Humanistic Perspective and Addiction Essay Example

Humanistic Perspective and Addiction Essay Tia Gardner September 21, 2012 Humanistic Perspective and Addiction There are several theories of addiction. All of them are imperfect. All are partial explanations. It is for this reason that it is important to be aware of and question addiction theories. One contemporary psychoanalytical view of substance abuse is that it is a defense against anxiety (Thombs D 2006). Addicts often abuse alcohol and other substances to guard against anxiety and other painful feelings like shame, guilt, loneliness and depression. Psychological problems including substance abuse disorders are viewed as a result of inhibited ability to make authentic, meaningful, and self directed choices about how to live. The Humanistic Perspective views the human nature as basically good, with a natural potential to maintain healthy, meaningful relationships and to make choices that are in the best interest of self and others. Humanistic and existential psychotherapies use a wide range of approaches to case conceptualization, therapeutic goals, intervention strategies, and research methodologies. Consequently, interventions are aimed at increasingly client self-awareness and self-understanding. Humanistic and existential therapies delve to a much deeper level, to issues related to substance abuse disorders and addiction, often serving as a catalyst for finding alternatives to fill the emptiness that the addict may be feeling. In the 1970s, there was a breakthrough in receiving insurance reimbursement for treatment of addictive disorders-an agreement between Smithers Rehabilitation Program and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New York designating the 28-day rehab benefit. We will write a custom essay sample on Humanistic Perspective and Addiction specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Humanistic Perspective and Addiction specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Humanistic Perspective and Addiction specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Addictive behavior was now considered a primary illness, a symptomatic expression of an underlying mental disorder. Axis II disorders were not considered serious mental illnesses whose treatment could be underwritten by insurance companies and, later, by managed-care policy makers. Fragmenting symptoms as if they derived from separate illnesses led to a misuse of the concept of so called dual diagnosis, flying in the face of Jellineks original ideas and enabling patients to minimize the severity of their core ego deficits by splitting them into disparate and unconnected parts serving their delusions f denial and the maintenance of dependency. All interested parties are aware that the most frequent outcome of treatment is relapse. Although patients are held responsible, in fact, for their own behavior, the public perceives such behaviors as a failure of the treatment environment. Therefore, grasping the humanistic perspective and aspects of addiction and its treatment can only work to advance the knowledge and technology of effective treatments of addiction. There are many different kinds of addictions, from drugs to interpersonal relationships. Although these diverse addictions vary in many ways there are common threads that bind them together. There are several theories that model addiction: genetic theories, exposure theories (both biological and conditioning), and adaptation theories. To be successful, an addiction model must blend the multidimensional aspects of addiction. It must account for regional and cultural variation, interpersonal preferences as well as hold true for the variety of addictions. In addition, a good model will describe a cycle that exists that encourages increasing use until the addiction is overwhelming and leaves the host lame. Lastly, theories must be able to describe addiction as it occurs through human experience. Although animal studies can aid in understanding behavior, results need to be carefully interpreted before they are applied to the much more complex nature of a human being. Though a genetic component seems likely, exactly what the gene codes for has not been elucidated. Questions arise as to whether or not it is the addictive behavior that is encoded or a biological mechanism that drives the behavior. Are there differences in the metabolism of various addictive substances that allow an individual to have varying levels of a drug in the blood stream and have a psychological experience different from someone else? Is there some genetic difference that perhaps allows some to realize when an elevated blood alcohol level has been reached and transmits a message to the brain to stop drinking that others do not have? These questions have not been clearly answered and are under persistent