drug addiction reflection essay

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Reflection: Jennifer Kaucher

Begin to pay attention to how many times addiction, drugs and alcohol come up in conversation with friends and family, and you may be surprised. I was, when I started my job at the Council on Chemical Abuse over two years ago. My way of talking about addiction has changed; let me tell you why.

We have all joked (or at least I have) at one point or another about being addicted to something, whether it is our favorite food or our smartphones. What I have learned is the difference between joking and the reality of addiction. Addiction consumes a person, and the genuine suffering that happens is undeniable.

Addiction has always been a part of the human condition. We have seen the devastation it is capable of, but now, more than ever, it is affecting our daily lives. With the current opioid crisis in our country, almost daily we hear about it on the news, in the latest sitcoms, in newspaper articles, during a presidential debate, or around the dinner table.

It may be clearer to see signs and symptoms in an individual addicted to heroin because of the physical characteristics that come with use. But what about the person addicted to playing video games, being on the Internet, spending money, eating, gambling, work or sex? Are those any less of an addiction, or any less serious, because they don’t involve a “drug”? I think not.

As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.” By definition, addiction does not apply to just drugs and alcohol, but anything that affects individuals to the point where they cannot function without that substance or behavior.

An individual who is addicted to heroin and an individual addicted to gambling can have equally serious conse­quences because of their “drug of choice.” An individual addicted to gambling, shopping or pornography may not show physical signs, but those obsessive behaviors can still lead to isolation, unemployment, homelessness and arrest, much like an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Now, addicts cannot overdose on gam­bling at a casino, or watching pornography, like they can overdose while using heroin or alcohol, but the effects while engaging in drug use or a behavior are similar. What is happening in the brains of those who have behavioral addictions, such as gambling, gaming, shopping, (compulsively) eating, etc., is the same as in the brain of someone getting high off of a drug.

The limbic system, or what we call the pleasure center of the brain, reacts when we are doing something we find enjoyable. Addiction “hijacks” the brain, and the drug or the behavior is equated with survival. An individual addicted to a behavior like gambling or gaming is thinking about engaging in that behavior more than his or her own basic needs. Before eating, sleeping, showering and connecting with loved ones, their addiction comes first.

We should not dismiss the addicted individual, and think it is not “as bad” to be addicted to a behavior as to a drug. For someone addicted to gambling, the shame, guilt and relational consequences can be very real. As with drugs and alcohol, the addiction reaches a point where the addict no longer really enjoys the behavior, yet there is an uncontrollable, repeated urge to continue the behavior despite negative consequences.

Addiction does not discriminate against any person. Whether it is gambling or heroin, when the brain reaches the point of addiction, the individual’s life will be taken over. The good news is that there is hope! Addiction is a treatable disease, and there is help available for those caught in the trap. Recovery is possible from all addictions!

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Substance Use Prevention; a Personal Reflection

Written by nur raihana binti zakaria.

Illustration by Karthika Pillai

It has been more than 40 years since drug use was declared a national security problem in Malaysia in the 1980s. From the latest drug statistics available, the National Anti-Drugs Agency of Malaysia reported in January to June 2020, around 67% of people who use drugs in Malaysia were adolescents and youth, which represents almost 67 thousand individuals.

This alarming fact caught my attention and inspired me to dive into substance use prevention. Therefore, it was a privilege for me to participate in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Youth Forum 2021 on Substance Use Prevention.

Before joining the Youth Forum, I was fully aware that the known overwhelming impact of substance use on individuals, families, and communities and the reality of the potentially life-long and complex recovery process of substance use requires effective, supportive, and comprehensive-collaborative interventions.

While I kept wondering what makes one get involved in substance, little did I realize that determining the cause(s) will be endless as it is more complicated, and it would never be that straightforward or clear cut.

The vulnerability factors may come throughout the developmental and life phases and are interrelated between individuals, family, school, and community – sometimes leading to a vicious cycle. Understanding this fact is one of the core points in substance use prevention because it will help us be more empathetic and less judgemental.

Substance use prevention aims to avoid or delay the initiation of substance use, or if someone has already engaged in substance use, it will be more effective to engage in treatment interventions to stave off the development of substance use disorders.

During the Youth Forum, I had an “aha” moment and realized that the overall aim of substance use prevention is much broader. It aims to ensure the healthy and safe development of young people and their well-being and resilience so that they can discern and optimize their talents and potential and become altruistic contributing members of their community. Thus, prevention interventions should begin as early as infancy. His means not only parents, but every member of the society shall be empowered with appropriate skills such as social life skills, parenting and caregiving skills, and decision-making skills. Effective prevention forwards children, youth, and adults positive and constructive engagement with their families and schools, workplaces, and communities.

