Case Study: Mark's Gaming Behavior Mark spends 8-10 hours daily playing online games. He has tried to cut back multiple times but cannot stop once he starts. He feels an overwhelming urge to log in every day and has recently lost both his job and relationship due to excessive gaming. Despite these consequences, he continues playing and now needs longer gaming sessions to feel the same excitement he once did. Instructions: Review Mark's case and identify the four key characteristics of addiction present in his behavior. For each characteristic, consider the evidence and why it represents that specific addiction pattern. Step 1: Loss of Control Evidence: Mark tries to cut back but fails repeatedly. He cannot limit his playtime once he starts. Reflection: Why does this demonstrate a loss of control rather than simply poor time management? Step 2: Compulsive Use Evidence: He feels an overwhelming urge or compulsion to log in every day. Reflection: How is compulsion different from simply enjoying an activity? Step 3: Negative Consequences Evidence: He has lost his job and relationship due to gaming but continues the behavior. Reflection: Why do people with addictions continue behaviors despite obvious negative outcomes? Step 4: Tolerance Evidence: He needs to play for longer periods to feel the same excitement. Reflection: How does tolerance develop in the brain, and what does this tell us about addiction? Your Task: For each characteristic above: Identify one additional piece of evidence that might be present in Mark's life Explain how this characteristic might affect his attempts at recovery Consider what intervention might be most helpful for addressing this specific aspect

Scenario Emily drinks coffee every morning but can skip days without experiencing significant distress or intense cravings. Your Task Analyze Emily's behavior and determine whether it represents a habit or an addiction, considering the key characteristics of each. Classification: Habit Explanation: Emily's coffee consumption demonstrates the hallmarks of a habit: Voluntary control — she can choose to skip coffee without losing control over her behavior. Life compatibility — the behavior doesn't disrupt her daily functioning or relationships. Manageable discomfort — she may experience mild grogginess when skipping coffee, but can easily adapt and function normally. ✅ This clearly illustrates a habit — a regular behavior pattern that remains within the person's control and doesn't negatively impact their wellbeing or responsibilities. Now, reflect on the addiction characteristics we examined in Exercise 1. What fundamental distinctions can you identify between Emily's relationship with coffee and Mark's relationship with gaming?

In this exercise, you'll analyze different scenarios to identify and distinguish between types of addiction. For each case, consider the symptoms, behaviors, and consequences before determining the specific type of addiction. Step 1: Behavioral Addiction - Social Media Scenario: David checks his social media accounts constantly throughout the day. He feels anxious when he can't access his phone and has trouble sleeping because he's scrolling late into the night. His partner complains that he's never fully present in conversations. Your task: Identify two key symptoms that indicate this is specifically a behavioral addiction. Answer: This is a behavioral addiction marked by compulsive use and emotional dependence. David shows anxiety when disconnected and disruption to important life areas (sleep and relationships). Step 2: Substance Addiction - Cannabis Scenario: Maria began using cannabis occasionally with friends but now uses it daily. She needs more to feel the same effects and has missed several classes after using. Despite promising herself to cut back, she hasn't been able to reduce her use. Your task: Identify which symptoms distinguish this as a substance use disorder rather than just recreational use. Answer: This reflects a substance use disorder involving cannabis. Key indicators include tolerance (needing more for the same effect), functional impairment (missed classes), and loss of control over usage despite intentions to cut back. Step 3: Behavioral Addiction - Gambling Scenario: John started betting on sports occasionally but now gambles daily. He's borrowed money from family members without telling them it's for gambling and has missed mortgage payments. Despite financial problems, he believes his next bet will solve everything. Your task: Explain how cognitive distortions play a role in this particular addiction. Answer: This is gambling disorder, a recognized behavioral addiction. John exhibits compulsive gambling, financial loss, deceit, and persistent urges despite harm. The cognitive distortion of believing the "next bet will solve everything" (known as the "gambler's fallacy") perpetuates the addictive cycle. Reflection Question How do behavioral addictions and substance addictions differ in their manifestation, and what common characteristics do they share? Consider the examples above in your response.

In this interactive exercise, you'll learn to identify cross-addiction patterns and understand how multiple dependencies can reinforce each other. Case Study: Sarah's Story Sarah initially developed an opioid prescription addiction following a sports injury. When her prescriptions ran out, she turned to heroin. Later, she began gambling as a distraction, which became a new addiction. During recovery attempts, she developed compulsive patterns with technology use and shopping. Identify the Pattern Question: What evidence in Sarah's story suggests cross-addiction rather than simply multiple separate addictions? Think about: timing of each behavior, replacement patterns, and underlying triggers. Apply Your Knowledge Activity: Consider which of Sarah's addictions might share similar neurological pathways or fulfill similar emotional needs. Opioids/heroin: What need does this fulfill? Gambling: What similar reward does this provide? Technology/shopping: How might these replace earlier addictions? Key Concept: Cross-addiction (or Addiction Transfer) occurs when a person transfers addictive behavior from one area to another or develops multiple addictions concurrently. Each addiction can reinforce and intensify the overall addictive pattern. Discussion Question: Why might someone recovering from one addiction be vulnerable to developing a different addiction? What implications does this have for treatment approaches?