O'Shea, James
(1998)
The Web of Addiction
An Exploration of the Complex Physiological,
Psychological, Social and Political Forces Involved in
the Development of Addictive Behaviours.
Masters thesis, National University of Ireland Maynooth.
Abstract
This study aimed to critically evaluate contemporary theory on the development of
addictive behaviours. It acknowledged the complex dynamic relationships between five
key variables including; individual, family, society, "stakeholders" and "addictive"
substances in developing an interactive model of addiction. The hypothesis suggested
that unitary definitions were inadequate, and that addiction was best understood as a
complex phenomenon intimately linked to the prevailing social and political climate.
The research employed three complimentary methods of inquiry including; a
comprehensive review of relevant literature, a questionnaire administered to a group of
adult students (to "reality check" theoretical frameworks) and a semi-structured
groupwork session.
The principle findings included; that there was a perceived preoccupation with
pathological models of addiction, that addictive behaviours may be seen as functional at
several levels of society and that drug and alcohol use were seen to be treated
dichotomously in Ireland. It was also suggested that the role of gender issues in
substance misuse were poorly understood, that the clear link between social disadvantage
and problem use was largely ignored by policy makers and that key stakeholders were
seen to create the reality of addiction by defining its parameters, diagnosing it and
determining appropriate responses.
| Item Type: |
Thesis
(Masters)
|
| Keywords: |
Web of Addiction;
Complex Physiological;
Addictive Behaviours; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Social Sciences > Education |
| Item ID: |
5134 |
| Depositing User: |
IR eTheses
|
| Date Deposited: |
10 Jul 2014 10:31 |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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