I was impressed with the way Ms. Elizabeth Mattfeld, a Project Coordinator with the Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Unit of UNODC, enlightened us on substance use prevention, making it more understandable. She started explaining substance use prevention by emphasizing what is not; “substance use is not treatment, nor punishment.” She then highlighted that in prevention, it is never about telling people the danger of drugs or any other psychoactive substances, or commanding people not to befriend people who use drugs or any other don’ts; or labeling and identifying who are at risk. Instead, prevention aspires to improve skills, endurance, educate the do’s, and subsequently promote individuals to function in a healthy physical and socio-cultural-spiritual environment in the long run. And there is no way for us to ignore any aspects of physical health, mental health, nutrition, education, family well-being, financial, policy-making, or law in substance use prevention, let alone to look at those aspects independently. Substance use prevention is indeed a long-term strategy within a holistic approach to preventing individuals from engaging in drug abuse by focusing on evidence-based programs that can strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors; and everything in between.

Reflecting on what we have or used to do worldwide, we must agree that many countries are yet to have successful models or efforts in prevention. I acknowledge all agencies’ or ministries’ commitment to creating a society free of drug threats to ensure the community’s well-being, maintaining national stability and resilience.

However, it is always good to take a step back and ponder on the efficiency and efficacy of the intervention taken. Moving forward, we could do better - prevention shall be more inclusive and voluntary, rather than spending resources on the selective approach like prevention education programs conducted among families, primary school students, and youth who are at risk or already identified engaging in substance use.

Besides, we should pay more attention to how we practice substance use prevention, what works, and how we evaluate its efficiency. For example, some may think the lack of knowledge about substances and the consequences of their use are among the main factors that increase an individual’s vulnerability or contribute to the initial reasons for drug use initiation. But I was a bit surprised that knowledge or information alone does not change behavior and does not work for substance use prevention. When policies and practices rely only on feeding the public with knowledge about substances and their adverse effects, substance use prevention is compromised.

We should refine our actions and comprehend that developing skills such as communication, decision-making, rational thinking, and stress reduction are critical as part of a comprehensive substance use prevention program.

In substance use prevention, we must be determined to adhere to evidence-based approaches. We must be ready to unlearn our old beliefs and usual practices that may be inconsistent with science. Substance use prevention is not a taboo or gut feeling, it is scientific, and it is worth fighting for. Unfortunately, Even when considerable funding is spent on treatment, only one in eight people worldwide can access this treatment. Investing more diligently in prevention, we can save up to 10 dollars for every dollar spent, reduce substance use and protect our young generation worldwide.

In conclusion, I am now well-informed that to make substance use prevention successful, we need continuous multiple prevention programs at every community level involving many stakeholders. Those are what we need to create a healthy, effective, and sustainable prevention system. All elements of prevention and roles taken (or ignored) by individuals are interconnected; strengthening every single element will cause a snowball effect; anyone could start the positive action and give sustained results in return, like a domino effect; and we need everyone’s small and light touch in substance use prevention to bring the butterfly effect; ultimately lead to what we all have been dreaming for: healthy, happy, resilient and proactive young people who can contribute to the community and society. Yes, long way to go, but I have the utmost faith that prevention works.

1 International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. (2018). Retrieved 20 March 2021, from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/prevention/prevention-standards.html

2 National Drug Policy. (2017). Retrieved 15 January 2021, from https://www.adk.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/Buku-Dasar-Dadah-Negara-EN.pdf

3 Annual Report National Anti-Drugs Agency. (2019). Retrieved 15 January 2021, from https://www.adk.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/Buku-Laporan-Tahunan-AADK-2019.pdf

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Reflective Essay Sample about Addiction

“I understood myself only after I destroyed myself. And only in the process of fixing myself, did I know who I really was” quote by unknown about addiction. I am writing this paper to help me personally understand what an addiction is and how it has caused me to fail 3 classes and to allow me to go on a trip to Texas. I will cover four topics: What addiction is, how people become addicted, how to overcome it, and what will cause people to become addicted to video games. this paper will help me personally overcome my addiction.

The Webster definition of addiction is “a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something”. my addiction is gaming. I can barely go a day without it and if I don't play it, I’ll get angry faster. I use video games as an output for my stress and to pass time, but I overdo it and that has caused me many consequences. A few examples of them are not taking opportunities, not spending time with family, becoming lazy, and failing my classes as said before.  I plan for this paper to help me find the root of this addiction so I can become a better person in the future and not miss opportunities that could push me in the right direction in life. To fix this I would need to look at the start of an addiction.

