SCI 215 SNHU Misconceptions About Addictions Discussion

When is the last time you had a conversation about addiction? It probably was not recently, if ever. Face it: this is not the kind of thing most people choose to discuss.

Because people don’t talk much about this subject, there are many aspects of addiction that people do not understand. In fact, most of us probably have misconceptions about addictions.

Please research what some of these myths are. Find out, based on your research, whether or not these myths are true.

Some people think alcoholics can stop drinking on their own, without help, for good, if they were to just have will power. Do you think that is true? Is marijuana addictive? Are addictions simply bad habits?

SCI-215 Short Paper/Case Study Analysis Rubric
Guidelines for Submission: Short papers should use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Sources should be cited according
to a discipline-appropriate citation method. Page-length requirements: 1–2 pages (undergraduate courses) or 2–4 pages (graduate courses).
Critical Elements
Main Elements
Inquiry and Analysis
Integration and
Application
Critical Thinking
Research
Writing
(Mechanics/Citations)
Exemplary (100%)
Includes all of the main
elements and requirements
and cites multiple examples to
illustrate each element
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of multiple
concepts
All of the course concepts are
correctly applied
Draws insightful conclusions
that are thoroughly defended
with evidence and examples
Incorporates many scholarly
resources effectively that
reflect depth and breadth of
research
No errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Proficient (85%)
Includes most of the main
elements and requirements
and cites many examples to
illustrate each element
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of some
concepts
Most of the course concepts
are correctly applied
Draws informed conclusions
that are justified with evidence
Needs Improvement (55%)
Includes some of the main
elements and requirements
Not Evident (0%)
Does not include any of the
main elements and
requirements
Value
25
Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of minimal
concepts
Some of the course concepts
are correctly applied
Draws logical conclusions, but
does not defend with evidence
Does not provide in-depth
analysis
20
Does not correctly apply any of
the course concepts
Does not draw logical
conclusions
10
Incorporates some scholarly
resources effectively that
reflect depth and breadth of
research
Minor errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Incorporates very few scholarly
resources that reflect depth
and breadth of research
Does not incorporate scholarly
resources that reflect depth
and breadth of research
15
Some errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Major errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations
Total
10
20
100%
Article from School website:
If Sondra didn’t know better, she would have believed she was an addict. She
was experiencing cravings on a regular basis, and they came so often that
she found it difficult to focus on her everyday tasks. When she got her “fix,”
she felt so happy, focused, and energetic. When she didn’t, the pain was
almost unbearable. As time progressed, she realized that she needed more
and more of her drug of choice.
Do you have any idea what Sondra’s “drug” is? It’s not a drug at all; it is
romantic love. Biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, who has conducted
research on love, sex, and the brain, found that love addiction and drug
addiction are not very different. Watch Dr. Fisher’s fascinating lecture
entitled “Love Addiction and Drug Addiction, One in the Same?” (the
captioned video is available at Love Addiction and Drug Addiction, One in the
Same?- captioned).
As Dr. Fisher mentions in her talk, people in Sondra’s position are willing to
take risks to get their “drug.” One of the risks people who are in romantic
relationships take is having unprotected sex. As you know, the consequences
of this activity are quite serious, so it is imperative that you have access to the
most current information about birth control so that you will not take these
types of chances. You will learn about these methods in Module Four as well
as information about pregnancy, childbirth, and infertility. You will also explore
ways to avoid addictions as well as methods for treating them.
If you’d like to learn more about the brains of people with addictions, there is a
very interesting podcast from National Public Radio’s Morning Edition
(Hamilton, 2012). The female students can find out which birth control options
make sense for them (Nazario, 2009), and the male students can read about
a male birth control pill (Schieszer, 2012).
The information covered in this module is critical, so let’s get started!
References
Fisher, H. (2010). TED Talk 1: Love addiction and drug addiction, one in the
same? Retrieved from
http://www.drugrehabtreatmenthelp.com/blog/TED+TALK+1%3A+Love+Addic
tion+and+Drug+Addictio n%2C+One+in+the+Same%3F/
Hales, D. (2011). Invitation to health: Choosing to change. (15th ed.). Belmont,
CA: Cengage Learning.
Hamilton, J. (2012, February 3). Addicts’ brains may be wired at birth for less
self-control. In NPR (Producer). Morning Edition. [Radio program]. Retrieved
from http://www.wbur.org/npr/146307907/addicts-brainsmay-be-wired-at-bi
rth-for-less-self-control
Nazario, B. (2009). Which birth control “fits” you? Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birthcontrol-quiz
Schieszer, J. (n.d.). Male birth control pill soon a reality. Retrieved from
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3543478/ns/health-sexual_health/t/male-birthcontrol -pill-soon-reality/
My post about addiction:
Hello, everyone!
This topic appealed to me because I have family members
that suffer from addiction. One of the first ways that I was able
to help them is by noticing the early signs of the disorders. The
second step that I took was actually talking to my family
members about their addictions. I wanted to ensure that they
did not feel alone and to let them know that I would love them
regardless. This was a very hard task as they were my parents
and I felt like I was taking on a parenting role in their lives. I also
did research on treatment and encouraged them to seek help.
In the Dallas area, there are in-patient and out-patient
programs that are available based on your income. There are
also in-house Christian treatment programs that help people
that suffer from addiction to get back on their feet at no cost.
These programs were some of the first that I looked into
because both of my parents are on fixed incomes. They also
provide in-depth support to the participants during and after
treatment. These programs would allow my family members to
make valuable connections with people that have similar issues
who have found help. The greatest benefit is seeing that others
have been able to win their personal battles with addictions. The
church that we attend also offers counseling session and they
participate in several outreach programs to help people that are
dealing with addiction. Faith-based programs allow addicts to
continue to develop their spiritual relationship and give them
something to believe in.
Before talking to my family members, I assessed the risks
that could occur but didn’t fully understand them until they
actually happened. Although both of my parents seemed to
receive my desire to help them, they were not ready or open to
seeking treatment. My acknowledgment of their problems only
pushed them to be more secretive. They began to avoid
interaction with me and kids. Both became more volatile when
concerns were brought up. When they refused my help, I had to
make some choices in my life that I did not like at first. I
stopped all enabling behavior and set boundaries regarding
what I would and wouldn’t allow. I want to believe that this has
been the cause of my parents making a conscious effort to
change their lives, but I am really not sure.