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Addiction

            Addiction is defined as "being abnormally dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming" (dictionary.com). There are many different types of addiction. Drug, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine addiction are just a few types. It is important to examine addiction and describe the problems it causes in all aspects of a person's life.
             The signs of addiction are obvious. Addiction starts with drug abuse, when a person makes the choice to use drugs, but addiction is not just "a lot of drug use." Recent scientific research shows that not only do "drugs interfere with normal brain functioning creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but they also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity." (Henderson 15). At a certain point, changes occur in the brain that can turn drug abuse into addiction, a relapsing illness. Those addicted to drugs suffer from compulsive drug and usage and cannot stop by themselves. Treatment is necessary to end this addiction (http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/understand.html). Another sign is the compulsive use of drugs or alcohol regardless of negative consequences.
             Addiction can be caused by numerous factors. People can be genetically predisposed, which means that a person's genetic makeup could cause it. It also can be caused by psychological and .
             social problems. Uncontrolled stress can be a major factor as well. It also just may be that the substance is highly addictive and alters the brain's biochemical structure (Bender 45). The substances do this using the brain's reward system, also known as the mesolimbic reward system. The mesolimbic reward system raises the body's dopamine level, which gives off the feeling of pleasure (Bender 46). Addicitve substances hijack this reward system and flood the brain with dopamine. This causes the addict to crave the substance rather than being involved in normal daily activities because they don't feel the same amount of pleasure any more (Bender 46).


Essays Related to Addiction

1. Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a very controversial topic with many diverse definitions and opinions. Stanton Peele discusses the numerous sections of drug addiction in "Addiction Is Not a Disease." ... Stanton Peele reasons that addiction is not a disease in the most comprehensible sense of the word: a disease has a biological cause and often a cure, while an addiction has neither. ... Addiction is not however a disease in any way, shape, or form. In our society drug addiction has grown to be a massive problem. ...

  • Word Count: 975
  • Approx Pages: 4

2. Technology Addiction

The words addiction and obsessive compulsive disorder; the need to do something; describe the problem some people have with technology. ... Does this type of behavior qualify as a true addiction? Significant information is given identifying the real behaviors of internet addiction, such as false realities, isolation, loss of social skills and obsessive thinking; this makes it sound pretty much like an addiction does it not? ... Like sexual addiction and eating disorders, technology addiction has few, if any, outward consequences. The damage caused by a technological addiction is self inflicted...

  • Word Count: 870
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

3. A Look at Process Addictions

A process addiction is being addicted to, or dependent on a certain behaviour, a process. ... Process addictions have become violent in our society (David Capuzzi, 2008, p. 36). ... Research suggests that when a person has a process addiction frequently,it is accompanied with or replaced by another addiction, such as a substance or a process. For example, a male recovering from a sexual addiction develops a gambling addiction (David Capuzzi, 2008, pp. 35,36). ... Much like other addictions, denial is one of the biggest issues. ...

  • Word Count: 2692
  • Approx Pages: 11
  • Has Bibliography

4. Spirituality And Addiction

Introduction The role of spirituality in addiction recovery is a vital one. ... Spirituality in addiction recovery refers to a higher power, of individual choice, when recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. ... It is believed that addiction robs people of their spiritual power, and that spirituality treatment treats the whole person: mind, body, and soul (National Association of Addiction Providers, 2000). Spirituality in addiction treatment is individually specific. ... Recovery from addiction cannot occur without some form of spirituality involved. ...

  • Word Count: 1588
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

5. Generation Y and Social Media Addiction

Gordon and Small unanimously agree that males have increased odds of acquiring internet social media addiction. ... This association between social media usage and the user could be an addiction, but it can also be considered ADHD. ... Studies involving the deeper spectrum of social media addiction require a more narrow focus of online activity. ... The results were then interpreted through Griffiths' investigation of nonchemical addictions (Griffiths, 2000). Griffiths uses six components to help determine the type of behavioral addiction individuals relate to. ...

  • Word Count: 2077
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

6. Drug Addiction and Prostitution

Drug Addiction and Prostitution The topic I am going to talk about is the association between drug addiction and street prostitution. ... The most common addiction among prostitutes is heroine and/or crack cocaine. The addiction can become so bad that prostitutes will even price according to one hit. ... Goldstein's theory stated that among lower class prostitutes, addiction to heroin often preceded prostitution and that prostitution became the means by which women met the economic necessities to feed their addictions. ... It is clear that addiction to drugs make people do a...

  • Word Count: 806
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

7. Drug Addiction and Prostitution

Drug Addiction and Prostitution The topic I am going to talk about is the association between drug addiction and street prostitution. ... The most common addiction among prostitutes is heroine and/or crack cocaine. The addiction can become so bad that prostitutes will even price according to one hit. ... Goldstein's theory stated that among lower class prostitutes, addiction to heroin often preceded prostitution and that prostitution became the means by which women met the economic necessities to feed their addictions. ... It is clear that addiction to drugs make people do a...

  • Word Count: 806
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Addiction

What is addiction? Do you think about addiction in your life? ... Addiction gets people to give up their life. Second, sports which sometimes make folks go crazy is not addiction. ... Addiction changes people's life. ...

  • Word Count: 551
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

9. Addiction

Addiction Recovery This report is based on the processes of change an addict must pass through while healing. ... Frequently, a grim life event compels the addict to confront their addiction. ... The addict must admit to himself that he has an addiction problem. 2. ... Admitting to his addiction or addictions is the first key component or the foundation to which recovery will be built upon as the individual begins his journey of recovery. ... The sixth key component that promotes addiction recovery is that the individual enter into an appropriate treatment program suited to the type of ...

  • Word Count: 2564
  • Approx Pages: 10
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

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