A disorder in which an individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes compulsive with harmful consequences
A state of the body due to habitual substance abuse which results in a withdrawal syndrome when use of drug is reduced or stopped
What is psychological dependence?
A compulsion to continue taking a substance (or continue performing a behaviour) because its use is rewarding
What is tolerance?
A reduction in response to a substance, so that an addicted individual needs more to get the same effect
What are examples of 2 types of tolerance?
Behavioural tolerance and cross tolerance
What is behavioural tolerance?
When an individual learns through experience to adjust their behaviour to compensate for the effects of a substance. For example, people addicted to alcohol learn to walk more slowly when they are drunk to avoid falling over
What is cross tolerance?
Tolerance to one substance due to use of another substance