Addiction - describing addiction

Question 1

Define addiction

Answer 1

A state in which a person engages in compulsive behaviour despite its harmful consequences

Question 2

What is addiction typically seen as

Answer 2

A process of reinforcement, where the person suffers a lack of control over limiting intake

Question 3

What happens if a person tries to limit intake

Answer 3

Physical and mental withdrawal symptoms

Question 4

What is physical dependence of an addiction

Answer 4

Result of long term use, physiological need for the drug with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, become reliant for regular functioning, accompanied by higher tolerance

Question 5

What is an example of physical withdrawal symptoms

Answer 5

Delirium tremors (alcohol)

Question 6

What is psychological dependance of an addiction

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is tolerance in relation to addiction

Answer 7

Diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring user to take larger doses

Question 8

What 3 ways can the body chronically adjust to an addiction through tolerance

Answer 8

1. Metabolic tolerance
2. Neuroadaptation
3. Learned tolerance

Question 9

What is metabolic tolerance

Answer 9

Enzymes responsible for breaking down the drug become more effective, reducing its effect

Question 10

What is neuroadaptation

Answer 10

Changes at synapse occur, e.g down regulation may make receptors less sensitive or fewer, reducing effect of drugs

Question 11

What is learned tolerance

Answer 11

Person has learned to function normally whilst under the influence of the drug

Question 12

What is withdrawal in addiction

Answer 12

Unpleasant physical or physiological effects following discontinued use of the drug, come in 2 types

Question 13

What are the 2 types of withdrawal

Answer 13

Acute withdrawal, post acute withdrawal

Question 14

What is acute withdrawal

Answer 14

Starts within hours but usually stops within weeks

Question 15

What is post acute withdrawal

Answer 15

Brain slowly reorganises and balances, could take months/years

Question 16

What are examples of withdrawal symptoms

Answer 16

Shakes, tremors, vomiting, blood pressure and HR changes

Question 17

What do withdrawal symptoms sometimes lead to

Answer 17

Relapse as the body’s reaction to cessation of the drug is intolerable

Question 18

How are chronic addictions diagnosed

Answer 18

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

Question 19

WHat are the 7 symptoms of chronic addiction diagnosis

Answer 19

1. Tolerance
2. Withdrawal symptoms
3. Increasing doses
4. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down intake
5. Considerable time spent obtaining, using or recovering from the substance
6. Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up
7. Continuation of use despite recognition of effects

Question 20

How are acute and episodic addictions diagnosed

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are the 4 symptoms of acute or episodic addiction diagnosis

Answer 21

1. Interference with obligations in the major role, e.g missing school
2. Recurrent use in hazardous situations e.g drink driving
3. Legal problems related to drug use
4. Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused by substance use