Write a five (5) pg minimum, DOUBLE SPACED, 12-FONT TIMES ROMAN with references and sources cited in APA format. Your cover sheet and your reference list are NOT included in the five-page minimum.
You may pick any topic related to drugs
TOPIC: MENTAL HEALTH RELATED TO DRUGS
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
Title: Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Exploring the Complex Relationship
Abstract
This essay explores the intricate relationship between mental health and substance abuse. It delves into the impact of drugs on mental health, the connection between mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs), and the importance of addressing both issues simultaneously for effective treatment. The essay also highlights the role of evidence-based interventions in promoting recovery and provides recommendations for holistic approaches to addressing mental health and drug-related challenges.
Introduction
Mental health and substance abuse are interrelated issues that significantly impact individuals, families, and communities. The misuse and abuse of drugs can have profound effects on mental well-being, exacerbating existing mental disorders or triggering new ones. Conversely, individuals with mental health conditions may turn to drugs as a means of self-medication or to cope with their symptoms. This essay aims to shed light on the complex relationship between mental health and drugs, examining the implications for individuals and society as a whole.
Impact of Drugs on Mental Health
Substance abuse can have detrimental effects on mental health, leading to the development or worsening of various mental disorders. The use of drugs such as stimulants, opioids, or hallucinogens can disrupt brain chemistry, impair cognitive function, and contribute to mood disorders like depression and anxiety[^1^]. Chronic drug use can also lead to psychosis, delusions, and paranoia[^2^]. Furthermore, substance abuse can increase the risk of suicide ideation and attempts, particularly among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions[^3^]. Overall, the impact of drugs on mental health is significant and multifaceted.
Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis or comorbidity, refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental disorder and a substance use disorder (SUD). The coexistence of these conditions presents unique challenges for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Studies have consistently shown a high prevalence of co-occurring disorders, with individuals experiencing mental health disorders being more susceptible to developing SUDs[^4^]. Similarly, substance abuse increases the risk of developing mental health disorders[^5^]. The intertwined nature of these conditions necessitates integrated approaches to address both simultaneously for optimal outcomes.
Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Integrated Treatment Approaches
To effectively address mental health and substance abuse issues, integrated treatment approaches are crucial. Integrated treatment involves the coordination of mental health and substance abuse services within a single program or through collaborative efforts between different professionals and organizations[^6^]. This approach recognizes that both conditions influence each other and that treating them in isolation is often ineffective. Integrated treatment may include a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, support groups, and holistic interventions to address the complex needs of individuals with co-occurring disorders[^7^]. Evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing have shown promising results in achieving recovery outcomes.
Recommendations for Holistic Approaches
To promote holistic approaches in addressing mental health-related to drugs, several recommendations can be considered:
Enhanced screenings: Conducting routine screenings for both mental health conditions and substance abuse in various settings can help identify individuals in need of integrated treatment.
Collaborative care models: Establishing collaborative care models between mental health providers, primary care physicians, and substance abuse treatment centers can ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Education and awareness: Investing in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the link between mental health and substance abuse can reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.
Community support: Developing community-based support networks that provide resources, peer support, and aftercare services can aid in long-term recovery for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Research and funding: Supporting research initiatives and allocating adequate funding to expand knowledge on effective interventions for co-occurring disorders is essential for improving treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
The relationship between mental health and substance abuse is complex and multifaceted. Drugs can have profound impacts on mental well-being, while individuals with mental health conditions may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. Addressing these intertwined issues requires integrated treatment approaches that prioritize the simultaneous management of mental disorders and substance use disorders. By implementing evidence-based interventions, enhancing screenings, promoting community support, and increasing public awareness, society can take significant strides toward supporting individuals with co-occurring disorders on their journey towards recovery.
References
Smith K. Mental health: a world of depression. Nature. 2014;515(7526):181.
Hall W. What has research over the past two decades revealed about the adverse health effects of recreational cannabis use? Addiction. 2015;110(1):19-35.
Darke S, Ross J, Teesson M. The Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS): what have we learnt about treatment for heroin dependence? Drug Alcohol Rev. 2001;20(1):53-63.
Grant BF, Stinson FS, Dawson DA, et al. Prevalence and co-occurrence of substance use disorders and independent mood and anxiety disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2004;61(8):807-816.
Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of twelve-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R). Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(6):617-627.
Drake RE, Mueser KT, Brunette MF, et al. A review of treatments for people with severe mental illnesses and co-occurring substance use disorders. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2004;27(4):360-374.
Mueser KT, Noordsy DL, Drake RE, Fox L. Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders: A Guide to Effective Practice. Guilford Press; 2003.
