Essay
Name
Institution
Essay
People who use drugs and alcohol do so since they are encouraged to behave in this manner. Although their addiction may be affecting their lives negatively, the addict usually feels that they have no choice but to continue and this can be attributed to misdirected motivation. In this regard, these individuals are intrinsically motivated. Intrinsic motivation denotes to the act of engaging in a certain behavior without any obvious external rewards; a person does so since it is enjoyable and interesting (Wormer & Davis, 2018). Drugs and alcohol provide pleasure, and as such, people are driven to use these substances so as to derive pleasure and enjoyment (Mignon & Mignon, 2014).
It is also important to note that the motivation to use of alcohol and drugs may also be extrinsic. This kind of motivation originates from external demands and pressures and this extrinsic force can originate from expectations of society or those who control and have a say in the life of a person. In this regard, a social circle that comprises other addicts pressurizes the person to conform and this functions as extrinsic motivation (Galizio & Maisto, 2013). Also, by engaging in the abuse of substances, the individual may receive praise and approval from the peers. Entering a life of recovery is extrinsically motivated. The person who decides to follow the path of recovery may have caved in to societal pressure and hence motivated to transform their life. This will normally occur since the addict has been pressurized by their family members, colleagues, etc. to change their lives for the better (Kissin, 2012). Perhaps they have hurt their loved ones or embarrassed them. In such cases, the motivation to transform is momentarily stronger compared to the addiction pull.
References
Galizio, M., & Maisto, S. A. (2013). Determinants of substance abuse: Biological , psychological, and environmental factors. Springer Science & Business Media.
Kissin, B. (2012). Treatment and rehabilitation of the chronic alcoholic. Springer Science & Business Media.
Mignon, S. I., & MignonW, S. (2014). Substance abuse treatment: Options, challenges, and effectiveness. Springer Publishing Company.
Wormer, K. V. & Davis, D. R. (2018). Addiction treatment a strengths perspective (4th Ed).
Cengage Learning, Boston, MA.
