Introduction
The paper seeks to explore the effects of addictions on mission and on social transformative agenda, with a focus on the African Catholic religious. The set task is to explore literature related to the variables in an attempt to understand addictions, as well as the relation these have on mission and on the social transformative agenda carried out by the African Catholic religious. In order to carry out the task, the quest starts with the required definition of addictions, and gives the types of addictions, factoring in behavioural as well as that which is substance related.
Special space is given to alcohol due to its prevalence, abuse, and adverse effects. This is done as the Jellinek curve is given. After that, the review goes on to address the causes of addictions and their effects. This is followed by specialized groups and the way they relate to addictions. The risk factors linked to drugs are then espoused before looking at addictions and mission, as well as addictions and social transformative agenda. After that, the interventions necessary to positively deal with addictions are elucidated. These include the principles of effective treatment, pharmaco-therapies, psycho-social behavioural therapies, and finally the 12-step facilitation program.
Method
The literature search was mainly done through the Google search engine. The words included in the literature search included addictions plus the necessary related words as per each sub-section as indicated in the introduction: definition, types, causes, effects, mission, social transformation, and interventions. In each search, the word pdf was included to allow for downloading. Selected articles were intensely studied searching for information related to the study variables. The derived information is given under the related subtitles.
Addictions Defined
Historically, the term addiction referred to “giving over” or being “highly devoted” to a person or activity (Alexander & Scweighofer, 1988), as well as engaging habitually in a behaviour (Levine, 1978). However, in the last 200 years, the term addiction gradually started taking the meaning of an overpowering strong urge that was linked to the aspect of disease-like (Orford, 2001). Increasingly, studies started linking the term to the Central Nervous System and to Neuro-biological conditions (Bechara, 2005; Felstein, 2008; Goodman, 2009). The comprehensive understanding of the definition of addiction as adopted by this current study, is that by Sussman and Sussman (2011, pp. 4026-7), and is stated and expounded in table 1.
Types of Addictions/Disorders
Behavioural Addictions
Gambling is defined as “an activity that involves a degree of risk and an expenditure of money or goods with the hope of an increased return but with the possibility of a total loss” (Wurtburg, 2012, p.264). DSM-IV (1994) places gambling under impulsive control disorder.
Internet gaming disorder is defined as “persistent and recurrent use of the Internet to engage in games, often with other players, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress…in a 12-month period” (American Psychiatric Association – DSM-5, 2013, p. 795).
Shopping (Compulsive buying disorder): This is realized through a compulsion to spend money. It is often done regardless of the need or the financial means. Over time, it has severe consequences. However, it is not among the addictions recognized by APA (Healthline, 2020).
Sex addiction is also referred to as sexual compulsivity or hypersexual disorder (Reid, et al., 2012; Banca et al., 2016). Though not discussed by DSM-V under addictions, this disorder can be measured through excessive times spent in sexual fantasies and urges, repetitive engagement in sexual fantasies and urges in response to dysphoric mood states (anxiety, boredom, depression, irritability), repetitive engagement in sexual fantasies and urges in dealing with stressful events, and repetitive unsuccessful attempts to control sexual urge, and finally, repetitive inability to control sexual urge even when it is causing harm to self and to others (Reid, et al., 2012).
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction, also called compulsive drug use, is categorized as a severe substance use disorder (DSM-5, 2013). NIDA (2014) defines it as “a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences” (p. 5). It is further looked at as “[an illness] characterized by intense and, at times, uncontrollable drug craving, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences” (NIDA, 2018, p. 3). It is further “characterized by an inability to stop using a drug; failure to meet work, social, or family obligations; and, sometimes (depending on the drug), tolerance and withdrawal” (p. 26). In this context, drug addiction is also looked at as interfering with mission and with the social transformative agenda.
Drug addiction affects persons of all ages:
- Babies exposed to drugs in the womb may be born premature and underweight. This exposure can slow the child’s intellectual development and affect behavior later in life.
- Adolescents who abuse drugs often act out, do poorly academically, and drop out of school. They are at risk for unplanned pregnancies, violence, and infectious diseases.
- Adults who abuse drugs often have problems thinking clearly, remembering, and paying attention. They often develop poor social behaviors as a result of their drug abuse, and their work performance and personal relationships suffer.
- Parents’ drug abuse often means chaotic, stress-filled homes, as well as child abuse and neglect. Such conditions harm the well-being and development of children in the home and may set the stage for drug abuse in the next generation (NIDA, 2014, p.3).
