Addiction Basics
What is addiction?
An addiction is an urge to do something that is hard to control or stop
What is the main difference between physical and psychological addiction?
Physical addiction involves the body’s chemical need
Psychological addiction involves the mind’s emotional reliance
True or False: Drug dependency only affects the user.
False. It affects families, friends, and society.
What part of the brain controls decision-making?
The prefrontal cortex.
What is dopamine?
A neurotransmitter that creates feelings of pleasure and motivation.
What are two common reasons people begin using substances?
Peer Pressure
Curiosity
What are 2 physical signs of addiction?
Sweating, shaking, or nausea when not using the substance.
What is one financial consequence of substance use?
Debt and financial instability.
How do substances impact decision-making?
They impair judgment and self-control.
How do substances affect dopamine levels?
They flood the brain with dopamine, creating an intense pleasure response
Why do people continue using substances even when they know it’s harmful?
Dependence, brain changes, and avoidance of withdrawal symptoms.
What are 2 psychological signs of addiction?
Anxiety, mood swings, or obsessive thoughts about the substance.
How can addiction impact relationships?
It can strain relationships, leading to isolation and loss of trust.
How does substance use affect a developing teenage brain?
It disrupts brain development, leading to long-term cognitive effects.
What happens to dopamine production with long-term substance use?
The brain produces less dopamine naturally, leading to dependence.
True or False: Addiction can only occur with substances.
Explain
Addiction can also involve behaviours like gambling.
Why do people develop a tolerance to substances?
The body adapts, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effect.
Why does drug dependency increase the risk of overdose?
Increased tolerance leads to higher doses, which can be fatal.
What is one way the brain’s reward system changes with repeated substance use?
It reduces natural dopamine production, making it harder to feel pleasure
Name one healthy way to increase dopamine naturally.
Exercise, eating nutritious food, or listening to music.
Name one common theme when thinking about addiction.
It’s hard to stop once started, it can be caused by peer pressure, and it is dangerous.
What happens when someone tries to quit after developing physical dependence?
They experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, or seizures.
Name 2 risks of drug dependency
Organ damage, heart problems, or mental health decline.
Why is it difficult to quit using substances once addicted?
The brain rewires to crave the substance, making it hard to stop without help.
What happens when the brain becomes reliant on substances for dopamine?
Natural pleasure responses weaken, making it harder to feel happy without substances.