The Addictive Process
This term refers to continuing a behaviour despite negative consequences.
Addiction
This approach focuses on reducing negative consequences rather than requiring abstinence.
Harm Reduction
These slow down the central nervous system (example: alcohol).
Depressants
What is another term used to describe process addictions?
Behavioural addictions
This includes programs that educate and promote healthy choices.
Health Promotion
This stage includes first trying a substance out of curiosity or peer influence.
Experimental
An example of harm reduction is providing these to prevent disease transmission and serious infection.
Safe Needle Exchange
These drugs increase energy and alertness (example: cocaine).
Stimulants
This is a common process addiction involving betting or risking money.
Gambling Addiction
This type of care allows individuals to live at home while receiving support.
Outpatient/ Community based day programs
This occurs when a person needs more of a substance to get the same effect.
Tolerance
This theory suggests addiction is influenced by brain chemistry and genetics.
Biological Model
These are effects on the body, such as heart rate or breathing changes.
Physiological effects
This addiction involves excessive use of digital devices or online activity.
Internet/ Gaming Addiction
Individuals living with opioid addiction face the highest risk of overdose during this time
Transitioning from rehab
These are physical and emotional symptoms experienced when stopping use.
Withdrawal
This model views addiction as a result of personal choice or moral weakness.
Moral Model
This life-saving drug can reverse an opioid overdose and has no risk of causing overdose itself.
Naloxone
This term describes loss of control over a behaviour despite harm.
Compulsive Behaviour
This involves staying at a facility for intensive treatment.
Inpatient program
This term describes a strong desire or urge to use a substance.
Craving
This model says addiction develops because the brain learns, repeats, and relies on a behavior that feels rewarding or relieving - even when it becomes harmful.
Psychological Model
This medication helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, supporting people to reduce or stop drinking.
Naltrexone
This process addiction involves repetitive buying behaviours that persist despite adverse consequences, and is sometimes conceptualized within the spectrum of impulse-control or obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Shopping Addiction
This model of recovery focuses on improving quality of life, not just abstinence.
Harm Reduction