Compulsions and Addictions
Establishing a difference between addiction and compulsion can be a challenging matter, as these notions coincide in several key features. Both of the phenomena can be described as the inability to control behavior that may offer temporary relief from anxiety. However, addictions professionals must be able to distinguish between the two matters. On the one hand, compulsion is a strong desire to behave in a certain way that may be connected to obsessive thoughts (“What’s the Difference”).
On the other hand, addiction is the inability to stop practicing a harmful habit despite its negative consequences, as it is connected to the physical or psychological pleasures (“What’s the Difference”). Therefore, these two notions differ in one crucial characteristic.
It is beneficial to look at two terms in an example to acquire a better understanding of the phenomena. Hoarding is a psychological disorder that may have negative consequences for a person and his or her friends and family. Therefore, it can be treated as an addiction, as it is a failure to discontinue a habit despite its adverse effects. However, the behavior is not associated with physical or psychological pleasure. It is connected to the fear of negative emotions from parting with an object. Hence, hoarding is a compulsion, as it is the consequence of obsessive thoughts and feelings.
Unique Features of Addictions Treatment
Counselors having a personal history of addiction is a unique feature of the field of addictions. While the phenomenon was relatively widespread in the 1970s, such history does not make a specialist more effective in treating the condition. There is no doubt that a person who has had the first-hand experience in the matter may seem more accountable for addicts. Indeed, many theoretical ways of treating gambling have failed due to being very far from reality (Gupta et al. 576).
However, a person who has recovered from distress can think that he or she has found a unique method to treat all cases, which is also untrue. Therefore, while a personal history of addiction can be used as an example of a piece of evidence, it cannot be considered a beneficial factor for treating addiction.
The other unique aspects of the addiction field in comparison with the general field of mental health are cases of counselors acquiring addictive behaviors and patients resisting treatment due to overconfidence. According to Muñoz et al., many prevention and treatment strategies fail because patients do not recognize they have a problem or may acquire a habit (509). Additionally, the same phenomenon of overconfidence in doctors who have access to addictive substances may lead to drug abuse. In short, the failure to acknowledge the danger of addictive behaviors is connected to the distinctive features of the addiction field.
Prevention Programs for Target Populations
Addictions in veterans is a significant problem worldwide that requires public attention. Men and women returning home after experiencing warfare are often diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (Lazar 460) or physical pains (Matteliano 398).
The ailments are treated with addictive substances, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and painkillers (Witkiewitz 513). As veterans have access to controlled drugs, they are in danger of misuse and the resulting emergence of harmful behavior. Additionally, according to Chevalier, returning veterans have spiritual problems, moral issues, and often lack a sense of community, purpose, and meaning (328). All the factors mentioned may lead to substance use disorder in veterans.
One of the most effective prevention programs for the target population is mindful-based treatment. This type of intervention is based on the Buddhist perception of suffering and is different from the traditional cognitive approach. The mindful-based method rests upon contemplation of thought process and avoidance of addictive substances to relieve psychological pains (Witkiewitz 515). Therefore, it is a viable alternative to traditional prevention models.
Works Cited
Chevalier, Lydia et al. “Gaps in Preparedness of Clergy and Healthcare Providers to Address Mental Health Needs of Returning Service Members.” Journal of Religion and Health, vol. 54, no. 1, 2014, pp. 327-338. Springer Nature. Web.
Gupta, Rina et al. “Problem Gambling in Adolescents: An Examination of the Pathways Model.” Journal of Gambling Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 2012, pp. 575-588. Springer Nature. Web.
Lazar, Susan G. “The Mental Health Needs of Military Service Members and Veterans.” Psychodynamic Psychiatry, vol. 42, no. 3, 2014, pp. 459-478. Guilford Publications. Web.
Matteliano, Deborah et al. “Adherence Monitoring with Chronic Opioid Therapy for Persistent Pain: A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Approach to Mitigate Risk.” Pain Management Nursing, vol. 15, no. 1, 2014, pp. 391-405. Elsevier BV. Web.
Muñoz, Yaromir et al. “Graphic Gambling Warnings: How They Affect Emotions, Cognitive Responses and Attitude Change.” Journal of Gambling Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 2012, pp. 507-524. Springer Nature. Web.
“What’s the Difference Between an Addiction and a Compulsion?” Go Ask Alice! Web.
Witkiewitz, Katie et al. “Mindfulness-Based Treatment to Prevent Addictive Behavior Relapse: Theoretical Models and Hypothesized Mechanisms of Change.” Substance Use & Misuse, vol. 49, no. 5, 2014, pp. 513-524. Informa UK Limited. Web.
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