Describing Addiction

Question 1

Define addiction

Answer 1

Disorder, consumes substance or engages in behavior that is pleasurable eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences.

Question 2

Key features of addiction

Answer 2

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawals

Question 3

Psychological dependence

Answer 3

Mental and emotional compulsion to partake in addiction, believe they cannot cope without drug or behavior. Absence of may lead to craving, anxiety or irritability

Question 4

Physical dependence

Answer 4

State of the body, withdrawal symptoms from stopping substance/behavior

Question 5

Withdrawal

Answer 5

Psychological and physical symptoms when they no longer have the substance in their system or don’t perform the behaviors.

Question 6

Withdrawal symptoms

Answer 6

Low mood, nausea and tremors

Question 7

What effects severity of withdrawals

Answer 7

1) type of substance/behavior
2) amount of substance
3) frequency of use or behavior

Question 8

Tolerance

Answer 8

When addiction has sustained for some time. Repeat exposure means response is reduced. Individual requires more when tolerance increases.

Question 9

Cellular tolerance

Answer 9

When brains neurons adapt their responsiveness to higher levels of substance.

Question 10

Metabolic tolerance

Answer 10

Substance is metabolized quicker and leaves body

Question 11

Behavioral tolerance

Answer 11

Learn to adjust behavior to compensate for effects of substance.

Question 12

Why does withdrawal maintain addiction?

Answer 12

Continue engaging with substance or behaviour to avoid unpleasant symptoms