According to the Harvard Health Publications, “The word “addiction” is derived f

According to the Harvard Health Publications, “The word “addiction” is derived from a Latin term for “enslaved by” or “bound to.” Anyone who has struggled to overcome an addiction—or has tried to help someone else to do so—understands why.
Addiction exerts a long and powerful influence on the brain that manifests in three distinct ways: craving for the object of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences.
For many years, experts believed that only alcohol and powerful drugs could cause addiction. Neuroimaging technologies and more recent research, however, have shown that certain pleasurable activities, such as gambling, shopping, and sex, can also hijack the brain.” There are also emerging theories that posit certain experiences one undergoes during childhood brain development, may shape brain physiology. Thus, making one unknowingly more inclined towards pleasure-seeking activities as a form of self-regulation of neurochemicals (which is chemically similar to pain relief).
Instructions-
Watch the following videos.
What is addiction? (Gabor Mate)

Conversation about addiction: Gabor Mate & Arold Langeveld (Watch the first 16 minutes)

Discuss the following prompts:
1. What are some potential risk factors for addiction?
2. Describe the interrelatedness of relevant dimensions of health.
(I.E. How does addiction impact other aspects of personal/public health?)
3. Describe current addiction treatment practices, skills, and resources necessary to maintain positive health behaviors.
Based upon the current chapter readings/lectures, personal experiences, world view, and media/resources provided, you must comment on the specific reflection prompts provided- reflecting on how they relate to the weekly topic(s) and current society. Posts should be thoughtful, insightful, and a minimum of 250-500 words. These posts should add significant substance to the conversation and clearly reference (i.e. cite) information from current chapter readings/lectures (please follow current APA guidelines for your in-text citations and references). You must also respond to at least two classmates’ posts. Responses should be a minimum of 100-250 words, add substance to the conversation, be thoughtful, and promote discussion. Responses that generally say, “I agree”, “good point”, repeat others’ previous comments, or lack proper substance- lacking critical thinking or analysis, will not be considered for credit. Your initial post is due by Thursday at midnight. Your classmate responses are due by Sunday at midnight. See the rubric below for detailed guidelines.