For centuries, society has viewed addiction to alcohol and other substances as a defect in one’s moral fiber, rather than a medical affliction. Modern scientific exploration into the subject of addiction has revealed that alcoholism is actually the result of neurotransmitters in the brain becoming activated, chemical responses throughout the body, genetic influences, and even environmental factors. By revising the widespread belief that addiction to alcohol is one’s own “fault,” and recognizing the litany of variables which determine whether somebody will be prone to addictive tendencies, the stigma placed on alcoholism may eventually be lifted.
¶ … Speech on Alcoholism and Addiction
Main Points: I. Alcoholism is an addiction, not a character flaw.
Treating alcoholism requires modern rehabilitation methods.
The "Twelve-Step" program advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
represents an extremely effective route to recovery.
Central Idea: For centuries, society has viewed addiction to alcohol and other substances as a defect in one's moral fiber, rather than a medical affliction. Modern scientific exploration into the subject of addiction has revealed that alcoholism is actually the result of neurotransmitters in the brain becoming activated, chemical responses throughout the body, genetic influences, and even environmental factors. By revising the widespread belief that addiction to alcohol is one's own "fault," and recognizing the litany of variables which determine whether somebody will be prone to addictive tendencies, the stigma placed on alcoholism may eventually be lifted.
Introduction
A. For as long as mankind been aware that the actions of an individual are determined by an inherent sense of free will, society has continually ostracized those who remain enslaved by their own impulses and urges. The tragic flaw of addiction has always manifested itself in a variety of forms, from the village drunkard's inability to avoid the allure of the tavern or the gambler's compulsion to wager away his salary, to more modern incarnations such as cigarette smoking, overeating, and even sexual predilections.
1. In his expansive treatise on addiction entitled The Heart of Addiction: A New Approach to Understanding and Managing Alcoholism and Other Addictive Behaviors, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Lance Dodes presents his personal philosophy on physical dependence, seeking to determine the sources of this age old affliction while also providing sensible solutions.
2. The foundation of Dodes' professional and philosophical approach to treating addiction is set forth early in his book, with the controversial assertion that "virtually every addictive act is preceded by a feeling of helplessness or powerlessness," resulting in a subconscious process whereby "addictive behavior functions to repair this underlying feeling of helplessness & #8230; because taking the addictive action (or even deciding to take this action) creates a sense of being empowered of taking control -- over 'one's emotional experience and one's life" (2002).
B. This conception of addiction is diametrically opposed to the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other recovery programs based on the Twelve Step method, and by closely comparing Dodes' work with the literature on which AA is based, one can begin to assess the effectiveness of both methods.
Transition: The organization of groups like Alcoholics Anonymous has served to reverse the negative stigma attached to addiction, as the general public can see that most addicts struggle everyday in their efforts to attain sobriety.
A. Whether known as faulty moral fiber, chemical dependence, substance abuse, or any of the other colloquialisms used by a society largely intolerant of those who cannot control their impulses, drug addiction has always confounded scientific researchers and social observers alike. One of the most widely acclaimed and well-known addiction recovery programs to emerge in the last century is the Twelve Step method, which is the cornerstone of AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), a sister fellowship devoted to aiding and assisting individuals with their struggle against drug addiction.
1. According to An Introductory Guide to Narcotics Anonymous, which is included among the canon of Twelve Steps literature, "in order for most of us to abstain from using mood-altering, mind-changing chemicals, we have had to undergo drastic changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually" and "the Twelve Steps of NA offer us a way to change" (NA Fellowship, 1991). Both AA and NA recognize that addiction can be derived from genetics, through traits inherited from genealogical predecessors, in addition to resulting from environmental factors such as peer pressure or socioeconomic status.
You’re 84% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.