Drug Addiction: Weakness or Mental Illness?

Answer 1

THE TWO ARE OFTEN INTERTWINED.

Answer 2

Addiction of any sort is a weakness. Those that call it a mental illness are trying to cop out and not be responsible for their own problems. One of the first steps to handling an addiction is to acknowledge the addiction. You can’t get over alcohol abuse until you admit that you have a problem. Calling an addiction a mental illness is a way of avoiding that acknowledgment not having to face up to your problems.

One thing that blurs the line is that most addictions produce endorphins, which changes the brain's chemistry. Most drugs produce similar endorphins or their effects so that when people get addicted to drugs they can claim that it is a mental illness, because they need those endorphins. Heroin and Morphine are opiates that produce endorphins that almost directly match those produced by the brain. A runner’s high produces the same kind of opiates, but not in the same massive quantities

It is possible to get addicted to these endorphins. Some people are thrill seekers they love to ride the roller coaster, and will travel from park to park to find new ones to ride. They love the feeling they get as the fear rises. Few people die of this addiction, or let it get out of control so bad that they have to start stealing to pay for their roller coaster addiction.

Drugs and alcohol offer a stronger feeling than roller coasters so the addiction is harder to avoid. They have an additional problem in that more and more are of the drug is required to get the same high. So it is only a matter of time for the addicted to take an overdose, or to for their drug and alcohol use to get out of control.

Gamblers also suffer an addiction. They don’t have the same feeling as you get from drugs, but they do get a high from gambling. Addictions like this aren’t called mental illnesses; they are called addictions.

Answer 3

I would try to think of it as a case by case basis. If a weakness, a weakness towards what (overall, a specific issue). if mental illnees than what (a dependency, a means of escaping despair, or dissociating from reality). Though i also wonder why no mention of "medical illness: was included in that question. I can't answer the question cause i don't think there is a universal answer to it.

Answer 4

The brain craves the pleasure once it as had it, then it trickles into life, so pretty soon instant gratification is the way of life. What sucks is when one runs out of ways to get instant gratification. Then one may steal and lie to get the instant feel good their brain has to have in order ot feel right. Is it a wekaness? What does it matter? Will you be able to hate the person more with a clear conscience? Will you feel more sorry for them if it labeled as a disease?

It is ok to be mad at them, also to have sympathy, but trust...no. Anyone who trusts an addict over and over again is left feeling like a stupid ugly fool.

Answer 5

It is a mental illness.


Chemical Dependency
The American Psychiatric Association's ( 1994) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th ed.; DSM-IV) refers to chemical dependency as psychoactive substance dependence. For consistency, we use the term chemical dependency. Chemical dependency is defined by tolerance, preoccupation, dependence, loss of control, and craving. 1. Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which more of the chemical is needed over time to produce the desired effect.
2. Preoccupation occurs as the chemical dependency progresses. More time is spent on activities that involve chemicals. Old friends who do not drink or use other drugs in the same way are left behind.
3. Dependence means that a person experiences physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms if the chemical is discontinued. The symptoms are relieved if additional chemicals in the same class (e.g., alcohol followed by either alcohol or other sedative drugs) are taken.
4. Loss of control is the inability to stop the chemical intake once it has begun. In the beginning, this is experienced as a "decision" to take more. Loss of control can occur on a daily basis, or the person may go for days or weeks without the chemical. Once the chemical is started, however, the person drinks or uses more than intended.
5. The experienced craving during periods of abstinence can lead to additional chemical use or relapse. This craving can be difficult for the nondependent person to understand. The craving is a tension, a yearning that seems to get stronger, if the person does not take his or her chemical of choice.

Using a strict definition of chemical dependency, it is believed that approximately 13% of the adult population is chemically dependent ( Rice, Kellman, Miller, & Dunmeyer, 1990). The numbers would be much higher if a broader definition were used to include all individuals who regularly use mood-altering chemicals to cope with life's stresses, even though these chemicals interfere with their ability to function at maximum efficiency. This could include those individuals who insist on cocktails each evening and thus cannot be fully available to help children with homework. Or the weekend drinker or recreational drug user who is unavailable to sit and chat with his or her spouse on a Saturday evening because he or she is too tired after consuming a six-pack of beer or smoking a few joints. Or, it could include the individual who avoids important business commitments early on Monday morning because he or she is slightly hungover and tired from Sunday's festivities.

Although this broad working concept of chemical dependency is probably more relevant for the practicing clinician, for purposes of research it is necessary to limit our definition to more easily measured criteria.

Answer 6

It is a condition in its own right, however many people with addiction problems also have mental health difficulties and therefore a dual diagnosis.

Answer 7

Mental illness can lead to drug abuse and drug abuse can lead to addiction.

Answer 8

BOTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!