addiction - introduction Flashcards
define addiction
A disorder in which an individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences.
define tolerance
A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted needs more to get the same effect.
when dose physical dependence occur
when a withdrawal syndrome is produced by reducing or stopping intake.
define tolerance
A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted individual needs more to get the same effect
what is tolerance caused by
repeated exposure to a substance.
what are the two types of tolerance
behavioural tolerance
cross tolerance
what is behavioural tolerance
when the individual learns through experience to adjust their behaviour to compensate for the effects of the addiction
For example, a person addicted to alcohol learns to walk more slowly when they are drunk to avoid falling over.
what is cross tolerance
developing tolerance to one substance can reduce sensitivity to another type.
For example, people who have developed a tolerance to the sleep-inducing effects of alcohol need higher doses of anaesthetic.
define withdrawal symptoms
A set of symptoms that develop when an addicted person abstains from or reduces their substance abuse.
what do withdrawn symptoms usually do
the opposite effect of the substance
what dose withdrawal indicate
a physical dependence on the substance has developed
what is the motivation to continue taking the substance
to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, a secondary form of psychological dependence.
what are the two phases of withdrawl
acute withdrawal phase
prolonged withdrawal phase
what is the acute withdrawal phase
begins within hours of abstaining and features intense cravings for the substance, reflecting strong dependence.
what is the prolonged withdrawal phase
includes symptoms that continue for weeks, months and even years. The person becomes highly sensitive to cues associated with the substance
define risk factors
Any internal or external influence that increases the likelihood a person will start using addictive substances or engage in addictive behaviours.
what are the 5 risk factors
genetic vulnerability
stress
personality
family influences
peers
how is genetic venerability a risk factor
people inherit a predisposition to dependence.
Genes may determine neurotransmitter activity in the brain which affects behaviours such as impulsivity that may predispose a person to dependence.
how is stress a risk
self-medication
Stress includes present and past events (such as trauma in childhood.)
how is personality a risk
Individual personality traits such as hostility and neuroticism may increase the risk of addiction.
how is family influence a risk
Living with a family which uses addictive substance and/or has positive attitudes about addictions increases a person’s likelihood of being addicted.
how are peers a risk
As children get older, peer relationships become a more important risk factor than family. Peers’ attitudes towards substance abuse are influential.
what are the two types of dependence
physical - occurs when a withdrawal syndrome is produced by reducing or stopping intake.
psychological - refers to the compulsion to experience the effects of a substance, usually for an increase in pleasure or a reduction of discomfort.
