addiction

Question 1

define addiction

Answer 1

• compulsion to use a substance or engage in behaviour despite its harmful consequences and you are unable to stop
• lead to failure to meet work, social and family obligations

Question 2

define tolerance and features of it

Answer 2

• when an individual has to take more and more of the substance to gain the same effect as their initial experience
• explained through homeostasis as the brain readjusts if we start to intake a substance regularly

Question 3

define cross tolerance

Answer 3

need for more of a substance to gain the same effect as the body becomes tolerant, seen in all drugs and cross drug families

Question 4

how does tolerance occur

Answer 4

metabolic tolerance- enzymes responsible for metabolising the drug do this more efficiently over time which leads to reduced concentrations in the blood and weaker effect
cellular tolerance- prolonged drug use leads to changes in resection density, reducing the response to the normal dose of the drug
learned tolerance- user will experience reduced drug effects because they have learned to function normally when under the influence of the drug

Question 5

define withdrawal syndrome and features of it

Answer 5

• unpleasant feelings and symptoms after you stop taking the substance
• follows tolerance as the body seeks out the drug
• low mood, feeling nauseous and being achy
• withdrawal is opposite to the feelings induced by the drug

Question 6

what does severity of withdrawal syndrome depend on

Answer 6

drug used- shorter half life leads to more intense withdrawal
amount consumed- if large amounts are consumed then the withdrawal will be greater
drug use pattern- greater dependence if the drug use is frequent and regular

Question 7

define acute withdrawal

Answer 7

begins within hours of drug cessation and gradually resolves, and is characterised by intense physical cravings

Question 8

define post acute withdrawal

Answer 8

emotional and psychological turmoil as addict experiences alternating periods of dysfunction and near normality as the brain tried to re-organise without relying on the substance

Question 9

what is physical dependence and features of it

Answer 9

• occurs with long term usage when a person relies on a substance to feel normal
• does not mean they are addicted
• increased tolerance
• unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms

Question 10

what is psychological dependence and features of it

Answer 10

• drug becomes a central part of an individuals thoughts, emotions and activities
• strong urge to use the drug
• cravings
• person feels anxious if cravings are not met and feel they are unable to cope

Question 11

how does Epstein suggest psychological dependence arises

Answer 11

• rational system- reasoning through conscious, analytical and emotion free decision making
• experiental system- precocious, autonomic and emotion driven, behave how we feel and often act irrationally