Characteristics

Question 1

What is the Oxford Dictionary definition of an addiction?

Answer 1

A state of dependency on a chemical substance, especially on a drug such as alcohol, nicotine or caffeine. Characterised by a strong physiological and or psychological need and a compulsive inability to resist taking the drug despite anticipation of adverse consequences.

Question 2

What are the 6 addiction criteria highlighted by Griffiths? (2005)

Answer 2

Salience
Mood modification
Tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms
Conflict
Relapse

Question 3

Explain salience (1st step of Griffiths’s Addiction criteria)

Answer 3

Meaning that the activity has become the most important thing in a person’s life. Even when they are not engaged in the behaviour it will preoccupy their thoughts.

Question 4

Explain mood modification (step 2 of Griffiths’s addiction criteria)

Answer 4

When the individual engages in the addictive behaviour they experience a change in their mood

Question 5

Explain tolerance (3rd step of Griffiths’s addiction criteria)

Answer 5

As time progresses the individual will need more of the drug or behaviour to have the same effects as they have gained a tolerance to it. Usually applies to chemical addictions (e.g heroin) but can also be applied to gambling (e.g gamblers heart rate decreases faster than non)

Question 6

Explain withdrawal symptoms (4th step of Griffiths’s addiction criteria)

Answer 6

If a behaviour is stopped then the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms , can be physical (e.g insomnia, headaches, nausea) or psychological (e.g moodiness or irritability), generally associated with chemical but can happen with behavioural

Question 7

Explain conflict (stage 5 of Griffiths’s addiction criteria)

Answer 7

Addicts will often experience conflicts between themselves and friends or family (interpersonal conflict) by compromising their job or relationships at the expense of engaging in the addictive behaviour. They may also have intrapsychic conflict. (E.g knowing they need to quit but struggling)

Question 8

Explain relapse (6th stage of Griffiths addiction criteria)

Answer 8

Addicts will have a strong tendency to return to the addictive behaviour even after years of abstinence or after seemingly successful treatment

Question 9

What are the 3 main things that need to be explained about addictions?

Answer 9

Initiation
Maintenance
Relapse