Addiction:

1. Addiction: An obsession, compulsion, or excessive physical, or psychological dependence.

2. How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence?

3. Physical Dependence: Physical dependence on a substance is definedby theappearance of withdrawal symptoms when use of the substance is no longer continued.

4. Psychological Dependence: Psychological dependence is a dependency of the mind.

5. So the difference in PSYCHOLOGICAL dependency and PHYSICAL dependency lies in the symptoms you experience when use of a substance is discontinued.

6. Drugs that CAUSE PHYSICAL Symptoms: • Alcohol • Opioids • Benzodiazepines • Antiepileptics • Antidepressants

7. Physical Withdrawal Symptoms Include: • NAUSEA • SWEATING • VOMITTING • SHAKING • INCREASE OF HEART RATE/BLOOD PRESSURE • SEIZURES

8. Drugs that cause psychological dependency are the same as the ones that cause physical dependency, however, psychological dependence begins after the first trial which a person then becomes satisfied and the satisfaction increases with each use. This constant feeling leads to psychological reinforcement which eventually leads to dependence.

9. Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms Include: • Cravings • Irritability • Insomnia • Depression • Anorexia

10. Psychological dependencedoes NOThave tobe limited only to substances; even particularactivities and behavioural patternscan be considered addictions.

11. Activities/Behavioural Patterns That Can Cause A Psychological Dependency: • Internet addiction • Gambling addiction • Sexual addiction • Shopping/spending addiction • Eating • Self harm

12. Treatment For Physical Dependency: Physical dependence is usually managed by a slow dose reduction over a period of weeks, months or sometimes longer depending on the drug, dose and the individual

13. Treatment For Psychological Dependency: • A form of therapy (depending on the substance) is usually used to discontinue withdrawal symptoms of psychological dependency.