1. What is meant when one refers to addiction as a Bio-Psycho-Social illness? Give some examples of what ways it is biological, psychological and social. Regarding the “Nature” versus “Nurture” argument, to what degree do you think addiction is determined by heredity versus to what degree is it a learned behavior? Support your argument.
2. How would you describe the differences between terms such as social drinking, moderate drinking, heavy drinking, problem drinking, alcohol/drug abuse and alcohol/drug dependence? Where does one cross over from being an abuser to being an addict or alcoholic, in your opinion? The DSM-IV divides users into two groups “Substance Dependence” versus “Substance Abuse”. Do you agree with how the DSM-IV separates both groups? Why or why not? Support your argument.
3. Many people view marijuana differently than other drugs of abuse. For example, the political organization NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) supports efforts to legalize marijuana. Visit their website at http://www.norml.org/ to review their position on marijuana legislation. Given that an argument can be made that marijuana is not as dangerous as some drugs of abuse (such as cocaine or heroin, for example), and yet knowing that it is still not recommended for someone in recovery from addictions to use any substances, how would you respond to a client that asserts marijuana use is OK? Support your argument. Please share your thoughts on this topic.