The neurological source of these symptoms is drug-induced deregulation of the brain’s reward system (Feltenstein and See, 2008). Drugs of abuse hyperactivate this system, triggering abrupt and large increases in NAc dopamine signaling, producing intense sensations that motivate additional drug taking, and promoting the formation of maladaptive drug-stimulus associations (Feltenstein and See, 2008). Well, this happens because our ego is attempting to deal with a type of mental distress known as cognitive dissonance. Another distinguishing feature of this innovative intervention is that it fully embraces the social work knowledge and ethics base.
Those involved in substance abuse must contend with constant dissonance because there is so much compelling evidence that their substance abuse is dangerous. This is when the negatives of the addiction, including guilt and shame, can dominate the decisions they make. Only when they are ready can they possibly have a chance to see the cognitive dissonance for what it is and the damage their addiction has caused. They claim that they are the exception to the rule, believing they will be able to manage their addiction or have a particularly strong constitution. Changing deeply ingrained beliefs or behaviors can be challenging and may require significant effort and support.
This term simply means that when we have two conflicting thoughts (cognitions), or if we behave in ways that conflict with our beliefs or values, we experience an unpleasant feeling of cognitive dissonance. Depending on the situation, this uncomfortable feeling of dissonance can be mild or severe, and often motivates us to get back to what’s known as “consonance”. In more severe cases, cognitive dissonance can play a role in mental health disorders. For instance, someone with an eating disorder might simultaneously believe that they need to lose weight to be attractive, while also knowing that their current weight is dangerously low. This internal conflict can fuel the cycle of disordered eating and make recovery challenging. The Trans theoretical model (TTM), describes stages of behavioral change, processes of change and the decisional balance and self-efficacy which are believed to be intertwined to determine an individual's behaviour11.
Despite the limitations of the study, these findings suggest that social work practitioners need to be responsive to the dynamic and complex nuances of youth who are at risk for and engaged in substance abuse. This study notes that the prevention needs of older adolescents differ from those of younger adolescents in important ways. This presents a challenge for practitioners because there are few substance abuse prevention programs that are tailored for older adolescents who have experimented with substances (Sussman, Dent, & Stacy, 2002; Sussman, Sun, McCuller, & Dent, 2003). While “Just Say No” (Reagan, 1986) messages may still be the appropriate intervention with young children, teen-aged youth who have witnessed or experienced their own substance use often find such abstinence messages irrelevant. They scoff at programs which overstate the consequences of use https://markjohnsonbuilders.com/best-addiction-recovery-tattoo-ideas-8/ (i.e., “drugs will kill you”) because they have witnessed use without impunity.
Each researcher also independently developed a list of preliminary codes and met after coding transcripts to achieve consensus on the preliminary codes. Then, they independently coded the transcripts again with the aim of combining redundant codes and achieving greater specificity of codes when necessary. A third repetition of this process was used to further collapse related codes and achieve the final list of codes and themes.
The factor loading ranges from −1 to 1, and its square represents the percentage of variation that the factor can explain. In research, a threshold of 0.7 is commonly used as the standard, with values greater than this being acceptable 88. Another method used in this study to test composite validity is the Average Variance Extracted (AVE), which represents the proportion of the observed variable values that the latent variable can measure.
The authors would like to express sincere gratitude to the research participants who took part in the study. Thanks also to Mr Kit-wai Lau (who obtained master’s degrees in communication, history, and liberal studies and in social work), senior research assistant for his assistance with the data collection. Neuroscience research has correlated learning with the elaboration of neural networks in the brain. Many experiments have established that, as learning takes place, selected neurons increase their levels of activity and form new connections, or strengthen established Alcoholics Anonymous connections, with networks of other neurons. Moreover, experimental techniques that prevent neuronal activity and networking inhibit learning. Of course, the methods of coping with your distortions will depend on the type of negative patterns you’re struggling with.
One helpful cognitive strategy in the initial phase of CBT includes using the Advantage/disadvantage technique with the patient29. The therapist and patient collaboratively cognitive dissonance and addiction review the advantages/disadvantages of engaging in substance use or addictive behaviour. Relapse is a process in which a newly abstinent patient experiences a sense of perceived control over his/her behaviour up to a point at which there is a high risk situation and for which the person may not have adequate skills or a sense of self-efficacy.