Millions of people across the globe struggle with drug addiction. Substance abuse has been shown to negatively affect the spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of the health of individuals. Those who struggle with addiction also feel alienated and suffer stigmatization. It is sad and unfortunate that society appears to have abandoned drug addicts. As a result, the addicts lack the support they need to abandon their destructive habits. It is therefore not surprising that a majority of those who attempt to turn away from drugs usually relapse. Mei-Hui Hsieh partnered with other scholars to analyze the experiences of drug addicts in Taiwan. Through their study, they established that these addicts endure a wide range of hardships. Their study underscores the need for urgent action. A thorough analysis of the article that Hsieh and her colleagues authored reveals that the insights that they share are accurate and in line with existing research.
Before proceeding to offer details of how they conducted their study and the results of this study, Hsieh and her colleagues offer some background information. This information concerns the treatment that is provided to drug addicts. Hsieh and her team note that the treatment is usually ineffective. Citing another scholar, they state that “at the present time addiction treatment is limited by the lack of predictability in its ability to intervene” (Hsieh et al., 48). Essentially, these scholars contend that it is impossible to guarantee that treatment for drug addiction will be effective. To establish the accuracy of this argument, it is helpful to consult other scholars. In their article, Stacey McCallum and her fellow researchers confirm that treatment effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. They mention that “standard treatments for alcohol use disorders may not fully meet the needs of patients” (McCallum et al., 2015, p. 828). Since McCallum and her team confirm the argument that Hsieh and her colleagues present, it is clear that the latter group of scholars present facts that are grounded in research. Through their mention of the ineffectiveness of treatment, Hsieh and her colleagues essentially suggest that the medical community is failing drug addicts.
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A proper analysis of research involves scrutinizing the methods that the researchers employed. Examining the method that Hsieh and her colleagues used reveals some flaws. There is some chance that these flaws tainted the research thereby raising questions about the accuracy of the findings. In describing the method that they used to select participants for the study, the researchers state that “participants were recruited through purposive and convenient sampling until themes or patterns were emerged” (Hsieh et al., 2015, p. 48). Here, the researchers are essentially admitting that they manipulated the participant selection process to achieve some predetermined outcome. To achieve reliable and accurate findings, the researchers should have used standard sampling processes. For example, they should have randomly selected participants from a given population instead of adopting a recruitment process that is halted when certain observations have been made. This is simply convenient and unscientific.
In the discussion above, Hsieh and her fellow researchers have been accused of adopting an unscientific participant selection method. It would be interesting to see if the outcomes of their study reflect their choice of sampling method. These scholars made a number of intriguing observations. The first observation concerns the power of addiction. After analyzing the collected data, Hsieh and the other researchers noted that all illicit substances have a magnetic property that cause addicts to become attached. They state that “the feeling that the user derives from the drug blindly attaches them to the substance” (Hsieh et al., 2015, p. 49). This finding is not surprising since other scholars have established that addiction involves a strong attachment to dangerous substances. For example, Gene Heyman (2017) contends that drugs are very addictive and those who use them encounter difficulties in their efforts to quit. They note that while the addicts have free will that enables them to abandon drug habits, it requires a tremendous amount of effort and resolve to quit taking drugs. Basically, Heyman confirms the observation that Hsieh and her colleagues make. Illicit substances have the power to trap addicts in misery. What makes this finding particularly interesting is the inclusion of the testimonies of some of the participants. Hsieh and her colleagues quote numerous participants who open up about their struggles with addiction. Thanks to these testimonies, one is able to understand the pain and hardship that drug addicts endure as they try to adopt healthier lifestyles.
It appears that Hsieh and her colleagues set out to highlight the struggles of drug addicts. This can be seen in their description of the experiences of these addicts. For example, these scholars note that “the drug becomes inextricable from the person, and they are unable to distinguish reality and unreality” (Hsieh et al., 2015, p. 51). Basically, Hsieh and her team suggest that addicts are at the mercy of the substances that they abuse. These substances control nearly all aspects of their lives. Hsieh and her team are not alone in raising awareness about the power of drugs and the struggles of addicts. Stacey McCallum and her colleagues echo these issues in their article. They reiterate that drug addiction is an illness from which recovery is extremely difficult. According to McCallum and the researchers that she partnered with, patients ailing from drug addiction desire empathy and understanding. They note that “patients expressed a desire to work with staff who possessed qualities such as empathy, understanding, trust, respect…” (McCallum et al., 2015, 834). This statement is in line with the observations that Hsieh and her fellow scholars made. The intense desire for drugs that addicts feel underscores the need for empathy, trust and understanding. Instead of being condemned and judged as bad and irresponsible people, they should be offered treatment. In her article, Judith Grant (2014). also highlights the importance of sympathy and understanding. She challenges researchers to embrace reflexivity in their interactions with subjects with a history of drug and substance abuse. She urges researchers to endeavor to develop genuine and deep connections with the participants. Through these connections, the researchers are able to understand the struggles and pain that the former addicts face.
Perhaps the most striking insight that Hsieh and her team share is the struggle to quit. They state that drug addicts are caught in a “tug of war between love and hate” (Hsieh et al., 2015, p. 52). While they desperately desire to abandon their habits, the urge to consume the substance is irresistible. This insight is consistent with the situation on the ground. All the other researchers who have been quoted above state that addicts face difficulties in their bid to quit. Today, millions of drug addicts spend huge amounts in seeking rehabilitation. Despite the effort that is committed to ridding them of the appetite for drugs, most relapse. Hsieh and her colleagues speak for these addicts. They challenge readers to be empathetic and understanding. Readers need to know that drug addiction is a constant battle.
In conclusion, drug and substance addiction is one of the major health problems that the world faces today. Remarkable effort has been committed to addressing this problem. While this effort is yielding some encouraging result, many addicts continue to struggle. Hsieh and her colleagues examine the experiences of the addicts. After conducting a study, they observed that the addicts face serious struggles. They also highlight the need for sympathy. Overall, their article is informative and insightful. It challenges readers to understand that they have a role to play in addressing addiction. Readers need to offer love and support to addicts.
References
Grant, J. (2014). Reflexivity: Interviewing Women and Men Formerly Addicted to Drugs And/or Alcohol. The Qualitative Report, 19 (76), 1-15.
Heyman, G. (2017). Do Addicts have Free Will? An Empirical Approach to a Vexing Question. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 5, 85-93.
Hsieh, M., Tsai, S., Tsai, C., Hsu, Y., & Hsu, M. (2015). What is the Addiction World Like? Understanding the Lived Experiences of the Individuals’ Illicit Drug Addiction in Taiwan. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 53, 47-54.
McCallum, S. L., Mikocka-Walus, A. A., Gaughwin, M. D., Andrews, J. M., & Deborah, A. T. (2015). ‘I’m a Sick Person, not a Bad Person’: Patient Experiences of Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorders. Health Expectations, 19, 828-841.
