Addiction - describing addiction Flashcards
Define addiction
A state in which a person engages in compulsive behaviour despite its harmful consequences
What is addiction typically seen as
A process of reinforcement, where the person suffers a lack of control over limiting intake
What happens if a person tries to limit intake
Physical and mental withdrawal symptoms
What is physical dependence of an addiction
Result of long term use, physiological need for the drug with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, become reliant for regular functioning, accompanied by higher tolerance
What is an example of physical withdrawal symptoms
Delirium tremors (alcohol)
What is psychological dependance of an addiction
Condition where person must continue to take the dug to satisfy intense mental and emotional craving, they feel they cant cope without it, and absence causes anxiety, irritation and depression, thus in the mind it becomes the focus of the persons life
What is tolerance in relation to addiction
Diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring user to take larger doses
What 3 ways can the body chronically adjust to an addiction through tolerance
- Metabolic tolerance
- Neuroadaptation
- Learned tolerance
What is metabolic tolerance
Enzymes responsible for breaking down the drug become more effective, reducing its effect
What is neuroadaptation
Changes at synapse occur, e.g down regulation may make receptors less sensitive or fewer, reducing effect of drugs
What is learned tolerance
Person has learned to function normally whilst under the influence of the drug
What is withdrawal in addiction
Unpleasant physical or physiological effects following discontinued use of the drug, come in 2 types
What are the 2 types of withdrawal
Acute withdrawal, post acute withdrawal
What is acute withdrawal
Starts within hours but usually stops within weeks
What is post acute withdrawal
Brain slowly reorganises and balances, could take months/years
What are examples of withdrawal symptoms
Shakes, tremors, vomiting, blood pressure and HR changes
What do withdrawal symptoms sometimes lead to
Relapse as the body’s reaction to cessation of the drug is intolerable
How are chronic addictions diagnosed
Diagnosis of the chronic problem of substance dependance, an individual must show 3 of the 7 symptoms over a 12 month period at any time
WHat are the 7 symptoms of chronic addiction diagnosis
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Increasing doses
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down intake
- Considerable time spent obtaining, using or recovering from the substance
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up
- Continuation of use despite recognition of effects
How are acute and episodic addictions diagnosed
For acute or episodic diagnosis of substance dependance, one or more of the 4 symptoms must be displayed at any time in a 12 month period
What are the 4 symptoms of acute or episodic addiction diagnosis
- Interference with obligations in the major role, e.g missing school
- Recurrent use in hazardous situations e.g drink driving
- Legal problems related to drug use
- Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused by substance use
