Premium Essay

Position Paper: Should Society View Addiction as a Disease?

In:

Submitted By jdubro
Words 800
Pages 4
EN 1420
J. B.
March 2, 2016
Position Paper:
Should society view addiction as a disease?

Drug addiction is a significant problem in today’s society yet it also seems to be debatable as to whether society should view drug addiction as a disease or choice. Drug addiction continues to grow and affects a diverse population which includes much younger age groups. It must be noted that drug addiction is a voluntary choice; whereas disease is not, despite whether a disease is deemed mental and/or physical in nature. Frankly, whether society views addiction as a disease or choice, it is a problem and a controversial issue.
The definition of drug addiction, according the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is: “the quality or state of being addicted <addiction to reading>, compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.”(“Addiction” n.d.)
Numerous government and other science researchers continue to study drug addiction while addressing whether addiction is a choice or a disease. There is significantly more information that states addiction is a choice. Drug addiction may be the underlying cause of a disease. However, despite whether addiction may result in disease, addiction is a choice and it is a subject of major study and may reflect how addiction is viewed. “Scientifically, the contention that addiction is a disease is empirically unsupported. Addiction is a behavior and thus clearly intended by the individual person. What is obvious to common sense has been corroborated by pertinent research for years” (Schaler, PhD, 2002).
Drug concern evolved governmental responses; primarily from addiction within societies of lower class. American Medicine

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Position Paper

...Position Paper First things first and here we must understand what addiction is “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.” After such statement we need to think if we are familiarized with those descriptions. Here a deeper look is necessary to fully understand and reach its meaning. When stated being slaved, what can be understood from that, a person that does not have a choice in the matter, something or somebody else is in control and here the control is to a habit or practice or something. It can be either physical or psychological habit-forming, it’s a cycle that needs to be done every day and it gets to the point it can be harmful. Another statement might exemplify a little better what I’m saying here. “Anything any person does more often than is thought reasonable from the reference point of the describer is ‘‘addicted’’ to the behavior in question.” Everyone knows someone to be doing something more often than is thought reasonable. Some people can’t stop working out, other eating, getting connected to Facebook, phone texting. Is it harmful? The answer is yes; think about those that died or killed somebody for texting while driving, or eating so much that health problems starts to emerge. And when the word addiction is pronounced the first thing most people have in mind is alcohol, drugs, cigarettes. They...

Words: 461 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Addiction a Disease

...Drug Addiction Crime or Disease? Interim and Final Reports of the Joint Committee of the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association on Narcotic Drugs. INTERIM REPORT For the last half-century public authorities in the United States have been wrestling with the problem of controlling addiction to narcotic drugs. Since the twenties, legislation and enforcement policies have aimed at total repression, with criminal sanctions of notable severity attaching to every transaction connected with the non-medical use of drugs. Drug-law enforcement has become a major police activity of federal, state and local governments; the threat of long imprisonment, even of death penalties, hangs over not only the smuggler and the peddler, but the addict-victim of the illicit traffic. Addiction to narcotic substances has been recognized as a health problem for a long time and in many different countries. It has also in our times and in our national community, emerged as a criminal law problem of distressing magnitude and persistency. The fields of medicine and law are thus equally affected, and the Joint Committee which offers this report has undertaken its assignment with enthusiasm at the prospect of uniting its parent organizations in a common effort centered in an area where the concerns of each overlap and largely coincide. If the Joint Committee can contribute something towards mutual enlightenment and ultimate agreement between the medical and legal professions regarding...

Words: 5083 - Pages: 21

Free Essay

Motivation and the Brain

...Motivation and the Brain | AbstractIn this paper I will talking about how a person can refrain using drugs. And how drugs can affect the human brain structures and the functions. Jennifer Shumate PSY 355 | Motivation and the Brain | AbstractIn this paper I will talking about how a person can refrain using drugs. And how drugs can affect the human brain structures and the functions. Jennifer Shumate PSY 355 | Motivation and the Brain Jennifer Shumate PSY/355 June 22, 2015 Christopher Crimson Motivation and the Brain Introduction When I comes to refraining from using illegal drugs, smoking and or alcohol it can be a hard task for anyone. But motivation is the key to get things done. Even if it is refraining from using illegal drugs or remaining in treatment to stay off the illegal drugs. Motivation is what is required to complete the basic tasks to be able to keep the body strong and from any kind of destruction. However this also consist of the brain. Though out my paper, we will being viewing the brain assemblies and the purposes that is affected when someone is using drugs. We will also be looking at the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that can help a person refrain from drug use, and we will also be looking at the genetic and environmental issues that it take to be able to get treatment. Brain structures and Functions Neuroscience and...

