1. The Condition of Being Human:<br />VULNERABILITY<br />Sarah Ehr<br />What makes humans, humans?<br />What is it about the human condition that makes us so vulnerable to influences, addictions and vices?<br />Table of Contents<br />Page 1 …………… Addiction Research Paper<br />Page 2 ...................................... Bibliography<br />Page 3 .. Requiem for a Dream Case Studies<br />Page 4 …………. Requiem for a Dream Essay<br />Page 5 …...….. Addiction Personal Response<br />Page 6 ………... Requiem for a Dream Visual<br />What Causes Addiction?<br />Individuals who fall victim to the power and pull of addiction cannot always be blamed for the predicament they find themselves in after they become mentally and physically dependent on their vice. Though all cases are unique, the majority have certain characteristics that allow insight into the particular causes for that particular person becoming an addict. The condition of being human makes all vulnerable in certain ways but many are unique to the individual in question, and due to this some types of personalities are more prone to addiction than others. What is truly fascinating about addiction is the effect it has on the brain, and why it appeals so much to people in some cases and so little in others. <br />Defining addiction has been a task many scientists and psychologist have struggled over since the term was first used. The present definition states that addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on substances that temporarily alter the chemical balance of the brain. When chemical stimulants are added to the delicate balance in the brain, there are profound effects that drastically alter all of an individual’s daily processes. Nearly all addictive drugs target the brain’s reward centre by flooding it with dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. The result is a “high” that gives the drug abuser incentive to continue use, for it is more reward than they have received for doing anything else. However after continued exposure to the drug, the brain naturally produces less dopamine to cope with the recent influxes while on the stimulant. A lessened amount of dopamine not only while on the drug but in everyday life causes the drug user to no longer find pleasure in activities they once did, and rely on increased doses of their vice to provide the “high” again. The desperation that an individual feels to get their high often overwhelms their common sense, as many addicts are aware of the consequences of their actions but are too obsessed with their next “fix” to care. The drugs that these individuals are on provide more reward than food, personal relations, or everyday activities many people find happiness in doing. At this point, the addict would go through immense withdrawal if they were to cease using the drug, because their brain and body now completely depend on it for dopamine.<br />While the brain processes are a fascinating subject, even animals have become dependent on addiction when humans have experimented on them. What makes addiction related to the human condition is why some individuals are more susceptible than others to use drugs continually to the point of dependency. One theory of this is the “self-medication hypotheses.” The basis of this theory is that in some cases certain individuals abuse drugs in an attempt to self-medicate their seemingly intolerable states of mind. Evidence of this theory is present in schizophrenics, as 90% are seen to be addicted to nicotine. When a person has survived a disaster they are also more likely to abuse drugs, as they often have post traumatic stress disorder and depression, which they try to relieve the symptoms of through drugs and alcohol. Stress has also been long recognized as a major contributor to drug cravings and relapse which further supports the theory where drugs are not chosen randomly but for their pharmacological effect. Other characteristics such as obsessive compulsive disorder can create a basis for addiction not due to self-medication but because the compulsions are impossible to control. Also some individuals rely on drugs or alcohol to release emotions such as anger or sadness that they cannot express normally, or they need to be “high” to have normal social interactions with people.<br />More theories suggest that abnormalities in social development play a role in which individuals are more susceptible to addiction. Typically, the accepted perspective on development is that over the course of life circumstances change and new social roles are created while old ones are abandoned. Milestones through these circumstances are hit or missed, and those missed milestones are particularly detrimental to individuals and can contribute to drug abuse. Often in cases where adolescents enter a more adult role earlier or later than their peers, the developmental perspective predicts negative consequences will result, including drug and alcohol use either immediately or later in life. The “mid-life crisis” can also cause drug and alcohol abuse due to the user being unsatisfied with their present life, and seeking some sort of excitement, perhaps because they missed a stage of excitement in their youth or have less people depending on them currently and no longer need to fill an “adult” role.<br />While the most prominent and dangerous addictions are to drugs and alcohol, any activity that stimulates the reward centre of the brain can be addictive as well, such as video games, shopping, gambling, even religion. Although these are common daily activities for most people without having addictive potential, certain personalities such as those with OCD, depression, PTSD and other mental illnesses are prone to addiction to any rewarding activity. Similar to the self-medication theory, the escape individuals find in their daily vice provide a way for them to cope with their symptoms and daily life. The truly tragic part of the human condition is that often vulnerabilities are of no fault of the man, but of what the world has put him through.<br />Requiem for a Dream: Character Case Studies<br />Harry Goldfarb<br />Addicted to heroin.<br />Background - Harry was raised by his mother Sara in the city, is currently unemployed and lives in an apartment with his girlfriend, Marion Silver, that is paid for by her parents. He has been a heroin addict for a few years, and recently got into the drug dealing business through his friend Tyrone. <br />Present - After using unsanitary injection practices when the Manhattan area drugs are stolen, Harry's arm became infected and needed to be amputated while en route to Florida. He is in the hospital now recovering.<br />Psychological Analysis - Social Development Factors - While Harry had a supportive influence in his mother, it appears the loss of his father caused him to be thrust into a more adult role while he was still young and easily influenced. The negative influences in his life caused him to get into the world of drugs where he became an addict. His mother also was prone to addiction, therefore genetic factors are plausible.<br />Marion Silver<br />Addicted to cocaine.<br />Background - Marion came from a wealthy family in the fashion industry and her parents set her up with her own apartment at a very young age. She had very few positive role models in her childhood, and grew up very quickly compared to the majority of her peers. Having her own apartment and a great deal of money gave her the means to do whatever she pleased, including drugs. Was engaged in a relationship with Harry Goldfarb.<br />Present - Currently Marion has run out of her funds to pay for her drugs, and has been prostituting herself in exchange for cocaine. <br />Psychological Analysis - Social Development Factors - With the lack of positive parental influence in her life, Marion had to partake in an adult role much sooner than her peers and it had negative consequences in her drug use. It also resulted in anger problems, which she often lashed out at Harry when not calmed by her vice.<br />Tyrone Love<br />Addicted to heroin.<br />Background - Tyrone was raised by a loving mother, but always wanted to succeed from a young age. His drive for easy success led him to desire to get into the drug trade, and quickly move up into higher ranks.<br />Present - Presently in jail<br />Psychological Analysis - <br />Sara Goldfarb<br />Addicted to diet pills (speed).<br />Background - <br />Present - <br />Psychological Analysis - <br />