While studies on drug addiction are seen as affecting persons of all ages, the interactions that the researcher has had, point to persons in diverse social cadres being affected: among them teachers, doctors, farmers, artists, politicians, and business persons. Visits to rehabilitation centers and engagements in counseling psychology, reveal male and female religious struggles with drug addictions, specifically nicotine, alcohol, and even sex (pornography, pedophilia, and even same gayism).
It was around 4 pm. on a weekday. Suddenly, a car swayed to the side of the road and went into a ditch. Drivers and pedestrians alike rushed to the scene. They saw the driver, an elderly European.
The car had a rosary and the driver was dressed in a priestly collar. Next to him was an open bottle of Whisky. He must have been drinking while driving, before blacking out. News soon went viral and reached at the university where he was lecturing. He was a re-known professor coming from a European country. He was coming from lecturing at a public university. Thanks to the small notebook that was next to him; some address was found and his confreres were called to the scene.
Such is substance abuse.
Causes of Addictions
This can be explained by the question “why do people take drugs?”
- To feel good (in search of feelings of pleasure, euphoric sensation), e.g., Cocaine (stimulant) creates a feeling of power, self-confidence, and increased energy; in contrast, heroin (opiate-related to opium drugs), causes a euphoric sensation of relaxation and satisfaction.
- To feel better, persons suffering from social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression, may use these attempts to lessen feelings of distress.
- To do better (in search of chemical enhancers seeking to improve performance (sexual/athletic-steroids).
- Curiosity and belonging (others are doing it). Refer to peer pressure especially among adolescents, friends, and groups (NIDA, 2014 p. 8).
Effects of Addictions
(i) Physiologically: Drug takers are associated with social issues among them being dirty and being unkempt (Benjamin & Chidi, 2014). Depending on the intensity of the drug intake, others will also reveal physical harm (cuts and injuries) in addition to internal harm linked to illnesses that include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and lung diseases (world Drug Report (2018).
(ii) Neurologically: Drugs are chemicals that affect the brain by tapping into its communication system and interfering with the way neurons (nerve cells in the brain that send and receive messages in the form of electrical and chemical signals) normally send, receive, and process information [e.g.] marijuana and heroin…activate neurons…their chemical structure mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter (chemicals that carry messages between neurons)… lead[ing] to abnormal messages being transmitted…amphetamine or cocaine…cause the neurons to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals…disruption produces a greatly amplified message, ultimately disrupting communication channels…[drugs can produce] 2 to 10 times the amount of dopamine that natural rewards such as eating and sex do” (NIDA, 2014, p.17/8).
(iii) Psychologically: As noted in NIDA (2014, p.18), drugs of abuse [generally) directly or indirectly target the brain’s reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter…in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.
(iv) Economically: Drug abuse is related to high costs leading to economic challenges. This is in the areas of prevention and treatment costs, healthcare and hospital costs, and increased morbidity and mortality (INCB, 2013). Other related economic consequences include the non-productivity of drug users, drug-affected road accidents as well as environmental impact. These factors continue to have a negative economic impact on the individual and on the significant societal members.
(v) Spiritually: Spirituality is a complex and highly personal concept that includes “elements of love; compassion; caring; transcendence; relationship with God; and the connection of body, mind, and spirit” (O’Brien, 2011, p.6). On the part of a drug abuser, questions such as where is God in the addiction? Why does God allow me to sink into addiction? What is God doing as I sink into addiction? As well as shame and guilt are associated with the drug user. Also, drug abusers may also find it difficult and are at times unable to congregate with others in religious centers. These factors interfere with the person’s spirituality (Piacentine, 2013).
(vi) Socially: According to NIDA (2018, p. 3), “the dysfunctional behaviors that result from drug abuse can interfere with a person’s normal functioning in the family, the workplace, and the broader community.” Also, according to the Government Autonomous College, Rourkela (n.d.) drug abuse is associated with public safety due to its association with crime. It also influences the individual’s physical and mental strength leading to loss of character. Within the family, the ties negatively change as earnings and livelihood are jeopardized. With this comes reduced societal respect and dignity, low job retention rates, and subsequent hunger and poverty.
This brings to a culmination, the section on the effects of addiction on the individual and on society. In the following section, the focus is given to drug addictions with specialized groups.
Click on “Download Article” to read more:
