Compulsion and Persistent Temptation †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Compulsion and Persistent Temptation. Answer: Introduction The previous speakers argument that the child with diminished autonomy should be preferred over the substance abuser may appear correct from the perspective of autonomy. However, the drug abusers should be given equal preference considering the risk of harm (such as reinjury if already injured and presented to emergency ward) to treat them paternalistically. They are entitled to protection as in medical ethics. More than value to the autonomy, it is important that the health care providers are liable to consider what is good or bad for the patient as per the theory of virtue ethics. The examples of virtue ethics are found in the ANMC code of conduct and guidance on good health and good character. It emphasise on the virtues of the individual and on the moral character (Wilson et al., 2017). The health care providers cannot influence the decisions of the patients about their medical care. Addicts have apparent desire to engage in a harmful act (Noggle, 2016). It is morally correct to save them first. If denying ICU may lead to patients threat than it is justified to admit the autonomous substance abuser first, then the child, whose autonomy is diminished. If the patient is aggressive then he/she may harm others as well. Therefore, it is not justified to save one child in ICU and harm two other people. This also aligns with two ethical principles of the theory of Principlism- beneficence and non-maleficence (Kerkhoff Hanson, 2015). Alcohol and drug abuse are conditions that are diagnosable with effective treatments. Untreatment would lead to serious medical conditions. Traumatic injury and reinjury is strongly associated with alcoholism and there is no valid reason to deny ICU access and address injury of drug and alcohol abuse. The care provider also have ethical obligation to protect society from those patients whose actions may cause great financial cost through serious harm to themselves or others. As per the ethical theory of Consequentialism, the correct moral response is related to the outcome, or consequence, of the act (Kerkhoff Hanson, 2015). Therefore, the argument of the previous speaker about denying access to ICU due to increasing health care cost by substance abusers is invalid. How significant this financial cost may be it does not approach or be compared to the personal cost of the individual and the family members and the society. Thus, considering the consequences, it is appropriate to treat a drug abuser willing to seek life-changing treatment. It is justified if the patient may harm others and increase hospital cost further. Lastly, I would like argue that emphasising on the use of harm reducing strategies to deal with substance abusers is necessary as it will give them opportunity to learn about treatment they need and its significance as addiction can be treated. Alcoholism or drug abuse should not be considered a moral failing or mere condition of poor self-control. Instead, it is currently considered a chronic brain disease often associated with relapses (Bartlett et al., 2014). Why should they be denied access to ICU when they cannot control negative behaviour due toaltered neurotransmitter pathways? These harm reducing strategies will help honour the rights of substance abusers. It is justified because it was found by some researchers that different people are effected in different manner by the social inequality (Bartlett et al., 2014). Therefore, giving them the opportunity to engage in healthy behaviour by giving access to ICU is justified. Further, It should not be neglected that the addiction is driven by neurochemical changes, genetic factors other than the environmental and behavioural attitudes. With increase in dopamine and high, more substance is needed to perform normal functioning. Then why should a person be punished if he/she has no control over genetic influence? This brain disease is not a choice after all. Therefore, the health care providers should not reject care to the substance abuser who approached them in disdain and rejection, even if they subtly reject the care offered by providers (Lank Crandall, 2014). Conclusion Therefore, Madam Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, in conclusion, intensive care units revolve around ethical issues and the use of principles of ethical reasoning. With this being said, I would emphasise on the argument that people who use and abuse drugs should not be denied access to intensive care units. I would like to ask what would you do if your own son or daughter is addicted and needs to intense treatment to survive? References Bartlett, R., Brown, L., Shattell, M., Wright, T., Lewallen, L. (2013). Harm reduction: Compassionate care of persons with addictions. Medsurg nursing: official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, 22(6), 349. Henden, E. (2016). Addiction, compulsion, and weakness of the will: A dual process perspective. Kerkhoff, T. R., Hanson, S. L. (2015). Applied ethics: Have we lost a crucial opportunity?. Lank, P. M., Crandall, M. L. (2014). Outcomes for older trauma patients in the emergency department screening positive for alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana use.The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse,40(2), 118-124. Noggle, R. (2016). Addiction, Compulsion, and Persistent Temptation.Neuroethics,9(3), 213-223. Wilson, M. W., Bonnecaze, A. K., Dharod, A., Miller, P. J. (2017). Analysis of Intensive Care Unit Admission and Sequelae in Patients Intravenously Abusing Extended-release Oral Oxymorphone.Southern medical journal,110(3), 217-222.