Clever Grades

🎧 Read Aloud

ADDICTION: A CHRONIC DISORDER

The Chronic Nature

Introduction

Addiction is a chronic disorder characterized by compulsive drug or behaviour use despite harmful consequences. Understanding how addiction differs from other terms is crucial.

Addiction/Dependence VS Misuse/Abuse

Differentiating these terms is key to accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

✅
Addiction (dependence syndrome) Involves a strong psychological or physiological need to use a substance or engage in a behaviour regularly, often accompanied by tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
❌
Substance misuse or abuse Refers more broadly to harmful or risky use of substances but may not meet full criteria for addiction.

Diagnostic Criteria Source

📚

ICD Definition: According to the ICD, addiction is diagnosed by the presence of a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated use of substances.

Key Features Include

These criteria form the basis for formal diagnosis and reflect the complexity of the disorder.

1

Compulsion

A strong desire or compulsion to use the substance.
2

Control

Difficulty controlling use, both in limiting quantity and timing.
3

Priority Shift

Priority given to substance use over other activities or obligations, meaning important life areas suffer.
4

Continued Use

Continued use despite knowledge of harmful consequences.
5

Physical Dependence

Physiological withdrawal and tolerance.

Severity of Addiction

🧠
Is this disruption the key differentiator?
💡
Absolutely. These criteria show addiction is more than casual use; it severely disrupts normal functioning.
```
Addiction Flashcards
Term
What is addiction?

What is addiction?

Answer
Definition

A chronic disorder with compulsive use of substances or behaviors despite harmful consequences.

Term
Addiction vs Substance Misuse

How does addiction differ from substance misuse or abuse?

Answer
Difference

Addiction involves strong psychological or physiological dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, while misuse/abuse is harmful use that may not meet addiction criteria.

Term
Diagnostic System

What diagnostic system is used for addiction?

Answer
System

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

Term
Behavioral Features

Name two key behavioral features of addiction.

Answer
Features

Strong desire or compulsion to use, and difficulty controlling use in quantity or timing.

Term
Priorities in Addiction

What happens to priorities in addiction?

Answer
Effect

Substance use takes priority over other important activities or obligations.

Term
Physiological Features

What physiological features are associated with addiction?

Answer
Features

Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Term
Addiction vs Casual Use

Why is addiction more than casual use?

Answer
Explanation

Because it severely disrupts normal functioning and persists despite harmful consequences.

Tip: Tap a card to flip. Shuffle or Reset anytime.

🌸 Addiction Quiz

1. What characterizes addiction as opposed to substance misuse?

Addiction involves dependence and physiological changes unlike mere substance misuse.

2. Which diagnostic system classifies addiction based on behavior, cognition, and physiology?

The International Classification of Diseases defines addiction criteria.

3. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of addiction?

Addiction involves difficulty controlling or stopping use.

4. Addiction prioritizes substance use over:

Addiction causes sufferers to neglect responsibilities.

5. Tolerance in addiction means:

Tolerance is increased consumption for the original effect.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • GCSE
  • Mental Health
  • AQA