Information from an article written in 2018 by Adem Frelman and reviewed by Timothy J. Legg who has a Ph.D. in psychology. A person becomes addicted to a substance or activity because their reward and stress systems malfunction due to overstimulation. As a result of overstimulation, the brain will feel as if it needs the activity or drug to feel rewarded. Personally, I think mine started in elementary with my father around the age of 8-9. We played video games when I did well in class or got my schoolwork done. This would always make me happy so I tried to play games anytime I could. It changed from only on TV after everything was done to, I could do it whenever I want, and I have abused it. 

The cause of addiction is stated in an article written by an addiction center. It states “MMORPGs are especially addictive because they offer an endless adventure inside a fantasy world where players can essentially live a different life as a new person. They provide an opportunity to escape reality and leave behind the problems of the real world.” Almost all my games and the games I started off playing were MMOs. From Mario Cart to Destiny 2 they are all online multiplayer games I play with my friends. This is the root of my problem because every time I was down and depressed and had no one there for me a game would always cheer me up. I felt that truly the game would and would always be my happy place away from the world. another statement from the article is “An MMPORG player can join clans, help other players, make friends, and develop a status. Although the setting is virtual, the relationships are real. For the player, the sense of being part of something and having a role to play can be important and meaningful. This is especially true if the player does not experience social gratification in real life.” This is another reason why I am addicted because I feel accepted here. I have met a lot of people online or through video games. I became friends with my best friend from elementary through Pokémon. I made friends wherever I lived when my parents got deployed. I met the person I am dating now through a video game. Even though gaming has caused me some pluses in life it still has its negatives. That’s what I am trying to do now so we move on to how to get rid of or overcome an addiction. 

To get over an addiction you first must realize you have one. This paper is my first step to getting over my addiction to video games.  I have realized now that I play games too much and that it causes me to lose out on opportunities and become successful in life. Between gaming and work, there should be an equal stopping point. In other words, the game should be a reward for getting everything done on time first, rather than a place to relax after classes.

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Essay on Drug Abuse

Here we have shared the Essay on Drug Abuse in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Drug Abuse in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Fostering inclusivity and belonging: A reflective journey in teaching 'The Psychology of Drug Addiction and Behavior"

Article sidebar, main article content.

This reflective essay explores the implementation of inclusivity and belonging strategies in a course on 'The Psychology of Drug Addiction and Behavior.' The author, a former addiction therapist turned educator, shares the unique challenges and successes of fostering an open, unbiased learning environment. The essay highlights three key strategies: establishing shared norms, challenging biases, and fostering self-reflection. The author discusses the profound impact these strategies had on students' understanding of the subject matter and personal growth. The essay concludes with a commitment to integrate these strategies into future courses and a call for their broader adoption in education.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

Theories of Addiction and Treatment Approaches Essay

Introduction.

Over the years, psychological principles have led to the development of different theories concerning addiction and substance use disorders. The latter happens when the recurrent use of items such as drugs or alcohol results in clinically significant impairment, consisting of health problems, failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home, and disability. The aim of this paper is to discuss the theories of addiction and approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders and integrate the information into a statement of theoretical orientation.

Self-Efficacy and Application to Development, Maintenance, and Treatment of Addiction

The theory of self-efficacy explains that the beliefs of people in their capability to produce desired effects through actions are the most crucial determinants of the behaviors in which they engage. This determines how much effort someone invests or their persistence level despite difficulties (Berte et al., 2021). According to (Ainslie & Haslam, 1992), such beliefs are key to particular self-motivated changes in terms of profession and behavior. They also empower mental adjustment, issues, and wellness (Berte et al., 2021). It has been determined that people create their opinions concerning their capability by interpreting information from four sources of influence.

The first one is mastery goals, where the perceived outcome of a person’s past performance is the most potent source. With regard to mastery, experience, as suggested, refers to the emotions people have after successfully overcoming a novel task (Berte et al., 2021). Since it offers the most verifiable evidence of whether an individual has what is needed to accomplish, self-efficacy becomes the most important source of efficacy knowledge. Success results in a strong sense of self-efficacy (Berte et al., 2021). Failures damage it, especially if they occur before a strong feeling of effectiveness is developed. Practice is among the most efficient methods of acquiring a new skill in a specific area.

The second source of influence is from vicarious experiences that social role models avail to people. Seeing others who may appear similar to someone while they are achieving through perseverance increases the viewers’ notion that they can master certain behaviors and succeed. Such experiences discussed include watching others perform a particular task (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). The third source is social persuasion, whereby when a person is offered verbal encouragement as feedback, they are persuaded that they can excel.

