Psychology of Addiction Theories

Introduction to Addiction

• Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
• It's a long-term condition where individuals experience an overwhelming desire to use drugs, even with dangerous consequences.

Tolerance & Addiction Cycle

• Tolerance is a recurring cycle where repeated use necessitates increased doses for the same effect.
• This involves a continuous increase in drug dosages to maintain a desired effect, despite negative outcomes.

Dependent vs. Addicted

• Dependency is an adaptation to repeated substance exposure, often involving tolerance and withdrawal.
• Addiction involves a loss of control over substance use, leading to harmful consequences.

Addiction Symptoms - Eyes

• Changes in eye size, heaviness, and watering are potential indicators of drug or alcohol intoxication.
• Blood vessels in the eyes dilate when drugs are abused. Redness is a visible sign of this dilation.

Addiction Symptoms - DSM criteria

• Cutting down on use or controlling use (Cut Down)
• Continued use despite harmful consequences (Health)
• Excessive use (Excessive Use)
• Experiencing withdrawal or using the substance to avoid withdrawal (Withdrawal)
• Spending considerable time acquiring, utilizing the substance, or recovering (Time)
• Participation in risky situations due to substance use (Hazardous)
• Reduced engagement in activities due to substance use (Activities)
• Diminished effectiveness of the substance at the same dose or requiring a higher quantity for the desired effect (Tolerance)
• Strong desire or urge to use (Craving)
• Problems fulfilling obligations due to substance use (Obligations)
• Persistence of use despite interpersonal/social issues (Personal problems)

Types of Addiction

• Common behavioral addictions include food, internet, gambling, social media, and gaming addictions.

Theories of Addiction

• Biological: Adoption and twin studies indicate a genetic component. The mesolimbic reward pathway is a crucial brain area. The prefrontal cortex is critical in addiction, development, maintenance, and treatment.
• Psychodynamic: Addictions may stem from poor object relations, and individuals may seek "external regulators". An insecure attachment style or lack of healthy coping mechanisms can contribute. Adolescents with neglected parents are more predisposed. Conversely, authoritative parenting styles are associated with reduced risk.
• Moral: This approach views addiction as a moral failing.
• Temperance: Addiction is viewed as a lack of self-control.
• Psychological: Focuses on the psychological factors contributing to addiction.
• Cognitive: This theory emphasizes the role of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in addiction. Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and reinforce one another in a cyclical pattern.
• Sociocultural: Addiction factors consider societal and cultural impacts.

Psychological Learning Theory

• Learning theory focuses on how nurture shapes behavior.
• Key elements include: Classical conditioning, Operant conditioning, Social learning.

Explore the various theories of addiction in psychology through this quiz. Understand the biological, psychodynamic, and moral models that contribute to addiction. Test your knowledge on how upbringing influences addiction and the role of defense mechanisms.