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Guide to Understanding Addictive Disorders

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Guide to Understanding Addictive Disorders
CPY 303 ADDICTIVE DISORDERS

INTRODUCTION

Disorder refers to an abnormal state of the body or mind in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning, or a deviation from the normal structure or functioning of any part or organ, as manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs whose prognosis and pathology may be known or unknown. These characteristic symptoms frequently disorganize the individual and may cause physical and psychological distress and pain.

Addiction refers to a chronic, relapsing condition characterised by compulsive repetition of substance use or a behaviour, increasing tolerance, and psychological and physical dependence. Addiction involves a compulsive psychological and physiological craving of a habit forming substance or any other rewarding behaviour like sex, gambling, medicine, food or religion.

Addiction is a dependence on a substance, such as the drug heroin, or a type of behaviour, such as gambling. The dependence is so strong that it may seem as if the person is unable to break away from the dependence

An addictive disorder is any abnormal state of body or mind which involves a chronic, relapsing disease characterised by compulsive repetition of the behaviour, increasing tolerance, and psychological and physical dependence. Any activity, substance, object, or behaviour that has become the major focus of a person's life to the exclusion of other activities, or that has begun to harm the individual or others physically, mentally, or socially is considered an addictive disorder. A person can become addicted, dependent, or compulsively obsessed with anything. All addictive disorders are progressive and are usually characterized by withdrawal syndromes.

What Is An Addiction? A Broad Meaning of Addictions
Addiction has long been understood to mean an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs. Because of the physical effects of these substances on the body, and particularly the brain, people have often thought

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