investigation. Among the numerous definitions for addiction, there lies yet another to define it from a biochemical perspective. Milkman (1983) defines it as â€Å"self-induced changes in neurotransmission that result in social problem behaviors. This definition encompasses the psychological, biochemical and social aspects of addictive processes. It is not limited to substance abuse and can be applied to any activity characterized by compulsion, loss of control and continuation of the substance despite harm. This has helped investigators gain a better understanding of the nature of addiction. It has been shown that individuals turn to drugs that elicit a mood or level of arousal consistent with their mode of dealing with stress. Those who deal with stress by confrontation choose drug stimulants. Those who withdrawal from stress chooses opiate drugs. Others who deal with stress through activities related to imagery or fantasy turn to hallucinogens. These differences between behavior and drug preference are thought to be biochemically driven. Although I primarily favor a synthesis of the biological and behavioral perspectives, I believe the humanistic perspective is more useful in understanding the phenomenon of recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. For me this is a very unusual and interesting paradox. That a psychological disorder has been best explained by the biological and behavioral perspectives, but not necessarily best dealt with using those same perspectives is fascinating, and I think it is very true for alcoholism and addiction. The biological and behavioral perspectives do well to explain addiction Recovery from poses people towards addiction. Addicts also learn certain behaviors and cognitions from their environment; avoidance, irresponsibility, self-doubt, and self-loathing, that predispose them towards the self-destruction of addiction. It is quite possible that these things, a genetic predisposition and environmental factors, go hand in hand given the dynamics of a family with an alcoholic parent: children are far more likely to become an alcoholic/addict themselves. Of course, at this point, I have to fess up to personal experience to support my argument in favor of the humanistic perspective regarding recovery from drug addiction. Having been diagnosed a drug addict, I have been exposed to all sorts of treatments stemming from biological and behavioral theories. Rewards and punishments, all fell somewhat short of the mark with respect to achieving long-term abstinence and overall improvement in the quality of my life. It wasnt until a completely different approach was taken, that recovery from addiction was possible. I feel that the usefulness of the humanistic perspective isnt particular to my experience either, but might be fairly universal to others also recovering from addiction. In the case of drug addicts, at a certain point, a natural inclination to grow and achieve a more fulfilling existence can over-power the causes of addiction. Nurturing these desires is far more effective in overcoming addiction than relying on the causes for answers. Take, for example, success rates of recovery in 12-step programs. Rather than focusing on the causes of addiction, or drawing the outlines for recovery from the cause, 12-step programs take a distinctly humanistic approach, encouraging people to better themselves, their lives, and their communities. These programs rely on the addicts personal desire to better himself and then direct him in how to do it. The reasons for success of 12-step programs are not completely understood by psychologists or doctors, but the fact that they help people recover from alcoholism and drug addiction is largely undisputed. I think, in this particular case, its because the humanistic perspective is used. And through experience, I have found that any sort of therapy emphasizing personal choice, self-betterment and self-fulfillment goes a lot further in treating addiction than does medication or reconditioning efforts. Despite personal biology and environmental factors that teach an addict to deal with life by avoiding it, the humanistic perspective allows an addict to overcome these things by taking control of their choices and the behaviors that were harmful to them. Where the biological and behavioral perspectives maintain that addiction is a result of factors beyond the addicts control, which may, in fact, be true, recovery from addiction has proven best served by free-will and consciously striving to improve ones self. In the particular instance of drug addiction, while biology and behavior may be responsible for the problem, the tenants of the humanistic perspective provide the most effective cure. http://www. psychologytoday. com http://www. addictioninfo. org http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov

