Discussion 2 Mike Koca

Tension-reduction theory (TRT) focuses on the motivations for individuals to

consume drugs. These motivations include stress, worry, anxiety, avoiding reality,
reducing tension, and above all, drugs/alcohol are pleasurable. This model involves
homeostasis, otherwise known as balance, which offsets stress, strain, anxiety,
conflict, or any aversive emotional state (Fields, 2013, p. 32). Therefore, drugs
and alcohol are an outlet to relieve tension. Tension can be defined as feelings of
fear, distress, anxiety, and frustration due to societal goals that cannot be
adequately obtained. Fields (2013, p. 32) argues that stress is a modern version of
tension which causes physical, chemical, or emotional factors that lead to mental
or bodily tension. Fields (2013) also indicates that individuals faced with
drug/alcohol problems are easily agitated by stimuli, and in return, turn to narcotics
as a means of sedation when feeling uncomfortable.
In the video Mike Koca: An Addicts Story, his fathers abuse of alcohol
consequentially led to his parent's separation and divorce when Mike was just 12
years old. The pain and stress of his mom and dad splitting pushed Mike to hang
around other kids and focus his attention on drugs and alcohol while his mother
worked long hours. Koca states I can remember the first time I got high, all I did
was laugh and it just seemed like a blast. The more I used, the more I had to use I
liked it too much. Not only did Mike turn to drugs and alcohol from the stress and
frustration of his parents split, but he also found great enjoyment and pleasure.
After going through recovery/treatment at Riverview Youth Center in Spokane,
Washington and living on his own, Mike was faced with a situation where he and a
group of friends started to drink and party. I sat there and held a beer in my hand
for about an hour before I took a drink described Koca. The stress and pressure
put on by his environment and group of friends pressed Mike to start drinking again.
The tension-reduction theory/model demonstrates why and how Mike was pulled
into the life of drug and alcohol use and abuse. He faced stressful and tense
situations with his parents split when he was young, along with the pressures of
living a normal life without drugs and alcohol, on his own after his initial
recovery/treatment.
Fields, R. (2013). Drugs in perspective: Causes, assessment, family, intervention
and treatment. (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Heinrich, M. (Producer). (1996). Mike Koca: An Addicts Story [Video]. Spokane, WA:
Riverview Youth Center.