There are many thoughts and reasons as to why individuals become addicted to drugs. It is believed by many, that a person’s personality, genetic and social factors may play an important role towards addiction; however, the effects that drugs have on the central nervous system (CNS) is the primary determining factor of drug addiction (Addiction Science Network, 2008). One of the most common theories of addiction is the “Addiction Disease Theory” that has been adapted by such programs as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This theory is based on the concept that addiction is a physiological deficit that is incurable, progressive, and an irreversible disease. The only treatment believed to help a person who has an addiction is abstinence. The addiction is observed as being a bio-behavioral disorder, involving undividable behavioral and biological components (SAMHSA, 2006).
Addiction as a disease was first explored in 1784 by a Philadelphia doctor by the name of Benjamin Rush. In order for addiction to be considered a disease, it must have a certain criteria. One must have obsessive thoughts, which lead to compulsive behavior, that lead to a physical addiction. The illness of addiction must be progressive and predictable, allowing the addict to experience obsession, negative consequences, denial and lack of control. This addiction is not a symptom of other underlying disorders but is considered to be primary cause. The disease theory of addiction believes that there is no cure for addiction, it’s considered to permanent. This theory has been denied by many psychologists due to their belief that addiction is a behavior that can be controlled, rather than a disease (CASA, 2009).
The theory that deal with the terms of psychological, environmental and social as being the factors of addiction are the adaptation theory. Those who advocate this theory believe the user’s expectations and beliefs of the drug will influence their behaviors and rewards associated with the drug’ use. It is recognized that factors such as subjective emotional experiences, as well as external and internal cues, will contribute to potential addictive behavior. This theory supports the views that addiction involves emotional and cognitive regulations that are contributed to past conditioning. Psychological realms have also been broadened under adaptation theories. Relying on the use of drugs is how drug users adapt to external pressure and internal needs. The psychodynamics of drug reliance have also been the focus of research. Psychological deficits, along with ego deficiencies have been implicated with this theory (West, 2006).
Biological theories lean towards the non-normative use and/or the addiction of drugs. They suggest that there is some type of physical mechanism that causes a person to use drugs, or continue to engage in the abuse of drugs once the user has experimented with them. The psychological theories have a tendency to focus on the compulsive, continue use of drugs and the sociological theories emphasize the social structures of the individual drug user. It is believed that the drug behavior is a “learned” behavior through interaction with others (University of Missouri, 2009).
In conclusion, while I agree with the “adaptation theory,” I do not totally agree with the “addiction disease theory.” I believe individuals can certainly become addicted to drugs due to bad events that occur in their life. If a drug user is unable to tolerate bad situations, such as stressful or traumatic experiences, they could repeatedly use drugs, which will result in a regulated process, causing them to continue and adapt to drug use. These factors play an influential role as to whether or not an individual will become dependent on drugs or alcohol. As for the “Addiction Disease Theory,” I believe the abuse of drugs and alcohol addiction can be related to biological, emotional, psychological and social causes. Social and psychological factors that occur in a person’s life can certainly influence their biological tendencies. I do not agree with the “addiction disease theory” in saying drug addiction is incurable. I believe one can make a choice to get help and be cured, if they have the necessary tools to assist them in their recovery. People do not choose to become addicts. Just as an individual makes a choice to take drugs, he/she can make a choice to get treatment for recovery from drugs as well.
References
Addiction Science Network. (2008). The biological basis of addiction. Retrieved September 7, 2009, from http://www.addictionscience.net/ASNbiological.htm
CASA. (2009, May 21). Harvard psychologist denies diseases theory of addiction. Retrieved September 7, 2009, from http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2009/harvard-psychologist-denies.html
Narconon. (2009). The two main reasons of drug and alcohol addiction. Retrieved September 7, 2009, from http://www.theroadout.org/articles/featured_articles/the_two_main_reasons_for_drug_and_alcohol_addiction.html
University of Missouri. (2009). Theories of drug use. Retrieved September 7, 2009, from
http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/180/theordrg.html
West, R. (2006, December). Outline of a synthetic theory of addiction. Retrieved September 7, 2009, from http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:-Z99ly9WhPoJ:www.addictionmanagement.org/The%2520synthetic%2520theory%2520of%2520addiction2.doc+adaptation+theory+of+addiction&cd;=20&hl;=en&ct;=clnk≷=us
