Addictions

Advisor Groups CHS 2013/14

Definition of Addiction

• Addiction: A condition with biological and social origins that continues with increased involvement despite negative consequences and efforts to discontinue the behavior.

• (Shaffer, 1997)

What is a Drug?• A drug is a substance, natural or

artificial that by its chemical nature changes the structure or function in a living organism – some definitions exclude food as a drug.

• (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006)

The Stages of Change of Addiction

(Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983 )

Experimentation or Problematic Use?

• A prescription for a painkiller that is taken as prescribed generally is not of concern, however, if the individual is taking pills because of the way it makes them feel, it is more problematic.

• (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006).

Experimentation or Problematic Use?

• Individuals who drink with others are more likely drinking socially, but drinking alone can mean people are attempting to deal with personal problems with alcohol.

• (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006).

What are illicit drugs?• Illicit drugs are those that are unlawful to

possess or use. Many drugs are available by prescription, but it is illegal to manufacture or sell personal prescriptions.

• It is not appropriate to take other people’s medications or to use medications differently than they were designed, or prescribed.

• (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006)

Drug Misuse • Drug misuse - prescribed drugs in

larger amounts, or for purposes other than, those prescribed by a physician or dentist. (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006).

Drug Dependence• Drug Dependence - the individual uses the drug so

frequently and consistently that it would be difficult for the person to get along without it. There may be withdrawal signs when the drug is not taken (physiological dependence)

A great deal of time and effort is devoted to getting and using the drug The person may take more of the substance

than intended.The person has tried several times to cut down or control the use (Kasir, Hart & Ray, 2006).

Addiction can:• Be chronic• Create psychological dependence• Create physical dependence• Maintain continued use despite negative

consequences• Cause loss of control• Involve tolerance• Produce withdrawal

Two types of addiction:• Process Addictions, which include:• Gambling• Eating Disorders• Work• Sex• Pornography• Exercise (anorexia athletica)• Internet (video, x-box, nintendo)• Codependency• Relationships• Shopping• Perfectionism

Second type of addiction:• Substance addictions, which include:• Illicit drugs• Prescription drugs• Over the counter medications• Alcohol• Cigarettes• Caffeine• Inhalants

Which addictions are more visible?

• Is it easier to see process addictions or substance addictions?

We do not have addictions in our community

• Or do we?

Which is the most addictive substance?

Crystal Meth

Crack

Prescription DrugsCigarettes

MarijuanaAlcohol Heroin

Are people who are addicted weak?

• People who are addicted are often experiencing problems that they don’t know how handle. They still need understanding and compassion.

Some of the Negative Consequences of Alcohol/Drug Use

Getting fired or kicked out of school

Relationship Problems

Sickness and health problems

• Shame, worry, guilt, loneliness, confusion

Secrets and lies (don’t talk, don’t tell)

Homelessness, incarceration, poverty

Accidents

Jacobs (1986)• There is a definite link between trauma and addictions

Alcohol and marijuana decrease:

AttentionInformation processingSpatial skills (ability to locate objects in space)LearningMemoryPlanning and problem solving

What is the law in Alberta?• Alcohol use before the age of 18 is

illegal, and marijuana use is also still illegal. Medical marijuana is still somewhat difficult to obtain in Alberta.

• https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abl2153

Why can’t people quit whenever they want?

• Physical and psychological dependence• Way of coping • Fear of withdrawal• Don’t believe they can• Aren’t ready• Scared of failing

What should I do? • Learn to talk about feelings and don’t

“bottle” them up

• Talking about things that bother us do this makes us less likely to “explode” or turn to addictions

What should I do? • Talk to someone you trust – a counsellor, teacher,

parent, nurse, or doctor – get help!!

References• Bava, S.. & Tapert, S.F. (2010). Adolescent brain development and the risk

for alcohol and other drug problems. Neuropsychological Review 20, 398-413. doi: 10.1007/s11065-010-9146-6

 • Doweiko, H. (2006). Concepts of chemical dependency. (6th ed.). Belmont,

CA: Thomson, Brooks/Cole.  • Erford, B., Eaves, S., Bryant, E.,& Young, K. (2010). 35 Techniques Every

Counselor Should Know. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education Inc. • Farthing, F. (2002). Anorexics and bulimics anonymous: The fellowship

details its program of recovery for anorexia and bulimia. City unknown: Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous.

 

References• Florsheim, P.. Heavin, S., Tiffany, S., Colvin, P. & Hiraoka, R. (2008). An

experimental test of a craving management technique for adolescents in substance-abuse treatment. Journal of Youth Adolescence 37, 1205-1215. doi: 10.1007/s10964-007-9232-0

 • Harrison, A. W., Rainer, R. K., Hochwarter, W. A., & Thompson, K. R.

(1997). Testing the self efficacy-performance linkage -cognitive theory. The Journal of Social Psychology, 137, 79-87. Retrieved from http://www.informaworld.comsmppcontent~db=all~content=a920865645~frm=titlelink

 • Jacobs, D. (1986). A general theory of addictions: A new theoretical model.

Journal of Gambling Behavior 2(1), 15-31. doi: 10.1007/BF01019931 • Johnson, S. (2004). Therapist’s guide to clinical intervention: The 1-2-3’s of

treatment planning. (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.

References• Jones, D. (2012). Creatively confronting addiction. The Lancet 379(9810)

20. Retrieved from: http://www.lancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2960009-9/fulltext

• Ksir, C., Hart, C., and Ray, O. (2006). Drugs, society, and human behavior. (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

 • Lakhan, S.E. (2006). The biopsychosocial model of health and illness.

Retrieved from: http://cnx.org/content/m13589/latest/ • Ormrod, J.E. (2008). Human Learning, 5th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ:

Pearson Prentice Hall.

• Prochaska and DiClemente’s Stages of Change (1983) Retrieved from:http://www.stepupprogram.org/docs/handouts/STEPUP_Stages_of_Change.pdf

References• Rawana, J. & Ames, M. (2012). Protective predictors of alcohol use

trajectories among Canadian Aboriginal youth. Journal of Youth Adolescence 41, 229-243. doi: 0.1007/s10964-011-9716-9

 • Samenow, C.P. (2010). A biopsychosocial model of hypersexual

disorder/sexual addiction. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity 17, 69-81. doi: 10.1080/10720162.2010.481300