alcohol and the cognitive approach

Question 1

cognitive approach

Answer 1

• brain processes information like a computer

Question 2

mitigation for current use (initiation)

Answer 2

• addiction to alcohol and other drugs can be explained by early experiences of trauma (khanizan, 1985)
• a developed mental disorder is accompanied by emotional distress
• self-medication has a soothing function

Question 3

specific effects (initiation)

Answer 3

• choice of drug isn’t random as self-medication is used to manage negative emotional states
• believed to be a link between the specific state and the drug used

Question 4

assumption about managing the problem (maintenance)

Answer 4

• individual is not in the position to look after themselves and have low self esteem as a result of early trauma and current distress
• alcohol has a powerful short term ability to relieve lack of self care

Question 5

self regulation disorder (maintenance)

Answer 5

• people self medicate because they cannot control their self esteem, relationships or self care
• khantizan

Question 6

stress relief (maintenance)

Answer 6

• individual cannot soothe themselves because of their experience of trauma
• they haven’t developed the confidence in themselves so they can’t judge their true value or worth

Question 7

counterproductive (relapse)

Answer 7

• using alcohol to self-medicate is ultimately counterproductive and self-defeating
• creates a rebound effect, causing symptoms to worsen or provoking a relapse

Question 8

increase in stress levels (relapse)

Answer 8

• a person dependent on alcohol who reduces or ceases their use will experience withdrawal symptoms which creates stress

Question 9

‘solving’ problems causes relapse (relapse)

Answer 9

• the risk is that the stress of withdrawals added to the person’s current distress makes their existence unbearable
• their solution is to drink again to relieve symptoms

Question 10

paradox of self-medication

Answer 10

• the start of a self-perpetuating cycle of distress, use, addiction, relapse etc
• argues that the underlying disorder should be treated, not the addiction
• addiction resolves after the distress is dealt with, so the person no longer needs to self medicate

Question 11

strength

Answer 11

• self-medication model can be used to help avoid addiction
• there are several pathways to becoming addicted , so the SMM can help people manage their alcohol before it becomes an addiction

Question 12

weakness

Answer 12

• evidence showing that underlying mental disorders do not cause addiction
• alcohol addiction cannot be the result of self medication symptoms of a disorder