Words: 1186 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Emerging Standards of Care

...Nicole DeMase Emerging Standards of Care Paper December 15, 2014 Donna Rose Nur/531 Emerging Standards of Care Paper A growing problem in the United States is the increase in health disparities amongst minorities regardless that the United States is a multicultural country. This problem is due to the poor quality and accessibility of health care services. As the population of diversity continues to grow rapidly so does the importance of cultural competence in healthcare. Cultural competence is a set of behaviors, attitudes, and skills that enables nurses to work effectively in cross-cultural situations ("Cultural Competence", 2014). Organizations must have the capacity to value diversity, conduct self-assessment, manage the dynamics of difference, institutionalize cultural knowledge and adapt to the diversity and the cultural context of the communities they serve. The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) stated that inequities in service delivery and care in the health care system are associated with discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent practices, including a lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity by health care providers (Upsher, n.d). Substance abuse is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences ("The Science Of Drug Abuse And Addiction: The Basics", 2014). This paper will discuss and define the appropriateness of competent...

Words: 2376 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Prostitution

...questions oppose each other when it comes to prostition, One of them wich advocates abolition, and the other claiming its recognition as a full time job. These two positions appear to be largely balanced despite their opposition to the extent that they mobilize the same arguments, that is to say moral. But throughout his work, his analysis shows that prostitution is a widely heterogeneous universe, crossed by numerous divisions and whose participants are located mainly in the same position in the economic and social field. The first chapter explains the construction of prostitution and claims that it only creates misery and populism, as often when it comes to socially subordinate groups. In both cases, there is a certain essentialist representation of the prostitute - because often we forget men who engage in commercial sex, and the blurred boundaries of genders that include transvestites and transsexuals. More worryingly, it shows that some sociologists use their scientific legitimacy to defend highly ideological positions (in this case abolitionists). To get out of these preconceptions of considering prostitution not in only in the terms of sexuality – just like the idea of taboo in our society, but as a means of economical “subsistence” for individuals who practice it. This is often led to a form of addiction or in other words a job to rely on A theory is deduced according to a policy of individualism that seems to be more likely to improve the practicing of commercial sex...

Words: 2633 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Texting Vs Multitasking

...Position paper Essay Cell Phone Multitasking Versus Loss of Self Being The use of technology nowadays as texting and cell phones have become an important every day tools that many teenagers can’t live without it, to an extent that it controls people lives greatly. There are many needs regarding using cell phone and texting. One of the most important issues is its role in safety as people are not worried when being lost. Moreover it enables users to stay connected with family, colleagues and friends. Email access and surfing internet for educational purposes aids in using cell phones more especially by youth. Cell phones don’t just receive and place calls, but o it is used also in capturing nice moments, saving data, and can even...

Words: 1902 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Paper

...Crystal Methamphetamine Use in First Nations Communities A Discussion Paper First Nations Centre May 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PART I CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE: WHAT IS IT? WHO USES CRYSTAL METH HOW CRYSTAL METH IS USED HOW CRYSTAL METH IS MADE HOW CRYSTAL METH AFFECTS THE BODY, MIND, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT PART II GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZED CRIME AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES CRYSTAL METH AND ILLEGAL DRUG STRATEGIES IN CANADA FIRST NATIONS AND CRYTAL METH TREATMENT STRATEGIES PART III TALA TOOTOOSIS’ STORY CRYSTAL METH ON THE NAVAJO NATION CONCLUSIONS APPENDIX A 1 INTRODUCTION Crystal methamphetamine 1 use among people in some First Nations communities (both in Canada and the United States) has evolved into an issue that is requiring more and more attention. Indicative of this, in July of 2005, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) in Canada passed a resolution specifically directed at this emerging issue. 2 As a result of this resolution, the AFN has identified the need for the development of a First Nations National Task Force on Crystal Meth to develop a Strategic Action Plan to Address the Emerging issue of Crystal Meth in First Nations Communities. Generally speaking, this paper provides basic information about crystal methamphetamine as well as information that is First Nations specific. The first part of the paper discusses: what crystal meth is; who is using it; how it used; how it is...

