What is the difference between interpersonal and intrapsychic conflict in the context of addiction?

Interpersonal conflict involves friction between the addict and their social circle (family, friends, or work). Intrapsychic conflict is the internal struggle within the individual, such as the guilt or cognitive dissonance felt when they know the behavior is harmful but feel compelled to continue.

How does 'Salience' differ from a simple hobby or strong interest?

While a hobby is an activity one enjoys, salience in addiction means the activity dominates the person's entire life. It becomes the most important thing, leading to the neglect of basic needs, relationships, and responsibilities that a hobbyist would typically maintain.

What is the distinction between Tolerance and Withdrawal?

Tolerance is the need for increased amounts of a stimulus to achieve the same effect over time. Withdrawal refers to the negative physical or psychological symptoms that occur specifically when the stimulus is removed or reduced.

Why is it a mistake to define addiction solely by the frequency of the behavior?

Frequency alone does not account for the impact on an individual's life. An addiction is defined by the loss of control, the presence of conflict, and the continuation of the behavior despite clear negative consequences, which may not be present in someone who simply engages in a behavior frequently.

What is the common misconception regarding 'Withdrawal' and behavioral addictions?

Many people believe withdrawal only involves physical symptoms like sweating or shaking. However, in behavioral addictions (like gaming), withdrawal is often purely psychological, involving intense irritability, anxiety, or depression when the person cannot engage in the activity.

Is relapse considered a sign that treatment has failed?

No, relapse is recognized as a standard characteristic of the chronic nature of addiction. It indicates that the underlying neurological and psychological triggers are still present and that the management strategy may need to be adjusted, rather than signifying total failure.

Define 'Mood Modification' in the context of addictive behavior.

Mood modification is the use of a substance or activity to change one's emotional state. This can be a 'positive' change (achieving a high) or a 'negative' change (numbing pain or reducing stress), serving as a form of self-medication.

What does the term 'Relapse' specifically refer to?

Relapse refers to the return to a previous pattern of addictive behavior after a period of abstinence. It often involves a quick return to the highest levels of use seen before the period of control began.

Salience is the state where the addictive behavior becomes the most important activity in the person's life, dominating their thoughts, feelings, and daily actions to the exclusion of other interests.

How does the Biopsychosocial model explain the development of addiction?

It posits that addiction arises from a combination of biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry), psychological factors (personality, trauma, coping skills), and social factors (environment, peer pressure, socioeconomic status). No single factor is sufficient to explain addiction on its own.

Characteristics of Addiction | AQA GCSE Psychology

Psychological Problems

Characteristics of Addiction

Summary

Addiction is a multifaceted biopsychosocial disorder characterized by a compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It is defined by a specific set of behavioral and physiological markers—salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse—that distinguish it from heavy use or habitual behavior.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive seeking of a substance or behavior, even when it results in significant harm to the individual's health, social life, or legal standing.
Salience occurs when the addictive activity becomes the single most important aspect of a person's life, dominating their thoughts (preoccupation), feelings (cravings), and behavior (neglect of other interests).
Mood Modification refers to the subjective experience that people report as a consequence of engaging in the addictive behavior, often used as a coping mechanism to achieve a 'high' or to escape from emotional pain or stress.

A circular diagram showing the six core components of addiction: Salience, Mood Modification, Tolerance, Withdrawal, Conflict, and Relapse, illustrating their interconnected nature.

2. Physiological Principles

Tolerance is the process whereby increasing amounts of the substance or activity are required to achieve the same physical or psychological effects originally produced by lower levels.
Withdrawal Symptoms are the unpleasant physical and psychological states that occur when the addictive behavior is discontinued or suddenly reduced, often manifesting as tremors, anxiety, or irritability.
These physiological changes reflect the brain's neuroplastic adaptation to the constant presence of a stimulus, shifting the 'baseline' of the reward system.

3. Psychological & Social Dimensions

Conflict arises when the addictive behavior creates friction between the addict and those around them (interpersonal conflict) or within the individual themselves (intrapsychic conflict).
Relapse is the tendency for repeated reversions to earlier patterns of the addictive behavior after a period of abstinence or control, highlighting the chronic nature of the condition.
The Biopsychosocial Model suggests that addiction is not caused by a single factor but by an interaction of genetic vulnerability, psychological state, and social environment.

4. Key Distinctions

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions