Addiction description

Question 1

define addiction

Answer 1

It is the compulsion to use a substance or engage in behaviour DESPITE its harmful consequences.
It is characterised by an inability to stop that behaviour resulting in a failure to function adequately in life.
This includes a building of tolerance to the drug and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop

Question 2

what is tolerance

Answer 2

how a person no longer responds to a drug in the same way they did before

Question 3

what does tolerance cause addicts to do

Answer 3

tolerance results in a person having to take larger and larger doses to get that same initial effect

Question 4

what are the three reasons for why a person may become tolerant to their addiction

Answer 4

1. repeated use leads to desensitisation at the synapse meaning more is needed
2. Enzymes responsible for the metabolising the drugs become more effective over time
3. Learned tolerance means the person has learned to function normally meaning they feel less of the effects

Question 5

when does withdrawal occur

Answer 5

this occurs when the taking of a drug or behaviour is discontinued.

Question 6

define withdrawal symptoms

Answer 6

a set of symptoms that occur when someone who is physically dependent either stops taking or reduces the dosage of their drug

Question 7

TRUE or FALSE withdrawal is similiar to tolerance

Answer 7

FALSE
withdrawal is the opposite as the body is trying to cope with cessation (stopping) of the drug

Question 8

what are withdrawal symptoms a sign of

Answer 8

physical dependence on a substance/behaviour

Question 9

what are examples of psychological withdrawal symptoms

Answer 9

anxiety
irritability
poor concentration
restlessness

Question 10

what are examples of physical withdrawal symptoms

Answer 10

shakiness
loss of appetite
sweating
heart palpitations
vomiting

Question 11

what are the 2 different types of withdrawal

Answer 11

acute withdrawal
post-acute withdrawal

Question 12

define acute withdrawal

Answer 12

begins hours after cessation where cravings are intense and persistent as the body hasn’t adjusted

Question 13

define post-acute withdrawal

Answer 13

can last for years after cessation classified as emotional and psychological turmoil as the brain slowly rebalances itself

Question 14

what is physical dependance

Answer 14

people who need to take a drug/engage in behaviour to feel ‘normal’ leading to addiction

Question 15

what is psychological dependence

Answer 15

this is when a drug is central to a persons thoughts, emotions and activities.