Essay Example on Addiction: A Complex Interdisciplinary Study & Contention

Introduction: The Complex Nature of Addiction and Contending Models

The vague nature of addiction forms the basis of its complex study and contention among researchers and scholars' .as a result of substantial effects on developmental, social, and other external factors, the signs, diagnosis, and prognosis of addiction vary from one individual to the other. The interdisciplinary complexity has prompted scientists to compare addiction with other diseases such as tuberculosis and others. The proposition 'addiction is a weakness of character but not a disease' is common among numerous people (Koob et al., 2012). The hypothesis facilitates the stigmatization of addiction as well as jeopardizing formulated countermeasures to fight chemical dependencies.

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The sophistication and advancement of imaging technology and neuroscience have drastically enhanced our comprehension of addiction through the disease model of addiction (Koob et al., 2012). Scientists' discovery of specific observable symptoms of addiction has narrowed the study on chemicals and structures affiliated with the same behaviors and functions. However, other models of addiction exist and include moral models, among others (Volkow & Koob, 2015). The assessment process, as well as the treatment used by addiction professionals much, depends on a particular model. Miller's statement emphasizes neurology while incorporating moral, social, and other external factors (Koob et al., 2012). This paper will examine models of addiction while highlighting the controversy and relationship between models. Additionally, the article will highlight the implication of Miller's statement on the assessment process.

Miller's Statement: Addiction as a Problem Originating from the Brain

Miller believes that addiction is all about neurology (Kampman & Jarvis, 2015). In his statement, he asserts that addiction is a problem originating from the brain. The statement brings into play the concept of neuroscience, which is one of the contemporary niches in the field of science. The nature of addiction in the context of neuroscience has its foundation on empirical evidence and facts. It is beyond a reasonable doubt that the statement reflects the disease model of addiction. The disease model of addiction perceives addiction as a brain disease. It entails inappropriate changes in brain functioning and structure. The changes in brain functioning and structure cause addiction to particular activities and substances. According to the model, peer group support is imperative. According to research, peer support plays a crucial role in the recovery of many disorders and diseases (Kampman & Jarvis, 2015). For instance, tuberculosis support groups give hope to patients suffering from tuberculosis. Survivors of this disease share their recovery tales and experience of the disease. Similarly, alcoholics and addicts benefit from each other in relevant structured groups.

The model advocated by Miller's statement has led to several interventions and policies that have been formulated following the emergency of reliable knowledge on the psychological nature of addiction (Kampman & Jarvis, 2015). Medication-assisted treatment has generated new ideas following contemporary imaging and brain function research. That said, practitioners and scientists have been presented with new knowledge, techniques, and methods of prescribing addictive treatments to mitigate victims' cravings substantially. With robust and empirical evidence, scientists now have a common ground for appropriate treatment. Positron emission tomography scans have consolidated addiction motivation and impulsivity in a way that reduces contention on the understanding of addiction. Courtesy of the disease model of addiction, the focus has been primarily on developing an individual's capacity to facilitate overall motivation and self-regulation to remain in the treatment line (Kampman & Jarvis, 2015). Again, the public health policy is acknowledging addiction is undoubtedly a medical condition. Consequently, insurance companies have considered the importance of issuing insurance for substance abuse treatment.

Implications of Miller's Statement on Treatment Approaches

The effectiveness of different models in impacting public policy has been questionable. For instance, Hall Carter believes that the available neuroimaging or animal evidence supporting the brain disease model of addiction is not sufficient (Kampman & Jarvis, 2015). However, these claims are not backed up by substantial evidence. To begin with, pre-clinical and clinical research have precisely identified functional and molecular neuroplasticity changes, which can erupt as a result of drug usage (Volkow & Koob, 2015). Such findings, together with the current studies, help in understanding the association of the neurobiological processes with the negative emotions states, inflexible behavior, compulsive drug-taking, and loss of control with drug addiction. The controversy helps us acknowledge that addiction is complex. Taking this fact lightly will make researchers and scholars reluctant in the pursuit of practical solutions.

Controversy and Similarities Among Different Models of Addiction

On the other hand, there are still similarities between different models of addiction. The similarities help in formulating the appropriate addiction model through the consolidation of various aspects. Each model has its issues upon which the understanding of addiction is explained. Similarities of different models of addiction, put together, synthesizes personality components, situational, cultural, experimental, and pharmacological components (el-Guebaly et al., 2015). The similarities, again, helps in making rationality out of behaviors that are involved. The similarities also provide a common ground for understanding the complex nature of studying addiction among scholars and researchers (el-Guebaly et al., 2015). It is through the similarities where researchers share ideas and open room for further research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are different types of addiction models. Scientists' discovery of specific observable symptoms of addiction has narrowed the study on chemicals and structures affiliated with the same behaviors and functions. However, other models of addiction exist and include the moral model, among others. Miller believes that addiction is all about neurology. It is beyond reasonable doubt that the statement reflects the disease model of addiction. The disease model, which is advocated by Miller in his statement, has led to several interventions and policies that have been formulated following the emergency of reliable knowledge on the psychological nature of addiction. The controversy between the different models has helped in acknowledging the fact that addiction is complex. Taking this fact lightly will make researchers and scholars reluctant in the pursuit of practical solutions. On the other hand, the similarities help in formulating the appropriate addiction model through consolidation of different aspects.

References

el-Guebaly, N., Carra, G., & Galanter, M. (Eds.). (2015). Textbook of addiction treatment: international perspectives. Springer Milan.

Kampman, K., & Jarvis, M. (2015). American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) national practice guideline for the use of medications in the treatment of addiction involving opioid use. Journal of addiction medicine, 9(5), 358.

Koob, G. F., Bloom, F. E., & Kupfer, D. J. (2012). Animal models of drug addiction. Psychopharmacology: The fourth generation in progress/Bloom FE, Kupfer DJ-1995.-345 p.

Volkow, N. D., & Koob, G. (2015). The brain disease model of addiction: why is it so controversial?. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(8), 677-679.