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To begin with, the components of pharmacology are insightful as they relate to the scientific effects of drugs and chemicals on an addict’s physical body. Understanding this concept can enlighten mental health professionals, substance abuse workers, and family members of an addicted individual with a different perspective on the root cause of addiction and how to better assist them in recovery by studying these substances.
Second, to get a better understanding of addiction, the effects of a substance, and the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal, one must be knowledgeable of the different classes of drugs or drug schedules. “Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and physical dependence. As the drug schedule changes– Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abuse potential– Schedule V drugs represent the least potential for abuse” (DEA. 10 July 2018).
Next, in using different types of drugs, there are also different routes to ingest the chemical. Drugs can be smoked, injected into the skin, sniffed, snorted, or taken orally. Most addicts who want the quick fix or quick high will take the drug intravenously into their veins. As a result, the chemical will reach the brain faster than most other methods. Overall, the preferred method of use mainly depends on the severity of the addiction, the outcome wanted, and the experience of the drug user.
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However, “One serious disadvantage of the intravenous method of drug administration is that it does not allow the body very much time to adapt to the foreign chemical, and thus the individual is at risk for a severe adverse reaction to the compound within seconds of it being administered” (Doweiko, 2019). No matter what route the person with the disorder consumes the substance, the main goal is to get high and get that euphoric feeling to escape reality. Yes, some ways of consuming the substance can be deadly and could lead to physical problems such as cardiac arrest, while unfortunately, other methods of using may not be as harmful.
More importantly, what can be learned is a greater understanding of those who struggle with addiction, chemical or behavioral. As a substance abuse counselor working in a Methadone clinic, there are individuals every day who struggle with opioid use disorder and other drug addictions. As we sit in the office having a counseling session, I have heard so many say the same thing out of their mouths. “I hate how people look at me when I come here or leave this place feeling stigmatized.” With the feeling of being unworthy because of a disorder, the individual has little to no self-esteem or self-worth. Sometimes, patients will not lift their heads while talking because they feel judged.
Finally, human service workers, counselors, therapists, and mental health workers must understand that this is mainly a disease of the brain or the medical model and, in some cases, may be defined as a moral failure depending on a worldview. In any case, addiction kills, robs, and destroys human life, the family unit, and everything that is connected to it. Understanding the scientific effects of drugs and chemicals on an addict’s physical body and brain will enlighten the treatment process in their recovery.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/
References:
DEA. 10 July, 2018. Drug Scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/ information/drug-scheduling on 10 June, 2024
Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.
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The question can be asked: Does the disease of the human spirit fit or does not fit into specific models of addiction? “In short, those who misuse substances are viewed by adherents of the spiritual model as attempting to gain the benefits of spirituality without the long journey necessary to achieve the peaceful sense of unity with the universe and the Higher Power of their choice” (Doweiko, 2019).
Substances, when used or misused, will take a person on a “high” like no other. Many individuals use drugs for that very purpose: to escape reality, to live in a fantasy land where all their dreams come true. Most people like the feeling of being high, the euphoric sensation. If they are feeling down, depressed, or lonely, they can take a pill or snort a line of cocaine to take away the bad feeling. The sad part is that the feeling is only temporary. Could it be that society uses drugs to substitute for what they need and want?
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The disease of the human spirit may fit into the Moral/Volitional Model, where spirituality can fulfill humanity’s desires and needs. What is it that people are missing in their lives and could be in such denial? Most seek comfort and love but will never find it in a bottle, pipe, or other substances. A man was created for one reason: to have a relationship, fellowship, and intimacy with his higher power. What some people with a substance use disorder are looking for in substances may be found in a higher power. Yes, in most cases, the addicted person is spiritually bankrupt and lost.
One of the reasons addictions are so powerful is because they are a form of idolatry. When we become addicted to our drug of choice, habit of choice, or behavior of choice, we become slaves to that object or thing. Once a slave, people with an addiction will obey their master. At that point, the person with an addiction will worship and bow down to whatever behavior or drug is in front of him and engage in whatever actions his or her mind tells him to do.
Finally, Clinton and Scalise (2013) state that the models of addictions are “The disease model, genetic model, biological model, choice model, personality model, coping/social learning model, sociocultural model, and spiritual model” ( pg, 27-28).
References:
Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling: 40 topics, spiritual insights, and easy-to-use action steps. New York, NY: Baker Books.
Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.
