17.1.1

Definition

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Definition of Addiction

Addictions come in two forms: physical dependence or psychological dependence. Addictions include tolerance and withdrawal.

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Physical dependence

  • There are two types of dependence: physical and psychological.
  • Physical dependence is when the body becomes reliant on a drug (such as caffeine in coffee).
  • If the body does not receive the correct dosage of drug, the person will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
  • To restore the feeling of normality (reducing the withdrawal symptoms), the person must take the drug.
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Psychological dependence

  • Psychological dependence is to do with the mind, rather than the body.
  • A person feels like they need a drug to be able to cope or stay relaxed.
  • So the person goes back to the drug again and again.
    • For example, cigarettes produce a soothing effect in some people. They feel like they need them when they are stressed or anxious.
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Tolerance

  • Addictions have two concepts associated with them: tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Tolerance is when the body needs increasing amounts of a drug to feel the effects of the drug.
  • The body becomes used to the drug, so larger amounts of the drug are needed to feel the same level of effect.
    • For example, people may need increased amounts of caffeine to feel awake and alert.
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Withdrawal

  • Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, symptoms that a person experiences when their body does not receive enough of a drug.
  • This can happen if they stop completely or even reduce the amount of drug they take.
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Symptoms

  • The symptoms are only alleviated by taking the drug again.
  • Symptoms can be both:
    • Physical (including headaches, nausea, muscle tension).
    • Mental (like fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, and anxiety).

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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