Analyzing Addiction Issues: A Harm Reduction and Recovery Perspective

This essay examines the contrasting approaches to addiction treatment, specifically harm reduction and recovery. It identifies overdose as an issue suitable for a harm reduction strategy, which involves implementing programs and policies to minimize the adverse effects of excessive substance use. Conversely, mental disorder resulting from addiction is presented as an issue requiring a recovery approach, which focuses on engaging the individual in alternative activities and providing medical support to restore their well-being. The essay highlights the importance of tailoring the intervention strategy to the specific consequences of addiction, ensuring a more effective and holistic approach to treatment. Desklib offers a platform for students to access similar essays and study tools.

Running head: ADDICTION
Addiction
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ADDICTION
Addiction refers to the condition where an individual is used to a particular habit or
substance. In such a situation, it becomes difficult for the person to leave the activity or the
substance. However, it is essential to find ways of solving the habit since it may have more
negative impacts than the positive once according to Wilson, Donald, Shattock, Wilson &
Fraser-Hurt, (2015). In this task, it is going to identify an issue in addiction that needs a severe
reduction approach and one that requires a recovery approach.
Harmful- reduction approach issue
Overdose
Overdose is taking more than the recommended amount of a substance. The addiction
process begins when an individual develops an appetite towards something. For instance, if in
the case of drug addiction, the victim starts by taking a small portion of the drug. However, as
the addiction habit matures, the individual tends to exceed the average amount that he or she
usually takes. The action hurts the life of the individual. For example, excessive consumption of
the drug leads to deterioration of health and behavior of the person. Harmful reduction approach
handles overdose by coming up with programs and policies will reduce the adverse effect of the
issue according to Bliuc, Best, Iqbal & Upton, (2017).
Recovery approach issue
Mental disorder
Recovery approach is applicable in an addiction issue that has already affected the life of
the victim. For instance, if an individual was addicted to taking drugs and the addiction has led to
mental disorder issue, recovery approach is necessary. In this approach, it aims at involving the

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person in other activities that make him or her forget the habit of taking the drugs. For example,
engaging the person in other hobbies and giving the person medicines to restore the normal
condition of the person according to Jacob, (2015).

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ADDICTION
References
Bliuc, A. M., Best, D., Iqbal, M., & Upton, K. (2017). Building addiction recovery capital
through online participation in a recovery community. Social Science & Medicine, 193,
110-117.
Jacob, K. S. (2015). Recovery model of mental illness: A complementary approach to psychiatric
care. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 37(2), 117.
Wilson, D. P., Donald, B., Shattock, A. J., Wilson, D., & Fraser-Hurt, N. (2015). The cost-
effectiveness of harm reduction. International Journal of Drug Policy, 26, S5-S11.