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”