Drug addiction and alcoholism: causes, effects, and risk factors

Drug addiction manifests in many ways, but drug and alcohol dependency are by far the most pervasive of all kinds of drug addiction (Marks, 2009). Not less than 125, 000 Americans lose their lives to drug addiction and alcoholism every year (Marks, 2009).

Drug addiction and alcoholism are chronic conditions that are characterized by alterations in the brain, which have the power to make an individual to have uncontrollable desires for alcohol and drug abuse in spite of the harmful effects (Marks, 2009).

People suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism are not "immoral" or "weak'. Just like diabetes and hypertension, the conditions are real diseases occasioned by behavior, environmental influences and genetics.

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction: Risk Factors

Not one factor has been found to singly contribute to the development of drug addiction and alcoholism (Marks, 2009). The development of addiction in a person can be influenced by the individual's biological makeup and their exposure to alcohol and drug (Marks, 2009).

The Risk factors are (Marks, 2009):

Genetics. According to research, drug addiction or alcoholism development risk is inheritable.

Age. Adolescents tend to engage in riskier behavior and are therefore at a higher risk.

Associations. A person's associations have a huge influence on their behavior. If most of your associates abuse drugs then you are also likely to abuse drugs.

Stress. People seeking to relieve stress may turn to drugs.

Mental disorders. Anxiety disorders or depression may lead to abuse of drugs.

The kind of drug used. How the drug is consumed influences the risk of developing dependency. Drugs that are injected or smoked may lead to relatively higher addictions because of the "highs" come fast and fade just as fast and so the person needs to retake the drug to maintain the feeling of pleasure.

Preventing and Solving Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Given the complexity of drug addiction and alcoholism as a health issue, the approach taken to solve the problem should include extensive education, public health participation as well as research in the areas of prevention and treatment (NDCS, 1999).

Effective Treatment Approaches

An effective approach should include both behavioral therapy and medication (DrugFacts, 2009). Withdrawal symptoms that are likely to result during the process should be properly managed (DrugFacts, 2009). In case of relapse, educated action should be taken and if need be, some of the components of past treatments might have to be repeated (DrugFacts, 2009). All the facets of the patient's life should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing the treatment plan (DrugFacts, 2009).

1 Medications: medication should be used to manage both the withdrawal and the treatment process. Withdrawal symptoms should be effectively suppressed (DrugFacts, 2009). Treatment involves re-establishing the normal functioning of the brain of the patient (DrugFacts, 2009).

2 Behavioral Treatments: two approaches can be taken during behavioral treatments:

1. Residential treatment- suitable for those whose conditions are very severe.

2. Outpatient behavioral treatment -- involves counseling either at individual or group level (DrugFacts, 2009). Could include motivational incentives, motivational interviewing, multidimensional family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.