Addictive Behaviour - Knowledge And Understanding Of The Characteristics Of Addictive Behaviours Flashcards
Define “Addiction”
A state of dependency on a substance characterised by a strong physiological and/or psychological need, alongside a compulsive inability to resist the substance despite anticipation of negative consequences. Experiences of withdrawal in the absence of the substance, and in some cases “drug tolerance”
What is the DSM? What is it used for?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is the criteria for addictions such as alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, tobacco, opioids, and gambling.
What are the 6 criteria that Griffiths (2005) suggested needs to be met for behaviour to be considered an addiction?
Salience
Mood modification
Tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms
Conflict
Relapse
What is Salience?
Salience refers to when the addictive activity has become the most important thing in an individual’s life. Even when they are not doing it, they will still be thinking about it.
Give an example of Salience
Not gambling, but instead planning on how to get money in order to gamble it later on
What is mood modification?
Mood modification is the subjective experience people report when they engage in their addictive behaviour. The individual will experience a change in mood when engaging in this addictive behaviour.
Give an example of mood modification
A smoker may use nicotine for a boost first thing in the morning, and then use it to relax in the evening
What is Tolerance?
As time goes on, the individual will need more of the substance or behaviour to achieve the same effects. An addict will usually need to increase the amount of activity due to becoming unaffected by smaller doses.
Give an example of Tolerance
Usually associated with chemical addictions like heroin or alcohol, but it is also present in behavioural addictions such as gambling.
What are Withdrawal Symptoms?
