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”