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To begin with, there were a few takeaways from understanding and learning about the addiction models. As human beings, we can fall into some addiction, whether it is a shopping addiction, spending addiction, gambling addiction, porn addiction, or a workaholic working many hours at the office, whether chemical or behavioral addictive patterns. Furthermore, with so many different types of addictions, various kinds of models can treat the addiction.
Second, the Volitional Model may fit more into a worldview for some who believe addictive behavior is mainly a personal choice and responsibility. We can go back to the story of Adam and Eve; even though they were tempted, individual choices and decisions were made on their own accord. However, studying the science of addiction, many have come to realize that addictive behavior affects the circuitry of the brain and the reward system that increases dopamine, making the addiction more challenging to break, causing the Disease Model of the brain. Both are true when it comes to addiction. However, if I combine the two models into one, it would look like the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model.
Next, this model encompasses several factors that would benefit a person with an addiction in achieving abstinence in whatever addiction they may be dealing with and assist in their recovery process. “Addiction is considered as having a myriad of causations and contributing factors, which provide multiple pathways to recovery.” (Clinton & Scalise, 2013). In discussing the essential features of the three models of bio, psycho, and social, many insights can be learned about an individual’s addictive behavior and how it can impact their lives.
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When looking at the life of a person with a substance use disorder, we must investigate their family background and the history of any drug use in the family. This is where bio-comprehensive assessments are so critical in the human services field so that workers can adequately identify signs of abuse either from the maternal or parental side of the individual’s parents. For example, if a father and mother have alcohol use disorder and have dysfunctional parenting skills, it is most likely that the child may end up being an alcoholic. Sometimes, alcoholism in the home results in domestic abuse, which could traumatize a child. He or she may grow up as an adult and turn to drink to numb the pain and physically abuse their children or spouse.
Comparative, this could and does lead to psychological damage to an individual growing up in that type of environment. Not only is the individual dealing with a destructive substance, but now must deal with possible trauma, anger, bitterness, and depression. If a licensed professional counselor sees the individual, this person could be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. The social model of addiction aspect could be a form of learned behavior, both positive and negative. Social or environmental habits are formed and developed by using substances that can be negative. It can also benefit a person by having a peer support system who is looking to decrease addictive behavior and who wants to stop.
Finally, Clinton and Scalise (2013) state that the models of addictions are “The disease model, genetic model, biological model, choice model, personality model, coping/social learning model, sociocultural model, and spiritual model” ( pg, 27-28).
References:
Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling: 40 topics, spiritual insights, and easy-to-use action steps. New York, NY: Baker Books.
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment – Ember Recovery Center. https://emberrecovery.com/co-occurring-disorder-treatment/
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The relationship between abuse of substances and substance use disorders, commonly known as (SUDs) are clearly defined as two separate occurrences. No one who has ever tried using substances or injecting chemicals into their body wanted to end up being an addict. What was a pleasurable moment and joy over one weekend with some friends became a 30-year journey of pain, discomfort, and hopelessness. How do some individuals in our society get to that point in life of abuse, and some don’t?
“One individual might use chemicals to express a previously forbidden impulse, while another does so to cope with emotional or physical pain. Some choose to use chemicals to explore alternative realities, while others seek a substance-induced feeling of euphoria in place of the mundane reality in which they live. For some, substance use offers a way to escape from perceived injustices at the hands of fate, satisfy their curiosity about the effects of the chemical, or as a sign of rebellion, social connection, or simply for fun, just to mention a few reasons a person might initiate substance use” (Doweiko, 2019).
Second, to discern the differences between abuse and SUD, we must know the definitions of the two words. Drug abuse is “Simply defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substances or habitual activity to alter one’s mood. People abuse drugs to forget or not feel painful feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and anger.” (Clinton & Scalise, 2013, pg. 25). However, SUD can be defined as an individual who has been clinically diagnosed by a professional using a particular substance for some time with specific criteria in place.
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Next, some of the determining factors that distinguish one from the other are that an individual may engage in drug activities but not be physically dependent on the substance. Another is that an individual may abuse and neglect the limitation of the use. In contrast, someone with SUD may neglect the limitation of the substance and continue to use it as tolerance for the drug increases more and more. A person who is diagnosed with SUD may not be able to function properly without the substance due to the physical dependence of the substance. A person at this level will physically get sick if he or she does not use. A person who is only abusing substances may not have a high tolerance and is not heavily dependent on the substance.
