Two serious health issues that plague America are drug addiction and Type 1 diabetes. Both of these issues are causing the nation substantial distribution of resources in revenue, health care personnel and treatment resources. Research literature suggests that many high-school students begin the increasing use of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine and that when they reach adulthood drug use becomes addictive. The American Heritage Dictionary defines addiction as ,"compulsory physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance." On the other hand, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused when an infection results in the body to make a mistake and attack the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. It can occur at any age but is most common in children and young adults. Both Type 1 diabetes and addiction are diseases in which genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role.
Legally addiction has been recognized as a disease and some researchers view it as a disease of the brain. In 2007 Senator Joe Biden introduced the Recognizing Addictions as a Disease Act but the act was not passed. In 2008 as part of the Economic Recovery Act, which was passed in the US Congress insurance companies are required to treat "substance abuse disorders" in the same manner as chronic physical disease.
Henderson describes addiction as a "brain disorder that some people are more prone to develop because of genetic, psychological or environmental risk factors" (11). There are also long-term health consequences from heavy smoking, binge drinking, heavy marijuana use and cocaine use. In addition to cancer, liver cirrhosis, and loss of memory function, addiction leads to several debilitating side effects and medical conditions.
Type-1 Diabetes is a disease of the body that affects physiological makeup and recovery is not possible without further medical advancement.