Words: 10980 - Pages: 44

Free Essay

Joven

...Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria E-mail: oto079@yahoo.com KEYWORDS Students; vices; education; socialization; society; social problems ABSTRACT One of the most pressing issues in minds of people in Nigeria as far as education is concerned today is that pertaining to the quality or standard of education. Qualitative education should lead to detectable gains in knowledge, skills and values. There are, however, several students’ vices that seem to be militating against realization of the desired qualitative education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Some of these vices are cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, obscene dressing and sexual promiscuity/harassment. Each of these vices and the possible social and academic implications are explained. Major employers of Nigerian graduates have widely agreed on quality decline in higher education in the country, particularly in the areas of communication in oral and written English and technical proficiency. It is recommended that the responsibility of preventing or curbing general students’ vices in Nigerian tertiary institutions be a collective one resting on parents, teachers, religious leaders, authorities of the institutions as well as government. This can be done through appropriate upbringing, counseling and necessary sanctions. INTRODUCTION Vices are forms of evil, wicked and criminal actions or behaviours in the society. Vices are social problems and have been thought of as social situations that a large number of observers...

Words: 3641 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Neophyte

...Nations Communities A Discussion Paper First Nations Centre May 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PART I CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE: WHAT IS IT? WHO USES CRYSTAL METH HOW CRYSTAL METH IS USED HOW CRYSTAL METH IS MADE HOW CRYSTAL METH AFFECTS THE BODY, MIND, RELATIONSHIPS AND THE ENVIRONMENT PART II GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZED CRIME AND THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES CRYSTAL METH AND ILLEGAL DRUG STRATEGIES IN CANADA FIRST NATIONS AND CRYTAL METH TREATMENT STRATEGIES PART III TALA TOOTOOSIS’ STORY CRYSTAL METH ON THE NAVAJO NATION CONCLUSIONS APPENDIX A 1INTRODUCTION Crystal methamphetamine 1 use among people in some First Nations communities (both in Canada and the United States) has evolved into an issue that is requiring more and more attention. Indicative of this, in July of 2005, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN in Canada passed a resolution specifically directed at this emerging issue. ) f 2 As a result o this resolution, the AFN has identified the need for the development of a First Nations National Task Force on Crystal Meth to develop a Strategic Action Plan to Address the Emerging issue of Crystal Meth in First Nations Communities. Generally speaking, this paper provides basic information about...

Words: 11170 - Pages: 45

Free Essay

Social Vices in Higher Institutions in Nigeria

...Chapter one 1.0 Introduction Just a casual look at Nigerian universities these days will suffice to realise that so many social vices have become the order of the day. Chief among these are the twin evils of cultism and indecent dressing. Interestingly, these vices are commoner among the males and females respectively. What probably began as pacification to desires for companionship, protection and security; an innocent imitation of westerners has grown to bedevil sanity and progress on our university today. In this paper, cultism, indecent dressing and some other related social vices will be dealt with in light of their causes, consequences and possible remedial steps. 1.1 Definition of Basic Terms * Social vices * Cultism * Secret cult * Secret societies * Indecent dressing Social vices: Social vices are forms of evil, wicked and criminal actions or behaviours in the society. These are social problems and have been thought of as social situations that a large number of observers feel are inappropriate and need remedying. Social vices are those acts and conditions that violate societal norms and values. Cultism: The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defined cult as a small group of people who have extreme religious beliefs and who are not part of any established religion. Secret Cult: Ogunade (2002) defined a secret cult as an enclosed organized association or group devoted to the same cause. It is an enclosed group having an exclusive...

Words: 4392 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Legalization of Cannabis

...Capitalism: an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a few markets. This unique system allows for a merchant to market just about any product to the masses dependent on a public opinion of the commodity, legality, availability, and profitability. Some commodities, although carrying high demand are regulated heavily and sometimes even ban from the market place for reasons pertaining to public safety. Others, however, showing to be a health hazard are still allowed to remain on the market. This definition is according to Merriam-Webster.com. This paper will focus on the economics of cannabis and how by its decriminalization, or legalization, it can be a profitable commodity in the marketplace by the following. Providing an overview of cannabis and how political games have caused an unearned negative public opinion on the commodity. Listing arguments that support the claim that by legalizing this commodity not only crime rates in general, but violent crime rates, will drop noticeably if not substantially providing a savings in the cost of enforcing and prosecuting such crimes. And, that by decriminalization, the federal government can regulate this commodity much like alcohol and tobacco providing new sources of tax revenue. A History of Cannabis The best way to understand the public image...

