Why do people become addicts?
The research paper will be an essay synthesizing/comparing/contrasting the information you gathered. It may be descriptive or persuasive (i.e., from the sources you found, can a case be made that a certain theory or approach to your topic is preferable than other approaches).
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Understanding the Complexities of Addiction: Exploring the Factors that Contribute to Substance Use Disorders
Addiction is a multifaceted phenomenon that impacts individuals from all walks of life. The question of why people become addicts is a complex one, influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from genetic predisposition to environmental stressors. By delving into the various theories and approaches that attempt to explain addiction, we can gain a deeper understanding of this pervasive issue and explore potential strategies for prevention and treatment.
Genetic Predisposition
One prominent theory posits that genetics plays a significant role in the development of addiction. Research has shown that certain individuals may have a genetic predisposition that makes them more susceptible to substance use disorders. Variations in genes related to neurotransmitter function, reward pathways, and impulse control have been linked to an increased risk of addiction. Understanding these genetic factors can help identify individuals who may be more vulnerable to developing addictive behaviors.
Environmental Influences
In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences also play a crucial role in the onset of addiction. Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, peer pressure, and social norms surrounding substance use can contribute to the initiation and maintenance of addictive behaviors. Environmental stressors such as poverty, lack of social support, and exposure to substance abuse within the community can further exacerbate the risk of addiction. Addressing these environmental factors is essential for preventing substance use disorders and promoting healthier behaviors.
Behavioral Reinforcement
The behavioral reinforcement theory suggests that addiction is driven by the rewarding effects of substances on the brain’s pleasure centers. When individuals engage in substance use, they experience a surge of dopamine that reinforces the behavior and creates a cycle of craving and consumption. Over time, this reinforcement can lead to the development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction can inform interventions that target these reward pathways and help individuals break free from addictive behaviors.
Psychological Factors
Psychological theories of addiction emphasize the role of mental health issues, emotional regulation difficulties, and cognitive processes in driving substance use. Individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma. The temporary relief provided by substances can create a sense of escape or numbness that becomes difficult to break away from. Addressing underlying psychological issues through therapy, counseling, and support groups is essential for treating addiction holistically.
Social and Cultural Factors
Social and cultural contexts also influence the development of addiction. Cultural attitudes towards substance use, availability of drugs or alcohol, societal norms surrounding intoxication, and peer influences can shape individuals’ attitudes towards substances. For example, in some cultures, alcohol consumption may be normalized or even encouraged, leading to higher rates of alcoholism. By recognizing the impact of social and cultural factors on addiction, interventions can be tailored to address these specific influences and promote healthier behaviors within communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of why people become addicts is a multifaceted one that cannot be attributed to a single cause. Genetic predisposition, environmental influences, behavioral reinforcement, psychological factors, and social/cultural contexts all interact to contribute to the development of addiction. By understanding these complex factors and adopting a holistic approach to prevention and treatment, we can better support individuals struggling with substance use disorders and work towards building healthier communities free from the grips of addiction.
