Addiction Counseling
It's common knowledge that cocaine is an extremely addictive substance. Yet for years after it was first discovered in 1855, it was glorified as a magic potion. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, recommended it. Inventor Thomas Edison and actress Sarah Bernhardt promoted it. John Pemberton, who created Coke, included it in his original soft drink recipe. Not until 1920 was it outlawed by the federal government.
Today, we recognize the highly addictive nature of cocaine and other drugs, as well as cigarettes and alcohol. And we've learned that in addition to substances, certain activities, such as sex and gambling, can become addictions for some people, ruling and ruining their lives.
This major prepares students to help prevent substance abuse, counsel people with drug and alcohol problems, and provide other services to people suffering from addiction.
Did You Know?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, less than 11 percent of substance abusers received proper treatment in 2006.
Are You Ready To...?
Learn about the psychology of addition
Practice your counseling skills with fellow students
Participate actively in classroom discussions
Write papers
Complete an internship at a community agency
Live a healthy, ethical lifestyle
Consider joining the national psychology honorary society, Psi Chi
It Helps to Be...
Someone with a healthy lifestyle and a strong sense of ethics -- you’ll need to be a strong role model for your clients. Taking good care of yourself will have the added benefit of helping you avoid burnout. You'll do well if you can counsel people without judging them.
References
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/majors/51.1501.html
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Addiction
What is the most effective factor increase the rate of drug use?
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Hakkımda
- Şenay Bayramoğlu
- -Şenay Bayramoğlu -Eastern Mediterranean University -Psychological Counseling and Guidance -Undergraduation
İzleyiciler
Drug Abuse and Addiction SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND HELP FOR DRUG PROBLEMS
You might be wondering why on earth your loved seems to be choosing drugs over family. You might be struggling with finances, or even from the painful realization your loved one is in trouble with the law. Or you might be asking yourself why you are taking drugs again, when you swore just a few hours ago that you needed to cut down.
Drug abuse is not a matter of moral weakness or faulty willpower. It is a vicious cycle that actually causes changes in the brain, leading to stronger and stronger impulses to use. Without help, drug abuse destroys families and takes lives. But there is hope. Find out how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in someone you care about or yourself. With the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible.
What is drug abuse and drug addiction?
Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.
Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health.
What causes drug abuse and addiction?
What makes one person abuse drugs to the point of losing their home, their family and their job, while another does not? There is no one simple reason. Drug abuse and addiction is due to many factors. A powerful force in addiction is the inability to self- soothe or get relief from untreated mental or physical pain. Without the self-resilience and support to handle stress, loneliness or depression, drugs can be a tempting way to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, due to the changes drugs make to the brain, it can only take a few times or even one time to be on the road to addiction. Some other risk factors include:
- Family history of addiction. While the interplay between genetics and environment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.
- History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms. See dual diagnosis for more information on mental illness and drug abuse.
- Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroin can rapidly become addictive.
- Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try them, especially if you are a teenager.
References
Addiction
Addiction
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