Page 78 - Javanan Issue #1894_Neat

PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1894
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ISSUE No. 1856

PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
PERSPECTIVES
JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community

WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE MORE AT RISK OF ADDICTION als who are prone to alcohol or drug
abuse. Some persons who are socially
New Understanding of Addiction Potential shy or inept, alcohol or drug may help
them feel more comfortable interacting
with others. For others getting drunk
new research published in Na- or high make them feel less powerless
ture Neuroscience shows that a and helpless. For these individuals life
A specific gene is associated with problems can easily lead them to addic-
an increased risk of cannabis abuse. The tion and alcohol abuse. They often have
gene is the source of a so-called nicotine low ability to anticipate consequences
receptor in the brain. The study shows of their overdrinking such as hangover,
that people with low amounts of this unsafe driving, etc. and they tend to be
receptor have an increased risk of can- obsessed with immediate gratification
nabis abuse. without concerns about the future out-
Another report by the Mayo Clinic come of their actions. Psychological
lists several risk factors for drug addic- problems are also common among al-
tion. The list includes Family history cohol and drug abusers. The most com-
of addiction, Having another psycho- mon emotional problems are anxiety
logical problems, Peer pressure, Lack and depression.
of family involvement, Anxiety, and Certain stages of life or crisis can also
Taking a highly addictive drug such as make some individuals more vulnerable
heroin or cocaine. Even though, stud- to chemical dependency. For example,
ies confirm several risk factors for alco- some adolescents who are about to be-
hol and drug dependencies the emerg- come adults may use alcohol and drugs
ing picture is more complicated than it both as a way to deal with the pressures
looks. In some past articles, I examined punitive, do not overemphasize success iors. The expression "I drink to forget" of adulthood and also as a symbolic dis-
the cultural and environmental factors and independence, are more reasonably is a common phrase for many alcohol play of adult behavior.
that contribute to the development of tolerant of adult's dependent behavior, and drug abusers. Such a statement There are a variety of treatments
addictive behaviors. We discussed the and promote a kind and friendly impres- often indicates the person's lack of ad- available for substance abusers. Most
widespread drug and alcohol abuse sion of the world. Such societies also equate emotional and mental resources often, the first step of the intervention
among teenagers and adults and factors encourage moderation through their to cope with the life stresses. includes detoxification. That means the
that contribute to the rise of drug abuse communal eating affairs. Also, for many addicts their first ex- patient has to quit alcohol or drugs for
among each population. Parents often Most research shows high rates of perience of a supportive, drug-induced at least a week before starting the treat-
ask if there is such a thing as alcohol/ heavy alcohol abuse among the last- state of emotional high is very gratify- ment. An initial comprehensive psycho-
drug abuser personality. Or, are they born children. These youngsters are ing and they attempt to repeat the expe- logical evaluation is always necessary
born to be this way? In this column we torn between the family pressures for rience over and over. Often, they never in order to determine the best treatment
attempt to answer these questions by dependence and the society's demands get the same high. But they get hooked modality for the patient. Matching the
addressing some specific developmen- for self-reliance. But those individu- on the substance, despite its many un- individual with the specific treatment
tal issues about the personal characteris- als who have a more stable childhood wanted side effects such as nervous- plans according to the patient's person-
tics of the substance abusers. life are less prone to alcoholism. On the ness, confusion, anxiety, depression,
Sigmund Freud viewed the habit other hand, disruptive family conditions and the like. ality style and emotional responsiveness
control problems as an indication of the such as divorces, and physical or emo- Another characteristic of these in- can facilitate success of the treatment
individual's fixation at an earlier (oral) tional abuse can give rise to substance dividuals is their over-concern with and to lower the incidents of relapse.
stage of psychosexual development. abuse. internal sensations through external For instance, many alcoholics suffer
According to his theory, developmental In the past, many studies have un- stimulation (i.e., alcohol/drug). Sensa- from low self-esteem and often use al-
problems create dependency conflicts successfully attempted to identify spe- tion seeking or desire for internal stimu- cohol or drugs to overcome their inhibi-
leading to excessive need for oral grati- cific alcoholic personality types. In fact, lation through outside elements appears tion and shyness. Assertiveness training
fication. Certain behaviors such as alco- more and more it has become evident to be the most predominant characteris- often helps such individuals to control
hol and drug abuse, allow the individual that substance abusers are not from the tic of substance abusers. Some of them their addictions. For others impulsiv-
to satisfy those excessive oral needs. same group. Instead, they can come get bored easily and use drugs to change ity and lack of emotional maturity is
But research indicates that proving the from any group in the society with dif- their mood. However, over time, such the core of their problems and psycho-
validity for such hypothesis is very dif- ferent personality types. However, re- a behavior can easily become a vicious therapy including behavioral modifica-
ficult. Accumulating accurate data on search shows that certain personality circle in which the individual habitually tion and cognitive behavioral therapy is
all the factors that influences the child's factors tend to be more associated with avoids or rejects other forms of stimu- often more effective with them.
upbringing and at the same time isolat- alcoholism than others. These personal- lations such as healthy recreational ac- The most important factors for treat-
ing other socialization effects is next to ity traits play an important part in the tivities. Naturally, such behaviors can ment success, however, are the indi-
impossible. development as well as maintenance of cause them to get bored and lead them viduals' own acknowledgement of the
However, cultural studies have substance abuse. to more drug abuse. problem and their readiness, and com-
shown alcohol abuse to be lower in so- For example, most alcohol and drug In general characteristics such as im- mitment to stop the abuse and to main-
cieties that provide better care for the abusers show a lack of maturity, im- pulsiveness, poor self-image, low ego tain a healthy lifestyle. In future articles,
physical and emotional needs of their pulsivity, and inability to cope with life strength, and low social conformity is we will talk more about treatments for
infants, are more permissive and less events and many have antisocial behav- the most common traits of individu- substance abusers.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management
15720 Ventura Blvd., Second Fl. #224 Encino CA 91436 (818) 501-6080 (562) 861-7226

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