This is continued compulsive use of a substance or behaviour despite harmful consequences
Addiction vs dependance
Addiction is a more psychological thing. Dependance is a biochemical state which results in withdrawal on absence of substance
4C’s of addiction
Addiction is associated with these properties
- Consequences
- Cravings
- Complusions
- Control
0C’s of dependance
Whereas dependance is associated with these
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
The role of dopamine
This is a reward
Pleasure pain balance
The same parts of the brain that are involved in pain are involved in pleasure. Whenever after there is pleasure the brain spends a proportional amount of time in the pain (or displeasure) state. This is automatic and normal.
In addiction the pleasure is so high the associated pain is prohibitive and trigger the desire of the substance again, Additionally cross addiction can occur,