Addiction Definition and Biblical Perspective

Questions and Answers

Withdrawal symptoms when reducing substance use

Compulsive behavior despite awareness of negative consequences

Tolerance to the substance

Physical dependence is a state of adaptation, while addiction is a psychological condition Signup and view all the answers

Addiction is a struggle with the flesh, but God can deliver us from it Signup and view all the answers

Continued use despite adverse consequences Signup and view all the answers

A patient taking opioids for chronic pain Signup and view all the answers

The human struggle and inability to overcome certain behaviors without divine help Signup and view all the answers

Physical dependence is a risk factor for addiction, but they are not the same Signup and view all the answers

Addiction reflects the conflict between the desire to do good and the actions that contradict that desire Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences
Involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences
Key characteristics:
- Tolerance: needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal: physical and mental symptoms that occur after reducing or stopping substance use
- Cravings: intense desire or urge for the substance

A psychological condition where an individual engages in the use of substances or in behaviors for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeatedly pursue the behavior despite detrimental consequences
Key characteristics:
- Compulsive behavior: repeatedly engaging in harmful behaviors despite awareness of negative consequences
- Loss of control: inability to control the use of the substance or behavior
- Preoccupation: spending a significant amount of time thinking about, obtaining, and recovering from the substance or behavior

A state of adaptation manifested by withdrawal symptoms when the substance is abruptly discontinued or the dosage is significantly reduced
Characteristics:
- Tolerance: developing a need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Withdrawal: experiencing physical symptoms (e.g., nausea, shaking, sweating) when the substance is not used
Example: a patient taking opioids for chronic pain may develop physical dependence without being addicted

A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use, loss of control, and continued use despite adverse consequences
Characteristics:
- Compulsive use: continuing to use the substance despite knowing the harmful effects
- Behavioral impact: addiction often leads to significant impairments in social, occupational, and personal functioning
Example: a person using opioids recreationally despite the negative impact on their health, relationships, and responsibilities

Human struggle: highlights the internal struggle and human inability to overcome certain behaviors without divine help
Desire vs. action: reflects the conflict between the desire to do good and the actions that contradict that desire, akin to the cycle of addiction
Need for divine assistance: emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's help to overcome the compulsions and behaviors that one cannot control alone