Research Study

Running head: SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

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Introduction

An analysis of the meaning, prevalence and the numerous effects of addiction revealed a lot of valuable information on it. Addiction can be defined as a disorder that is mainly characterized by excessive exposure to any substance which is in nature very addictive (Ressler, 2017). Most addictions have very adverse effects on the individual. In as much as the common addictions in today’s society are mainly negative, there are also other forms of addiction that are considered positive in nature. Such addictions include being addicted to reading to extents that one cannot go without reading something whether it’s a book, article or a magazine. The negative addiction practices include circumstances like constant drinking of alcohol and excessive use of cocaine, bhang, tobacco and other drugs. This form of addiction will have adverse effects on the user.

Problem Statement In Relation To Healthcare

From the research topic of addiction, this problem statement can be derived when relating it to health care. Does addiction have effects on health care? If so, then how can such effects be minimized or rather prevented so as to improve the health care of the general population? This statement invokes the thought of considering addiction as one of the primary factors contributing to the deteriorating health of the people of this generation. A majority of the population is addicted to alcohol and other alcoholic drinks. According to Kolodny et al. (2015), excessive consumption of such substances has resulted in many health defects to the consumers. The same effects such as brain damages, vomiting, and overall weight loss are common to people who are addicted to other drugs such as tobacco and cocaine. Moreover, addiction impacts negatively not only on the physical health of those addicted but also their emotional health and psychological health. Drug addicts are likely to experience hallucinations, nightmares and other psychological problems.

Research studies on Addiction

Some institutions such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Gateway Treatment Center have completed some significant research on addiction and its effect on health care. A review of a recently completed research by NIDA on drug addiction reveals that early screening and intervention can be very fundamental in minimizing and in preventing addiction. Gateway Treatment Center also recognized the harmful effects of addiction such as injuries in its recently completed research on the topic.

Conclusion

Addiction is a critical area that requires immediate intervention from all health stakeholders since many forms of addiction have very negative impacts on the health of individuals. Cooperation and sensitization are some of the fundamental ways in which the addiction problem can be solved for the betterment of society.

References

Kolodny, A., Courtwright, D. T., Hwang, C. S., Kreiner, P., Eadie, J. L., Clark, T. W., & Alexander, G. C. (2015). The prescription opioid and heroin crisis: a public health approach to an epidemic of addiction. Annual review of public health, 36, 559-574.

Ressler, K. (2017). Habitual behavior in addiction & stress: Neurogenetic approaches to PTSD comorbidity. Alcohol, 60, 203.