For example, in our local area, cocaine fatalities drive record drug deaths. Our local area has also seen an increased number of drug-related deaths in 12 months. It appears that there are concerns. These difficult times could lead to individuals struggling with abuse and substance use disorder seeking a comfort or consoling place in drink and drugs and, as a result, putting their lives at risk. As a substance abuse counselor working at a Methadone clinic, it is believed that our local area has an estimated 9,000 people who are dependent on alcohol and between 4,000 to 5,000 users of opiates and crack cocaine.
Finally, our localities and nation as a whole are suffering from fears, anxiety, worries, and concerns about how to handle the drug crisis in America. Recently, involved in a town meeting the other day, the CEO of an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) stated that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is coming down hard on Methadone clinics and opioid treatment programs to find a solution to decreasing drug use in our communities. Addictive behaviors of those struggling with substance misuse can be erased, and individuals can heal from the traumatic hurts and pain that lead to addiction.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/
References:
Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling: 40 topics, spiritual insights, and easy-to-use action steps. New York, NY: Baker Books.
Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.
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To begin with, the social problem that would be considered is alcoholism in America. Yearly, the consumption of alcohol abuse and mistreatment results in more criminal justice and law enforcement expenses and significantly more of an increase in health care costs. Alcoholism affects almost every aspect of society, including a higher incidence of DUI, an increase in domestic violence, and an increase in behavioral health and mental health issues.
Next, some of the internal issues related to these social problems are guilt, anxiety, shame, fear, grief, and depression. “Poor mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may prompt the utilization of various coping behaviors, including alcohol use” (Eastman et al., 2021). Some external issues are home environment, community, and negative peer influence.
Third, however, what is the root cause of this addiction? “Is it internal with individuals who are dealing with sadness, isolation, and depression who need a drink to cope with reality to numb the emotional pain of thoughts of suicide or self-harm? There is a significant overlap in the motivations for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and alcohol use” (Bresin & Mekawi, 2022).
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Furthermore, there is no doubt that alcoholism has been a social problem from the colonial days to the present. Thus, alcoholism could be the reason why so many addicts of alcoholism are dealing with internal as well as external triggers in their lives today.
Finally, possible solutions may be beneficial, such as hospitalization, detox centers, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential treatment. Nevertheless, the individual struggling with this social problem must want to get the necessary help. Suppose the individual does not get the help, refuses to get it, or is in denial of their habit. In that case, the cycle of alcoholism addiction will continue for generations to come.
References:
Bresin, K., & Mekawi, Y. (2022). Different ways to drown out the pain: A meta-analysis of the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and alcohol use. Archives of suicide research, 26(2), 348-369.
Eastman, M. R., Finlay, J. M., & Kobayashi, L. C. (2021). Alcohol use and mental health among older American adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(8), 4222.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.aa.org
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So, how effective is this program, established by two former alcoholics in a brownstone house in Brooklyn, New York, in 1935? As stated earlier, it is estimated that there are over 120,000 organized peer-led groups with over 2,000,000 active members in over 180 countries. So, there must be some effectiveness in attending a weekly group meeting, having a sponsor, and following the recommended 12 steps for success.
One of the reasons could be anonymity, from which the word anonymous derides. In their open and closed meetings, anonymity is a huge deal. People gathered with other strangers may want to remain unknown until trust and confidence are built. People want to feel safe in an environment where no judgment, gossip, or talking behind one’s back is present in the meeting. With the longevity of 86 years in existence in America and abroad, the program must be doing something right. Let us look at some statistics.
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Measuring and defining A.A.’s success may be somewhat tricky at times since membership numbers often change from time to time. However, A.A. claims about 50 percent of its members have completed the program and remained sober, while another 25 percent obtain sobriety after relapsing. The average length of sobriety is nearly 10 years. Allen, J. P. (2000).
However, some critics argue that the success rate is only between 5 and 10 percent. After three years, half of the AA members were still sober, and one-fourth of those who enrolled in formal treatment appeared still sober. Moreover, after eight years, 49 percent of Alcoholics Anonymous members seemed sober, and 46 percent of people who enrolled in formal treatment were still sober. However, regardless of whether AA is effective, individuals still attend weekly group meetings to hear others who have overcome it and share their personal stories.
