Addiction: causes, effects, and treatment approaches

Addiction

In Buddhism, addiction is viewed as a disadvantage because it causes six main issues, which indicates that Buddha described addiction to intoxicants as one of the six causes of ruin (McLeod, 2004). "Addiction has been sited as bring about six main disadvantages: loss of wealth, quarrels and strife, a poor state of health, a source of disgrace, shameless and indecent behavior, and weakened intelligence and mental faculties" (Plamintr, 1994 and the Fundamental Tenets of Buddhist Ethics the Moral Dilemmas).

The teachings of Confucius revolve around living a good life. Everyone holds themselves to a high standard of virtuous thought and action is Ideal world, which does not allow addiction because it is unacceptable to society. Furthermore, in most religions and societies, addiction is not acceptable.

Buddhism

In the fifth precept of Buddhism, people are recommended to refrain from partaking in substances, which cause intoxication. This is due to the fact they alter the state of consciousness, which makes them physiologically addictive, or cause heedlessness.

The negative effects caused by narcotics are well-known in present day societies. They represent serious health and social problem throughout the world. Although drinking intoxicants seems to have become widespread in modern society, it is not part of the Buddhist culture. The simple fact that something is commonly practiced does not mean that it is either a good, or a correct behavior. Intoxicants distort the sensibilities and rob people of their self-control and capability of judgment. Individuals under the influence are more likely to act rashly, with little or no thought to due consideration or forethought. (Geocities, 2005) Societies are inundated with individuals that under the influence of intoxicants and/or mind-altering substances commit murder, rape, or damage to other people or property "(the Fundamental Tenets of Buddhist Ethics the Moral Dilemmas).

Confucius

He believes that the common good is attained through the three main virtues, Jen, Shu, and Li. The virtue of Jen is one that is based on attitude which based on looking out for the good of others. Confucius believed in cooperation and taught that having the virtue of Jen meant that one would cooperate with society and by encouraging the common good. The Jen attitude also places the value of people in very high regard (Confucius).

The virtue of Shu is basically the same as the golden rule of Christianity. Anything that you would not want done to you does not do to other people. Having the virtue of Shu meant that one was conscious of the affect that their actions have on other people and if very careful to make sure that the affect in not negative. The last virtue Li is the result of Jen and Shu. It is all of the great things that come because of the first two virtues. In Confucius' opinion this was best displayed during the feudal period in Chinese history. This was the best example of a social order in which everything was in its right place. Li was the proper execution of a religious and moral way of life. The Confucianism teachings are in many ways what a civilized and humane society would view as common sense or the right way to live. He emphasized the proper treatment of others and place great importance on the value of human life" (Confucius).

From there, it is apparent if they believe people should follow society's rules, addiction is not acceptable because society does not accept it.

Taoism

On the other hand, Taoism teaches that people should not "strive to serve society and honor people of worth." People should be uneducated, not honor others and should be protected from material desires, which means addiction would be acceptable because people should not be affected by others

The belief that people should be uneducated is not applicable to American society. To get a good job in America, most people have to have a good education. If people were uneducated, they would not make it far. Americans usually look someone who is uneducated down upon. The belief that people should not honor others, can be applied to American Society. By not honoring others, a person is more likely to feel better about them, however it is very difficult to do. There are numerous people that are honored. This includes the President, and many other famous people. In American society, a person can be protected from material desires. Material desires are unnecessary, and if a person has no desire for something, they won't be disappointed when they don't receive it. If one was to be secluded form the society of America for a while, it would be easy to apply Taoist beliefs to their life. For example, if a person was secluded somewhere with no television and alone, they could live off the land. There are no available material desires and, nowhere to be educated. Some Taoist beliefs can be applied to American society, and others can not. If a person is secluded from the society, they have a better chance of succeeding than someone succeeds that is not" (Taoism).

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the Addict decides that his or her attachment to whatever it is has become destructive, he or she may seek to reduce their overall exposure of suffering. He or she may even attempt to completely avoid whatever it is. Naturally, this can become a challenge, which is just another way of saying that it could require the expenditure of a tremendous amount of conscious energy (Resolving an Addiction to Something).