Why modern people are susceptible to addiction

Why modern people are susceptible to addiction

Blog Article

There are many complex factors that contribute to a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Rather than simply attributing it to a lack of willpower or a personality flaw, we need to comprehensively understand the biological, psychological, and social aspects.

 

1. Biological factors:

• The brain's reward system: Our brains have neural circuits that make us feel pleasure and reward. These circuits are activated when we do things that are essential for survival (eating, sex, etc.), and they release a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which makes us feel positive emotions and motivates us to repeat the behavior. Addictive substances or behaviors overstimulate this reward system, releasing abnormally large amounts of dopamine. These intense pleasure experiences cause the brain to mistakenly perceive the substance or behavior as positive, and cause repeated pursuit.

 

• Changes in brain function: As addiction progresses, changes occur in brain structure and function. In particular, the reward circuitry, as well as brain regions involved in impulse control, decision-making, and stress responses, become impaired. This makes it difficult to stop addictive behavior, and is why people continue to use substances or repeat certain behaviors despite negative consequences. Tolerance also develops, requiring larger doses or stronger stimulation to achieve the same effect as before.

 

• Genetic factors: The risk of addiction may vary depending on an individual’s genetic makeup. Certain genes can affect the brain’s reward system responsiveness, metabolism, and impulse control, making you more susceptible to addiction. A family history of addiction tends to increase the risk of addiction.

 

 

2. Psychological factors:

• Stress and Negative Emotions: Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness can be important triggers for addiction. Addictive substances or behaviors can be used as a means to avoid or relieve difficult emotions because they temporarily relieve these negative emotions.

 

• Psychological Issues: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to increase the risk of addiction. These psychological difficulties can be difficult to resolve on your own, which can lead to dependence on addictive substances or behaviors.

 

• Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as impulsivity, risk-taking, low self-esteem, and social maladjustment, may be more susceptible to addiction. These traits make them more likely to be exposed to addictive substances or behaviors and to act without considering the consequences.

 

• Learned behavior: When you repeatedly experience that using a particular substance or behavior brings you pleasure or satisfaction, your brain learns this as a positive association. You may also become addicted by imitating the behavior of people around you or by being influenced by the social atmosphere.

 

 

3. Social factors:

• Environment: The environment, including home environment, friendships, and socioeconomic status, has a significant impact on addiction. An unstable home environment, peer influence, easy access to drugs, and social isolation can increase the risk of addiction.

 

• Cultural factors: Social acceptance or cultural practices for certain substances may also influence addiction. For example, cultures that are tolerant of drinking may increase the risk of alcoholism.

 

• Traumatic experiences: Traumatic experiences such as abuse, neglect, and violence in childhood can negatively affect brain development and increase vulnerability to stress, which can increase the risk of addiction.

 

 

In conclusion, humans can be vulnerable to addiction due to the complex interaction of various factors such as stress, psychological difficulties, and surrounding environment, along with the biological structure of the brain's reward system. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of addiction, it is important to approach it from a bio-psycho-social perspective rather than emphasizing only the individual's will.

Socially dangerous drug addiction is a problem that has serious negative effects not only on the health of the individual but also on the people around them and society as a whole. It goes beyond the individual's deviant behavior and causes various social problems such as increased crime, worsening public health, and creating social anxiety.

Characteristics of socially hazardous drugs:

• Strong addiction: The dependence is so strong that it is difficult to quit using one's own willpower alone, and withdrawal symptoms are also severe, which can lead to criminal behavior.

 

• Causes serious health problems: Seriously harms physical and mental health, and can lead to death in overdose.

 

• Hallucinations and Aggression Causing: It clouds judgment and causes hallucinations, delusions, and aggressive tendencies, which can make you more likely to harm others.

 

• Illegal distribution and criminal involvement: Most of them are manufactured and distributed illegally, so there is a high possibility of being involved in organized crime, and the process of raising funds for this may lead to other crimes such as theft and robbery.

 

Representative drugs with high social risk:

• Philopon (Methamphetamine): A powerful central nervous system stimulant that causes severe addiction, hallucinations, and delusions, and is also a cause of violent crime. It is often involved in organized crime during the illegal manufacturing and distribution process.

 

• Heroin: A powerful narcotic painkiller that causes extreme addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. Violent crimes also occur during the illegal trade.

 

• copyright: A powerful central nervous system stimulant that causes cardiovascular side effects and mental illness, and increases social risk by increasing aggressive tendencies.

 

• Opium and synthetic drugs (such as fentanyl): Although they have a strong pain-relieving effect, they are becoming a social problem due to serious side effects such as respiratory depression and high addictiveness. In particular, the number of deaths due to fentanyl misuse and illegal distribution is rapidly increasing.

 

• Club drugs (GHB, rush, ketamine, etc.): Can be used for sexual crimes or date rape, and can cause impaired judgment and memory loss, which can lead to secondary crimes.

