Drug Addiction: Addiction Not Disease
As
a young girl I couldn’t understand why my mother would leave for hours and come
back with glassy eyes. Her appearance would be different, her smell, and her
personality all changed. I remember finding pipes and often actual drugs around
the house. When I became old enough to understand, she made it seem completely
normal. The first lie she told me was that, she used drugs just for fun. Once
it came out that she was an addict, she began using the excuse that, drug
addiction is a disease, she just couldn’t help it.
I
know many people would agree with my mother, that addiction truly is a disease.
I do acknowledge and understand, there is a serious change made to one's brain
chemistry after just one use. I am aware that there is scientific evidence
showing those changes made to not only brain chemistry, but to other parts of
the brain, that worsen that addiction. The natural levels of dopamine begin to
die off and the body relies on drugs for that dopamine. When not received a
person will feel tired, depressed, and often off balanced. I do understand how
this would make it incredibly hard not to continue drug use or even worse,
relapse.
Many businesses, organizations,
healthcare facilities, and healthcare providers label drug addiction as a
disease. The Center on addiction states that, “Addiction involves changes in the functioning of the
brain and body. These changes may be brought on by risky substance use or may
pre-exist.” ( The Center on Addiction) The fact that they say those changes may
be due to the substance abuse, but could be pre-existing, is exactly what many
people need to see. Addiction is not a black and white topic for anyone,
anywhere. There are multiple things, including genetics, that can tie into
those abnormalities or changes in brain chemistry. If an individual was not
previously tested for differences and abnormalities, we cannot say with one
hundred percent certainty that drugs were to blame. Maybe in some cases drugs
or substances do cause that change, but not always. Does that give us hope for
some users? Yes, it may be possible that they will not suffer nearly as much as
those with changes made to their brain chemistry.
According to the Department of Health and
Human Services, “drug addiction and drug abuse are often confused or viewed as
the same thing.” (The Department of Health and Human Services) There truly is a
difference between the two but, people are often using drugs in either
situation, for similar reasons. Abusing drugs is wrongfully taking medication
for a reason other than what it was prescribed for. However, a drug addiction
is when you become very dependent on a drug (possibly multiple substances.) In
this case, the drug is used like a daily medication because the individual can
no longer function without it. Just like the effects of stopping an
anti-depressant or blood pressure medication, there are side effects. Along
with these side effects, such as nausea, sever agitation, and cold sweats, the
individual will begin going through withdrawals.
I believe that those with mental issues and
disorders, experience drug addiction in a completely different way. In such
cases, I agree that addiction is like a disease. Americans should not hold
those who are mentally ill to such high standards. High standards as in, expecting
someone who is mentally ill to think logically and clearly, and make good
decisions.
In the case of mental illness, I can see
where drug addiction may be seen as a disease. For these sick people, seeking
so desperately for relief, drugs may seem like the best option for them. For
someone contemplating taking their own life, using drugs as a medication or a
quick fix, probably seems like the best way to stay alive and deal with daily
life. Substance abuse may seem like the only way to feel okay and keep living,
and before you know it, the individual has developed an addiction.
Nowhere
in my mind or heart is it fair to compare an addict to a cancer patient, for
example. There are innocent people who are dying from diseases every single
day. There are also addicts claiming that their addiction is a disease, and no
matter how similar addiction is to a disease, they brought it onto themselves
when they decided to use that first time. It is degrading, cruel, and flat out
disrespectful to compare the two, no matter what the situation may be.
I
believe many of us fail to remember the babies born with addictions. In such
heartbreaking cases, I believe that addiction does act as a disease. These
innocent babies cannot bring it upon themselves. They encounter very much pain
and suffering due to someone else's negligent mistakes. These children not only
suffer from addiction themselves, but other complications related to using
drugs while pregnant. Being born prematurely, low birth weight, weak bones,
spinal deformation, breathing problems, and many other possible effects. (US
Department of Health and Human Services)
It
is clear as day that addicts are not the victims. They create victims. Families
are torn apart, children are left behind, personal belongings are stolen,
morals are thrown out, and the futures of these people become just dreams of
what could have been. What could have been if they didn’t use that first time?
The first time is what started this cycle and the last time will be right
before a breakthrough or right before death. Addiction makes itself very clear,
you either leave it, or die with it.
When
I think about finding ways to further treat, and ultimately end addiction, my
mind goes many places. Is it a lost cause? Wont addicts and users still be able
to buy these drugs illegally no matter what we do? Well, hopefully we can at
least save a few people. According to The Addiction Treatment Center, addiction
and substance abuse should be treated by professional healthcare providers
only.(US Department of Health and Human Services) Although we may all want to help and think we
have ways to help, there are specialist trained specifically to provide that
help. It is very likely that we may have the best intentions on helping an
addict, but often cannot provide the needed support. Many loved ones begin
enabling addicts without even knowing.
If
you know someone battling with addiction, please seek help for them. Be a good
friend and go to NA classes with them, go see a doctor with them, encourage
them to go to rehab, and keep in touch if they do decide to go to rehab. Drug
addiction has killed many people, don’t let your loved ones be next, act now.
Works Cited
Center on Addiction. 14 April 2017. https://www.centeronaddiction.org/what-addiction/addiction-disease. 7 Nov. 2018.
Kuhar, Michael. The Addicted Brain:
Why We Use Drugs, Alcohol, and Nicotine. Edition 1. 8 Aug. 2015. PP. 19-26,
97-113. 5 Nov. 2018.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
19 April 2018. “Find Help” https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.
6 Nov. 2018
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