Understanding addiction: Conventional rewards and lack of control

1996 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clark McCauley

AbstractThe conflict between drug and conventional rewards leads to a paradox: Sanctions against drug use decrease access to conventional rewards and push drug users toward drug abuse, whereas increased access to the rewards of family, friends, and work may help reduce drug abuse. Lack of control is not specific to drug addiction and is unlikely to yield to a shift in bookkeeping.

Author(s):  
Peter Rai

<p>In contemporary society, the full-fledged impact of modernisation and globalisation which has given the free movement of people, goods and money across the countries of the world can be witnessed. This has also opened the economic opportunities among the individuals and communities in the society, which has become a new way of life. Society has changed over the years and activities of the people have also undergone social change. Even the trend of taking drugs has changed with change in society. Traditionally used drugs have been replaced by modern synthetic drugs. The proliferation of pharmaceutical industries, which manufactures narcotic drugs, has, directly and indirectly, encouraged the use and abuse of drugs due to easy access in the market. The epidemic of illicit drug users in the global society has increased significantly and simultaneously related crimes in society. </p><p>Drug abuse is global phenomena. A drug is a biological substance, synthetic or natural, which is taken primarily for non-dietary needs, and it is a substance, which affects the functioning of the mind and body or both. Globally, according to UNODC estimate, in 2009, between 149 and 272 million people, or 3.3% to 6.1% of the population aged 15-64, had used illicit substance once in the previous year. Cannabis and ATS (Amphetamine-type stimulants) are two important drugs which are commonly used worldwide. Within Asia, ATS ranks as the main drug of abuse in Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea and the Philippines, and also China, Myanmar and Indonesia are in the second rank (UNODC, 2004). Heroin, cocaine and other drugs kill around 0.2 million people each year and also causes health problems with incurable diseases. The European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) defines the problem of drug use as, “injecting drug use or long duration regular use of opium, cocaine and amphetamines”. World Health Organisation (WHO), defines drug addiction as a ‘disease,’ and the American Psychiatric Association, define drug abuse as the ‘illicit consumption of any naturally occurring of pharmaceutical substance for the purpose of changing the way, in which a person feels, thinks or behaves, without understanding or taking into consideration the damaging physical and mental side-effects that are caused.'</p>


2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 391-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Swartz ◽  
Zoran Martinovich ◽  
Paul Goldstein

This study examined the criminogenic effects of terminating the Supplemental Security Income program for drug addiction and alcoholism. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyze self-reported crime, economic, and drug-use data collected as part of a two-year multisite study with five interview waves from 1,640 former DA&As. The primary independent variables examined included subjects’ replacement of lost SSI benefits legally or through re qualification under another disability category and their weekly use of heroin and/or cocaine. The study found that failure to replace lost cash benefits resulted in a moderate increase in crime, particularly drug and property crime, that peaked two years after loss of benefits. Heroin and cocaine use were also related to criminality, though the magnitude of this effect was greatest at six months after loss of benefits. The study also found a relationship between drug use and loss of benefits, suggesting that the federal legislation has created a crime-prone residual population of drug users with limited treatment access.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willy Pedersen

Norway’s first clinic to treat drug abuse was established in 1961. Most patients had been initiated into drug use through the healthcare system, i.e., in an iatrogenic manner. However, we know little about the drug users from this period. Here, we present an in-depth interview with a woman born into a wealthy family in the early 1920s who developed a heavy morphine addiction. In the course of the interview, she gradually reveals how her husband, who was a physician, as well as two other physicians, who were also erotically attracted to her, had key roles in this development. The narrative illustrates and elaborates how females from the upper strata of society with close links to male physicians may have been at particular risk of opioid misuse in the period before 1960. We now witness a new wave of iatrogenic drug abuse, particularly in the USA. We suggest that experiences from this period may again be relevant.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Filges ◽  
Ditte Andersen ◽  
Anne-Marie Klint Jørgensen

Objectives: This review evaluates the evidence on the effects of functional family therapy (FFT) on drug abuse reduction for young people in treatment for nonopioid drug use. Data and Analysis: We followed Campbell Collaboration guidelines to conduct a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized trials. Results: The search yielded two studies that met inclusion criteria. Only one study provided numerical results on the effect of FFT on drug use reduction. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to allow any conclusion to be drawn on the effect of FFT for young people in treatment for nonopioid drug use. There is a need for more research and particularly for more methodologically rigorous studies in the field of treatment for young drug users.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-77
Author(s):  
Nurbani Ulfah

