IC&RC ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR LATEST UPDATE GRADED A

IC&RC ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR LATEST UPDATE GRADED A ADDICTION The brain changes resulting from long-term use of alcohol or other drugs may lead to harmful behaviors and other physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking use. Risk for addiction is impacted by the biological makeup of the individual. Genetic Factors Parents or older family members who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who engage in criminal behavior can increase children's risks of developing their own drug problems. Genetic factors account for 40-60% of a person's vulnerability to addiction. The earlier a person begins to use drugs the more likely they are to progress to more serious abuse. Adolescents and Individuals with Mental Disorders Are at greater risk of drug abuse and addiction then the general population. Introducing drugs while the brain is still developing may have profound and long-lasting consequences. Theories of Causation (Moral Model) The result of humans weakness, and are defects of character. This model do not accept that there is any biological basis for addiction. Theories of Causation (Disease Model) Addiction is an illness, and comes about as a result of the impairment of healthy neuro chemical or behavioral processes. E.M. Jellineck Comprehensive Disease Model of Alcoholism in 1960. Theories of Causation (Genetic Model) Based on the belief that individuals have a genetic predisposition to certain behaviors. "Run in the family." There is strong evidence that genetic predisposistion is often a factor in dependency. Theories of Causation (Cultural Model) The influence of culture is a strong determinant of whether or not individuals fall prey to certain addiction. For example, alcoholism is rare among Saudi Arabians. Theories of Causation (The Blended Mode) Attempts to consider elements of all other models in developing a therapeutic approach to dependency. The mechanism of dependency is different for different individuals. SUDS (Substance Abuse Disorders) The Pharmacological action of a drug dominates the individuals behavior and the normal psychological and social control of behavior is no longer effective