Characteristics of Addiction

Question 1

Who suggested that there are 6 criteria to be met before a behaviour is considered an addiction, and what type of addiction was this criteria created for?

Answer 1

• Mark Griffiths (2005)

- Behavioural, but can be linked to drugs/other substances.

Question 2

Name the 6 criteria.

Answer 2

• Salience
• Mood Modification
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal Symptoms
• Conflict
• Relapse

Question 3

Describe Salience.

Answer 3

• Becomes most important thing in life.
• Dominates thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
• Constantly preoccupies.
• E.G. Gambling - All time spent concocting schemes.

Question 4

Describe Mood Modification.

Answer 4

• Engaging = change in mood.
• ‘High’ / ‘Buzz’ or feelings of escape / numbness.
• Can change at different times.
• E.G. Smoking.
• Using activity to Self-Medicate.

Question 5

Describe Tolerance.

Answer 5

• Needs more to achieve same effects.
• Usually chemical addictions, but can be behavioural.
• E.G. Gambling + Heart Rates = Gambler H.R decreased faster than non-regular gambler = restart more quickly to achieve same arousal (Griffiths, 1993).

Question 6

Describe Withdrawal Symptoms.

Answer 6

• Caused by stopping behaviour.
• Usually chemical addictions (drugs).
• Physical: insomnia, nausea, headaches.
• Psychological: irritability, moodiness.

Question 7

Describe Conflict.

Answer 7

• Interpersonal Conflict: conflict between themselves and friends/family (compromise job/relationships to engage in behaviour).
• Intrapsychic Conflict - want to cut down/stop, but can’t.

Question 8

Describe Relapse.

Answer 8

• Return to behaviour after years of not engaging/seemingly successful treatment.
• Commonly chemical addictions (smoking).