The main problem drug users with psychiatric disorders is the difficulty of communicating the reason they use drugs and express their feelings on the condition of the Counselor or Social Worker (Therapist). The existence of the program of art therapy for patients with drug with psychiatric disorders (dual diagnosis) is part of psychotherapy as an adjunct therapy in the form of art to channel emotions, express their feelings when communicate verbally is difficult, and to express themselves freely in order to improve their condition in the direction better in recovering. In an effort to redress for victims of drug abuse, especially for people with dual diagnosis due to drug addiction, the Drug Dependency Hospital (RSKO) is a reference center for rehabilitation using the Therapeutic Community (TC) based hospitals that have programs therapies to restore health and capabilities in the field of art, one through the art therapy program.Keywords: Evaluasi Program, Art Therapy, Dual Diagnosis (NAPZA-Skizofrenia), dan Pekerja Sosial Medis/Klinis.


Author(s):  
P. K. Mishra

<p><em>In contemporary society, the full-fledged impact of modernization and globalization, which has led to free movement of people, goods and money across the countries of the world, can be witnessed. This has also opened the economic opportunities among the individuals and the communities in the society, which has become the new of life. Society has changed over the years and activities of the people have undergone changes. Even the substances used for inebriation have changed corresponding with the dynamics of society. Traditionally used drugs, marijuana and cannabis, have been replaced by modern synthetic drugs. The proliferation of pharmaceutical industries, which manufactures narcotic drugs, has directly and indirectly encouraged the use and the abuse of the drugs due to the easy access in the market. The epidemic of illicit drug users in the global society has increased significantly and simultaneously drug use associated crimes as well in the society.</em></p><p><em>A drug is a biological substance, synthetic or natural, that is taken primarily for non-dietary needs, and it is a substance, which affects the functioning of mind and body or both. Globally according to UNODC estimate, in 2009 between, 149 and 272 people or 3.3% to 6.1% of the population aged 15-64 has used illicit substance once in previous year. Cannabis and Amphetamine Type Stimulants [ATS] are two important drugs which are commonly used world-wide.(World Drug Report,2010;pg.123) Within Asia, ATS ranks as the main drug abuse in Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Philippines and also China, Myanmar and Indonesia are in the second rank according to United Nations of Development Countries   [UNODC] in 2004.  Heroin, Cocaine and other drugs kill around 0.2 million people each year and causes health problems with incurable diseases. (Changing Drug abuse patterns and law enforcement strategies;pg.-134)  The European-Monitoring Center for Drug and Drug Addiction [EMCDDA] defines the problem of Drug use as injecting drug use as ‘injecting drug use or long duration regular use of opium, cocaine and amphetamines.’ World Health Organization [WHO] defines Drug Addiction as a ‘disease’  and the American Psychiatric Association defines drug abuse as the ‘illicit consumption of any naturally occurring of pharmaceutical substance for the purpose of changing the way, in which a person feels, thinks or behaves without understanding or taking into consideration the damaging physical and mental side effects that are caused.(World Drug Report,2012;pg.125-126).</em></p><p><em>Drug Abuse is a global phenomena and it is also abused in India. India is a diverse nation and is like many other nations afflicted by drug abuse and drug addiction among the youths in the society. Drugs like opium and cannabis were traditionally used by the people, which are taken as a pain reliever by the people. ‘Ganja was consumed to worship Hindu God, Lord Shiva, during the festival of ‘Shivratri’ in India.(B. Sundas, 2011;pg.50). According to a nation-wide survey spread over 13 states by a NGO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development found that 32.1% children below the age of 18had tasted bhang, ganja, heroin or other forms of narcotics. (P. Mehta, 2011) In 2008, 5.3 million Indians aged 12 and older had abused cocaine in any form and 1.1 million had abused LSD at least once in the year. In 2008,453,000 Indians aged 12 and older had abused Heroin at least once in the year. In 2008,25.8 million Indians aged 12 and older had abused marijuana at least once in the year. In 2008,850,000 Indians aged 12 and older had abused methamphetamine at least once in the year.(Ibid,pg. 34-40).</em></p><p><em>Northeast has been challenged by serious problem of Drug use by the youth. Nagaland and Manipur are the two states in Manipur are the two states in North-East India, which has the highest prevalence of Intravenous Drugs (IDUs). Even cultivation of opium is done in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, and supplied to other parts of India. These are the easy routes of drug trafficking across the common borders of Myanmar and the three North-eastern States of India (Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland). There is illicit cultivation of opium and cannabis, the heroin and the amphetamines, and the pharmaceuticals are used as illicit drugs and trafficked in the North-east India. (Drug used in Northeastern States, India;pg.xiv).</em></p>


