Cognitive Bias and Addiction: A Personal Analysis of Substance Abuse and Recovery
Overview
This reflection paper documents the author's personal experience with substance abuse and addiction during college, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and gambling over a three-year period. The paper analyzes cognitive biases that perpetuate addictive behaviors and argues that addiction counselors with personal recovery experience are more effective in treating addiction victims than those without lived experience.
What this reflection paper covers
- Personal narrative of substance abuse initiation and three-year struggle with alcohol, smoking, and gambling
- Analysis of cognitive biases underlying addiction, including false beliefs about alcohol necessity and self-medication
- Argument for peer-recovery counselors as more effective treatment providers based on relatable experience and authenticity
Preview
Discussion
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Discussion
When I joined college, life seemed different. I got the opportunity to try new things. I had more freedom with minimal parental supervision, I started to attend drinking parties. During a particular weekend, I participated in a friend's party and was persuaded to drink alcohol and smoke. It was a tense moment. Since I had not tried it before, I was curious to know how it tastes and feels. I picked the habit, which continued for about three years until two friends died from drunk driving. During the period, I wasted time and failed in several classes. I also started to engage in gambling activities. My health deteriorated, and I had to change and pursue my career goals.
On several occasions, I tried avoiding my friends and refused to attend some parties. I also worked on reducing my smoking frequency. Denying myself was the hardest thing to do. I was tempted to drink whenever I saw new alcohol brands. Some of my acquittances had stopped smoking, but I could not imagine taking their place. I feared because that would mean losing friends. There was an overreliance on gambling to fund my addictions. Losing friends felt like betrayal and cowardice.
Cognitive bias is central to the process of addiction. I had the mentality and perception that I cannot act or concentrate on activities unless I am drunk. The notion that the 'cure' to excessive hangovers was having a little drink was heavily embedded in my mind.