The Pros And Cons Of Addiction

Begin your initial post by choosing either a substance or a behavior with addictive potential based on your assigned group. To create a meaningful and interesting discussion, it would behoove you to choose a substance or behavior that has not already been addressed in the discussion board. For this discussion, you must explain both the positive and negative potential of addiction to your chosen substance or behavior. Therefore, you must choose a substance or behavior that presents both positive and negative potential outcomes.

Research your substance or behavior providing at least two peer-reviewed resources to support any claims made. In your post, construct clear and concise arguments using evidence-based psychological concepts and theories to create a brief scenario or example of a situation in which your chosen addiction provides both positive and negative potential outcomes for a subject. Integrate concepts developed from different content domains to support your arguments. Evaluate and comment on the reliability and generalizability of the specific articles and research findings you have chosen to support your arguments. Explain how the APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct might be used to guide your decisions as a psychology professional if you were assigned to consult with the subject in the situation you have created.

Full Answer Section

Scenario

Let's say there is a person named John who is addicted to gambling. John started gambling as a way to relieve stress from his job. He would go to the casino after work and bet a small amount of money. However, over time, John started gambling more and more money. He would often lose, but he would keep gambling in the hopes of winning back his losses.

John's gambling addiction started to have negative consequences on his life. He lost his job because he was spending so much time gambling. He also lost his relationship with his girlfriend because he was always gambling and not spending time with her.

John eventually realized that he had a problem and sought help from a therapist. The therapist helped John to understand the negative consequences of his gambling addiction and to develop strategies to overcome it.

APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct

The APA's Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (2002) provides guidelines for psychologists in their professional practice. These guidelines include a number of principles that are relevant to the treatment of gambling addiction.

  • Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Psychologists strive to benefit their clients and to avoid harming them. In the case of gambling addiction, psychologists should help their clients to overcome their addiction and to avoid the negative consequences that it can cause.
  • Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility Psychologists are responsible for their clients' welfare and should act in their best interests. This means that psychologists should be honest and transparent with their clients and should not take advantage of them.
  • Principle C: Integrity Psychologists should be honest and fair in their professional dealings. This means that psychologists should avoid making false or misleading statements to their clients and should not engage in any form of unethical behavior.

If I were a psychology professional who was assigned to consult with John, I would use the APA's Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct to guide my decisions. I would first assess John's situation and determine the nature of his gambling addiction. I would then develop a treatment plan that is tailored to his specific needs. I would also be honest and transparent with John about the risks and benefits of treatment.

I would also make sure to avoid any form of unethical behavior, such as making false or misleading statements to John or taking advantage of him. I would also respect John's confidentiality and would not share any information about his case with anyone else without his consent.

Sample Answer

I will choose gambling as my substance or behavior with addictive potential. Gambling is the wagering of money or something of value on an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money or material goods. Gambling can be addictive, and it can have both positive and negative consequences.

Positive potential of gambling addiction

  • Gambling can provide a sense of excitement and anticipation. The uncertainty of the outcome can be stimulating and rewarding, and it can release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
  • Gambling can be a way to escape from problems or boredom. People who are feeling stressed or unhappy may turn to gambling as a way to forget about their problems or to feel a sense of excitement.
  • Gambling can be a way to socialize and make friends. Many people gamble in groups, and it can be a way to connect with others and build relationships.

Negative potential of gambling addiction

  • Gambling can lead to financial problems. People who gamble excessively can lose a lot of money, which can lead to debt, financial hardship, and even bankruptcy.
  • Gambling can damage relationships. Gambling can take up a lot of time and money, which can strain relationships with family and friends.
  • Gambling can lead to other problems, such as substance abuse and depression. People who are addicted to gambling may also turn to other addictive behaviors, such as alcohol or drugs, in an attempt to cope with their addiction.