General counseling methods
There are numerous counseling methods applicable in the treatment of addictions. They are helpful in establishing critical treatment methods meant to curb the aspects of drug abuse and the alleged addictions. One of the general counseling methods applicable in this context is the motivational interviewing.
Drug addicts require well-orchestrated counseling mechanisms that will enhance their willingness to quit drug abuse and the characterizing addiction. Motivational interviewing tends to unveil the issues related to drug addiction and formulate strategies that can motivate drug addicts to quite the vice (Peele, 1998).
Another treatment method is the Cognitive-Behavioral Theory (CBT). CBT addresses all emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dysfunctions usually experienced by drug addicts. This makes the method quite relevant and applicable as a treatment method in the entire context. The two methods chosen are useful in the addiction treatment due to their applicability, convenience, relevancy, and conventionality in counseling and addressing the provisions of drug addiction.
Dry Drunk Syndrome
Dry Drunk Syndrome refers to a situation where one seems drunk even without taking any alcohol (experiences alcoholic lapse). The situation is evident among addicted individuals who usually experience withdrawal symptoms after quitting the concerned drug. The alcoholic retains mental and behavioral characters connected with drunkenness (DeSena, 2005). This occurs even when he/she has not drunk alcohol.
This syndrome relates perfectly with most of the theories studied in this module. Theoretically, addicted individuals or those who have consumed alcohol for long might face mental problems thus exhibiting behaviors related to drunkenness even if they have not taken alcohol. This relates to the aspects of addiction mentioned earlier in the paper.
A situation of an ex-smoker who socially smokes
An ex-smoker who socially smokes is probably enhancing his or her smoking behaviors again. It is important to understand that despite him or her quitting smoking, the fact that he/she occasionally smokes is devastating. His body system might rekindle the smoking behavior hence posing a considerable threat to his/her wellbeing. This is a very important consideration in various aspects. There is a substantial root of addiction in this situation.
Biologically, the body system of this ex-smoker will start registering the chemicals (nicotine) presented to it by the cigarette hence triggering the aspects of addiction.
The body will need the chemical in order to operate fully. Additionally, the situation might trigger the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking hence necessitating him/her to smoke again (Peele, 1998). Psychologically, the concerned ex-smoker might develop a system where he/she enjoys social smoking hence must do it daily. This triggers the aspects of addiction by submitting to the psychological needs.
Lindesmith’s Conditioning Model
The study of addiction affects societal perceptions on addiction in numerous ways. The study demonstrates the cognitive aspects of addiction plus other related psychological concerns in this context. Illuminating extensively on the scientific and psychological prospects of addiction can reform how the society perceives it.
This is an important consideration in various contexts. According to Lindesmith, the society will be able to perceive addiction differently hence making approaches in fighting/preventing the vice (Peele, 1998). Concurrently, it is important to agree that addiction has been over-diagnosed in the US’s culture as claimed.
There are various instances of the vice despite the efforts to eradicate it. Additionally, various people in the society including the youth have indulged into drug abuse and addiction. Conclusively, the outline of a ‘successful theory of addiction’ is adequate due to its applicability, appropriateness, conventionality, and efficiency in discerning the aspects of addiction.
References
DeSena, J. (2005). Overcoming your alcohol, drug and recovery habits: An empowering alternative to AA and 12-step treatment. Tuscan, Arizona: See Sharp Press.
Peele, S. (1998). The meaning of addiction: An unconventional view. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.