Describing addiction
Physical dependence = leads to withdrawal symptoms if reduced/stopped e.g.
weight loss/gain, heart rate etc
Psychological dependence = compulsion due to rewarding nature e.g. poor
concentration, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger, frustration etc
Tolerance = an addicts response to a drug is reduced over time therefore an
even greater amount is needed to produce same affect. Tolerance is caused by
repeated previous exposure to the effects of a drug.
2 types of tolerance
- Behavioural = adjusting behaviour to compensate for drugs
- Cross = developing tolerance to one drug reduces sensitivity to another
Withdrawal syndrome = symptoms that develop when an addicted person
abstains from/reduces their substance
DSM-5: 2 symptoms need to be evident over 12 months.
Symptom criteria includes: large amounts taken, large cravings, not managing
to do work needed, continue to use even if causing problems.
Physical dependence = leads to withdrawal symptoms if reduced/stopped e.g.
weight loss/gain, heart rate etc
Psychological dependence = compulsion due to rewarding nature e.g. poor
concentration, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger, frustration etc
Tolerance = an addicts response to a drug is reduced over time therefore an
even greater amount is needed to produce same affect. Tolerance is caused by
repeated previous exposure to the effects of a drug.
2 types of tolerance
- Behavioural = adjusting behaviour to compensate for drugs
- Cross = developing tolerance to one drug reduces sensitivity to another
Withdrawal syndrome = symptoms that develop when an addicted person
abstains from/reduces their substance
DSM-5: 2 symptoms need to be evident over 12 months.
Symptom criteria includes: large amounts taken, large cravings, not managing
to do work needed, continue to use even if causing problems.
