1.

Theoretical Understanding of Addiction

• Define addiction. How does it differ from dependency and abuse?
o Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by
compulsive substance use or engagement in a behavior despite
harmful consequences. Dependency refers to physical or
psychological reliance on a substance or behavior, often resulting in
withdrawal symptoms. Abuse, on the other hand, involves the
harmful use of substances, often without dependency.
• What are the main psychological models of addiction, and how do they
explain addictive behaviors?
o Key models include:
▪ Behavioral Model: Suggests addiction is learned through
conditioning; substances or behaviors are associated with
positive reinforcement.
▪ Cognitive Model: Attributes addiction to cognitive distortions,
such as the belief that the substance or behavior is necessary
to cope.
▪ Social Learning Model: Emphasizes the role of observation
and imitation in developing addictive behaviors.
• How does classical and operant conditioning play a role in the
development of addictive behaviors?
o Classical Conditioning: Triggers like environments, people, or
emotions become associated with substance use or addictive
behavior, creating cues that elicit cravings.
o Operant Conditioning: Addictive behaviors are reinforced by
immediate rewards (pleasure, stress relief), increasing the likelihood
of repetition.

2. Biopsychosocial Perspective
• Explain the biopsychosocial model of addiction. What role do genetics,
environment, and psychological factors play?
 o The biopsychosocial model explains addiction as an interplay of
biological (e.g., genetics, brain chemistry), psychological (e.g.,
stress coping mechanisms), and social (e.g., family influence, peer
pressure) factors. Genetics can predispose individuals to addiction,
while environmental stressors or lack of social support may
exacerbate risk.
• How do neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, influence addiction?
o Dopamine plays a critical role in the brain’s reward system. Many
addictive substances or behaviors increase dopamine release,
creating a feeling of pleasure. Over time, the brain’s natural
production of dopamine decreases, leading to dependency on the
substance or behavior to feel pleasure.

3. Types of Addictions
• Differentiate between substance addiction and behavioral addiction.
Can both types be treated similarly?
o Substance Addiction: Involves chemical substances (e.g., alcohol,
drugs) and often leads to physical dependency.
o Behavioral Addiction: Involves compulsive engagement in activities
(e.g., gambling, gaming) without substance use.
o Treatment can overlap (e.g., CBT and group therapy are effective for
both), but substance addictions may require detox and medical
interventions.
• What are some examples of behavioral addictions, and how do they
compare to substance addictions?
o Examples include gambling, internet, or shopping addiction. Like
substance addictions, behavioral addictions involve compulsive
behavior despite negative consequences, but they usually lack
physical dependency.
4. Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities
• What are some psychological risk factors for addiction, and how can
these factors contribute to addictive behaviors?
o Psychological risk factors include impulsivity, low self-esteem,
anxiety, and depression. These can drive individuals to seek
substances or behaviors to self-medicate or escape negative
emotions.
• How does childhood trauma or adverse experiences increase the risk
of addiction later in life?
o Childhood trauma can disrupt emotional development and coping
skills, leaving individuals vulnerable to using substances or
behaviors to cope with unresolved pain or stress in adulthood.

5. Psychological Interventions and Treatment Approaches

• Describe cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its effectiveness in
treating addiction.
o CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought
patterns and behaviors related to addiction. It is effective because it
addresses underlying thought patterns that drive addictive behavior,
teaching coping strategies and relapse prevention skills.
• What are the principles of motivational interviewing, and why is it
useful for addiction treatment?
o Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach focusing on
enhancing intrinsic motivation to change. It is effective because it
respects clients’ autonomy, reduces resistance, and builds their
commitment to change.
• What role does family therapy play in the recovery process for
individuals with addiction?
o Family therapy addresses family dynamics and provides support for
the individual, helping families develop healthier communication
patterns and supporting their loved one’s recovery efforts.
6. Prevention and Public Health Approaches
• What are some effective prevention strategies for addiction,
particularly for adolescents?
o Prevention strategies include school-based education, social skills
training, family-focused programs, and community interventions
that reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors.
• How can community-based programs contribute to reducing addiction
rates?
o Community programs provide support networks, educational
resources, and alternative coping strategies, empowering individuals
to resist substance use or addictive behaviors.

7. Research Methods in Addiction Studies

• How would you design a study to examine the effectiveness of a new
addiction treatment?
o Design a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two groups: one
receiving the new treatment and the other a placebo or standard
treatment. Measure outcomes like relapse rates, quality of life, and
psychological well-being before, during, and after the intervention.
• What are the ethical considerations in addiction research, particularly
when studying vulnerable populations?
o Key ethical considerations include informed consent, minimizing
harm, ensuring confidentiality, and providing access to support for
participants, especially in vulnerable groups who may experience
withdrawal or relapse during the study.

8. Recent Advances and Controversies

• What are the current debates regarding the classification of behavioral
addictions in the DSM-5?
o The DSM-5 currently recognizes gambling disorder as the only
behavioral addiction. There is debate over whether other behaviors,
 like gaming or internet addiction, should also be classified as
addictions due to similarities in symptoms and impact.
• Discuss recent findings on the impact of digital addiction (e.g., social
media or gaming) on mental health.
o Studies show that digital addiction can lead to anxiety, depression,
and social isolation. Constant exposure to online content can affect
self-esteem and create dependence on digital interactions for
emotional regulation.

9. Cultural and Social Influences

• How do cultural attitudes toward substances like alcohol influence
addiction rates?
o Cultures with liberal attitudes toward alcohol often see higher
consumption rates, which can increase the risk of addiction. Social
norms, like drinking in celebrations or stress relief, can reinforce
patterns that lead to dependency.
• Discuss the impact of peer pressure and social media on addiction in
young adults.
o Peer pressure, especially in adolescents and young adults, can
encourage experimentation with substances. Social media often
glamorizes substance use, making it appear more socially acceptable
or desirable, increasing vulnerability to addiction.