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DEPENDENCIES AND ADDICTIONS

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Types of Dependencies

A. NormalB. Abnormal

1. Habit disorders(e.g., eating)

2. Addictions(e.g., alcoholism)

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Developmental Course of Normal Dependence

Normal1. On parents/adults2. On peers3. On resourcesWhat are the

implications for accommodation for a child overly dependent on an teacher?

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The Function of Dependence

• Avoidance of failure or the social embarrassment of failure

Communication Characteristics

• Often seeks social approval, for example, by saying “did I do a good job?”

• Has difficulty with decisions• Often complains

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Counterdependency Characteristics

• Conveys the attitude “I can do it myself”--by hasn’t a clue

• Authority avoidant• Yet like a dependent, s/he

complains and waits for others to act first

Case Study“Jennifer”

• Divorce of Parents and abandonment by father• Youngest of three children and only girl• Sexually and physically abused by older sibling • Little or no maternal intervention • Frequent relocation of family home and school • Age 15 abandoned by mother• Drop out of high school at 16• Series of failed and abusive personal

relationships• Series of menial jobs

Caught in a Strange Environment Called:

Home

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HABIT DISORDERSOf EATING

• Anorexia nervosa• Bulimia

• Eating disorders are disturbances of identity and autonomy not of appetite

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LOOK AT THIS LINKThin

http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/thin/video.html (Preview)

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ANOREXIA NERVOSA :ETIOLOGY

1. BIOPHYSICAL FACTORS(a) genetic factors, hormonal and endocrine

problems, or malfunctions of hypothalamus

(b) Changes in blood flow in the brain 2. PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS

Linked to control issues; they may perceive themselves as controlled externally, are less assertive, and come from families that do not encourage independence (Williams, Chamove, & Millar, 1990--Journal of Clinical Psychology, 29, 327-335)

3. ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS put on child to be perfect -- high expectations from significant others; pressure from media to look a certain way; low self-esteem

Addictive BehaviorFrom dependency to

addictions

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Look at this link. video

http://www.hbo.com/addiction/index.html

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Types of Addiction

Common addictions are:1. Shopping 2. Alcohol 3. Drugs 4. Sex 5. Gambling 6. smoking

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Contributing factors1. Environment: Readily available substances2. Individual’s:

a) Physiological level of anxiety and response to stress

b) Physiological positive reaction to the drug substance, with a need to increase dose and frequency of use.

c) Psychology: Impairment in the ability to obtain real satisfactions and rewards from life; turns to alternative artificial rewards offered by different types of addictions

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“Mental Bookkeeping” -- addicts weigh incorrectly the positive and negatives of their addiction (irrational), which is a form of denial

the addict begins to place more emphasis on the positive aspects of the behavior, this emphasis later becomes a need.

Obsessive thoughts

COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS

Example of Cognitive Distortion

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INTERVENTIONS

Is not curable but is treatable. 1. Total abstinence: the risk of

relapse is present throughout life no matter how long the recovery.

2. ‘Just say no’ education programs work

3. Self-help groups work

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CHILD ABUSE

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Read this link material:

• http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm

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Prevalence

• 33% of disabled children vs. 9% nondisabled children

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Physical Abuse Physical Characteristics

• Signs of Abuse:– Unexplainable bruises or

injuries– May wear clothes to cover

bruises – Fear of medical help– Sexual abuse may lead to

lacerations or tears

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Social Characteristics

• Sometimes goes unnoticed• Change in personality

»

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“RED FLAGS” OR WARNINGS SIGNS

• Abrupt changes in behavior (e.g., loss of appetite, sleep, failing school)

• Inappropriate seductive behavior with others

• Knowledge of or unusual interest in sexual matters

• Promiscuity• Anger directed everywhere• Avoid a certain person• Regressive • Depressive, withdrawal, few friends• Passivity and compliance• Repeated running away

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ACCOMMODATIONS

• Prevention• Share power• Create a safe place• Deal with anger calmly -- give space, lower

voice

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INTERVENTIONS

• Examining misconceptions critical first step in helping child

• Knowledge on how to interview the child

• Know how to begin a legal report to protect the child