Intro

• What are the two main types of dependence associated with addiction?

  Physical and psychological dependence
• What are the key characteristics of physical dependence?


  • Change in bodily state after prolonged drug use
  • Withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not taken
  • Example: headaches after abstaining from nicotine
• What are some common withdrawal symptoms associated with addiction?

  Sweating, racing heart, nausea, loss of energy, dizziness
• How can one determine if someone has developed physical dependence?

  By observing withdrawal symptoms during abstinence
• What is psychological dependence?

  • A mental state craving the addictive substance
  • Belief that one cannot cope without the substance
  • Need for the substance to maintain mood
• What are the emotional consequences of psychological dependence?

  Anxiety, irritability, depression, and cravings
• How does psychological dependence differ from physical dependence?

  Psychological dependence can occur without physical withdrawal symptoms
• What is tolerance in the context of addiction?

  • Reduction in response to a substance
  • Increased amount of the substance needed for the same effect
• How can one identify if someone has built a tolerance to a substance?

  By observing a reduction in their response to the substance
• What causes tolerance to develop?

  • Repeated exposure to the effects of the drug
  • Brain readjusts to maintain homeostasis
• What role does homeostasis play in the development of tolerance?

  Homeostasis leads the brain to readjust normal levels after substance use
• What happens to the brain when alcohol is consumed regularly?

  The brain raises the bar for what it considers normal levels
• What are the consequences of habitual substance use?

  • Development of physical dependence
  • Development of psychological dependence
  • Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
• What is behavioral tolerance in the context of drug use?

  It is when an individual learns to adjust their behaviors to compensate for the effects of drugs.
• How does an alcoholic demonstrate behavioral tolerance?

  An alcoholic may learn to walk slowly when drunk to avoid falling over.
• What is cross tolerance?

  It is when tolerance to one drug reduces sensitivity to another drug.
• In a surgical scenario, how might cross tolerance affect anesthesia?

  A person with tolerance to alcohol may require a higher dose of anesthetic.
• What is withdrawal syndrome?

  It is a set of symptoms that arise when an addicted person stops or reduces substance use.
• What are some common symptoms of withdrawal syndrome?

  Nausea, tremors, and anxiety are common symptoms.
• How do withdrawal symptoms relate to the effects of the substance used?

  Withdrawal symptoms are often opposite to the effects created by the substance.
• How might nicotine withdrawal affect anxiety levels?

  Abstinence from nicotine may increase anxiety, which nicotine may have eased.
• What does the motivation to take a drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms indicate?

  It indicates dependence on the substance.