We Decide if Rejection Fits

We Decide if Rejection Fits When we are rejected, whether Yea, yea, youve heard all that, and its easier said than done. You know, the standing back up stuff. After all, arent we just getting shot, then standing back up to be shot again? Maybe. But sooner or later, those people run out of ammo. I had a real pity party this week. Hey, didnt I have one of those not too long ago? Yes, but there are all sorts of ways to be rejected, you know. And about the time you toughen up to one form of it, another slaps you from behind. This time, I actually sat down with a cup of coffee and asked myself some pertinent questions because I didnt like how this situation made me think. I was not chosen for a speaking engagement that Id spoken at before. And its laughable now, but I caught myself seeking ways to criticize the event and the players involved rather than looking in the mirror. Childish. Then I asked myself: Do you feel like a lesser person because you didnt make the cut? Is that the problem? Did they make you question yourself, make you think you were on the wrong track? Then I asked: Is there anything in this situation that would make you change who you are and what you do? Are these gatekeepers important enough to alter your path? We dont like to think of ourselves as substandard. But sometimes its as simple as we dont have the right connection. Sometimes the person in front of us made the cut and filled the slot. Sometimes who and what we are isnt the who and what someone else needs for the job. Was I ready to change something major as a result of that particular rejection? Sometimes a rejection is a sign we arent our best, but not this time. My husband tried to tell me how they didnt merit me, which was sweet. Who doesnt love a good cheerleader? But instead I took my coffee cup back to the computer and kept on working. I could think its their loss or theyre stupid or they dont deserve me, but that makes me a type of person I dont want to be. I was a square peg for their not-so-square hole. Better to spend my energy seeking square holes.

Web Services Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Web Services Security - Essay Example Every business wants to use web services and extend it beyond the boundaries of their organization. This requires new security demands and solutions. Research of the literature available suggests that technology is being upgraded regularly. It is possible to keep the web services secure although for small organizations it may be costly. Most importantly, the web security vendors have to agree to a standard. Most web services have the security packages in-built while Microsoft also allows free downloads. Nevertheless, as technology develops so does the efforts and technology of the hackers and cyber criminals. Data breach resulting from weak security practices can result in facing lawsuits from the federal and state agencies. This can in turn erode business equity, consumer trust and ultimately the business reputation. Securing XML has a variety of problems and is vulnerable to a variety of attacks. There are too many web services security vendors but they have to advertise their mess ages in the right manner (Rowan). In the web services world all the vendors have to agree to a standard but different groups have emerged. Back lashing and copious reports about each other can be found although all are working towards ratifying the standards. Machine to machine communication poses a threat. Web services security can verify the origin of the messages but this necessitates that all members of the group have to be known to each other.

Naval History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Naval History - Essay Example The Great Britain in a competition to match German Naval Power, constructed large battleship referred as HMS Dreadnoughts; this battleship was the dominant naval technology in the 20th century. People had a strong impression on this ship and many countries, specifically Germans were uneasy with British dominancy on Naval Space.1 The United States also constructed a more sophisticated Battleship referred as the HMS Agamemnon; this ship was constructed under President Roosevelt’s regime in the early 1902. The HMS Agamemnon was characterized by high-firing gun caliber. Before construction of the Agamemnon, the United States of America had also constructed HMS Dreadnoughts. Another similarity in relation to naval innovation between in the United States of America and the Great Britain was exhibited in the manner by, which the battleships were constructed. The HMS Dreadnoughts constructed by the United States of America and that constructed by the British, were fitted with Long Range Gunnery, however, they could only fire within a short period of time. The Idea of the fitting HMS Dreadnoughts with Long Range Gunneries was emulated by the United States in 1903, after the Yalu River Battle with Japanese: These long range gunneries were referred as Torpedoes. Similarly, the British Navy also saw the need to engage their opponent from long ranges of approximately 6000ft when using HMS Dreadnoughts. 2 Additionally, the use of Sub-Marines was an idea that was emulated by the United States as well as the Great Britain in the First and the Second World War. The use submarines to undertake naval warfare in the early 1900’s was perceived as a crude approach towards war both in the United States and the Great Britain. However, submarine as a naval technology was also subject to change and improvement and both the nations emulated the use of different classes of submarines i.e. the United States used the U-class models among other models,

