Conceptual Frameworks of Drug Addiction

Introduction

The author, Nick Heather, conducted a study on the conceptual framework of drug addiction. The paper sought to ultimately explain the three main identified conceptual theories of drug addiction. The author foundationally began on the definition of drug addiction, and then progressively introduced the three main theories that explain the research topic. He further laid out the concept of compulsive drug use as a sturdy support to the research problem, highlighting its relevance in contemporary psychology dissertation help.

The author aimed to direct the readers towards a set of questions to be answered, but not to necessarily answer them. There was also no empirical data presentation in a bid to explain these concepts in the article. Basically, the article only sought to provide for the grounded definition and conclusive explanations on the conceptual theories identified.

Discussion

The author began by drawing a line of distinction between the problem of drug use and drug addiction; the writer also provided an example in this regard. In his article, he also pointed out to the fact that there are various indifferences in the use of the terms ‘addiction’ and ‘dependence’ in literature. On that note, he pointed out that addiction, in most occasions, has referred to the neurophysiological state which ultimately gives rise to the withdrawal phenomena and tolerance for use. On the other hand, dependence has in most instances been used to point out that such neurophysiological states need not be present (Eddy et al., 1965). On the aspect of definition, the author brought together a number of definitions of ‘drug addiction’ by various scholars and reports, and these analyses helped the author arrive at a viable definition. The author seemed to support the view that drug addiction should be defined with a view that sees decision making, ambivalence and conflict as crucial concepts in its explanation (Orford, 1985).

Moving forward, the author then looked at the three levels/ conceptual theories of addiction. The first level, which is also the lowest, is the level of neuroadaptation, the second has been pointed out to involve the desire for the drugs, and then the last is the ‘akrasia’ level. The lowest level raises questions concerning how the nervous system seems to adapt to the use of certain drugs. To avoid confusion, the author emphasized on the use of the term ‘neuroadaptation’ instead of ‘physical dependence’ (Edwards et al., 1982)

The second level in the framework brings up questions relating to the desires and the effects of these psychoactive drugs. On this, the author highlighted the distinction between the use of the term ‘desire’ other than ‘craving’ (Kozlowski et al., 1987). The third and final level raises the question of persistence and continuance of such use. This final level is the level that brings about the arkasia concept. The author reasonably used this Greek term to avoid any kind of misunderstandings that may arise from the use of ‘weakness of will’, which has been used by various modern philosophers (Davidson, 1969)

Conclusion

According to the author, the final level is impactful to any conclusive explanation of drug addiction and it remains to be the level which the lower levels sub serve. In summary, the author points to the fact that in order to sufficiently explain the concept of drug addiction, one also has to raise the question of why the apparent users break resolutions made not to continue using these drugs.

The article is broadly resourceful and advantageous as it gives a deep and wide analysis on the conceptual framework of drug addiction.

References

• Eddy W B, Halbach H, Isbell H, Seevers M H (1965) Drug dependence: its significance and characteristic. Bull Wild Health Organisation
• Edwards G, Arif A, Hodgson R (1982) Nomenclature and classification of drug and alcohol related problems. Br J Addct.
• Kozlowski LT, Wilkinson D A (1987) Use and misuse of the concept of craving by alcohol, tobacco and drug researchers. Br J Addict
• Orford J (1985) Excessive appetites: a psychological view of addictions. John Wiley, Chichester