Dual Diagnosis Essay

Dual Diagnosis Essay

SUBS 505-B03

Liberty University

Discuss in detail dual-diagnosis from your readings, then incorporate how such coexisting disorders impact the addiction cycle discussed in Module/Week’s 6 presentation. How does your biblical worldview impact the way in which you see the possibility of change within the addiction cycle for those struggling with dual diagnoses?

Pharmacology

Pharmacology refers to the study of drugs; manmade, indigenous, or even organic and their associated physiological effects on a person’s central nervous system. When under the influence of drugs, most people tend to act differently, and this applies to both licit as well as illicit drugs. Such drugs also fall into varying categories which are comprised of stimulants, depressants, opiates, and hallucinogens. As a result, these drugs are likely to be consumed in varying ways to achieve a certain affect. However, whether positive or negative, drugs can have a side effects on one’s body when abused or consumed without restrictions. Among the reasons leading to the intake of certain drugs is dictated by the desire to achieve a given optimal effect (Randall, Kendall & Alexander, 2012).

When such drugs are consumed, they tend to accumulate in the body thus leaving it in an adverse and altered state. This is due to the difficulties experienced while attempting to metabolize the drugs. Those that abuse drugs also tend to have an immune system that is compromised, thus leading to poor health. Therefore, one could also experience a compounded effect due to the amount of time that the drug is in a person’s body (Randall, Kendall & Alexander, 2012). As previously stated, drugs are consumed and entered into the body in different ways and this is also due to how it is formed. For example, drugs can be applied to the skin (transdermal), inhaled, taken orally and administered intravenously.

Drug Classes

As notated above, drugs are grouped into five classes, these classes consist of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, anabolic steroids, and hallucinogens are all regulated under the CSA (Controlled Substances Act). The government created a drug classification system that consists of five schedules, and each schedule defines the drug’s medical benefits and potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Narcotics

Narcotics tend to affect a person’s mood and/or behavior and typically contain psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. A few examples of narcotics include substances containing opiate derivatives such as morphine, heroin, oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Depressants

A depressant it a drug that lower neurotransmission levels in the brain which in turn depresses arousal or simulation throughout the central nervous system. A prime example of a depressant is alcohol.

Stimulants

Stimulant drugs are just that. They stimulate the central nervous system, providing energy and alertness thus leading to a pleasurable experience. They are often referred to as “uppers” because of their ability to increase metabolic activity as well as neurotransmission. Examples of stimulates include caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens are psychoactive in nature and often lead to hallucinations, perceptual abnormalities and other changes in emotion and thoughts. Examples of hallucinogens include LSD, PCP and psilocybin mushrooms.

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic Steroids are artificial variants of the male sex hormone which is testosterone. They increase protein within the cells, particularly skeletal muscles and are often used to “bulk up” and increase performance in athletes.

Routes of Absorption

In pharmacology, the routes of absorption are best defined as how drugs move within the bloodstream. Absorption is involved several phases, the first one being how it is introduced into the body, meaning orally, inhalation or intravenously. An understanding of some of the basic pharmacology concepts is necessary to better understand how drugs that are misused are administered, absorbed, distributed, and bio transformed/eliminated from the body (Doweiko, 2019).

Faith and Scripture

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Holy Bible reminds us that our bodies are a temple. “your body is the temple (or rather, a sanctuary) of the Holy Ghost. He has already said that the Church is a shrine or sanctuary of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV). 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I feel it is crucial to understand and withhold judgement from those that suffer from an addiction. It is not a weakness nor is it a lack of faith but rather a manifestation of life experiences and circumstances. Family dynamics and genetics may also play a part in drug use and addiction in a sense that some people are more biologically pre-dispositioned to a certain drug. As a mental health and substance abuse clinician it is imperative that we possess that compassion for those that suffer from addictions. The first step is to understand as well as create an environment that promotes safety and security. Recovery requires the correct treatment, the appropriate service, and optimal setting to best effect a positive outcome. This decision about treatment depends on various factors of addiction (severity, length of use, types of drugs, and so on), and the individual’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs (Clinton and Scalise, 2013).

References

Doweiko., H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency. (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage

Learning.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. (2017). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

Randall, M. D., Kendall, D. A., & Alexander, S. P. H. (2012). Pharmacology. London: Pharmaceutical Press.

Clinton, T., & Scalise, E. (2013). The quick reference guide to addictions and recovery. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.