Addiction - 3 Flashcards
1
Q
Addiction
A
- Addiction is a psychological problem where people think they have to ‘have’ or ‘do’ something regularly in order to avoid feelings
- Addiction can be substance addiction which is the addiction to substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, or tobacco
- According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), addiction is a dependence disorder which focuses on the addiction to drugs
- Some people can also feel an addiction to activities such as shopping or gambling
- People with addictions often have symptoms of withdrawal if they cannot do/have what they are addicted to. They often feel that they have to do/have what they are addicted to in order to feel normal again
2
Q
Types of addiction
A
- Dependence disorder
2. Behavioural addiction
3
Q
Withdrawal
A
- a set of unpleasant physical of psychological symptoms someone gets when they are trying to quit or cannot satisfy their addiction
- This can make detoxification a difficult process and drugs can be given to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce the chance of relapsing
4
Q
Symptoms of dependence disorder
A
- Ignoring evidence that the use of the substance is harmful to them
- Replacing normal and fun activities with using the substance or recovering after using it
- Feeling that the person needs to take the substance
- Stopping or reducing the use of the substance is very difficult
- Physical withdrawal symptoms such as shaking sweating, or vomiting, when the substance is not used for a period of time
- Tolerance to the substance so more is needed to be used to get the same effect
The ICD refers to addiction as a dependence disorder because the body “depends” on the substance to feel normal
5
Q
Symptoms of behavioural addiction
A
- They feel the need to do the activity regularly
- They have a hard time reducing the activity
- They have to do the activity more often, or do something more risky to get the same buzz
- They spend more time doing the activity than other things they used to enjoy
- They ignore arguments that the activity is unhealthy or damaging
6
Q
Requirements diagnosis of addiction
A
At least 3 symptoms at the same time for 1 month or repeated occasions over a year
7
Q
Increased tolerance
A
The need to increase the dosage of an addictive substance overtime, in order to get the same effect as a lower dosage before.
8
Q
Stopping addiction
A
- When an addict tries to cut off the substance/behaviour from their lifestyle completely and immediately, it often leads to them relapsing as they do not know how to function without it. As such, an addict needs to be carefully taken off of the substance/behaviour in order to quit his or her addiction
2 When stopping addiction, it is more effective to slowly stop partaking in the substance/behaviour until changing your tolerance to it again and being able to quit it completely. - Seeking personal and professional help such as therapy can help a person deal with uncomfortable feelings and help unravel thoughts that keep you addicted when trying to quit or after quitting an addiction
9
Q
How has incidences of addiction changed over time?
A
- Addiction now includes internet and video games addiction were as in the past addiction was solely about substance misuse
- Society’s relationship with drugs has changed as a number of drugs are now being prescribed for medical purposes
- Statistics show that the number of addictions in society is rising - drugs, alcohol and other substances are also becoming cheaper to access
10
Q
Addictions impact on individuals
A
- By ‘doing’ what they are addicted to, an addict will most likely ignore their family, friends and the things they normally enjoyed doing
- Additionally they might spend money on their addiction. This money could have been used for things that they need normally such as food or accommodation
- Their quality of life and their health could be affected because they are no longer invested in taking care of themselves
11
Q
Addictions impact on society
A
- One effect on society is that people with addictions may develop health problems as a result of substance misuse. This will lead to them having to take time away from work which will cost the company in covering the workload of the individual
- Additionally, the cost of healthcare services provided to support those with addictions. Places like NHS have to cover the cost of rehabilitation programmes and treatment which increases the cost of healthcare services
- People may also turn to criminal behaviour as a result of addition. They may steal or commit fraud to get money to fund their addiction. This negatively impacts society
12
Q
Dependence
A
Needing the addictive substance/behaviour in order to function normally
13
Q
Dependence disorder
A
A mental health problem related to the body being dependent on a substance e.g. heroine
14
Q
Behavioural Addiction
A
An addiction to an activity e.g. shopping
