General Information

What is addiction?

Addiction is when frequent substance use leads to problematic physical, psychological, social and occupational consequences. Withdrawal of the substance causes severe physical and psychological discomfort.

What is meant by substance dependence?

DSMIV CRITERIA FOR SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE

A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following occurring at any one time in the same 12-month period.

1. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following
   a) A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
   b) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
   
   
2. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
   a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance.
   b) The same or closely related substance is taken to relieve of avoid withdrawal symptoms.
   
   
3. The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
   
   
4. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance.
   
   
5. A great deal of time is spent in the activities necessary to obtain the substance e.g. visiting multiple Drs or driving long distances, use of substance e.g. chain smoking, or recovering from it’s effects.
   
   
6. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use.
   
   
7. The substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent /recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance i.e. ulcer.

What is meant by substance abuse?

DSMIV CRITERIA FOR ABUSE

A Maladaptive pattern of drug use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following occurring within a twelve-month period

1. Recurrent drug use resulting in a failure to fulfil major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to drug use; drug related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household).
   
   
2. Recurrent drug use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g. driving an automobile or operating a machine when impaired by drug use).
   
   
3. Recurrent drug related legal problems.
   
   
4. Continued drug use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the drug use (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of drug use, physical fights).

What is binge drinking?

One of the most dangerous types of drinking is when you have a binge. That is, when you drink a lot more than usual on any one occasion. New Zealand is known for its risky or binge drinking culture. This means we often save up our drinking until certain nights of the week and then drink very heavily.

If you want to test your drinking go to ALAC’s website:

www.alac.org.nz/TestYourDrinking.aspx 

See how your drinking pattern scores on their drink check test.