Learning to be an Addict Addiction is thought to be a “disease of the mind.” Although this is somewhat correct, the word disease is misleading. A disease causes an irreversible change in brain chemistry that is passed down through a person’s DNA. Addiction causes temporary changes that can be eliminated through healthier lifestyle choices. (Fletcher, 2015) This temporary effect shows that biology has a weak connection to addiction. A substantial amount of research proves addiction is the result of environmental factors within our society.
The media’s influence throughout society is the first major cause of addiction. The use of alcohol and drugs is frequently portrayed in pop culture as a recreational activity. In the 1990s, sixty percent …show more content…
The way that parents choose to nurture their children will determine their attitude towards drugs and alcohol. When a parent drinks or smokes around their children, they are showcasing a positive attitude towards these substances. Parents must avoid partaking in alcoholic beverages around children. Kids are always watching their parents, and everything they do can have an impact on their lives. Children learn by mimicking their parents and attempting to be like them, so they must maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to this, children who felt neglected growing up or were not properly supervised, are more likely to become addicts in the future. (Degenhadt et al., 2002) Parents must provide their children with a strong support system or they will find support in the form of drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, if a child grows up in a poor community with a high crime rate, drugs are usually easier to access. (Degenhadt et al., 2002.). When drugs are readily available it becomes difficult to avoid their temptation. Children understand that these substances are addictive however, they can also reduce stress and relieve pain at a low cost. Society does not have enough preventive measures in place, to stop the distribution of these substances to minors. Teenagers under age of 19, can purchase liquor and cigarettes at stores with little to no effort to disguise their age. On average males have their first …show more content…
Adolescents are more susceptible to peer pressure because of their overwhelming need to feel accepted. If a teenager surrounds themselves with friends that frequently partake in substance and alcohol abuse, they feel pressured to participate in their unhealthy behavior. Adolescents will ignore the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs and follow their peers. Peer pressure has the most damaging consequences because the younger an individual begins drinking the higher the chance of them becoming an addict in the future. (Alcoholism: Nature vs. Nurture, 2011) Sometimes the peer culture does not need to pressure the individual to join in on their behavior. Other times, the peer group normalizes the frequent consumption of alcohol, causing the individual to not understand the problems that can occur. These friends serve as role models that showcase a positive attitude towards addiction. Studies have shown that individuals are 50% more likely to drink heavily if they have friends that drink heavily. (Alcoholism: Nature vs. Nurture, 2011) Children do not inherit an “addiction gene”, they learn to become addicts by imitating their peers. (Espada & Irles , 2017) Furthermore, if an individual’s peer group consists of criminals, they are more likely to be exposed to illegal drugs such as heroin. These drugs are typically more addictive and damaging to a person’s health. Everyone’s peer culture reflects the type of
The media’s influence throughout society is the first major cause of addiction. The use of alcohol and drugs is frequently portrayed in pop culture as a recreational activity. In the 1990s, sixty percent …show more content…
The way that parents choose to nurture their children will determine their attitude towards drugs and alcohol. When a parent drinks or smokes around their children, they are showcasing a positive attitude towards these substances. Parents must avoid partaking in alcoholic beverages around children. Kids are always watching their parents, and everything they do can have an impact on their lives. Children learn by mimicking their parents and attempting to be like them, so they must maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition to this, children who felt neglected growing up or were not properly supervised, are more likely to become addicts in the future. (Degenhadt et al., 2002) Parents must provide their children with a strong support system or they will find support in the form of drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, if a child grows up in a poor community with a high crime rate, drugs are usually easier to access. (Degenhadt et al., 2002.). When drugs are readily available it becomes difficult to avoid their temptation. Children understand that these substances are addictive however, they can also reduce stress and relieve pain at a low cost. Society does not have enough preventive measures in place, to stop the distribution of these substances to minors. Teenagers under age of 19, can purchase liquor and cigarettes at stores with little to no effort to disguise their age. On average males have their first …show more content…
Adolescents are more susceptible to peer pressure because of their overwhelming need to feel accepted. If a teenager surrounds themselves with friends that frequently partake in substance and alcohol abuse, they feel pressured to participate in their unhealthy behavior. Adolescents will ignore the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs and follow their peers. Peer pressure has the most damaging consequences because the younger an individual begins drinking the higher the chance of them becoming an addict in the future. (Alcoholism: Nature vs. Nurture, 2011) Sometimes the peer culture does not need to pressure the individual to join in on their behavior. Other times, the peer group normalizes the frequent consumption of alcohol, causing the individual to not understand the problems that can occur. These friends serve as role models that showcase a positive attitude towards addiction. Studies have shown that individuals are 50% more likely to drink heavily if they have friends that drink heavily. (Alcoholism: Nature vs. Nurture, 2011) Children do not inherit an “addiction gene”, they learn to become addicts by imitating their peers. (Espada & Irles , 2017) Furthermore, if an individual’s peer group consists of criminals, they are more likely to be exposed to illegal drugs such as heroin. These drugs are typically more addictive and damaging to a person’s health. Everyone’s peer culture reflects the type of