A TED talk, focusing on addiction, by Johann Hari, introduces the concept in a way that people do not often expect to see. The man offers his own educated perspective on the matter and poses addiction not as a problem of physical inability or a moral failing of character, but a sociological problem that warrants a different approach (Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong 2015). I would agree with the man’s assessment, and say that the way society treats various types of addiction is unwarranted and does not help us prevent people from doing harm to themselves and others. Experiencing withdrawal from a non-drug substance or activity can be both emotionally and physically devastating, as much as trying to stop taking standard drugs. A physical dependency means that a person starts to feel physically unwell after not being exposed to the source of their addiction for a period of time. The NIH of America describes some of the common symptoms of drug withdrawal, including irritability, anxiety, inability to eat or sleep, muscle pain, vomiting, seizures, and many other potential consequences (Commonly Abused Drugs and Withdrawal Symptoms). Many of these side effects can appear when a person withdraws from doing non-drug-related activities they are addicted to, for example eating a particular type of food or playing video games. Myself, I have experienced similar feelings of increased irritability after having not eaten sweets in a long time.
In regards to drug policy, I would strive to eliminate drug-related incarcerations. They do not provide an effective solution to treating addiction and only put people into a hostile environment that is likely to make them use drugs more often. Drugs can be used for purposes of pain relief or pleasure in related doses, without forming an addiction. The important factor is that the government and its communities make the population feel content with their lives and welcome, which would eliminate much need for escapism and drug use.
Works Cited
Commonly Abused Drugs and Withdrawal Symptoms. NIH. Web.
Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong. TED. (2015). Web.