Download What is addiction?

Addiction:
An obsession, compulsion, or excessive
PHYSICAL, or PSYCHOLOGICAL dependence.
How does PHYSICAL
dependence differ from
PSYCHOLOGICAL dependence?
Physical Dependence:
Physical dependence on a substance is
definedby the
of
withdrawal symptoms when use of the
substance is no longer continued.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE:
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCE IS A
DEPENDENCY OF THE MIND.
So the difference in PSYCHOLOGICAL
dependency and PHYSICAL dependency
lies in the symptoms you experience when
use of a substance is discontinued.
Drugs that CAUSE
PHYSICAL Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
•
Alcohol
Opioids
Benzodiazepines
Antiepileptics
Antidepressants
Physical Withdrawal
Symptoms Include:
•
•
•
•
•
NAUSEA
SWEATING
VOMITTING
SHAKING
INCREASE OF HEART
RATE/BLOOD
PRESSURE
• SEIZURES
Drugs that cause psychological dependency are the same
as the ones that cause physical dependency, however,
psychological dependence begins after the first trial
which a person then becomes satisfied and the
satisfaction increases with each use. This constant feeling
leads to psychological reinforcement which eventually
leads to dependence.
Psychological Withdrawal
Symptoms Include:
•
•
•
•
•
Cravings
Irritability
Insomnia
Depression
Anorexia
Psychological dependence does NOT have to
be limited only to substances; even particular
activities and behavioural patterns can be
considered addictions.
Activities/Behavioural
Patterns That Can Cause A
Psychological Dependency:
•
•
•
•
Internet addiction
Gambling addiction
Sexual addiction
Shopping/spending
addiction
• Eating
• Self harm
Treatment For Physical Dependency:
Physical dependence is usually
managed by a slow dose reduction
over a period of weeks, months or
sometimes longer depending on the
drug, dose and the individual
Treatment For Psychological Dependency:
• A form of therapy
(depending on the
substance) is usually
used to discontinue
withdrawal symptoms
of psychological
dependency.