While A.A. has many benefits, it is hard to determine if the program is truly effective. It seems to be a difficult task to conduct an ongoing effectiveness research method, and given the anonymity of the program, tracking people who have dropped out appears to be strenuous, Sharma, M., & Branscum, P. (2010)
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.aa.org
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So, what exactly is Alcoholics Anonymous, and what does it do as an organization? A.A. was first fueled by its many volunteers of men and women from all walks of life worldwide. Whether active-duty military, veterans, white-collar, blue-collar, middle class, homeless, young or old, black, white, brown, yellow, or red, the organization accepts anyone who wants to change their behavior. One of the criteria for being a member is that the alcoholic must have the desire to stop drinking. The individual must be willing to change the behavior. Legal, marital, and job issues have forced the person to attend a weekly meeting.
In this organization, there are not fees or dues as it is estimated that there are over 120,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in approximately 180 countries. A.A. is a peer support group not affiliated with any religious organization and is led by former alcoholics. To lead the group, the chairperson may be sober for more than six months with another sober alcoholic nearby for assistance in guiding the group. A.A. groups are fully supported by donations from its members and non-group members. A.A. program model is an initiative of total abstinence. Staying sober is accomplished by sharing struggles, stories, and testimonies at regular group meetings.
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Founded in June 1935 by a New York stockbroker and an Ohio surgeon, both alcoholics themselves, the organization has grown to assist other individuals who are broken, hurt, and have a sense of “hopelessness” to overcome and persevere from the disease of alcoholism and to help their fellow man who also struggles, Kurtz, E. (2010) as one of the men stated that hot June night, “I just do not anything to drink.”
Anyone looking to be free from the addiction of alcoholism can attend a local A.A. support group meeting in their city. Those who walk through the doors are never judged based on their history, never looked down upon, and never turned away. A.A. will not solicit anyone to become a member; it is strictly up to the individual; it will not provide detox, nursing or rehabilitation services, or hospitalization on the premises. Neither does the organization provide housing, food, clothing, money, or any other social servicing. A.A. provides a safe place to be yourself, share your story, and be embraced and accepted by your peers.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.aa.org
Reference:
Kurtz, E. (2010). Not god: A history of Alcoholics Anonymous. Simon and Schuster.
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Alcohol can be a hazardous legal substance in the United States if consumption is more than the legal limit, as evidenced by deaths resulting from drunk driving, domestic abuse, homelessness due to loss of jobs and other income, jail time, and long-term chronic disease. When a person with an addiction reaches the level of dependency, that individual is in a very, very dark place, which makes recovery all the more difficult. I have seen firsthand how alcohol addiction can disrupt a family structure to the core, bringing about trauma, anger, and bitterness.
Unfortunately, I grew up in a family of alcoholics. As a young boy, I was told, “You are going to be just like your father, a drunk.” My grandfather drank, my dad drank, my uncles drank, my brothers drank, and I drank. It seemed to be the norm in my family. I remember going to family functions in North Carolina and South Carolina as a child and seeing the male members of my family slip away around the corner, knowing they were doing something they did not want others to see, like drinking.
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This article will address the needs of the alcoholic through a community-based program called Alcoholics Anonymous or A.A. I doubt seriously that many of my male family members, if any, attended a 12-step support group to deal with their issues in the 70s and 80s. Back then, in the black community, many people felt that support groups, counseling, or therapy were for weak-minded individuals and would not attend unless they were in jeopardy of losing something. However, I can say that my father and an older brother participated in a local A.A. meeting and, to some degree, helped a little.
For my father, an Amry veteran, a recovery support treatment facility saved him from his deathbed. However, he later died of lung cancer, having smoked most of his life, and cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. My brother, who attended meetings due to recommendations from his job, eventually lost his job, continued drinking, and is now in a treatment facility with loss of memory due to alcoholism. For a person with substance use disorder to change, there must be a willingness to change. A.A. is a tool and resource to help those who want to change even though they may relapse several times. A.A. has a saying at the end of their meetings, “It works if you keep coming back.” Hopefully, this article will show the strengths and the solid foundation of working steps towards recovery and understanding the principles.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.aa.org
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It is no secret that America has had a heroin problem for decades, dating back to the Vietnam era. It is also no secret that America has an opioid problem as well. It appears that doctors were overprescribing, and in 2010, authorities began cracking down on those doctors prescribing opioids. Those now addicted to the painkillers still needed their “fix,” so the actual national problem became an epidemic. As a result, when the patient’s prescriptions ran out, their opioid of choice became heroin.
