Addiction Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Addiction - Research Proposal Example The problem of gambling is bigger than the individual, social group or a community. Understanding and preventing it, is therefore important for the society as well as for the country. Before one can write about gambling, one must understand the nature of its addiction. Addiction according to Henderson is "a complicated condition, with biological, physiological, psychological, behavioral and spiritual aspects. For this reason it is best to think of...addiction as multifaceted disorders, only one of which is the compulsive use of the addicting substance." (3) Individuals who are addicted (whether to alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex etc.) demonstrate particular behavior such as loss of control over the behavior, and continue to engage in the addiction despite negative consequences (Henderson 4). From a behavioral perspective addiction according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition) can be defined as an abuse or dependency which has negative consequences and interferes with important obligations, and causes noticeable distress or significant impairment in functioning. The criteria for dependence also include those that indicate physiological dependence as well as a loss of control as evidenced b repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down." (Henderson 6). Gambling, according to Collins, is a sequence of activities which involve two or more parties willing to place at risk something of value known as the stakes. They engage in this activity in the hope of wining some of greater value called the prize. The winner or loser is determined by the outcome of events that is known as the result. Gambling by definition does not make the gambler addict. This is because it is essentially a game in which the participants may undertake the activities commercially or in private situations (Collins 15). Gambling is an addiction for some people. Addicted gamblers tend to be