Addiction Is A Complex Disease - 3403 Words

Addiction is a complex disease that is influenced by several factors including: genetic, developmental, experiential and environmental factors (Goldstein Volkow, 2002). Alcohol dependence, otherwise referred to as alcoholism, is characterized by frequent use of alcohol resulting in intoxication, a preoccupation with alcohol, compulsion to seek and consume alcohol, the inability to limit alcohol intake and the emergence of negative emotional state when the drug is absent (Gilpin Koob, 2008; Ernst et al., 2012; Kunce, Newton, 1989; Crews, 2012). There is an estimated 85,000 deaths annually caused by unhealthy alcohol consumption. Medical issues such as liver disease, neurological problems and malignancies, in addition to behavioral and†¦show more content†¦Branching psychology and biology results in biopsychology, which analyzes how the brain and neurotransmitters influences our behaviors, thoughts and feelings. Our biology programs us to pursue pleasurable experiences, suc h as the euphoria felt when intoxicated. In biopsychology, addiction is viewed as a problem of brain functioning; we generally become addicted to the chemicals our brain releases, such as dopamine, not the substance itself. Through the use of self-help organizations, psychology and medication, the overall goal of abstinence can be accomplished. Bridging Biopsychology and Counseling This paper focuses on a specific course-related question: what are the antecedents of alcoholism, more specifically the antecedents of alcoholism in biopsychology and in counseling. These entities will be addressed separately and then combined for the most effective outcome in understanding and treating alcoholism. The biopsychology aspect will explore the question by explaining the effects of alcohol addiction, reward circuitries, reinforcement, withdrawal and relapse. The counseling portion will explore how various treatments involving psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy help clients cope with their addiction. Review of Biopsychology Literature Chronic, prolonged exposure to alcohol can result in serious detrimental outcomes for the client s health (Gilpin Koob,