The Psychology of Addiction

On why addiction is largely a state of the mind so addicts are more addicted to their addiction, the temporary feeling of pleasure, rather than the drugs…

Addiction is primarily psychological although addiction is defined according to the physiological changes in the body, and addiction continues to be considered as a social, cultural, genetic and experiential process as well. Addictive behaviour could be explained as any behaviour that gives temporary or short term pleasure and also provides relief from discomfort although there may be long term adverse effects.

Addiction is generally described as dependence on any drug and results from substance abuse. Any drug or alcohol can produce addiction as can other things such as the internet, gaming, gadgets, chocolates etc. However the physical and psychological effects of drugs and alcohol are detrimental and actually result in loss of productivity, withdrawal and physical dependence and lack of attention and such other conditions. The primary feature of addiction is dependence as an individual shows increased psychological and physiological dependence on the substance he is addicted to and without the addictive substance the person is unable to return to normal life.

» Read more: The Psychology of Addiction

Related posts

Tags:

How Should a Forensic Psychologist Handle Evidence in a Criminal Proceeding?

The field of psychology is very wide and you will find that many people like to have careers in these different branches of psychology. One of the more popular areas of interest is that of forensic psychology. To be successful in this area of psychology you should first have an understanding of what a forensic psychologist is and what they need to do.

To state very briefly a forensic psychologist is a psychologist who is trained to give accurate facts to the various legal branches that are looking for facts that are applicable to the cases that they are working on. With the information that a forensic psychologist will be able to give, the different branches of the law can make sure that no abuse of power occurs.

» Read more: How Should a Forensic Psychologist Handle Evidence in a Criminal Proceeding?

Related posts

Tags:

Psychology of Relationships – Does Conflict Affect Men More Than Women?

Men and women react differently to many situations in life. Getting over and dealing with conflict in a relationship is no different. The psychological differences between men and women may help us understand why we react differently. If you are married or in a relationship there will be arguments at various times. Conflict does not have to be life changing but what does make it harder to deal with is if the two partner’s ways of dealing with conflict don’t mesh well. Marriage counseling is one way to deal with conflict resolution solutions, and even those not married will sometimes go to relationship counselors for help. What you hopefully will get out of relationship counseling is the ability to understand how your partner thinks when dealing with arguments.

The National Institute of Mental Health at one point funded a huge social study that displayed how most couples who had been together for only a few months and were between the ages of 18 and 21 would avoid being dependant on their partner and also avoided too much intimacy (which might result in dependence). This group also showed signs of anxiety when faced with rejection or abandonment, although there were different degrees of anxiety levels. Those who were more personally secure within themselves had lower levels of stress, which is to be expected. The more secure and independent you are with yourself the less abandonment will affect you. Others reacted differently to the tests as well, depending on how they naturally handled anxiety and thoughts on abandonment.

» Read more: Psychology of Relationships – Does Conflict Affect Men More Than Women?

Related posts

Tags: