addiction - introduction

Question 1

define addiction

Answer 1

A disorder in which an individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences.

Question 2

define tolerance

Answer 2

A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted needs more to get the same effect.

Question 3

when dose physical dependence occur

Answer 3

when a withdrawal syndrome is produced by reducing or stopping intake.

Question 4

define tolerance

Answer 4

A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted individual needs more to get the same effect

Question 5

what is tolerance caused by

Answer 5

repeated exposure to a substance.

Question 6

what are the two types of tolerance

Answer 6

behavioural tolerance

cross tolerance

Question 7

what is behavioural tolerance

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

what is cross tolerance

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

define withdrawal symptoms

Answer 9

A set of symptoms that develop when an addicted person abstains from or reduces their substance abuse.

Question 10

what do withdrawn symptoms usually do

Answer 10

the opposite effect of the substance

Question 11

what dose withdrawal indicate

Answer 11

a physical dependence on the substance has developed

Question 12

what is the motivation to continue taking the substance

Answer 12

to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, a secondary form of psychological dependence.

Question 13

what are the two phases of withdrawl

Answer 13

acute withdrawal phase

prolonged withdrawal phase

Question 14

what is the acute withdrawal phase

Answer 14

begins within hours of abstaining and features intense cravings for the substance, reflecting strong dependence.

Question 15

what is the prolonged withdrawal phase

Answer 15

includes symptoms that continue for weeks, months and even years. The person becomes highly sensitive to cues associated with the substance

Question 16

define risk factors

Answer 16

Any internal or external influence that increases the likelihood a person will start using addictive substances or engage in addictive behaviours.

Question 17

what are the 5 risk factors

Answer 17

genetic vulnerability

stress

personality

family influences

peers

Question 18

how is genetic venerability a risk factor

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

how is stress a risk

Answer 19

self-medication

Stress includes present and past events (such as trauma in childhood.)

Question 20

how is personality a risk

Answer 20

Individual personality traits such as hostility and neuroticism may increase the risk of addiction.

Question 21

how is family influence a risk

Answer 21

Living with a family which uses addictive substance and/or has positive attitudes about addictions increases a person’s likelihood of being addicted.

Question 22

how are peers a risk

Answer 22

As children get older, peer relationships become a more important risk factor than family. Peers’ attitudes towards substance abuse are influential.

Question 23

what are the two types of dependence

Answer 23

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.