Defining Addiction

Question 1

What is Physical Dependence? (4 points)

Answer 1

• A result of long term use i.e daily use for weeks/months
• Physiological need for the drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when it’s discontinued
• Normal day-to-day functioning can become reliant on the substance
• Often accompanied by tolerance i.e. requiring increased doses for the same effect

Question 2

What is Psychological Dependence? (4 points)

Answer 2

• The condition that exists when a person must continue to take a drug in order to satisfy mental and emotional craving
• Individual feels they can’t cope with work and social life without it
• Absence of the drug causes the individual to feel anxious, irritable or depressed
• THUS THE ADDICTION IS IN THE MIND AND BECOMES THE CENTRAL FOCUS TO LIFE

Question 3

What is Tolerance? (4 points)

Answer 3

• The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the same effect

Can occur in 3 ways:
- Metabolic: Enzymes responsible for breaking down the drug become more effective
- *Neuroadaption: Changes at the synapse (e.g. receptors less sensitive)
- *Learned: Result of practise as they learn to function normally under the influence

Question 4

What is Withdrawal? (4 points)

Answer 4

• Unpleasant physical or psychological effects following discontinued use of a drug
• Can include tremors, vomiting, and heart rater changes

There are 2 types of withdrawal:

• Acute withdrawal (within hours, but usually stops within weeks)
• Post-acute withdrawal (brain slowly reorganises & balances, could take months / years)