3D Graphics Animation Technology

3D Graphics Animation Technology Abstract- In this paper a simple study to gain what is today 3D graphic animation technology has been researched. A brief explanation on the history and variety technology of 3D graphics is obtained. The design of 3D animation graphic is explained in introduction section. The inter information of the technology were discussed by referring the available internet sources. The figure of the 3D animation graphics also have been attached in this report. Index Terms 3D animation, history, technology Introduction Nowadays, everything is easy with technology. From now on we are able to sit in our homes and just look at the picture. The 3D animation was added with an extra ZING concept to make the film excitement. A long time ago, there was no concept of new technology that has developed by any creator. That day, film was used to a boring and animation just use 2D concept. Since the technology has changed, the use of this technology makes everyone enjoyable when watching the movie. In order to create a 3D computer animation, it is not an easy task. It requires extensive knowledge and technical support. It is recommended that the specialists are competent on creating animated computer graphics. Personal computer is also able to make 3D animations. To develop this 3D animation, it requires very technologically advanced workstations powered expensive. There are several types of operating systems like Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux which is the most commonly used. Other equipment, such as motion capture, video capture performance and blue screens are also used to achieve perfection. hISTORY The history of 3D computer animation can be traced from inception to commercial use. The first thing is where it was conceived, and then how it eventually wound up in our daily lives. Since there are many contributors to computer animation, 3D animation is attributed to William Fetter. William Fetter worked for Boeing during the 1960s using computers to animate and design certain models. One of his projects involved making what came to be known as The Boeing Man. It was a three-dimensional representation of the human body. After that, it was changed by Fetter using the term computer graphics. In 1976, Ed Cat mull and Fred Parke involved the use of 3D computer graphics and animation in a movie of Future world. In part from the movie, the technology of a human face and hand was animated to visually add a futuristic characteristic to the film. Since the technique has been used in many movies, and become a standard in film, television and video games. After Future world, the world was introduced to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The director George Lucas is applied 3D graphics to not only enhance the atmosphere of the film, but as an integral part of the entire movie. This propelled special effects in cinema to new heights. The immense success of Star Wars would lead film makers to rely heavily of animation, in particular 3D animation. The Toy Story, technology has advanced 3D animation to become a daily part of American life. It can be seen at everywhere from video games to Internet application. Then, it can even be created using readily available software. 3D TECHNOLOGY 3D Computer Graphic 3D computer graphics are graphics which use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data. It was stored in the computer to perform calculations and rendering 2D images. For instant, images may be stored for viewing later or displayed in real-time. Although these differences, 3D computer graphics depend on many of the same algorithms such as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model. Apart from that, in the final rendered display for 2D computer raster graphics. In computer graphics software, the differences between 2D and 3D is sometimes blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques in order to achieve effects such as lighting. Besides, 3D may use 2D rendering techniques. 3D models often offered by 3D computer graphics. Apart from the rendered graphic, the graphical data file is within contained in the model. However, there are some differences on 3D model which is the mathematical representation of any three dimensional object. Since the graphic still not display, a model is not technically a graphic. A model can be displayed usually as a 3D rendering from the two-dimensional image or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations. Computer Animation Computer animation is one of the arts of creating moving images by using computers. It is a part of computer graphics and animation. 2D computer graphics are still widely used for stylistic, low bandwidth and faster real-time rendering even though 3D has developed crazily worldwide. CGI or Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging is the special use in films. Virtual entities may have and be controlled by variety of attributes For example, transform values (location, orientation, and scale) stored in an objects transformation matrix. The attribute over time changes in animation. The 2D or 3D graphics software will put into between key frames, creating an editable curve of a value mapped over time, resulting in animation. Other than that, there is another one method of animation include procedural and expression-based techniques. In order to create the movement that has the illusion, the image that have been replaced quickly after it was displayed on the computer screen. It was replaced with another new image which is similar to the previous image. This technique is applied in the television and motion pictures for image movement. Figure1: Computer Animation The modern technology movies Film is biggest source of entertainment. This are consists a lot of added value in modern movies to attract more people to the theaters. 