Lecture Notes: What is Addiction?

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Stephen Melamis
• Goals of the lecture:
  • Provide a useful definition of addiction
  • Explain a simple test for identifying addiction
  • Clarify misconceptions about addiction
  • Discuss causes of addiction
  • Encourage seeking help if needed

Definition of Addiction

• Addiction characteristics:
  • Difficulty controlling use
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
• Warning signs:
  • Initially feels great, negative consequences later
  • Relationships often suffer first
  • Irritability and impatience
  • Gradual increase in use
  • Feelings of guilt and emptiness

Simple Test for Addiction

• Questions to consider:
  1. Do you feel guilty about drug/alcohol use afterwards?
  2. Do you minimize your use to others?
  3. Do you feel annoyed when asked about your use?
  4. Have you thought about cutting down but failed?
• Probability of addiction based on answers:
  • Yes to 1 question: 75% chance
  • Yes to 2 questions: 85% chance
  • Yes to all 3 questions: 95% chance

Prevalence of Addiction

• 10% of people have a chemical addiction
• Addiction is non-discriminatory (lawyers, plumbers, CEOs)

Misconceptions About Addiction

• You don’t have to use daily to have an addiction
• Cravings are not necessary for addiction
• Ease of abstaining doesn’t rule out addiction
• Life doesn’t need to be in trouble to have an addiction
• Addiction is progressive

Causes of Addiction

• Genetic and environmental factors:
  • 50% genes
  • 50% poor coping skills
• Reasons for use:
  • Escape, relaxation, and reward
• Importance of developing coping skills

Final Thoughts

• Genes are not destiny
• Many overcome difficult backgrounds
• Encouragement to change and recover successfully

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• Closing note from Dr. Melamis: Wishing a healthy and happy recovery.