Cognitive explanations of addiction - Self medication Flashcards
INI - What does the self medication model suggest?
That individuals intentionally use drugs as a means to treat psychological symptoms from which they suffer. Usually drugs that are perceived as helping particular problems. Therefore initiation depends on the specific effect that the individual desires.
INI - Give an example of self medication.
Some drugs are chosen to help overcome anxiety (eg alcohol), others to control aggressive urges. This may not make this better, but only need to be perceived to be doing so by the individual to become addicted.
MAI - Among smokers, what is the main reasoning behind the continuation of their habit?
Stress release. However, smokers report higher levels of stress than non smokers, and decrease when they stop smoking.
REL - How does stress release affect the chances of relapse?
When individuals relapse in smoking and begin to smoke again,t heir stress levels rise again. This paradox can be explained by the immediate effect that cigerettes have on withdrawal symptoms that arise when they can’t smoke.
REL - What chronic effect is there of smoking on stress?
A chronic increase of stress. This applies to alcohol addiction, where individuals become intoxicated to help forget their troubles, but undoubtedly creates more long term problems.