3D technology has a value in most important for film. In 1844, David Brewster stereoscope is actually help the 3D with photographic images. Then, Louis Duboscq has improved this invention. It is take 3D images of Queen Victoria, and represent the photo to Universal Exhibition in 1851. 3D technology was start in training and this technology is found the way to be the better film. Now, the application of 3D technology was expand to Hollywood. Beginning at 2000, many studios have full time 3D movie. In 2003, the first film in IMAX 3D was release. It is using the latest technology through the camera system with the latest HD video camera. Thus, the technology is accepted by other Hollywood entertainer. In 2010, the 3D technology is mentioned. Many great films as Avatar, released in 3D format. Thus, it is certain that the coming days is the 3D technology. 3D Technology 3D technology is once of computer graphics developers skilled and games using high end software and machine. To create 3D and render the complex mix colors, virtual lighting and textures, workstation needed considerable processing power and memory to make figures appear three dimensional. Since 3D technology has come a long way, it increasing in the performance but decreasing in cost. PCs are less expensive and more powerful in the pass and can handle better for 3D. The way people to use 3D have begun spread from games to such activities as corporate presentation, web and product design and personal entertainment. PC maker have put 3D acceleration and many types of 3D technology into their entire computer that useful for design and architecture application. This technology is potential developing faster than other desktop computing area. 3D Games Technology 3D video gaming is coming for 3D games technology, with event of Nintendo showing their new 3D hand held system and Sonny show off 3D video games on PlayStation 3 platform. Its no surprise 3D eventually can be a part of video games. 3D games will probably make it stand in the next generation of video games because supporting television are too expensive and new just to play their games in 3D. 3D TV Show Technology 3D TV now possible to increased technological development. Now many popular movies at the theater in 3D and it can view 3D TV shows from own house, but this technology possible come without a price. A good opportunity to producing 3D TV show, 3D technology in cameras or in movie making has increase. For countries that use satellite and cable network broadcasting 3D TV show will easy to implementation to wide bandwidth frequency but cannot applied for terrestrial networks. The great news for 3D TV show like ESPN and Discovery Communications are going to launch their 3D TV network. Future 3D Movie Technology Future 3D film can be described in famous phrase from movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Another success was touted by Disney 3D film Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus: Best of Both World Concert Tour. For 3D high definition are used for animated hit Kung Fu Panda at 2008 with the voice of Jack Black. With moving forward the latest technology of 3D film can be classical past indeed a goal and better get 3D glasses and set up home theater soon. 3D Graphic Animation Technology A. CGI Technology The evolution of 3D graphic design didnt transform for a very long. But what is CGI animation, exactly? A decade ago, animators were sketch pictures by using hand. Old method animation consists of a whole animators team to draw and color images on cels transparent sheets that were placed on top of a background image for create a multi-layered frame. Through this, section of an each image could change from frame to frame without the entire picture being redrawn. By manipulating the drawings in each layer from frame to frame, animators would create what many adults today recognize it as the traditional cartoon. Many movie fans still remember the hype surrounding of old films such as Star Wars, where computer animation was used. The first sections of CGI animation included 2D animation. These simply involved what animators had been doing for decades such creating multiple frames of images on each second to generate the visual effect of animation. Figure: 2D Animation The picture below is an example of one such completed animated GIF. With todays amazing CPU processing capabilities, computer animators are now able to create a 3 dimensional model to start with. This model is only somewhat like its 2D counterpart, except now computers have the ability to not only modify large parts of a 2 dimensional image as layers it can calculate and modify very small sections of an object within a 3D world. The concept of todays level of 3D CGI animation is an evolution from basic cartoon animation into a simulated world that seeks to represent realism as accurately as possible. B. Example Conclusion 3D becomes most wanted technology that needed for all aspect either animation, movie for variety function and needed such hand phone, laptop, gamer and etc.