Author(s):  
Bryan Timmins

The use of non-prescription drugs is widespread and has a major impact on the health of the individual user and society. In 2006, the British Crime Survey reported that 10% of adults had used one or more illicit drugs in the preceding year, with 3% reporting using a Class A drug. Over 11 million people in the UK are estimated to have used an illicit drug at least once in their lifetime (35%). Drugs abused vary in their intrinsic potential to cause addiction and, with it, more regular and harmful use. Drug users are influenced by trends and fashions, adopting new compounds such as crack cocaine and experimenting with routes of ingestion. Some drugs may become less popular over time, such as LSD, while others, such as cannabis, experience a revival as more potent strains (e.g. Skunk) are developed. A problem drug user is best defined as a person whose drug taking is no longer controlled or undertaken for recreational purposes and where drugs have become a more essential element of the individual’s life. The true economic and social cost of drug use is likely to be substantially greater than the published figures, which are derived from a variety of health and crime surveys which may overlook vulnerable groups such as the homeless. The majority of non-prescription drugs used in the UK are illegal and covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The drugs most commonly abused gave rise in 2003–4 to an estimated financial cost in England and Wales of 15.4 billion pounds to the economy, with Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine accounting for the majority of this. Some 90% of the cost is due to drug-related crime, with only 3% (£488 million) due to health service expenditure, which is mainly spent on inpatient care episodes. This still represents a major health pressure, which in 2006–7 amounted to 38 000 admissions, in England, for primary and secondary drug-related mental or behavioural problems, and over 10 000 admissions recorded for drug poisoning. Clinicians in all specialities can expect to encounter harmful drug use, especially those working in primary care, A & E, and psychiatric services. Presenting problems are protean, ranging from mood disorders, delirium, and psychosis to sepsis, malnutrition, and hepatitis. Blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C and HIV are widespread, as contaminated needles and syringes are shared by up to a quarter of problem drug users. Even smoking drugs such as crack cocaine can lead to increased transmission of hepatitis C through oral ulceration and contact with hot contaminated smoking pipes. Amongst the UK population, over half of IV drug users have hepatitis C, a quarter have antibodies to hepatitis B, and, by 2006, 4662 had been diagnosed with HIV. Non-prescription drug abuse is a leading cause of death and morbidity amongst the young adult population (those aged 16–35). In 2006 there were 1573 deaths where the underlying cause was poisoning, drug abuse, or dependence on substances controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The vast majority (79%) were male. Young men, in particular, are at greater risk of violent death through associated criminal activity such as drug supplying and from deliberate and accidental overdose. The male-to-female ratio for deaths associated with mental and behavioural disorder is 6:1.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyotika Singh ◽  
Pradeep Kumar Gupta

Drug addiction has become a worldwide problem and the leading cause of death. The global problem of addiction and drug abuse is responsible for millions of deaths and millions of new cases of HIV every year. In recent years, India is seeing a rising trend in drug addiction. The most common use of drug in India is alcohol, followed by cannabis and opiates. Drug use, whether licit or illicit, causes serious health problems in individuals. The National level survey conducted on drug use in India indicated that prevalence of drug abuse among males in the general population is significant. Drug abuse among women exists. Despite the fact that more men use drugs than women, the impact of drug use tends to be greater on women, because women lack access to care for drug dependence. Economic burden, disturbed family environment, violence, and psychological problems are other consequences of drug abuse in the family. Adolescent drug abuse is another major area of concern because more than half of the person’s with substance use disorder are introduced to drugs before the age of 15 years. At present, there exists a significant gap in service delivery. The current paper highlights the causes of drug abuse, and describes the treatment and prevention of drug abuse and addiction for proper management of the problem.


IPNOSI ◽  
2012 ◽  
pp. 45-62
Author(s):  
Aleandro Iacovelli

The use of hypnosis in a therapeutic community for drug users, offers a great support to the joint effort of the operator/therapist and the patient to reduce and/or prevent relapse to drug use and abuse and to change some of the psychodynamic processes underlying the behavior-oriented (toxic)-dependence. In this article, referring to a mode of treatment in a residential therapeutic community and based on some of the psychodynamic theories on the etiopathogenesis of drug addiction, will be given a case study to explain how to use hypnosis, especially the use of dissemination thecnique and the regressive technique to change the psychicdynamics underlying to addiction and restructure traumatic childhood experiences


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