Definition
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 17.1.1
Definition of Addiction
Addictions come in two forms: physical dependence or psychological dependence. Addictions include tolerance and withdrawal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).