Intervening of Addiction with the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory
Autor: princessoreomom4 • August 28, 2016 • Coursework • 1,123 Words (5 Pages) • 883 Views
Conceptualizing Addiction
BSHS 455: Working with Addictions
By: Crystal D. Martin
August 22, 2016
Instructor: Monique Thompson
Conceptualizing Addiction
Addiction and Theory Overview
Addiction can come in many forms and can attack anyone. Those who use alcohol and drugs develop what is known as chemical dependency. This not only changes the way the brain operates but also the way it functions. Abuse of any substance no matter what it is alters the way the person learns and remembers, the way one control’s themselves, the amount of motivation one has, the judgments that they make, and the emotions they are capable of expressing. All of these help determine how the brain processes the normal reward and pleasure pathways of life. Once a person becomes addicted; they feel as though they must consume the substance to feel normal.
There are many different theories among us today in regards to addiction and how it affects us. These are in the form of socio-cultural, biological, and psychological explanations to help us better understand what happens within the human body after the initial consumption of the substance that makes the person have the want and need to do it more. Even though there have been many attempts to explain why addiction takes place; there is no single theory to explain the phenomenon.
Cognitive-Behavioral Theory
The cognitive-behavioral theory is one of the many that expresses psychological reasons for drug and alcohol addiction. This theory expresses the reason for initially consuming is related to the want to experience pleasure and variety. With this in mind; drugs can be associated with several different activities including stimulating performance and creativity, religious services and special ceremonies, enhancement of sensory or pleasure experiences, self-exploration, enhancement of social interaction, mood alterations, and attempts to escape from despair and boredom. (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012)
Another explanation the cognitive-behavioral theory discusses is relaxation. There have been many cases especially those of social drinkers who have stated that use of alcohol aids in relaxation and the relief of stress. However, it is important to take note that scientific studies have proven that alcohol consumption actually causes the person to become more depressed as well as have increased anxiety and nervousness. (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012)
Learning Theory
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