What Is Substance Dependence In Psychology?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Substance (drug) dependence

Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed . Signs of dependence include: Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect.

What is drug dependence in simple words?

Drug dependence occurs when you need one or more drugs to function . The American Psychiatric Association (APA) used to distinguish between dependence and abuse. Abuse was considered the mild or early phase of inappropriate drug use that led to dependence. People viewed dependence as a more severe problem than abuse.

What is a substance dependence?

Substance (drug) dependence

Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed . Signs of dependence include: Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect.

What’s the difference between substance abuse and substance dependence?

The APA ditched both “substance abuse” and “substance dependence” in favor of “substance use disorder .” Substance use disorder is now the medical term for addiction. Previously, abuse was a mild form of addiction, and dependence was a moderate or severe form of addiction.

What are the two types of drug dependence?

Opiates, tobacco, and alcohol are common drugs that cause physical dependency. The second kind, psychological dependency, affects a person emotionally and mentally rather than, or in addition to, physiologically.

What are the characteristics of drug dependence?

Background: Drug dependence involves physical, mental, and spiritual damage . Drug abusers feel that the drug is a part of their daily life. Drug dependence is a disease that gradually increases. This disease is not cured but can only be controlled.

What is the criteria for substance dependence?

The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.

What is the main cause of addiction?

Environment: Exposure to addictive substances, social pressure, lack of social support, and poor coping skills can also contribute to the development of addictions. Frequency and duration of use: The more someone uses a substance the more likely they will become addicted to it.

What are the symptoms of substance abuse disorder?

  • Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils.
  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
  • Deterioration of physical appearance.
  • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
  • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

What does an addictive personality mean?

An addictive personality is a personality that is more likely to become addicted to something . This can include someone becoming extremely passionate about something and developing an obsession or fixation.

What is an example of physical dependence?

For example, increased exposure to nicotine can increase physical dependence and thereby make the effects of withdrawal stronger. During withdrawal, resumption of smoking provides rapid relief of withdrawal effects. This reaction may lead the smoker to believe that smoking in itself enhances mood...

What are three of the signs of physical dependence?

The aspects associated with physical dependence are typically focused around the issues of tolerance and physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hallucinations , etc.

How do addicts behave?

They will do things like stealing in order to continue getting drugs , or they may commit crimes like forging prescriptions, depending on their drug of choice. There are also indirect criminal behaviors such as driving under the influence, or violence. An addict behavior that’s often seen is shifting the blame.

What four symptoms must you meet to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder?

  • Taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than you’re meant to.
  • Wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to.
  • Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance.
  • Cravings and urges to use the substance.

What are the three levels of substance use disorder?

Three Levels of Severity

Two or three symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder ; four or five symptoms indicate a moderate substance use disorder, and six or more symptoms indicate a severe substance use disorder. A severe SUD is also known as having an addiction.

What are the types of substance abuse disorders?

  • Opioid Use Disorder.
  • Marijuana Use Disorder.
  • Nicotine Use Disorder.
  • Stimulant Use Disorder.
  • Sedative Use Disorder.
  • Hallucinogen Use Disorder.
  • Alcohol Use Disorder.
Maria LaPaige
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Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.