Discussion Board replies

 For your replies, respond to at least 2 classmates. In each reply, you must 1) ask at least 1 question of your classmate to clarify something you do not understand in his/her post or disagree with AND/OR 2) add further biblical insights to expand on what was shared by your classmate.
 

DUE IN 3 HOURS!!!

TSB Discussion 1

How do you distinguish a substance use disorder from non-problematic use? Be very specific as to how you would determine if someone is using socially and not in need of treatment as compared to abusing or addicted to a substance.

            Some substances, such as caffeine, do not have restrictions and are subject to be used by people of all ages without question. Other substances, such as tobacco and alcohol, have found their places in social norms when used responsibly. Even recreational marijuana use seems to be making its place in society as laws around the nation have begun to gain reformation. Just because substances are legal, or tolerated, does not mean that people cannot fall victim to tolerance and/or chemical dependence. Even the use of caffeine can classify as a substance use disorder if it meets the criteria to do so.

             The DSM-5 states that, “the essential feature of a substance use disorder is a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite substance related problems” (p. 483). The DSM-5 also lists four groups of criteria by which severity of the disorder is based on how many criteria an individual meet. The four groups of criteria are: 1) impaired control, 2) social impairment, 3) risky use, and 4) pharmacological criteria (APA, 2013). Also, though tolerance and withdrawal are not necessary for diagnostic purposes, those suffering from SUD often have a history of past symptoms, or experience such symptoms when not using their substance of choice. For individuals who use certain substances socially or occasionally, whom do not fit any of the criteria used for diagnosing substance use disorders, and does not affect their day to day life negatively, I would classify as non-problematic, non-addictive use.

How might you distinguish between abuse and addiction given the current diagnostic categories for substance use disorders; how would this influence the treatment recommendations you make?

            Though addiction and substance abuse are terms often used interchangeably, the two are not the same. Substance abuse describes the use of any illegal drug or misuse of legal substance (such as taking too much of a prescribed medication) (Condron, n.d.). Substance abuse is a precedent to addiction, though it may not always lead to an addiction. This difference should very much influence the way one is treated, because those dealing with addiction have lost control of their use of substances, while one who is guilty of substance abuse has not yet lost that sense of control to their substance of choice. Because substance abuse has the ability to lead to an addiction, the it could be a cautionary step to educate individuals about the possibilities as well as the effects of the substance(s) one is using and encourage them to quit or reduce their use. On the other hand, addicts are going to need a complete treatment program to help them regain control of their lives and refrain from substance use.

In what way does your biblical worldview and/or biblical insights impact the way you respond to the previous questions?

            I do not, personally, feel that my biblical worldview impacts the way I responded to the previous questions in any way. My answers for these questions are simply based on medical research and basic knowledge of the biology of addictions and chemicals’ effects on the body. My biblical beliefs could possibly be seen in the way that I view addicted individuals as people in need of truth, compassion, and love, much the way that Christ viewed sinners who crossed His path. Otherwise, I am not sure how biblical aspects would really affect diagnostics, in particular. Maybe I will find out from someone who answered this question differently.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

Condron, P. (n.d.). An introduction to drug use and addiction. Retrieved from https://drugabuse.com/library/drug-abuse-addiction/.

JMcE Discussion Board 2

There is a way to distinguish between a person that has a substance use disorder and one that has non-problematic use. Let’s take the college population for an example. It has been known that alcohol use amongst the college campuses is very prevalent (Doweiko, 2015). It has also been found that the use of substances to help a student who is cramming for a final examination, involves more than 25% of students at certain colleges (Doweiko, 2015). While some students will experiment with hallucinogens, marijuana, and other dugs because they are curious but unfortunately some will develop a substance use disorder (Doweiko, 2015). It comes a point after some college students experiment with certain substances, they become dependent on them to function. If the college student is addicted their grades might drop, they could lose relationships, or worse lose their life. At this point they need to seek help so that they can get away from being dependent on the substance of their choice. When it comes to non-problematic use, the person might be able to function like a person not addicted to a substance. They could very well live a normal life, while they are using their substance of choice (Clinton & Scalise, 2013). It is very important to realize that all though these individuals may seem normal, usually their problem will end up getting worse after while (Clinton & Scalise, 2013). So for instance, a college student might be doing well in their academics, keeping their close relationships afloat, and staying consistent on their extra-curricular activities. In the end result of things, their situation will eventually turn for the worse if they do not get the proper help. This means that college students can sometimes find a lot of peer pressure and temptation when they come to college and are on their own. It can be seen as the “cool” thing to do and seem fun at the time for those who do not develop a substance use disorder. The ones that do end of with a substance use disorder tend to fight a hard battle. 

It has been said that over 90% of college students view alcohol as a main component in their social lives (Doweiko, 2015).  There are certain colleges, that have nights that are known as “party nights,” where alcohol is the main focus (Doweiko, 2015). There are many of these students that only use alcohol in social settings and are less likely to have a substance use disorder because of this. There has been an over look when it comes to college students that have a substance use disorder who decide to use performance-enhancing compounds (Doweiko, 2015). It was found that the students who used these where more likely to have demonstrated a problem with alcohol use, tobacco use, cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogens, and can mostly likely use prescription drugs (Doweiko, 2015). This kind of college student will mostly likely be addicted to a substance.

When it comes to abuse the diagnostic criteria would be a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress (APA, 2013). The criteria for addiction would be a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress (APA, 2013). This would influence my treatment recommendation because now I have to make sure that I am assisting this patient the right way, by identifying whether they have an addiction or they are just abusing the substance.

 For my biblical standpoint, I believe that seeking Christian counsel, praying, and having a strong faith in God will get someone through who is suffering from substance use. The scripture I often think about is, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, EVS)

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.

 Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick-reference guide to addictions and recovery counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Doweiko, H.E., (2015). Concepts of chemical dependency (9th), Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.