Adddiction

• What are the 4 specification points on addiction?

  1. Physical dependence

  2. Psychological dependence

  3. Tolerance

  4. Withdrawal Syndrome
• Outline what is meant by Physical Dependence in Addiction?

  Your body telling you that you want the addictive substance/behaviour (due to habitual use)
• What are the consequences of physical dependence in addiction?

  withdrawal symptoms such as increased appetite for nicotine or tremors for alcohol addiction
• How can physical dependence be identified?

  Can only be established once the person abstains from substance/behaviour
• Outline what is meant by psychological dependence?

  Your mind telling you that you want the addictive substance/behaviour
• How might someone develop psychological dependence in addiction?

  individual feels/believes that they cannot cope with their work/social life without a particular substance
• What are the consequences of psychological dependence in addiction?

  individual can become anxious, irritable or depressed + have cravings
• Outline what is meant by tolerance in addiction

  Developed when there is a reduction in an individuals response to the substance, therefore increased amount of substance is needed to experience the same effect
• Outline what is meant by withdrawal syndrome in addiction

  set of symptoms that arise when an addicted person abstains (e.g. nausea, tremors, anxiety)

  —> could be opposite of those created by subtance
• What are the risk factors for addiction?

  - genetic vulnerability

  - stress

  - personality

  - family influences

  - peer influences
• How can genetics influence risk of addiction?

  1. no. of dopamine receptors in brain is genetically determined, those with fewer D2 receptors have less dopamine activity —> likely to take addictive substances to compensate for this deficiency

  2. enzymes that break down addictive substances may not be fully functioning (genetically predetermined), therefore individual experiences effect for longer —> less likely to repeatedly use substance
• How can stress influence risk of addiction?

  Chronic or acute stress increases risk of addiction due to using substances as a coping mechanism (self medicating)
• How can personality influence risk of addiction?

  Combination of impulsivity, compulsivity and sensation seeking means individual is more like to try addictive substance and continue using despite the consequences
• How can family influence risk of addiction?

  - Social Learning Theory - parents as role models and vicarious reinforcement

  - Exposure/Availability - substance in the house makes it easier to try

  - Normalises it

  - Parents using implies approval

  - lack of consequences - less deterrent
• What is the A03 for the risk factors of addiction?

  :( Vulnerability only - not deterministic

  :) Prevention/ Intervention - identification of risk factors means you can reduce risk of getting addicted

  :) Protective as well as risky - E.g. CYP2A6 gene reduces risk

  :( Alternatives - other risk factors more influential