2.2 Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence Flashcards
Why do ppl abuse drugs
- The greater the good feeling obtained from a drug, the more likely the use of the drug will be repeated
- known as reinforcement
Factors influencing substance use disorder - genetic factors
- genetic factors can predispose an individual to substance use disorder
- for example it is reported that sons of alcoholic parents are at higher risk to become alcoholics than sons of non-alcoholic parents
Factors influencing substance use disorder - coexisting disorders
- individuals with a major affective disorder like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or schizophrenia are at higher risk for substance use disorder than the general population
Factors influencing substance use disorder - environmental risk factors
- environments that promote drug use, family stability, work groups, and social groups all have influences on the potential for substance use disorder. Stable family life and social circles can reduce the risk of substance abuse.
Factors influencing substance use disorder - developmental aspect
- adolescence and early adult hood are the age groups primarily associated with the initiation of substance use disorder
- smoking usually begins before the age of 18
- 80% of alcoholics begin abusing alcohol before age 30
- illicit drug use usually begins between 15 and 18 years of age
The dopamine hypothesis
- used to explain addiction
- drugs reviews increase dopamine in the reward systems of the brain (limbic system)
- The same dopaminergic systems are responsible for natural rewards such as food and sex, as well as for stimulus related rewards such as video games, gambling, and fire starting
- drugs of abuse can cause an exaggerated increase in dopamine, altering communication with the brain
Characteristics of addictive drugs
Can be classified into three categories increase dopamine, produce novelty, and reduce anxiety
Increase dopamine
- CNS stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine
- opiates like morphine, heroin, Oxycotton
- alcohol
- cannabis
Produce novelty
- Addicted because they produce a novel feeling in the person taking the drug
- lsd
- ecstasy (MDMA)
Reduce anxiety
- Include CNS depressants such as
- benzodiazepines
- barbiturates
Substance abuse what is it
- is a pattern of substance use manifested by recurrent and significant adverse consequences like failure to fulfil obligations
- social perspective of substance abuse examines permissible and non-permissible behavior, based on customs and traditions
- use of any drug in a manner that deviates from the approved medical or social patterns within a given culture
Substance abuse criteria
- The use of prohibited drugs
- The use of any therapeutic drug for other than its intended use
- The intentional ingestion of any therapeutic drug in amounts greater than that prescribed, or taking a drug by roots other than those medically approved
- taking drugs in combination in order to obtain greater pleasurable affect
- The excessive use of licit (legal) social drugs (alcohol caffeine tobacco)
- The use of non-therapeutic substances of abuse, including glue sniffing, gasoline and solvents
Abuse potential of a drug
Dependence liability, availability and inherent harmfulness
Dependence liability what is it
- The tendency of the drug to cause dependence and addiction it varies from ducted drug as well from individual to individual
Three factors of dependence liability -
Nature of the drug, route of administration and amount and frequency of use