13 - 1 Flashcards
Alcohol and nicotine
two of the most widely used and most problematic psychoactive drugs
Alcohol is the
highest drug used by all Canadians
What is an addiction?
A chronic disease disrupting the brain’s reward, motivation and memory systems
Typically, a person gets addicted to the stimulus/effects and
struggles to get off of it due to withdrawal symptoms.
6 Factors at Play of Addictions
Economical
Social
Genetics/Heredity
Biological
Psychological
Education
BPSEEG
Approaches to treatment include
medication, treatment centres, self-help groups, and peer counselling; many programs also offer counselling to family members.
Societal Changes for the Future – Looking at Addiction as an illness, not a crime.
Addiction causes
compulsive substance abuse despite harmful consequences
Habits become out of control negatively affecting the person’s health
Unrelenting pursuit of a physical or psychological reward through substance abuse
What is Tolerance?
The user requires more and more of the substance to achieve the same high
All addictions begin as a
voluntary step
What is Substance misuse?
The use of a substance inconsistent with medical or legal guidelines
EX: A person taking painkillers just to get high would be
drug misuse
or
Substance misuse
There are ____ DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder
11
How do you diagnose Substance Misuse and Addictions?
- Impaired control
- Social problems
- Risky use
- Drug effects
a) Tolerance to the substance
b) Experiencing withdrawal
Behavioural Addictions
EEISSVGW
Some drugs are more likely than others to lead to addiction
ex: opioid addiction
Drug misuse and addiction occur at
all income levels and across all age groups
Drug changes the
brain chemistry
The quicker the drug enters the brain,
the more addictive it is
Response to a drug is influenced by the expectation of the user
Large dose – strongest effect
Small dose – psychological and social factors are more important
If the person expects a particular experience, then they are likely to have those experiences
- Placebo effect
Expectations had a greater effect than the drug itself
Social Factors
The setting will influence the way the person will experience the drug:
1. Comfortable home versus laboratory setting
2. Cocktail party versus home