Now we have a problem. It is no longer a criminal justice issue but a public health issue, even affecting Native Americans at a high level. How can a person with an addiction find help? How can family and friends support people with an addiction? What can treatment centers do to curb this public health issue? It seems that opioid prescriptions are going down with doctors’ awareness of the problem. Addiction is a treatable medical addiction like any other illness. However, treatment must be given to the person with an addiction for his or her addiction as well as their mental health diagnosis.
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“Treatment for co-occurring disorders must be long-term and address the specific problems the person with an addiction is dealing with. The purpose is for the person with an addiction to heal and to have a full recovery” (Doweiko, 2015). Finally, there are so many ways we can be involved in decreasing the amount of substance abuse and drug dependency in our culture, and it starts at the top. With the help of the federal government and the president’s commission on drug abuse, the public school system across the nation, churches, and non-profits, it is possible that families with people with an addiction can be healed. Identifying at-risk juveniles in the criminal court system, having effective drug residential programs, and intensive outpatient services is a great way to start the healing process towards reducing a growing drug epidemic among American citizens who feel trapped.
If you ask anyone familiar with the drug OxyContin, they will tell you that Purdue Pharma was the culprit distributor behind the scene.Billions of dollars were made in profits as legal prescriptions increased from 600,000 at the end of the 20th century to over 6 million by the early 2000s. Also, the death rate increased as many lives were destroyed and homes were broken. An $ 8.3 billion lawsuit was filed against this company for its role in this awful epidemic. Other companies were also sued for their role in distributing the drug, such as AmerisourceBergen, which was sued for $6.4 billion; Cardinal Health for $6.4 billion; and McKesson for $7.9 billion. However, no amount of money can ever bring back a stolen life. People are crying for help to be delivered from this place of darkness. They have lost hope and a desire to live and see no way out of their situation.
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://na.org/
Reference:
Doweiko, H. E. (2015). Concepts of chemical dependency (9th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
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Wow, there are so many adverse effects to using opioids, from OxyContin, Percocet, and heroin, to name a few. To begin with, the states with the most significant numbers of opioid abusers are California, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey (Doweiko, 2015). But we know that all of North America is in an opioid crisis as we speak. Sadly, within the last 20 years, nearly 500,000 people have succumbed to opioid overdoses. Many who are addicted do not think they can live to reach 30 years old or even 40 years old.
Those who are addicted do not want to live the way they do. It’s a sickness and a disease. Opioids do affect the brain of the user by depressing the breathing of an individual, affecting the blood pressure and their ability to be alert at times. When someone overdoses on an opioid or any drug for that matter, it appears that part of the brain function that tells the lungs to breathe turns off. Many have overdosed and came close to death but did not die. Another adverse effect of substance abuse and dependency may lead to a depressive state of mind, and the individual can be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder.
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Drug abuse, in general, affects so many aspects of life, from the individual to the family, employment, finances, health care, and the criminal system. It seems as though the “war on drugs” in the past has targeted ethnic minorities and people experiencing poverty. So, it seemed that law enforcement authorities and local governments as a whole viewed drug addiction as a crime, especially in urban communities. When the crack epidemic hit metropolitan cities, many law enforcement communities may have viewed it as a criminal act instead of an addiction that needed to be treated initially. And to be fair, it was a criminal act to those who sold and to those who used it because crack was something new to the seen.
Nonetheless, when the opioid addiction came on the scene in the 21st century, it was not so much considered a criminal act as crack, but more of an illness that needed to be addressed. With the crack epidemic, again, mainly targeted the poor and African American communities, while drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, and other pills targeted the poor and primarily white suburban culture in well-to-do communities and rural areas. So, the deficiency of the ability to talk about African American overdose deaths in the national opioid discourse continues to marginalize black people and seems consistent with a history of framing the addictions of people of color as deserving of criminal punishment rather than worthy of medical treatment (James, K. et al., 2018).
For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://na.org/
References:
Doweiko, H. E. (2015). Concepts of chemical dependency (9th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
James, K., & Jordan, A. (2018). The opioid crisis in black communities. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(2), 404-421.
Recovery-Informed Education Group, LLC. "Driving Transformational Change for Lasting Impact."
"Driving Transformational Change for Lasting Impact."
Recovery-Informed Education Group, LLC. "Driving Transformational Change for Lasting Impact." 