Addiction Exam (Questions &
Answers)-Graded A
What is addiction? - ANS-psychologic or physical need for a substance or process to
the extent the individual will risk negative consequences in an attempt to meet the need
Define addiction behaviors. - ANS-compulsive, problematic patterns of action
what do addiction behaviors result in? - ANS-psychologic &/or physiologic dependence
what are examples of process addictions? - ANS-workaholism
gambling
shopping
cutting
eating disorders
porn
spending & indebtedness
computers
sexual addictions
what is process addictions? - ANS-compulsive behaviors that serve to reduce anxiety
What to non-addict partners often suffer from? - ANS-low self-esteem
fear of abandonment
What gender is more vulnerable to codependent behavior and why? - ANS-women
socialized to be responsible for family & often believe they are expected to remain loyal
to their partner at all costs
What is enabling behavior? - ANS-any action a person takes that consciously or
unconsciously facilitates substance dependence
What is an example of an enabling behavior? - ANS-making excuses for the partner
with the employer
lying to others about the abuse
protect abuser from natural consequences of the problem
Who do children of alcoholics most often believe is the cause of addiction? - ANS-
themselves
, Why do children of alcoholics live with fear on an almost daily basis? - ANS-physical
abuse or anger directed towards them
How would a parent preoccupied with alcohol or drugs jeopardize their children's safety
and health? - ANS-use budgeted money for drugs
disappear for hours or days
neglect to cook & clean
neglect to bathe children or get them to school
not their emotionally & physically
exposure to criminal activity
How are the feelings of children of alcoholics compromised? - ANS-taught not to talk
about own feelings, needs & wants
some learn not to feel at all
repress all feelings
become numb to both pain & joy
expected to be perfect & never make mistakes
don't trust
What are the 4 patterns of behavior children of alcoholics tend to develop? - ANS-1)
hero - often oldest child, becomes the competent caretaker & works on making the
family function
2) scapegoat - acts out at home, in school, & community; child takes focus off alcoholic
parent by getting into trouble & becoming the focus of conflict in the family; this behavior
may also be a way to draw attention to the family in an unconscious attempt to seek
help
3) lost child - avoids conflict & pain by withdrawing physically & emotionally
4) mascot - often youngest child; tries to ease family tension with comic relief used to
mask their sadness
What is a frequent defense mechanism adult children of alcoholics use? - ANS-denial
(but only makes situations worse as they proceed through life)
What do adult children of alcoholics grow up expecting relationships to be based on?
and why? - ANS-power
violence
deceit
misinformation
b/c they grew up without mature adult role models & without the experience of healthy
family dynamics
What feelings does the obsessive pattern cover and block? - ANS-covers: helplessness
blocks: anxiety, inadequacy, & fear of abandonment
Answers)-Graded A
What is addiction? - ANS-psychologic or physical need for a substance or process to
the extent the individual will risk negative consequences in an attempt to meet the need
Define addiction behaviors. - ANS-compulsive, problematic patterns of action
what do addiction behaviors result in? - ANS-psychologic &/or physiologic dependence
what are examples of process addictions? - ANS-workaholism
gambling
shopping
cutting
eating disorders
porn
spending & indebtedness
computers
sexual addictions
what is process addictions? - ANS-compulsive behaviors that serve to reduce anxiety
What to non-addict partners often suffer from? - ANS-low self-esteem
fear of abandonment
What gender is more vulnerable to codependent behavior and why? - ANS-women
socialized to be responsible for family & often believe they are expected to remain loyal
to their partner at all costs
What is enabling behavior? - ANS-any action a person takes that consciously or
unconsciously facilitates substance dependence
What is an example of an enabling behavior? - ANS-making excuses for the partner
with the employer
lying to others about the abuse
protect abuser from natural consequences of the problem
Who do children of alcoholics most often believe is the cause of addiction? - ANS-
themselves
, Why do children of alcoholics live with fear on an almost daily basis? - ANS-physical
abuse or anger directed towards them
How would a parent preoccupied with alcohol or drugs jeopardize their children's safety
and health? - ANS-use budgeted money for drugs
disappear for hours or days
neglect to cook & clean
neglect to bathe children or get them to school
not their emotionally & physically
exposure to criminal activity
How are the feelings of children of alcoholics compromised? - ANS-taught not to talk
about own feelings, needs & wants
some learn not to feel at all
repress all feelings
become numb to both pain & joy
expected to be perfect & never make mistakes
don't trust
What are the 4 patterns of behavior children of alcoholics tend to develop? - ANS-1)
hero - often oldest child, becomes the competent caretaker & works on making the
family function
2) scapegoat - acts out at home, in school, & community; child takes focus off alcoholic
parent by getting into trouble & becoming the focus of conflict in the family; this behavior
may also be a way to draw attention to the family in an unconscious attempt to seek
help
3) lost child - avoids conflict & pain by withdrawing physically & emotionally
4) mascot - often youngest child; tries to ease family tension with comic relief used to
mask their sadness
What is a frequent defense mechanism adult children of alcoholics use? - ANS-denial
(but only makes situations worse as they proceed through life)
What do adult children of alcoholics grow up expecting relationships to be based on?
and why? - ANS-power
violence
deceit
misinformation
b/c they grew up without mature adult role models & without the experience of healthy
family dynamics
What feelings does the obsessive pattern cover and block? - ANS-covers: helplessness
blocks: anxiety, inadequacy, & fear of abandonment
