addiction

Question 1

what is addiction?

Answer 1

a state in which a person engages in compulsive behaviour despite its harmful consequences

Question 2

what is physical dependence in reference to addiction?

Answer 2

• a physiological need for a substance
• shown by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when discontinued
• day to day functioning relies on substance use
• increases tolerance
• caused by long term use

Question 3

what is psychological dependence in reference to addiction?

Answer 3

• use of a substance to satisfy intense mental and emotional craving
• individual feels like they cant cope without it
• absence of substance causes anxiety or depression, irritation and cravings
• addiction becomes central focus to life

Question 4

what is tolerance in reference to addiction?

Answer 4

• diminishing effect of same dose of substance caused by regular use
• higher doses needed for same effect
• can be metabolic, neuro adaptation or learned

Question 5

what causes increased metabolic tolerance in addiction?

Answer 5

enzymes become more effective at breaking down drug so decrease the effect

Question 6

wha is neuro adaptation in addiction?

Answer 6

when over use of a substance causes changes in the synapses of neurones and receptors become less sensitive, or the amount of receptors diminish, so the effect of drug is less

Question 7

what is learned tolerance in addiction?

Answer 7

when the substance abuser becomes used to the effects of the drugs and learns to function normally under the influence

Question 8

what is withdrawal in reference to addiction?

Answer 8

• the unpleasant physical or psychological effects that are associated with the discontinuation of a substance
• shakes, tremors, vomiting ect
• can be acute or post acute

Question 9

what is acute withdrawal?

Answer 9

when withdrawal begins within hours of discontinuing the substance, symptoms stop within a few weeks

Question 10

what is post acute withdrawal?

Answer 10

withdrawal that can take months or even years to begin and end

Question 11

name 3 of the DSM criteria for substance misuse disorders

Answer 11

must be showing 3 of the following in a 12 month period;
- tolerance
- withdrawal symptoms
- increasing doses
- unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- considerable time spent obtaining, using or recovering from use of substance
- giving up social, occupational or recreational activities
- continuation of use despite recognition of problems

Question 12

what is the criteria for the diagnosis of an acute or episodic problem of substance abuse according to the DSM?

Answer 12

at least one of the following in a 12 month period;
- interference with obligations in their major role
- recurrent use in hazardous situations
- legal problems relating to substance abuse
- continued use despite social or interpersonal problems caused by substance use

Question 13

what is a risk factor?

Answer 13

a variable associated with an increased risk of disease

Question 14

what are the factors that increase risk of addictions?

Answer 14

• family history
• peer pressure
• early use
• lack of family involvement
• mental health disorders
• change and/or crisis

Question 15

what are the five key risk factors of addiction?

Answer 15

• personality
• stress
• peer groups
• genetic influences
• family influences

Question 16

what is eysencks theory about addiction?

Answer 16

there is a correlation between certain traits and addiction, and along with 3 super traits, this can explain some addictive behaviours

Question 17

what are the 3 super traits in eysencks theory?

Answer 17

• extraversion
• neuroticism
• psychoticism

Question 18

what is extraversion?

Answer 18

• one of the three supertraits of addiction
• extraverts are chronically aroused and so may engage in addictive behaviours to gain stimulation

Question 19

what is neuroticism?

Answer 19

• one of the three supertraits of addiction
• people experience negative affect (anxiety ect) and may engage in addictive behaviours to relieve themselves from tension
• self medication

Question 20

what is psychoticism?

Answer 20

• one of the three supertraits
• relates to sensation seeking, impulsivity and being emotionally detached
• most susceptible to addictions as they help to manage these traits

Question 21

how does antisocial personality disorder relate to addiction?

Answer 21

• strongly linked to addiction
• higher risk taking, chaotic and prefer immediate gratification
• individuals have higher impulsivity

Question 22

what is some research that backs up the personality risk factor of addiction?

Answer 22

• cao and su;
  surveyed 2620 volunteer high school students aged 12-18 on personality variables and internet usage, 64 students with internet addiction had higher scores in neuroticism and psychoticism than other students
• verheul et al;
  high comorbidity between addictions and personality disorders, 44% of alcoholics, 70% of cocaine addicts, 79% of opiate addicts.

Question 23

what is tension-reduction hypothesis?

Answer 23

• Cappell and Greely
• people may engage in addictive behaviours in attempt to reduce tension and anxiety

Question 24

what are the two types of stress related to the stress risk factors of addiction?

Answer 24

• traumatic stress
• everyday stress

Question 25

what is everyday stress in relation to addiction?

Answer 25

- addiction associated with relieving anxiety - people report doing addictive behaviours as a way of coping with every day stresses - eg relationships, money worries or work - stressors contribute to initiation and continuation of addictive behaviours as well as relapses

Question 26

what is traumatic stress in relation to addiction?

Answer 26

-people exposed to severe stress have a higher likelihood of developing addictions - especially if stress was experienced as a child - Drissen et al found 30% of drug addicts and 15% of alcoholics suffer from PTSD

Question 27

what is some research evidence that supports the stress risk factors of addiction?

Answer 27

- Piazza; found a link between stress and addiction in rats, pinching rat’s tails lead them to seeking out amphetamines once they had been to exposed to them - Schneier et al; alcohol dependence occurs twice as much in those with social phobias than those without, stress and anxiety from these conditions contribute to addiction

Question 28

what two theories can explain the influence of peer networks in addiction?

Answer 28

- research into SLT; learning through observation of others and peer approval - social identity theory; social identity gained through being members of ingroups where we adopt the norms of those groups

Question 29

what is some research that backs up the peer group influence risk factors of addiction?

Answer 29

- sussmas and ames; peer use of drugs was one of the best predictors of future drug use, peers help to create normative perceptions that addictive behaviours are socially acceptable