Chemical dependency
Chemical dependency is a complex phenomenon that encompasses physiological, psychological and social levels. In this regard, it is crucial to realize that consciousness of an addict is shaped by the behaviour. The clash of personality with the circumstances that prevent the realization of the seriousness of chemical dependency gives rise to a specific predisposition to abuse substances. Drug use along with consumption of alcohol can be viewed protective activities of the individual in the face of difficulties. Predisposition to drugs or alcohol occurs after a test use. The reasons can be different, however the most common ones are somehow related to the attempt to overcome external or internal circumstances that prevent meeting the individual needs. The behavior of an addict can be detected by the unique pattern of interaction with life, which, together with the typical features of substances form the lifestyle. According to Branch (2011), Heyman in his book “Addiction: A disorder of choice” notes that to a certain extent genetic factor may contribute to chemical dependency, however drug abuse is not a disease. It could be argued that substances have a tendency to generate intense brain responses, such as craving, reward or withdrawal. Due to continuous or periodic intoxication, a lack of control occurs and it is immensely difficult for an addict to resist cravings. Nevertheless, chemical dependency is a matter of choice, since a person makes a decision to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Holden (2012) claims that addiction is not a disease, merely because it is self-acquired and yet not contagious, transmissible or hereditary. The deviation from physiologic norm is result of behavioural patterns, thus it is up to an addict to cease chemical dependency. When it comes to the common features of addicts, infantilism should be mentioned. The psyche of people dependent on substances entails features inherent to children's age, which is characterized by immature emotional and volitional behaviour, that is reflected in the lack of independence of decisions and actions as well as insecurity. Thus, chemical dependency tends to be connected with the socio-psychological realm. At the same time, addiction cannot be considered as a socially contagious disease, even though the spread may occur within social groups. It is matter of personal choice whether to use alcohol or drugs are refrain from such habit. One may argue that voluntary behaviour is the key characteristic of addiction. However, it is worth noting that basic choice processes are likely to contribute to addiction, thus people do not choose to be addicts, though the choice patters can cause dependency (Branch, 2011).
Chemical dependence is characterized by the lack of control and willpower. Having biological, psychological and social grounds, abuse is neither a symptom, or a disease, since when abuse stops, an acquired disease persists and manifests itself in other symptoms. Psychoactive substances along with alcohol alter consciousness, thereby developing the principle of vicious circle. Once a person has some problems, for instance psychological or social ones, the use of substances tends to bring temporary relief, however the problem in the long term only exacerbates. Unlike any physical disease where treatment is more dependent on the doctor, the psycho-social recovery depends more on individual efforts. Therefore, it is up to an addict to make a decision to give up substance abuse. Overall, it is reasonable to state that chemical dependency is not a "disease", but "dis-ease."
References
Branch, M. N. (2011). Drug addiction. Is it a disease or is it based on choice? A review of Gene Heyman's Addiction: A disorder of choice. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 95(2), 263-267.
Holden, T. (2012). Addiction is not a disease. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 184(6), 679.
