Although many people find it difficult to confess their dependency on substances, it is easy to know when one is addicted to them. Substance abuse and addiction is manifested through various symptoms that victims portray. The inability to carry out daily activities before using the substance is one of the symptoms that shows addiction to the substance (Whitbourne, 2016).
Case Study 1
The “weed fiend” described here is likely to face cannabis-induced anxiety disorder given his social withdrawal from friends with whom he used to smoke with. The symptoms manifested here include increased anxiety, social withdrawal, and tolerance evidenced by the use of larger amounts of cannabis than before. The fact that he no longer picks up the substance from the dealers in the neighborhood is a proof that he has unsuccessful efforts to cut down use but has failed to, instead his tolerance has increased.
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Case Study 2
From the second case, the co-worker is addicted to caffeine use. It is clear that her use of espresso, Caramel Frappuccino, and tea provides her enough levels of caffeine that stimulates in her some improvements in mood and clarity of thought. Withdrawal symptoms are evident from the effects of her abrupt cessation experienced in the persistent social and interpersonal problems she got with other workers. This is an indication that she is already suffering from caffeine use disorder. Espresso is usually high in caffeine content, and the fact that she must take it early in the morning before work is definite that her tolerance level is quite high. She also spends much time traveling a distance to find her “fix” which actually shows her addiction, craving, and dependence on the use of caffeine. Her irritability, depressed and dysphoric mood are symptoms of withdrawal and their effects are manifested in the social and occupational impairment which affect her important functionality and work output.
Case Study 3
According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, this is a case of cell phone addiction. It is clear that this addiction causes the student to consciously use it while driving, which is a violation of road safety laws. This has cost him legal problems since he now has several points on his license for texting and driving. Despite his denial of cell phone dependence and addiction, it is also clear that his excessive phone use has caused disturbances in class leading to conflicts with the professor and eventual decline in his midterm performance. Furthermore, he admits that this addiction has led to sleep disorders and insomnia. His disproval of mobile use is a symptom of unsuccessful withdrawal from his dependence and craving for cell phone use. As a result, he cannot meet his school obligations and uses his phone in hazardous situations (while driving) which have led to the development of social and legal problems.
Reference
Whitbourne, S. (2016). Abnormal Psychology: Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disorders . 8th edition with Connect Access. McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing. ISBN: 9781259235924.