Words: 5829 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Legalization of Marijuana

...Legalization of Marijuana Jimmy Martin, II Saint Leo University Author Note This paper was prepared for Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior CRM 328, taught by Dr. Pappas. Abstract With exception to the debate surrounding the Affordable Health Care Act and the attacks on the United States Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, public policy regarding legalization of recreational and medical marijuana has reached a boiling point in most state legislatures. However, possession and use of marijuana is still viewed by many as comparable to consuming an alcoholic beverage. Regardless, it (marijuana) is still classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Introduction After prohibition of alcohol was rescinded by the Twenty First Amendment, years later the focus from the United States government shifted to prohibition of drugs. But there have always been varying ulterior motives. According to Baylor University Professor of Sociology, Dr. Diana Kendall, the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed solely to criminalize marijuana by taxing it; this would dissuade migrant Mexican workers who smoked marijuana to seek employment elsewhere and not take jobs from U.S. citizens as the country struggled during the Great Depression (Kendall, 2010). Last year, voters in Colorado and Washington State approved legislation that supported the commercial growth, sale, possession and use of recreational marijuana. In response, United...

Words: 1535 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Stuff

...CHAPTER 7 DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL Deviance 171 Social Policy and Social Control: Illicit Drug Use in Canada and Worldwide 193 What Is Deviance? 171 Explaining Deviance 175 Social Control 182 Conformity and Obedience 182 Informal and Formal Social Control Law and Society 186 Crime 185 187 Types of Crime 188 Crime Statistics 190 The Issue 193 The Setting 193 Sociological Insights 193 Policy Initiatives 193 Boxes RESEARCH IN ACTION: Street Kids 183 sOCIOLOGY IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY: Singapore: A Nation of Campaigns 186 TAKING SOCIOLOGY TO WORK: Holly Johnson, Chief of Research, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada 192 Cigarette smoking has become stigmatized in Canada. This newspaper advertisement, sponsored by Health Canada, reverses the typical advertising strategy of equating smoking with sexiness. 169 H eidi Fleiss was in her late twenties when she was arrested for operating a call girl service. At the time, her pediatrician father had reacted flippantly, “I guess I didn’t do such a good job on Heidi after all.” Later, he would be convicted of conspiring to hide profits from his daughter’s call girl ring. Fleiss had dropped out of school when she was sixteen and established a liaison with a playboyfinancier who gave her a Rolls-Royce for her twenty-first birthday. In her early twenties, Fleiss interned in the world of prostitution by working for Madame Alex (Elizabeth Adams)...

Words: 18652 - Pages: 75

Premium Essay

A Sociological Perspective on Drugs

...A Sociological Perspective on Drugs and Drug Use Erich Goode, Professor of Sociology at SUNY Stony Brook From: Drugs in American Society, Chapter 1 ©1972 Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. ISBN 0-394-31323-2 SOCIAL CONTEXT AND HUMAN MEANING What can a sociologist tell us about drug use that we do not already know? If there is anything particularly distinctive about the sociologist's view, it is his emphasis on social context. It might appear that this concept seeped into the public consciousness long ago, that it is a banality. But if this were so, the stupendous blunders committed every day by drug researchers and commentators would not occur. If the concept were really understood, a large part of the drug problem would also be understood. The social context of drug use powerfully influences—indeed, it might almost be said determines—at least four central aspects of the drug reality, aspects that traditionally have been presumed to grow directly out of the chemical and pharmacological properties of drugs themselves, independent of human intervention. These four aspects are drug definitions, drug effects, drug-related behavior, and the drug experience. The sociological perspective stands in direct opposition to what might be called the chemicalistic fallacy—the view that drug A causes behavior X, that what we see as behavior and effects associated with a given drug are solely (or even mainly) a function of the biochemical properties of that drug, of the drug plus the human animal...

Words: 6154 - Pages: 25

Free Essay

Sociology

...disorders”. This review is based mainly on three objectives; (a) first is to explain the nature of medicalization- i.e. what medicalization actually is and why there is need of de-medicalization, (b) second is to explain the how the medicalization has negative effects on the health of people- i.e. ‘the medical establishment has become a major threat to health’ and providing a dossier of medicine’s adverse effects – the wrongs and harms it has done – through processes of clinical, social and cultural ‘iatrogenesis’ or doctor-induced conditions, and finally (c) third is to explain the impact of the dominance of professional medical power on the people’s lives especially including women. This paper is mostly based on the secondary sources such as books, articles, journals, papers, reports etc. Besides this some data has been collected from online sources. Key words: Medicalization, De-medicalization, Re-medicalization, Power, Caesarean section delivery. INTRODUCTION The concept of...

Words: 7802 - Pages: 32