What is Addiction?
This is a disorder in which individuals engage in certain behaviours or use certain substances that are initially pleasurable but eventually become compulsive with harmful consequences.
What is addiction marked by?
It is marked by physiological and/or psychological dependence, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
What is dependence?
This is a state where a person feels like they need something (eg take a substance or carry out a certain behaviour) in order to function normally.
Types of dependence
- Physical dependence
- Psychological dependence
What is Physical dependence?
This is when an individual’s body becomes biologically reliant on a substance to function normally. Absence of the substance leads to the individual displaying withdrawal symptoms
What is Psychological dependence?
This is where someone is mentally reliant on a substance or behaviour due to the pleasurable effects the use of the substances brings.
