Substance Abuse and Addiction: a Multifaceted Debate

Substance abuse and addiction will always be a hot topic, especially in the world we live in today. Drugs and alcohol are ubiquitous, penetrating communities regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status. The spectrum of use ranges from occasional users to individuals who consume substances compulsively. Over the past year, many of us have witnessed harrowing scenes, such as neighbors injecting themselves with needles, experiencing overdoses, and being revived with Narcan. The proximity of these events underscores the urgency and relevance of understanding substance abuse.

The discourse surrounding this subject is diverse, characterized by varying opinions and extensive research. This essay aims to explore the dichotomy of addiction as a choice versus a disease, incorporating insights from various articles and personal reflections.

Definition

Substance abuse, as defined by WebMD, involves the consumption of illegal drugs or the misuse of legal substances such as alcohol and prescription medications. The distinction between substance abuse and addiction is critical. Those grappling with substance abuse can potentially alter their behavior, whereas addiction, classified as a disease, renders individuals unable to cease usage despite harmful consequences.

Article 1: Addiction Is a Choice

The first article, "Addiction Is a Choice" by Jefferey Schaler, Ph.D., presents a compelling argument that challenges the conventional view of addiction as a disease. Schaler posits that addiction is fundamentally a behavioral choice rather than a medical condition. He asserts that the notion of addiction as a disease lacks empirical support, emphasizing that addiction is a behavior deliberately chosen by individuals. According to Schaler, therapeutic conversations premised on the disease model may mislead patients by promoting the idea that addicts lack control over their actions. This perspective provokes a critical examination of how addiction is perceived and treated within the therapeutic community.

Article 2: Addiction Is a Disease

Conversely, the article "Why Addiction Should Be Considered a Disease" by Anna Lembke advocates for recognizing addiction as a legitimate medical condition. Lembke highlights the staggering prevalence of addiction, affecting 16 percent of the U.S. population, and underscores the role of overprescription in the opioid crisis. The article argues that embracing the disease model is crucial for integrating addiction treatment into mainstream medical care. Lembke discusses the genetic and neurological components of addiction, illustrating how substance use can alter brain function and lead to relapsing behaviors. Despite some criticisms of the disease model, Lembke maintains that acknowledging addiction as a disease is essential for addressing its profound impacts on individuals and society.

My Argument

Initially, I was inclined to view addiction as a matter of personal choice rather than a disease. My perspective was shaped by the belief that individuals who engage in substance use willingly accept the risks, including the potential for fatal outcomes. However, my understanding evolved through exposure to various readings and research. I now align with the view that addiction should be considered a disease. The evidence pointing to the genetic predisposition and altered brain function in individuals with addiction is compelling. Furthermore, the ethical framework of care ethics supports the notion that healthcare systems should prioritize the welfare of vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction. The principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the promotion of health and prevention of disease, reinforces the argument for treating addiction as a disease.

Conclusion

The debate on whether addiction is a choice or a disease remains complex and multifaceted. Shifting the healthcare paradigm to accept addiction as a disease would necessitate significant changes in health benefits and resource allocation. Nonetheless, supporting mental health services and providing accessible treatment options are crucial steps forward. Ultimately, individuals must be ready to seek help, but societal and healthcare systems can play a pivotal role in facilitating recovery. Acknowledging addiction as a disease could lead to more compassionate and effective interventions, ultimately reducing the societal and personal burdens of substance abuse.

Reference

Beauchamp, T. L., Walters, L., Kahn, J. P., & Mastroianni, C. A. (2014). Contemporary Issues in Bioethics. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Besse, Jenny. "Drug Addiction and Disease." Prized Writing (2005-2006), edited by Gregory Miller.

Lembke, A. (2018). Why Addiction Should Be Considered a Disease [article]. Judges’ Journal, (Issue 1), 4. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edshol&AN=edshol.hein.journals.judgej57.6&site=eds-live

Schaler, A. A. (2002). Is Addiction a Disease, or is it a Choice?. Psychiatric Times, Volume XIX, (Issue 10). Retrieved from http://www.oocities.org/healingadvantage/news/addict.

Wikipedia contributors. (2018, October 13). Disease model of addiction. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:24, December 13, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Disease_model_of_addiction&oldid=863902735

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