PSYC3018: Psychology of Addictions Flashcards

Flashcards on the Psychology of Addictions lecture notes.

What is a key characteristic of addiction, despite its detrimental effects?

Rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeat the activity.

Name two examples of substances associated with addiction.

Alcohol and Nicotine.

Name two examples of behaviours associated with addiction.

Gambling and gaming.

What is the percentage of Australian adults affected by substance use disorders?

3%

What shared features do Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders typically have?

Reward & reinforcement, neurological changes, tolerance & withdrawal

What are the four key categories of symptoms for substance use disorders according to the DSM 5?

Impaired control, social problems, risky use, and physical dependence

Name a symptom of impaired control in the context of substance use.

Using more of a substance or more often than intended.

Name a symptom of social problems related to substance use.

Neglecting responsibilities and relationships

Name a symptom of risky use related to substance use.

Using in risky settings

Name a symptom of physical dependence related to substance use.

Needing more of the substance to get the same effect (tolerance)

List some common myths associated with addiction.

Moral failings, genetics, environment, addictive personality

What area of the brain is affected by addiction?

The dopaminergic system

How does acute use of a drug affect dopamine release?

Initial use triggers augmented dopamine release

What happens to dopamine release in response to natural stimuli with repeated drug use?

Dopamine release is blunted in response to natural stimuli.

What is a key argument in favor of conceptualizing addiction as a brain disease?

Helps to remove the stigma of “addicted by choice” or moral weakness.

What is a concern about the brain disease model of addiction?

Minimizes important social & environmental stresses.

Name a component of the biopsychosocial model of addiction.

Biology/Genes

What is motivational interviewing?

A commonly used, evidence-based psychotherapy for addiction.

What is detoxification?

Entry into medical and support system.

Name a harm reduction strategy for drug use.

Drug checking/safety testing

What is the focus of harm reduction?

Reducing harm should take precedence above all else

What is a core principle of the recovery movement?

Emphasis on peer-based recovery support services

What is one pharmaceutical intervention in addiction recovery?

Naloxone (overdose)

What is the definition of behavioral addiction?

Repetitive persistent behaviours resulting in significant harm or distress that causes functional impairment

What is one concern around rapidly labeling behaviors as addictions?

Medicalization/pathologizing of reward seeking behaviours

Give a terminology that refers to consequences of unsustainable gambling to individuals and communities?

Gambling harms

Give DSM-5 criteria for Gambling disorder

Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress…

How common is legacy harm in NSW?

7.1% of people experience legacy harm from gambling

True or false: most people with Gambling disorder persist over 4 years

Rate of recovery decreases the longer problems are present

Name one treatment method for gaming disorder

Diagnosis (emphasis on functional impairment)