Encouragement, as well as disapproval regarding an individual’s performance or capacity to perform, have an effect on self-efficacy. If a person were to tell an elementary student that they are great, the latter tends to develop that mentality and seek achievement in all that they do (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). The last source of influence is the physiological and emotional state where someone’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being might have an effect on how they feel about their capabilities in a given situation. For example, it may be harder to maintain the right level of wellness if one is dealing with anxiety (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). It is not feasible to develop self-efficacy in spite of such a challenge but feeling healthy makes it easier to increase self-efficacy.

Excessive Appetites Theory of Addiction and Application to Development, Maintenance, and Treatment of Addiction

The excessive appetite theory assumes a complex model with numerous interacting determinants, especially socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural factors that can provide more or fewer opportunities to indulge. In addition, it assumes multiple and varying personal functions may be served self-expression, identity protection, and mood modification (Saris, 2021). As behavior may change over time, a longitudinal view is more effective for comprehending this complexity than a simple snapshot (Saris, 2021). The major pattern of this model includes multiple social and personal determinants resulting in emotional-cognitive-behavioral attachment, strong addictive attachment, the decision to change, and change and recovery.

There is a variety of human appetites for consumption of some sort. Core-group appetites include gambling, alcohol, sex, and drug-taking (Matweychuk et al., 2019). As the addiction develops, the thinking and acting of a person change as well, both dealing with as well as increasing the complexity of the condition (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Decisions are made through a breakdown of choices into several parts. In excessive appetites, the procedure of increasing attachment results in generalization instead of discrimination. Secondary emotional cycles, as well as processes, develop to deal with the adverse effects of the addiction, such as the gambler’s increasing bets to try and recover losses and the alcoholic’s hiding of bottles. There are various costs that may fail to be clear to the addict unless they are detached, including social, financial, and physical losses.

Although there is treatment for addiction, there are many paths to recovery. Relapsing is common; thus, the process could take some time (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Commonly employed therapeutic modalities consist of psychotherapy, pharmaceuticals, self-help, support groups, and hospitalization. With regard to psychotherapy, in order to address thinking as well as behavior patterns that cause addictions, cognitive behavioral therapy may be employed (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Other types of therapies that one can use include family therapy, group therapy, and contingency management.

In addition, pharmaceuticals might comprise drugs to assist with the desire and withdrawal symptoms and other medications to treat underlying psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Examples consist of buprenorphine, methadone, nicotine replacement therapy, and naltrexone (Matweychuk et al., 2019). Occasionally, individuals who are detoxing from a drug require admission to the hospital to receive treatment for potentially life-threatening issues as people discover novel ways of coping while recovering; online and offline support groups are excellent sources of information and support.

Reflection on Fit between Theories and Person beliefs, Values, and Life Philosophy

A greater sense of self-efficacy is usually produced through teaching tactics that promote exploring and mastering over memorizing. Similarly, children who have parents or guardians who set clear boundaries and show them much love are more likely to be self-sufficient (Saltzman et al., 2018). In order to regulate excessive hunger, it may as well be highly beneficial to maintain proper sleeping patterns, eating habits, and lifestyle (Saltzman et al., 2018). It is important for individuals to note any habit problems they are experiencing and the frequency and timing of the occurrences.

Psychological Theories

Cognitive behavioral theory and impact on development, maintenance, and treatment.

The relationship between a person’s thoughts acts as well as emotions are evaluated or explained by the cognitive behavioral theory. This concept is applied as a therapeutic approach for those with psychological health problems. The ideology claims that individuals’ views with regard to events have an effect on their conduct and emotions. Due to that, those who possess negative ideas and perceptions become sad, which may result in further issues. The strategy emphasizes helping people to change their thinking by making them aware of themselves. This is accomplished by offering them the tools to enable them to alter their cognitive and behavioral habits.

From a trainee to a professional in organizations, cognitive behavioral therapy has become the predominant form of treatment. This therapy approach is about analyzing as well as testing individuals’ standpoints on different issues. It turns the viewpoints into more positive ones and encourages them to attempt new ways. It has been revealed to be what is particularly needed in helping people to understand themselves by evaluating how their unique perceptions and thoughts have trapped them in their current situations.

The approach prioritizes the utilization of positivity above anything else. Positive thinking enables people to conquer obstacles or hindrances (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). For the sake of better health and happier living, it is critical that every person promotes positivity to others and integrates it into their lives. This notion discusses the way the power of positive thinking alone may improve someone’s health and situation (Kazantzis & Miller, 2022). Much can change in personal lives and the whole world if individuals stop worrying about how they are viewed by others in terms of their home circumstances.

