Drug Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease (site NIDA), and is a main concern in today's society. While some individuals may not ever face the challenges of addiction, others find it very difficult and disruptive to daily functioning. On the positive side, it is treatable. Support and self help groups are one of the most effective tools to provide support and prevent possible relapse. Narcotics Anonymous, a very well known self help group, is a non for profit community based organization for recovering addicts. Meetings are held within this group to help and aid others in maintaining a drug free lifestyle. Observing a meeting made it clear to see how effective this treatment may be. Working closely with others and sharing
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Characteristics of this disease include compulsive drug seeking and drug use, despite the harmful consequences. It is characterized as so because drugs change the structure of the brain and how it works. The changes in the brain of drug abusers can be long lasting and consequently lead to harmful behaviors. Addiction disrupts healthy, normal functioning and can have serious harmful effects if left untreated. Brain imaging studies involving individuals with addiction show physical changes in the brain critical to decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control. Education and outreach are crucial to help understand the risk of drug use and addiction. Results from the NIDA funded research shows that prevention programs involving the community are effective in reducing drug use and addiction. Site …show more content…
Both male and females were present, not really noticing one more than the other. This is a group of recovering addicts who meet regularly using the 12 step program to help each other stay clean. Seemed as though most of the members already knew each other, with a few who i felt seemed left out, or not ready to participate. Each member shared an experience with a limit not to exceed five minutes, to leave room for all to speak. Members of the group seemed to know the order and how things work within the group. Each person spoke, while other listened without interruption or comments. These were saved until the end, for those who chose to stay past the time. This type of group shares personal experiences to aid in the recovery process, instead of giving actual advice or counseling”. Everyone is different and reacts to things a certain way, so to be able to share and hear other experiences is very beneficial for those in the recovery stages. I believe it helps significantly for these people who attend this meeting to know others out there are experiencing the same things they are. Overall, i believe this group to be effective. Many of the individuals seemed very comfortable speaking in this environment. I did not feel left out, as this group was very friendly and welcoming. I was not apart of the group, but they sure made me feel as if I was. Honestly, I
Characteristics of this disease include compulsive drug seeking and drug use, despite the harmful consequences. It is characterized as so because drugs change the structure of the brain and how it works. The changes in the brain of drug abusers can be long lasting and consequently lead to harmful behaviors. Addiction disrupts healthy, normal functioning and can have serious harmful effects if left untreated. Brain imaging studies involving individuals with addiction show physical changes in the brain critical to decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control. Education and outreach are crucial to help understand the risk of drug use and addiction. Results from the NIDA funded research shows that prevention programs involving the community are effective in reducing drug use and addiction. Site …show more content…
Both male and females were present, not really noticing one more than the other. This is a group of recovering addicts who meet regularly using the 12 step program to help each other stay clean. Seemed as though most of the members already knew each other, with a few who i felt seemed left out, or not ready to participate. Each member shared an experience with a limit not to exceed five minutes, to leave room for all to speak. Members of the group seemed to know the order and how things work within the group. Each person spoke, while other listened without interruption or comments. These were saved until the end, for those who chose to stay past the time. This type of group shares personal experiences to aid in the recovery process, instead of giving actual advice or counseling”. Everyone is different and reacts to things a certain way, so to be able to share and hear other experiences is very beneficial for those in the recovery stages. I believe it helps significantly for these people who attend this meeting to know others out there are experiencing the same things they are. Overall, i believe this group to be effective. Many of the individuals seemed very comfortable speaking in this environment. I did not feel left out, as this group was very friendly and welcoming. I was not apart of the group, but they sure made me feel as if I was. Honestly, I