A mental health problem in which an individual takes a substance or engages in a behaviour that is pleasurable but eventually becomes obsessive with harmful consequences
Dependence vs Addiction
Depending on something does not mean you're addicted.
Addiction is when you continue to take something so you can get a 'high'
Substance misuse vs abuse
Misuse is not following guidelines for the usage
Abuse is taking a higher usage for the 'high'
Symptoms of addiction (1)
Strong desire
Individual experiences a sense of compulsion to use the substance
Symptoms of addiction (2)
Persisting despite harm
Individual continues despite evidence of physical and mental negative consequences. Individual continues despite knowing about the harm.
Symptoms of addiction (3)
Difficulty in controlling use
Individual has problems stopping or limiting usage
Symptoms of addiction (4)
Higher priority given to the substance
Individual finds the substance use matters more than other activities
Symptoms of addiction (5)
A withdrawal state
Individual feels worse when they stop using the substance. Could lead to vomiting, irritability and anxiety
Symptoms of addiction (6)
Evidence of tolerance
Individual requires increased dosages of substance to achieve effects normally produced by lower dosages
