Neurotransmitter - released when the need for pleasure is

Compulsion to use fulfiled

Refers to the Dopamine Mechanism : Binds to receptors of specific cells in the body.
Loss of control Upon binding, the drug alters the biological processes of the cell.
physical and
Continued involvement with the psychologica As the body adapts to higher levels of dopamine, increasingly
substance/behaviour despite l larger doses of drugs/experiences are required to produce the
adverse consequences dependence
Biological same pleasurable experience.
characterised by on a drug, The body’s natural capacity to produce dopamine is reduced. However,
Irrational thinking and/or denial substance or Underlying the need persists and the drug seems to be the only way to fill it.

behaviour. Mechanics of Association of alcoholism with genetic factors

Drugs and substances Substance Addiction A1 allele of the D2DR gene
Alcohol addiction
Genetics
Smoking Prefrontal cortex has key role in cognitive functions involved in decision-making
Food Impairment of decision-making is a key feature of addiction

Gambling
Addiction Brain development
Prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in adolescence (11-20
yrs)
Gaming / Internet body experiences physical withdrawal lasting days or weeks (for
Shopping types certain addictions e.g. alcohol, cigarettes)
Physiological component
Running
TV Individual Factors
Food Process Self gratification
addiction
Pornography Poor self control
Low self-esteem
Anxiety
Gambles more often Gambling Psychological Post-traumatic stress disorders
Gamble for longer periods of time
Gambles with larger amounts of money Network of friends with similar addictions
Incurs debts as a result of gambling Lifestyle
Borrows money to gamble Environmental – Cultural Differences
Gambles in spite of negative consequences, e.g. huge Social Perception in society that it is ‘normal’ to be drunk?
losses,poor job performance, relationship problems. Signs of Factors Easy availability of substance (e.g. alcohol as a free gift during promotions?)
Gambles to escape from emotional
problems, worries or frustrations
Addiction Abusive or neglectful home environment
Alienation or marginalized group
Tells lies to hide/deny the gambling habit Problems Life events, including chronic or acute stressors
Loses control over drinking Physical /
Feels that drinking is getting out of hand and feels the need to cut down pharmacological
Feels annoyed when people criticise his drinking Prevention & treatment options
Has cravings to drink in the morning, or
needs alcohol to steady his nerves Alcohol Treatment of Counselling
Feels remorseful or guilty about drinking Addictions
Psychological Stress Management
Preoccupied with finding and consuming drugs treatment options
Finds excuses to continue using drugs, despite promises to quit Support groups
Conceals drug-taking behaviour, and is afraid of being
discovered Drugs Social Support
Family members
Has health and sleep problems
Has frequent accidents and falls
Feels exhausted and depressed because of drug use
Relapse Prevention