Analysis of Individual Attitudes Toward Addiction

Abstract

Some researchers believe that addiction is a purposeful and expectant voluntary choice made by addicts after they are aware of the consequences of their behavior; on the other hand, some proponents believe that addiction is a compulsive mental illness and that addicts have almost no control over their behaviors, so people should change their attitudes towards addicts by understanding and reporting their behavior instead of demanding that they stop. In this study, two primary concerns will be addressed in order to assess the viability of this proposal: Is addiction indeed irresistible? What would happen if addiction was in fact viewed as a mental illness? After discussing various aspects of whether addiction is a compulsion or a choice, it was concluded that addicts can control their behavior even if the addictive substances are seductive and have an effect on the structure and function of the addicts brain. In addition, the negative consequences of treating addiction as a mental illness and minimizing its control, the harm to ones health, and the threat to the safety of those around one are also some reasons why this proposal is not justified.