Addiction - Describing Addiction Flashcards
What is addiction?
A disorder in which an individual takes a substance/engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences
What is addiction marked by?
Physiological/psychological dependence, tolerance & withdrawal
What is physical dependence?
A state of the body due constant substance abuse resulting in withdrawal syndrome when the drug is reduced/stopped
What is psychological dependence?
A compulsion to continue taking a substance/continue performing a behaviour -> the use is rewarding
What is tolerance?
A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted individual needs more to get the same effect
What is behavioural tolerance?
When the individual learns to adjust behaviour to compensate the drug effects
What is cross-tolerance?
Developing tolerance to one type of substance can reduce sensitivity to another
