Psychology Addiction

Addiction is- being dependant on a mood altering substance or activity

Diagnosing addiction- Smoking:

In tobaco the chemical nicotine is the addictive componant

The DCM uses criteria to identify a dependance on a substance:

• Tolerance- a much larger dose is needed to fufil the same effect
• Uncuccessful attempts to reduce or control their addiction
• The substance is taken over a larger time period and a higher dose than the individual intended
• The individual devotes a lot of their time trying to get the substance
• Social and recreational activities are reduced

Long term…