Mental Illness and Personality Disorder: Addictions

HSP3C

Addictions What is addiction? What people think

addiction is… Often used to refer any behaviour that is out of

control

Addiction used in vague and incorrect ways…

REAL DEFINITION Addiction – Presence of the 4 C’s

1) Craving (physically and psychologically need it)

2) loss of Control of amount (or frequency of use; unable to count)

3) Compulsion to use (irresistible impulse to act)

4) Use despite Consequences (you continue to use it even though you know its not good for you)

Habits vs. Addictions Habit – you CHOOSE to do it

Individual has the power to choose how he/she deals with choices

Addiction – you HAVE to do it Your body (physically and/or mentally) will go

through withdrawal because he/she is dependent upon the substance

Why Addictions? Individuals may feel good and have more confidence

Forgets about his or her problems

Their addiction makes life “easier” to live

Stigmas People see addiction as a weakness

Individuals should be stronger

People believe you can choose to overcome your addiction

Signs and Symptoms Dependence – cannot stop!

Body experiences withdrawal (e.g. mood changes, loses patience easier, poor focus)

Activities are given up JUST for the addiction

Always make sure to have supply (loses reality on money)

Believes their addiction will help calm or help their problems

Risk Factors There are many risk factors that can

contribute (add) to someone’s chances of developing an addiction:

Genetics – learn behaviour from family

Having mental illness/condition

Risk Factors (cont’d) Peer pressure (want to follow peers)

Loneliness – way to cope with feelings

Stress

Causes Link between the repeated use of the

addiction and how the brain experiences pleasure

Causes (cont’d) The more the individual is used to the

substance, the more “dosage” the individual will need The body becomes used to it, and wants more!

Diagnosis Each addiction is different (e.g. drug abuse

can be tested through blood test)

Diagnosis (cont’d) Doctors look into:

Tolerance – body needs more to be satisfied

Body goes through withdrawal (taking out) symptoms

Too much time is spent trying to find the substance

Social/hobbies/work is given up JUST for the addiction

Patient knows it’s a problem, but still takes it

Treatment Each treatment is specific for each individual

and their addiction Three main forms of treatment:

1) Medications

2) Support Groups

3) Psychotherapy/Counseling

1) Medication Used for helping individuals with mental

illnesses

2) Support Groups Others who are suffering from the same

addiction help one another as they go through the recovery process

E.g. Alcoholics Anonymous

3) Psychotherapy/Counseling Individual speaks with professional about

addiction and talks through it

FOUR CORNERS Now its your turn to show what YOU know

There are four corners around the room: Habits Fears Phobias Addictions

Statements will be read, and you will have to choose which corner you believe it belongs under.

1) STATEMENT ONE

Support groups help me overcome my mental illness.

2) Statement Two

I come from the Greek word “fear”

3) Statement Three

Exposure therapy helps me recover

4) Statement Four

Snakes are slimey and weird looking. I don’t like to go near them when I find them in the garden. So, I watch them sssssslither away

slowly into the ground.

However, have you ever watched the Jungle Book. The snake in the movie is funny!

5) Statement Five

There are over 400 different types of __________ diagnosed by doctors today!

6) Statement Six

I do certain actions/rituals to help me feel better and forget about my problems.

7) Statement Seven

I didn’t go to work today, because I had to finish the last level. Sometimes, I prefer to stay at home and complete these levels because it makes me feel good.

8) Statement 8

Panic, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling

9) Statement Nine

Everytime I go to bed, I ask my mom or dad to check the closet to make sure nothing is inside. Only after they check the closet, I can close my eyes and sleep!

10) Statement Ten

I can be defined as the 4 “C”