Introduction
Heroin is an addictive substance synthesized from a compound known as morphine. It is classified as an addictive drug or opioid. Heroin addiction is a serious health problem that should be addressed using evidence-based measures. Those who are affected by the drug suffer from withdraw symptoms and dependence. This discussion analyzes this addiction and evaluates it using the sociological etiology model.
Analysis
Heroin addiction is a health status that is characterized by the dependence of this opioid. The condition develops when a given user cannot live without taking the drug. This is also caused by the prolonged abuse of the substance. There are unique signs and symptoms observed in individuals who use heroin. The common ones include disorientation, droopy appearance, dry mouth, shortness of breath, and constricted pupils (Pokrajac, Nolimal, & Leskovsek, 2016). Those who are addicted by the substance will exhibit symptoms such as rapid weight loss, needle marks, loss of menses (a condition known as amenorrhea), insomnia, crying, fever, diarrhea, and bruises.
Heroin use and addiction is a health issue that can be studied using cultural interpretations. Although the drug is considered illegal, different cultural groups would have their diverse uses of heroin. For many years, addictive substances have been abused in different societies. The emergence of modern laws has resulted in a situation whereby some substances such as heroin have been identified as “illegal” (Pokrajac et al., 2016). When it comes to treatment, every cultural group has its inimitable methods of counseling or supporting those who are addicted to this substance (Malliarakis, 2015). Others utilize traditional medicines as a way of treatment. Whenever focusing on the needs of a given heroin addict, different communities use diverse approaches to support his or her health needs.
Statistics indicate that around 13.5 million individuals across the world take addictive substances. The number of those who use heroin is 9.2 million. Singh and Gupta (2017) indicate that 93 percent of this addictive substance is obtained from Afghanistan. The amount of total exports is around 4 billion US dollars (Gupta, 2017). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that around 24 percent of individuals who use heroin become addicted.
A number of researches have been done in the recent past to understand the nature of this condition. For example, Singh and Gupta (2017) conducted a study that revealed that heroin addiction produced behavioral, psychological, and physical symptoms. New studies are also being done to understand how this health problem can be treated using behavioral therapies. Humanistic approaches and interpersonal models have also been supported by latest researches to address the needs of many patients addicted by this substance (Hasam & Mushahid, 2017). Future studies are also expected to offer meaningful insights for discouraging more people from using heroin.
Etiology Model
One of the etiology models that can be used to explain or analyze the nature of heroin addiction is the sociological perspective. According to the model, a person’s social and family contexts can encourage (or discourage) to use addictive drugs. Hasam and Mushahid (2017) indicate that the sociocultural system in a given community will influence the way its dwellers or inhabitants behave. This knowledge can inform the definitions of “addiction” and “abuse”.
Evaluation and Description
This etiological model is appropriate for revealing how a person’s culture can mitigate or influence the use of substances that result in dependence. It is notable that cultural norms influence behaviors and peer relations. The model goes further to focus on issues such as age, economic position, gender, and religious background. Shunmugam (2017) observed that the existence of appropriate mitigating practices and factors within a given family can discourage adolescents from using substances such as heroin. This is also the same case for juvenile crime. Sociocultural forces such as child abuse, domestic violence, and poverty have been observed to relate to addiction (Pokrajac et al., 2016). In cultures associated with reduced adherence to social practices and norms, many individuals might be encouraged to use or abuse prohibited substances. The malpractice can eventually result in dependence.
Philosophy and Tenets
Several concepts have been presented to support the effectiveness of this model in describing the etiology of heroin addiction. Societies tend to have similarities and differences. Individuals within a given culture or group will conform to specific norms or values. Those who follow a specific religion will follow different teachings and principles (Werb et al., 2016). Similarly, a person’s surrounding environment will dictate his or her behaviors, actions, and goals. The availability of narcotics can make it easier for more individuals to access and abuse them.
Specific tenets are associated with perspective. For instance, the attributes embraced in a given society will dictate people’s norms and expatiations. There are also contexts of an individual that can result in addiction. These include hopelessness, exposure to violence, glorification of misbehaviors, and single parenthood (Nutt, 2015). When a person is exposed to these sub-contexts, chances are high that he or she will not adhere to existing social norms. Consequently, the risks for substance abuse and subsequent dependence will heighten.
Cultural Implications
This model has unique implications for different cultural values and practices. For instance, the model encourages societies to focus on appropriate norms and behaviors that can result in mitigation. Issues such as gender violence and inequality can also be addressed in a society that intends to minimize the number of heroin users or abusers. The etiology model can also be linked with issues such as social norms and values. The theoretical framework indicates that religious beliefs, poverty levels, availability of substances, and societal violence can create an environment that encourages the use of illegal drugs (Shunmugam, 2017). This cultural analysis can guide and make it easier for different communities or societies to analyze the nature of this problem and address it using evidence-based measures.
Limitations
Although the sociological model is capable in analyzing the unique challenges facing many communities and heroin abusers, it presents a number of limitations that must be examined carefully. The first one is that it fails to put into consideration the psychological and biological forces that encourage people to abuse different substances (Nutt, 2015). The model is also broad and incapable of giving a concrete evidence to describe the nature of heroin addiction. This means that researchers and psychotherapists who decide to use the model can be affected by the problem of overgeneralization.
Conclusion
Heroin addiction is a major health challenge affecting many people across the globe. The sociological etiology model is one of the best perspectives that can be utilized to describe the problem. This is the case because different cultural and social forces predispose more people to substance abuse. The adoption of this concept can empower different societies and communities to deal with heroin abuse and dependence.
References
Hasam, M. A., & Mushahid, M. (2017). Drug addiction in urban life in Bangladesh: A sociological study for exploring the causes. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 5(2), 1-11.
Malliarakis, K. D. (2015). Managing heroin addiction in an outpatient setting: A case study. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41(12), 10-14. Web.
Nutt, D. J. (2015). Considerations on the role of buprenorphine in recovery from heroin addiction from a UK perspective. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(1). 43-49. Web.
Pokrajac, T., Nolimal, D., & Leskovsek, E. (2016). Stigma, drug addiction and treatment utilization: PWUD perspective. Journal of Drug Abuse, 2(4), 1-6. Web.
Shunmugam, P. K. (2017). The influence of social factors in drug addiction – A mini review of work by Miller & Carroll (2006). Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 5(4), 272-274. Web.
Singh, J., & Gupta, P. K. (2017). Drug addiction: Current trends and management. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 5(1), 186-201. Web.
Werb, D., Kamarulzaman, A., Meacham, M. C., Rafful, C., Fischer, B., Strathdee, S. A., & Wood, E. (2016). The effectiveness of compulsory drug treatment: A systematic review. International Journal of Drug Policy, 28, 1-9. Web.