 

• New drugs (synthetic cannabis, spice, etc.): Various chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, which can cause unpredictable side effects and serious addiction, and are difficult to manage because they are not easily detected by existing drug tests.

 

The social ills of drug addiction:

• Increased crime: Livelihood crimes such as theft, robbery, and fraud to raise money to buy drugs, violent crimes committed while under the influence of drugs, and organized crime during drug distribution.

 

• Public health deterioration: Treating and rehabilitating drug addicts incurs enormous social costs and places a serious burden on the public health system, including the spread of infectious diseases and increased burden on the emergency medical system.

 

• Family Destruction: Addiction destroys families through financial hardship, violence, and abuse, causing serious emotional distress to family members.

 

• Creating social instability: It increases the possibility of unpredictable crimes and increases the anxiety of members of society, thereby undermining the stability of the entire society.

 

• Reduced workforce and economic losses: Reduced productivity and increased unemployment due to drug addiction have a negative impact on the national economy.

 

Social response measures:

• Strengthen strict law enforcement and punishment: We must increase the deterrence of crime through strong legal sanctions against drug manufacturing, distribution, and administration.

 

• Strengthening prevention education: We must strengthen education on the risks of drugs and the harmful effects of addiction targeting youth and the general public to raise awareness of drugs.

 

• Expanding the treatment and rehabilitation system: We must expand specialized medical institutions and rehabilitation facilities for the treatment and social reintegration of drug addicts, and support customized rehabilitation programs.

 

• Strengthening community connections: We need to strengthen social support networks, including operating support programs for families of addicts and establishing community-based counseling and support systems.

 

• Strengthening international cooperation: We must work with international drug trafficking organizations to block drug trafficking routes and strengthen information sharing and investigative cooperation.

 

The socially dangerous drug addiction problem is a serious problem that goes beyond the individual's problem and threatens the safety and well-being of the entire society. Therefore, the government, society, and individuals must all take responsibility and actively make efforts to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate.

Gambling addiction is not just a personal problem of losing money, but a disease that has serious negative effects on the individual's life, family, and society as a whole. It is a problem that is difficult to overcome with one's own will, and requires professional treatment and social support.

 

Characteristics of gambling addiction:

 

• Loss of control: Feeling an intense urge to gamble and not being able to control yourself when you want to stop.

 

 

 

• Obsession: Thinking about gambling all day long, spending a lot of time and energy trying to finance gambling.

 

 

 

• Tolerance: You seek more and more money or more exciting gambling activities to get the same level of satisfaction as before.

 

 

 

• Withdrawal symptoms: When you can't gamble, you feel negative emotions like anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and depression.

 

 

 

• Persistence Despite Negative Consequences: Unable to stop gambling despite experiencing serious negative consequences, such as financial ruin, deteriorating relationships, or losing a job.

 

 

 

• Lying and Concealment: Hiding or lying about gambling or the amount of money lost.

 

 

 

• Chasing Gambling: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recoup lost money.

 

 

 

• Giving up important activities: Neglecting or giving up important things like work, school, social activities, or hobbies because of gambling.

 

 

 

• Financial difficulties: They may go into debt, borrow money from family or friends, or even commit illegal acts to fund their gambling.

 

 

Causes of gambling addiction:

 

Gambling addiction is caused by a combination of biological, 스포츠토토사이트, and social factors.

 

• Biological factors: Gambling stimulates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. If this pleasurable experience is repeated, the brain becomes more sensitive to gambling, which can lead to addiction.

 

 

 

• Psychological factors:

 

• Stress relief and escapism: People tend to temporarily relieve negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness through gambling.

 

• Thrill Seeking Tendency: People who have a strong tendency to seek thrills and excitement may easily become addicted to gambling.

 

• Cognitive distortions: False beliefs, such as overestimating the odds of winning when gambling or rationalizing losses as just bad luck.

 

• Low self-esteem: Fear of failure or low self-esteem may be compensated for by gambling wins.

 

 

• Social factors:

 

 

• Easy Accessibility: An environment has been created where gambling is easily accessible, including online gambling and illegal gambling sites.

 

 

 

• Influences from others around you: You may be influenced by your family, friends, colleagues, etc. who gamble.

 

 

 

• Social atmosphere: Social atmospheres such as 'get-rich-quick' mentality can encourage gambling.

 

 

 

• Economic hardship: In times of economic hardship, people may be tempted to gamble to make easy money.

 

 

The social ills of gambling addiction:

 

Gambling addiction causes serious harm not only to the individual, but also to those around them and society as a whole.

 

• Personal harm:

 

 

• Economic collapse: Severe economic hardships resulting from increased debt, loss of assets, and bankruptcy.

 

 

 

• Mental health problems: Causes serious mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

 

 

 

• Physical health problems: Stress, lack of sleep, etc. make you vulnerable to various physical ailments.