Attachment Theory and Impact on Development, Maintenance, and Treatment

The focus of this theory is the significance of attachment for human growth. It specifically asserts that a person’s capacity to build an emotional and physical connection with another person provides the stability and security needed to take chances and develop. He was the first to use the term attachment, and his work in the late 1950s and early 1960s served as the foundation for attachment theory (Sutton, 2019). Among the fundamental principles of the concept is that a child’s capacity to create a close bond with one or more primary caregivers is crucial to their ability to develop normally.

When a newborn is removed from their primary caregiver, they exhibit certain emotions. The infants undergo three stages of separation anxiety, including protest, despair, and detachment. Prolonged or extended separation causes the infant to become emotionally disconnected from individuals, including the caregiver (Sutton, 2019). The ability to create bonds in children with reactive attachment disorder is thought to exist, but it has been constrained by their early developmental experiences. The majority of children are tenacious by nature, which means even individuals who have experienced neglect, who resided in a children’s home or another type of institution, can establish wholesome connections. Early intervention seems to better the outcomes, as suggested by Sutton (2019). Reactive attachment disorder does not have a standard therapy despite the need to involve the child’s parents or other major caregivers.

Reflection on How Cognitive Behavioral and Attachment Theories Fit Personal Beliefs and Values

The two theories raise awareness concerning reactive attachment disorder in my personal life and family too. They encourage someone to inquire about the resources from the physician or mental health specialist for a child. If the latter has experience with foster care or other institutions, the concepts highlight the importance of asking for educational materials through proper social service organizations (Sutton, 2019). Through this, it ensures that society is in the right state (Sutton, 2019). Based on the theories, it is important to delegate work or find someone who occasionally allows one a break. This plays a major role in managing or dealing with stress. Exercising after studying could help to prevent overload. Additionally, it is beneficial to spare time for oneself, which can be used in developing a hobby.

The paper has discussed the theories of addiction and approaches to the treatment of substance use disorders and integrates the information into a statement of theoretical orientation. For instance, it demonstrates how the self-efficacy theory explains that people’s beliefs in their ability to achieve desired results through action are the most important predictors of the behaviors they engage in. This influences how much effort someone invests or how persistent they are in the face of challenges.

Ainslie, G., & Haslam, N. (1992). Self-control . Choice over time , 177 , 209. Web.

Berte, D. Z., Mahamid, F. A., & Affouneh, S. (2021). Internet addiction and perceived self-efficacy among university students . International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction , 19 (1), 162-176. Web.

Kazantzis, N., & Miller, A. R. (2022). A comprehensive model of homework in cognitive behavior therapy . Cognitive Therapy and Research , 46 (1), 247-257. Web.

Matweychuk, W., DiGiuseppe, R., & Gulyayeva, O. (2019). A comparison of REBT with other cognitive behavior therapies . In Advances in REBT (pp. 47-77). Springer, Cham. Web.

Saltzman, J. A., Fiese, B. H., Bost, K. K., & McBride, B. A. (2018). Development of appetite self‐regulation: integrating perspectives from attachment and family systems theory . Child Development Perspectives , 12 (1), 51–57. Web.

Saris, A. J. (2021). Growing Appetites and Hungry Subjects: Addicts, the Undead, and the Long Arc of Theory in Western Social Science. Ethnologia Actualis , 21 (1), 102-133. Web.

Sutton, T. E. (2019). Review of attachment theory: Familial predictors, continuity and change, and intrapersonal and relational outcomes . Marriage & Family Review , 55 (1), 1–22. Web.

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The Effects of Drugs on Society: Health Problems

• Categories: Drugs Society

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Words: 1471 |

Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1471 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, drugs in history, effects of drugs on society: health issues, works cited.

• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance abuse treatment for persons with co-occurring disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2019). Drugs of abuse: a DEA resource guide. US Department of Justice.
• Green, L. W., Kreuter, M. W., Deeds, S. G., & Partridge, K. B. (1980). Health education planning: A diagnostic approach. Mayfield.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Commonly abused drugs. National Institutes of Health.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). DrugFacts: Understanding drug use and addiction. National Institutes of Health.
• Pinto, F. A., & Pinto, M. A. (2019). Health risks of addiction to illicit drugs. Advances in preventive medicine, 2019.
• Reuter, P., & Pollack, H. A. (2006). Drug war heresies: Learning from other vices, times, and places. Cambridge University Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. (2010). Addiction medicine: Closing the gap between science and practice. Columbia University.
• World Health Organization. (2019). Substance abuse: Key facts. WHO.

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