Describe how psychologists have defined and explained substance abuse.

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Describe how psychologists have defined and explained substance abuse.

Psychologists have defined the abuse of a substance as the misuse of a substance which is psychologically and physiologically addictive. Such substances can include alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and harder drugs such as heroine and cannabis. An abuser has an inability to stop using the substance(s) and it not only has negative effects on themselves, it also has effects on factors such as the friends and family. It is often the case that a substance is ingested so much that the body adapts to it and the users tolerance level causes them to seek increasing amount of the substance. If the abuser is not able to provide them with an increased amount of the substance, their body becomes affected and thus the withdrawal effects may involve uncomfortable cravings for the substance.

Rosenhan and Seligman defines substance abuse as the the clear existence or a pattern of pathological or heavy daily use with a strong inability to stop or decrease the use of a substance,  thus becoming dependant upon the substance. The findings of their study also show that heightened problems developed as seen from a social aspect, such as losing friends, and also from an occupational point of view for example, repeatedly losing jobs. In certain cases these problems developed as a result of substance abuse. 

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Many explanations for the abuse of a substance can point towards external cues or a form of classical conditioning. One example of an external or social cue is being in a pub with a drink. The instinct is to then light up a cigarette, because the cigarette is associated with a drink.

Social learning threory suggests the copying of a family member or a parental figure is another  reason for substance abuse. Children whose parents smoke are far more likely to start smoking than those whose parents do not.

Cognitive explanations for addictions such as nicotine in cigarettes are ...

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