 

 

 

• Destruction of human relationships: It causes conflict and distrust with family, friends, and coworkers, and leads to social isolation.

 

 

 

• Criminal Involvement: You may commit illegal acts such as theft, fraud, or embezzlement to fund your gambling.

 

 

 

• Domestic harm:

 

 

• Domestic Discord and Breakup: Families can be destroyed by conflicts with spouses, children, violence, divorce, etc.

 

 

 

• Family distress: Spouses and children may experience financial and emotional distress, and may have difficulty coping with the addiction together.

 

 

 

• Negative impact on children: A parent’s gambling addiction can have a negative impact on their child’s emotional development and social skills.

 

 

 

• Social ills:

 

 

• Increased crime: The increase in gambling-related crimes creates social anxiety and disrupts social order.

 

 

 

• Increased social costs: There are huge social costs incurred in treating and rehabilitating gambling addicts, preventing and dealing with crime, etc.

 

 

 

• Reduced labor productivity: Gambling addiction reduces labor productivity and negatively impacts the national economy due to decreased concentration and absenteeism.

 

 

 

• Deepening social inequality: When economically vulnerable groups become addicted to gambling, they may experience more severe economic hardship, which may deepen social inequality.

 

 

Treatment of gambling addiction:

 

Gambling addiction is a disease that is difficult to overcome with willpower alone, so professional treatment is necessary. Treatment methods can be applied in various ways depending on the individual's condition and needs.

 

• Counseling treatment:

 

 

• Individual counseling: Through one-on-one counseling with a professional counselor, we identify the root causes of gambling problems and apply various techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy to help you control your gambling impulses and restore a healthy lifestyle.

 

 

 

• Group counseling: Share your experiences, get support, and find solutions to your problems with people who are going through similar difficulties.

 

 

 

• Family Counseling: Counseling for family members struggling with gambling addiction to help them understand each other better and build healthy relationships.

 

 

 

• Medication: Medication may be used in conjunction with gambling addiction to control impulses or to alleviate accompanying symptoms such as depression or anxiety.

 

 

 

• Self-help groups: Join a self-help group, such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA), to find support and encouragement from others who have similar struggles and can continue their efforts toward recovery.

 

 

 

• Inpatient treatment: If you are severely addicted or at high risk for suicide, you may be admitted to a specialized medical institution for intensive treatment.

 

 

Preventing and Dealing with Gambling Addiction:

 

• Prevention education: We must strengthen education on the risks of gambling and the harmful effects of addiction targeting youth and the general public to raise awareness about gambling.

 

 

 

• Promote healthy leisure activities: Healthy and enjoyable leisure activities that can replace gambling should be encouraged and supported.

 

 

 

• Family and support: People struggling with gambling problems should be supported with understanding and empathy rather than blame or reprimand, and encouraged to seek professional help.

 

 

 

• Utilize specialized gambling problem organizations: You should actively utilize counseling and treatment programs from specialized organizations such as the Korea Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center (1336 without area code).

Gambling addiction is never a problem of personal weakness or lack of will. It is a disease that can be fully recovered through active treatment and social support. If you are having difficulties, it is important not to suffer alone and to definitely seek professional help.

The Italian Renaissance was a major turning point in Western civilization. It was a period of revolutionary developments in many fields, including art, science, and philosophy, which have had a profound impact on modern society. The main lessons of the Renaissance are:

• The importance of humanistic spirit: The Renaissance revived humanism, which emphasized the value and dignity of human beings, moving away from the theocentric thinking of the Middle Ages. This showed that respecting the potential and creativity of each individual and having a human-centered way of thinking are essential for the development of society.


• Constant exploration and innovation: Renaissance artists, scientists, and thinkers did not hesitate to explore and experiment with new knowledge and technology, rather than staying in classical studies. Figures like Leonardo da Vinci crossed the boundaries between art and science and left behind innovative achievements. This spirit has great implications for modern society, which seeks progress through constant self-improvement and innovation.


• Open-mindedness and knowledge sharing: The Renaissance played a significant role in promoting the sharing of knowledge and information. Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press dramatically increased the dissemination of knowledge, which contributed to the spread of the Renaissance spirit throughout Europe. An open environment where diverse ideas and knowledge can be shared and communicated is essential to fostering creative thinking and innovation.


• The value of art and culture: The Renaissance recognized art and culture as important elements that enrich human life. The works of masters such as Michelangelo and Raphael remain as cultural heritage of mankind to this day, proving the value of art. Investment in and enjoyment of art and culture improves the quality of life of individuals and enriches society.


• Critical thinking and balanced perspective: Renaissance thinkers presented new ideas with a critical perspective on traditional authority. This shows that it is important to have rational criticism and a balanced perspective rather than blind acceptance. Respecting diverse perspectives and having an open-minded discussion is an important foundation for problem solving and progress.

These lessons from the Renaissance provide important inspiration for understanding the present and designing the future based on the wisdom of the past.

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