The Process of Addiction

Question 1

Define addiction.

Answer 1

A condition that results when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable

• The continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work or relationships - even health
• Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control

Question 2

Addiction is a defense against _____.

Answer 2

Denial

Question 3

What are the two types of addiction?

Answer 3

Physical Addiction and Compulsiveness

Question 4

What constitutes a physical addiction?

Answer 4

A biological state where tolerance occurs

• Withdrawal effects
• Overreaction by brain to substance or cues
• Having to drive a different route to stay away from bar

Question 5

What constitutes compulsiveness?

Answer 5

The psychologically based response that drives a person to act on addictive behaviors
- Reaction to stress - inability to cope

Question 6

What is the heart of the addictive experience?

Answer 6

Cravings

Question 7

Cravings are both _____ and _____.

Answer 7

Biological and psychological

Question 8

At what point does a behavior become an addiction?

Answer 8

Use + Abuse + Dependence

Question 9

Define arousal template.

Answer 9

Groups of things that go together (maps of things) that morphs into bigger things
- For instance, starting with alcohol then moving to Valium (both are CNS depressants)

Question 10

What are the characteristics of craving?

Answer 10

• Impulsivity and speed
• Interest immediate or in the short-range
• Feeling like you’re lacking in deliberateness, even if you’re busy trying to figure out the fastest way to satisfy the craving
• An impaired sense of integrating past, present, and future; the craving only seeks satisfaction and it seeks it NOW

Question 11

Define process addiction.

Answer 11

Any process or behavior in which one’s behavior is similar to the diagnostic criteria of substance dependence
Ex. Eating disorders, sexual disorders, gambling…

Question 12

Process addictions leads to _____ addiction symptoms similar to substance abuse.

Answer 12

Typical

Question 13

Tolerance develops _____ with compulsive behaviors.

Answer 13

Over time

Question 14

Define network therapy.

Answer 14

When family and peers become part of he therapist’s working team

Question 15

_____ are necessary for overcoming denial and relapse.

Answer 15

Social supports

Question 16

Relapse prevention is _____ higher when the family stays connected emotionally

Answer 16

40%

Question 17

Knowing / seeing the negative effects of their addiction on their loved ones often serves as a motivation to _____.

Answer 17

Stay away from addiction