Introduction Flashcards
Addiction.
A disorder in which individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences.
Marked by physiological and psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal.
Physical dependence.
State of body due to habitual substance abuse which results in withdrawal syndrome when use of drug is reduced or stopped.
Psychological dependence.
Compulsion to continue taking a substance because its use is rewarding.
Consequence of psychological dependence.
The person will keep taking the substance (or engage in a behaviour) until it becomes a habit, despite the harmful consequences.
Tolerance.
A reduction in response to a substance, so that an individual needs more to get the same effect.
Behavioural tolerance.
Happens when an individual learns through experience to adjust their behaviour to compensate for the effects of a substance.
Cross-tolerance.
Developing tolerance to one type of substance.
Withdrawal syndrome.
A set of symptoms that develop when an addicted person abstains from or reduces their substance abuse.
The existence of withdrawal indicates…
a physical dependence has developed.
Once dependence develops,….
An addicted person experiences symptoms whenever they cannot get the substance.
Happens relatively often so becomes familiar with symptoms, which are unpleasant and cause discomfort.
Motivation to continue to avoid withdrawal symptoms are a…
Secondary form of psychological dependence.
Acute withdrawal phase.
Begins within hrs of abstaining and features intense cravings for substance, reflecting strong physiological and psychological dependence.
Symptoms gradually diminish, over days.