Lifes a Bitch and then you Rock :: essays research papers fc

Life's a Bitch and then you Rock   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Life is full of hardships, which is a bitch. But, if faced, they are overcome and you are rewarded, which rocks. However, if the problems are not dealt with, more problems will arise. My title is a quote by Art Alexakis—lead singer of the band Everclear. He was presented with problems in his life, but he faced them. And now his life is much better. No one ever promised that life would be easy, and no one ever told you exactly what to expect. This is because everyone’s life is different. No one faces the same challenges. But, everyone has to face life sooner or later.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, life confronts you with a problem. It is impossible to list every situation life can hand you, however, here are three scenarios that show different aspects of life. You’re a seventeen year-old girl who has just found out she is pregnant. Your boyfriend, afraid of the situation, has left you. Your parents, deeply religious, have shunned you. Your aunt allows you to stay in her house but disapproves. You are left alone to take care of yourself—sacrifice your childhood. In the next scenario, you’re a grown man. Your father has just suffered a severe stroke, his third in as many years. He is unconscious, in constant suffering, and kept alive, only by respirators that breathe for him. You must choose whether to keep him alive on the machine or pull the plug and let him die—decide his fate. Finally, you’re a 19 year-old college student that has to write a major essay. You haven’t made an effort all year. And if you donâ €™t write a reasonable paper you will probably fail the class. It’s not a difficult assignment but you have to find time, research the subject, and not loose sight your goal—take the responsibility. Ursula K. Le Guin was presented with responsibility when she saw the sparrow trapped in the cage (564-565). She could have just walked away, but she took it upon herself to find help. In our lifetimes, life provides a problem, and we must find a solution.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Next, you have to decide whether to face the problem at hand, or ignore it. Let’s say, in that the first scenario you face your problems, just as Barrett Mandel faced his problem—the inability of university students to write proficient papers. You get an after-school job; study just as hard, if not harder, than you have been; and make plans for the birth.

Existentialism and Human Nature Essay

Absolute individuality and absolute freedom: the basis of all existentialist arguments. The existentialist’s conceptions arise from their held views that since we are all ultimately alone, we have absolute freedom over our nature. Existentialists emphasize the â€Å"free and conscious self† which opponents constantly attack, exclaiming that there is a â€Å"higher power† enabling our consciousness. But are humans so simple? Can things be explained solely on blaming ourselves or another being for our nature? The existentialist generally believes in a sole existence; meaning that we are alone in the world, and that we have no one but ourselves. They also believe in the human being’s capacity to feel more than one kind of pain, and that there are three different levels to our pain, physical, psychological, and emotional. All of these types of pain can cause us to become irrational and anxious. But are we really anxious because of this pain, or is it because we ultimately feel alone? And if we are all individuals, can we really feel the same kind of pain as someone else? Existence precedes essence is also dominant in the mind and thoughts of the existentialist. That is, the idea that we are born into this world without a predetermined nature, and only later in life do we shape out nature through actions and choices. This opposes the traditional view that is that essence precedes existence, according to which we are seen as having a purpose, and values, all of which is determined before birth. (I personally think that the idea of essence preceding existence is rather obscure. There is no way that our values and purpose can be determined by genetic code. DNA is what we are, not who we are. ) Existentialists pose another question to the opposition: how can we be happy in a world devoid of significance and meaning? The loss of external values allows us to derive value from within ourselves. This value is greater than any imposed by outside forces, and thus cannot be taken away from said sources. Although many human beings live a life devoid of true happiness, it does not mean that we are incapable of attaining such a goal. If a person finds the meaning for their life, whether it be one meaning, or many, there is a large chance that they can achieve such a utopia without recognizing outside influences. People of different viewpoints follow different methods, as well as believe in different forces that shape our nature. It is in my opinion, as well as that of the existentialist, that we shape our own nature through decisions and actions made by our own free will; that we are ultimately free to act independently from the influences of outside forces. That we can ultimately ignore the views imposed on us, and achieve a sustainable level of happiness in the process. Human nature is a frail thing; people are just looking for someone else to blame for their actions and for who they are, even when there isn’t any. Therefore, there is no one to blame for who we are, but ourselves.