Psychology of Substance Dependence: Loss of Control and Craving

What is craving in the context of substance dependence?

Craving is a strong desire or urge to engage in a given behavior, characterized by recurrent thoughts, struggle to control drives, and impulsive behavior.

What are some physiological characteristics of craving?

Increased autonomic responses such as faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, and salivation.

What is meant by 'loss of control' in substance use?

Loss of control refers to difficulty sticking to a planned limit or stopping substance use despite intending to do so.

What is the Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS)?

ADS views alcoholism as a disease characterized by impaired control, reflecting a physical abnormality and physiological dependence.

What does research suggest about the relationship between craving and loss of control?

Research suggests that craving and loss of control are not solely due to physical abnormalities but are influenced by conditioning and psychological processes.

What are some common cues associated with appetitive behaviors?

Cues can be external (people, places, objects) or internal (thoughts, emotions, memories) that trigger cravings.

How do cues affect our ability to control appetitive behaviors?

Cues associated with appetitive behaviors are hard to forget and can trigger cravings, making it difficult to avoid substance use.

What is the significance of the acknowledgment of country in the context of Murdoch University?

It recognizes the traditional custodians of the land and respects their enduring culture and leadership.

What is the impact of withdrawal symptoms on craving?

Withdrawal symptoms can create a strong desire to alleviate discomfort, contributing to cravings.

What role does anticipation play in craving?

Anticipation of a positive outcome or relief from negative affect can intensify cravings.

What is a common challenge people face when trying to control appetites?

Many people find it difficult to resist cues associated with appetitive behaviors, leading to habitual substance use.

What is the relationship between cravings and impulsive behavior?

Cravings often lead to impulsive behavior, where individuals act on their urges without considering the consequences.

What is an important question raised by the research on impaired control?

The research questions whether impaired control is a physical abnormality or influenced by learned behaviors and psychological factors.

How does the duration of engaging in appetitive behaviors affect cue association?

The longer individuals engage in a behavior, the more cues they learn and associate with it, making it harder to resist.

What is the significance of the case studies discussed in the workshop?

They illustrate how individuals lose control over substance use despite negative life consequences.

What is a common outcome of New Year resolutions related to substance use?

Many people find it easier to stick to old habits than to change, resulting in broken resolutions.

What is the role of psychological processes in craving and loss of control?

Psychological processes such as expectancies and cognitions play a significant role in shaping cravings and control over substance use.

What is the impact of internal cues on substance use?

Internal cues, such as emotions and memories, can trigger cravings and make it difficult to avoid substance use.

What does the term 'impaired control' imply in addiction?

It implies that individuals struggle to regulate their substance use, leading to excessive consumption despite intentions to limit or stop.

What is a major challenge in substance use regarding reward and consequences?

The reward from substance use is often immediate, while negative consequences may be delayed.

What cognitive processes are involved in delaying gratification?

Delaying gratification requires ongoing self-monitoring and self-control.

What percentage of normal drinkers reported losing control when drinking?

11.5% of normal drinkers.

What percentage of alcohol-dependent individuals reported losing control when drinking?

25% of alcohol-dependent individuals.

What does impaired control suggest about dependent drinkers compared to normal drinkers?

Impaired control is more significant for dependent drinkers.

What was the design of Engle & Williams' study on alcohol expectancy?

They divided 40 alcoholics into 4 groups in a balanced placebo design study.

Which group had the highest craving score in Engle & Williams' study?

Group 1 (expect alcohol/get alcohol).

What does the evidence from Engle & Williams' study suggest about expectancy and craving?

Expectancy influenced craving.

What was the focus of Marlatt et al.'s study involving alcoholics and social drinkers?

They were told it was a 'taste discrimination test' to assess drinking behavior.

What did Marlatt et al.'s findings indicate about alcoholics' drinking behavior?

Alcoholics drank more when told they would receive alcohol, regardless of actual receipt.

What is the link between loss of control and past heavy drinking according to Hodgson, Rankin & Stockwell?

Severely dependent drinkers reported greater desire and drank faster, suggesting a link to past use.

What physiological response was observed in severely dependent drinkers in high dose conditions?

They had a higher pulse rate.

What did Stockwell's balanced placebo design study reveal about severely dependent participants?

They drank faster and had greater difficulty resisting alcohol, regardless of expectancy.

How did low dependent participants react to expectancy in Stockwell's study?

They drank faster if they expected alcohol but did not receive it.

What does the evidence suggest about sensitivity to alcohol in dependent versus low dependent drinkers?

Severely dependent drinkers were more sensitive to alcohol physiologically, while low dependent drinkers were more affected by expectancy.

What are the treatment implications for managing impaired control of appetite?

Identify cues for use, understand physiological mechanisms, and address immediate vs. delayed benefits.

What alternatives should be explored for managing negative moods in treatment?

Alternatives like yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation should be considered.

What therapeutic approaches are suggested for treating alcohol dependence?

Motivational Enhancement and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

What did the Maudsley report suggest about former alcohol-dependent individuals?

They could return to normal life and social drinking after receiving behavioral therapy.

What did the Rand Report find regarding moderate drinking after behavioral therapy?

Most individuals could drink moderately without relapse at 6 & 18 months after therapy.

What did Sobell & Sobell's findings indicate about behavioral therapy?

It was effective in maintaining abstinence and social adjustments at 2 & 4 years after treatment.

What does the evidence suggest about overcoming impaired control?

Impaired control can be overcome with behavioral therapy.