including family and community conflict and social wellbeing issues (Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Program, 2010).

Now that the differences between Recreational and Problematic drug use have been highlighted and the possible issues that impact on a problematic drug user mentioned it is now important to explore and understand the reasons why people are susceptible to addiction. This susceptibility can range from either Social, Psychological or Physiological aspects. The Social factors contributing to addiction include: Peers currently partaking in drug use or other addictive behaviours, Social pressure exerted by those peers, The social environment that an individual involves themselves in and the lack of family support (Çırakoğlu, O, C., & Işın, G, 2005). The Psychological factors that increase the likely hood of developing an addiction include: Suffering from a current mental or psychological condition such as cognitive disabilities, Mood disturbances, Anxiety, Depression, loneliness and other such conditions (Horvath, T, A. Misra, K., Empner, A, K., & Cooper, G, M, 2013). The Physiological factors that contribute to developing an addiction include: A family history of addiction, Being a male doubles your chances of addiction, Early drug use, Traumatic experiences and injection as the form of administration for drugs heightens the chances of an addiction forming (Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Saisan, J, 2013 & MayoClinic, 2011).

In conclusion this review has explored and defined the two concepts that form the nature of addiction which include Tolerance and Withdrawal. Where Tolerance is the built up resilience towards the chosen substance or behaviour causing Withdrawal for the addicted individual as they experience sever emotional and physical distress when they do not indulge on their addiction as their body has become dependent. This review also highlighted the differences between Recreational and Problematic drug use and identified that Recreational always leads to problematic drug use due to the nature of the addiction. Finally the Social, Psychological and Physiological factors where highlighted that contribute and increase the chances of forming an addiction.

__**Cultural & Social Analysis**__

Humans have suffered from addiction since the beginning of time through either illicit and medicinal substances or behavioural abuse. Narcotics and other stimulants now categorised as Illicit drugs are seen as dangerous and not fit for society however they can be traced back through human history to as early as 4000 B.C. The use of narcotics for recreational use was a typical past time that was well accepted within society of that era. However only since the 1800’s has society really begun to take action against preventing addiction and assisting those that suffer from addiction (Pearson Education, 2005). In the past 200 hundred years that the global society has recognised the issues of addiction, many different acts and laws have been passed to help control addiction. However only in the 1900s’ when illicit drug use was combined and blamed for the birth of HIV/AIDS did the world start to recognise the dangers of illicit drugs (MayoClinic, 2013).

From this epidemic the use of support groups, medical treatments, education and campaigns were created to tackle the issues of addiction and drug use. These forms of support, campaigns and education focussed on providing early education about the dangers of drugs and early recognition of a forming addiction (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011). Nonetheless the issues of addiction are still a very real issue within our society. Within our sub groups within society there are certain groups that are pre-disposed to forming drug addictions. These individuals tend to come from more lower socio-economic classes, rural areas, cult groups, individuals suffering from mental or psychological conditions or those with a family history of addiction are much more susceptible to forming an addiction (MayoClinic, 2011). Therefore it is extremely important to continue to support, fund and improve upon the necessary safety measures that are incorporated into our society. Through the promotion of support and encouragement of seeking help then addicts will have higher chances of breaking their addiction. Further education in all schools throughout Australia from as early as Prep can assist with instilling into the next generation of children the dangers of drugs and the importance of tackling addiction. Promoting early recognition, early support strategies and having available public health members available to those living in rural or lower socio-economic areas can also help to increase the overall chances of addicts being able to overcome their addictions whether they be caused from illicit or medicinal drugs or behaviours.

__**Analysis of the Artefact**__

My Artefact depicts the scene of a typical ‘shoot up’. The black and white image provides an ominous almost depressing photo filled with disappointment and despair. These feelings are generally universally felt when anyone sees this type of situation. This image I have provided is also an image that I have come across multiple times in my studies and I find it best reflects the chosen topic of exploring the nature of addiction. From working on road with an ambulance crew and studying Paramedicine I have come across this typical scene numerous times and each time I have felt sorrow, empathy and disgust. Unfortunately those that suffer from addiction may choose to take part in it at the beginning but soon this addiction easily takes over their lives, almost to the point where the individuals soul purpose is to partake and exacerbate their addiction.

Even though I have experienced this situation many times in my life, this assessment piece provided me with a greater more in-depth view of the nature of addiction and who is more susceptible to addiciton. This piece also provided me with the knowledge of how to treat addiction and ultimately altered my overall opinion of drug addicts. Now I view drug addicts as not completely at fault but instead see addiction as more of a psychological condition instead that has overtaken their normal lives.

__**Reference List**__ **//Journal Articles://**

Çırakoğlu, O, C., & Işın, G. (2005). Perception of drug addiction among Turkish university students: Causes, cures, and attitudes. //Addictive Behaviors, 30//(1), 1-8. Retrieved from []

Davis, C., & Loxton, J, N. (2013). Addictive beahiors and addiction-prone personality traits: Associations with a dopamine multilocus genetic profile. //Journal of Addictive Behaviors, 38//(7), 2306-2312. Retrieved from []

Fisher, D., Grap, M, J., Younger, J, B., Ameringer, S., & Elswick, R, K. (2013). Opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms in children: Frequency and determinants. //Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 42//(6), 407-413. Retrieved from []

**//Web Pages://**

Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Training and Research Program. (2010). Problem Drug Use: Guidelines for Providing Mental Health First Aid to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Person. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from []

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2007). Statistics on drug use in Australia 2006. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from []

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey report. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from []

Bissette, D. C. (2013). The Nature of Addiction. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from []

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2011). Problem drug use (PDU). Retrieved on September 25, 2013, from []

Foundation for a Drug-Free World. (2013). Why do People take Drugs?. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from []

Goodreads Inc. (2013). Quotes on Drugs. Retrieved October 15, 2013, from []

Horvath, T, A. Misra, K., Empner, A, K., & Cooper, G, M. (2013). Psychological Causes of Addiction. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from http://www.amhc.org/1408-addictions/article/48345-psychological-causes-of-addiction

MayoClinic. (2011). Drug Addiction. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from [|http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=causes]

MayoClinic. (2011). Drug Addiction - Risk Factors. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from [|http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors]

MayoClinic. (2013). HIV/AIDS - Causes. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from []

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). DrugFacts: Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from [] Pearson Education. (2005). Drug addiction and drug abuse. Retrieved on November 3, 2013, from []

ReachOut. (2013). All about drugs. Retrieved on September 25, 2013, from [|http://au.reachout.com/All-about-drugs]

Richeimer, S. (2008). Opioid pain relievers make headlines. Retrieved on September 24, 2013, from []

Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Saisan, J. (2013). Drug Abuse & Addiction. Retrieved on September 25, 2013, from []

__**Learning Engagement and Reflection Task**__

“Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” - []

“Red Dust, Forget Us!” Healthcare Down Under - []

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