Discussion to Classmate’s Discussion Academic Help

I don’t know how to handle this Psychology question and need guidance.

250 words plus 1-2 scholarly references per answer.

1) Timothy Strait 8.2

Thank you for addressing what I believe are two of the biggest myths associated with addiction–that it is voluntary and can therefore be easily overcome, and that is liked to character. One question that I have been pondering quite a lot lately is related to what I call “preemption” as it relates to addiction. My line of questioning is based on conversations with my primary care physician. After my surgery in July, it was assumed that I would want and need opioids–at least for a while. I refused them. It was not easy. But preemptively, I did not want to risk accepting the drugs and then possibly become addicted to them later on. There was clearly a medical case to be made for me getting a prescription for opioids if ever there was one. My primary care physician (I was literally his first patient on day one of his residency) told me me does the same thing because–as he shared with me–comes from a “family of addicts” and does not want to be in a situation like that. What do you think? Should we as a profession examine the issue preemption or prospective avoidance to reduce addiction for some people?

2) Gerlyn Walker 8.2

There are many myths that surround addictions. One of them that I am familiar with, which was also mentioned in the text was that it is an individual’s lack of self-controlled behavior is the reason for the addiction (Dziegielewski, 2013). Many people thought that about addiction, that it was the person’s inability to control their behavior that led them to act a way that they should not, but they have come to find out that changes in the brain can be a result of addictive behaviors (Dziegielewski, 2013). An example would be that a person cannot stop abusing substances no matter the consequence or how they obtain the monetary ability to get it. This may include the person stealing from others to get the money for substances, spend a lot of their own money, and partaking in risky behavior.

Another myth that is familiar to me is that many people think that addicts are all the same. Many people believe it is a moral choice to be an addict and they can just quit. Addiction events all walks of life. . Another very popular myth is that addicts can stop if they really wanted to. At one point in time, this was the main consensus among people, but research has shown like with self-control, substances change brain chemistry which makes it very difficult for addicts to stop based solely on willpower. This indicates that individuals who suffer from addiction need help from others in order to help them stop the behavior. It is also a myth that an alcoholic is not a drug addict and a drug addict at least is not an alcoholic. In groups it makes me laugh at times. I was one of those people that believed you could turn your addiction off like a light switch. “ Just Stop” When I worked with addicts in the field and gave them an opportunity to gain sobriety. Most did not obtain the help open to them. I began studying addiction. I realized it was not a choice it was a disease, it needs to be recognized, and maintain and always watch for triggers and cravings.

References

Dziegielewski, S. F. (2013). DSM-5 in action. Hoboken NJ: John Wiley & sons.

3) Christina Fife 8.1

I agree with the inclusion of gambling disorder under Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. Gambling disorder has many of the same criteria that are related to substance use disorders. Those suffering from this disorder may lie to cover up their behaviors, may jeopardize relationships in order to participate in activity, may loose jobs due to behaviors, or may attempt to conceal their behaviors. Other symptoms that are similar to substance use disorders are irritability when trying to stop behavior, engaging in behavior when stressed or depressed, and the need to be involved in behavior more often and with larger amounts to gain satisfaction (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Due to the similarity of symptoms it makes sense to include this disorder under substance and addiction disorders.

I have seen adults who are addicted to gambling and they do go through withdrawal type symptoms when not able to participate in the behavior. I have seen them become more anxious and talk about how they are going to be able to gamble. I have seen them leave family time to engage in behaviors, even though the time was not appropriate. I have also seen them loose money that they could not afford to lose in order to continue with the behavior, always thinking they will do better.

Addictions run a person’s life and tend to ruin relationships in the process. Gambling is one of those addictions that can do just that. By placing it in the category of addiction disorders it legitimizes the appropriate treatment for this addiction. Behavioral and substance addictions both benefit from similar treatments and support groups. It is a process of wanting to make changes and initiating those changes that can have the most benefit for these addictions.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author