Borderline Competency: Does addiction blurs the boundaries of competency

Abstract

Addicts are important component of the societies but their participation and enrolment in research is always questionable. Addiction is a selection of one’s own choice. A competent person is one who can make a free decision about what to do with his or her life and addicts do qualify this criterion of competency. Acute phases of drug intoxication and withdrawal may render addicts incompetent but those who are not in these phases of intoxication and withdrawal enjoy their normal life. They not only keep themselves away from acute intoxication but also from compulsive behaviors.
Sources of Data: The data was extracted from on line resources such as MEDLINE. Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS). Research articles. British Medical Association Professional Division Publications. National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC).
Conclusion: Addicts are the autonomous beings, competent enough to take decision for themselves in their daily life. Similarly they can also take part in research; they must be encouraged to do so. Taking part in research is not only beneficial for addicts themselves as an individual but also to the group they symbolize. Keeping in view these facts I therefore believe that addiction does not blur the boundaries of competency.