2.5 Addiction Flashcards
what is a drug and what effects can they have?
any substance that exerts an effect on the body or mind
* neurophysiological (resporatory, tachycardia)
* behavioural (sedated, aggressive)
* emotional
* cognitive (judgement, memory)
e.gs of depressants
alcohol, barbituates, benzos, sedatives
egs of stimulants
cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine
egs of hallucinogens
mescaline (cactus), lsd, psilocybin (shrooms)
egs opioids/narcotics - analgesia
morphine, heroin, codeine
egs cannabinoids
marijuana
rank the routes of drug administration from fastest to slowest
inhalation, intravenous, oral
how has DSM classification of addictive disorders changed over time?
from substance dependence/abuse –> substance-related and addictive disorder, with substance USE and substance-INDUCED disorders as subcategories. also added non-substance-related behavioural addictions –> gambling
what are the 4 main symptoms pertaining to addiction?
impaired control (amounts/longer than intended, failed attempts to stop, CRAVING), social impairment, risky use, pharmacological indicators indicative of neuro-adaptation
explain how many symptoms one needs to experience to be mild –> severe, and what does severe mean?
mild: 2-3 symptoms
severe: 6+ –> severe = addiction
characterise and account for co-morbidities of substance abuse
60% of substance users have co-morbid psychiatric disorder
due to: overlapping genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, involvement of similar brain regions
assess the heritability of addiction + risk relation to biological factors (what are these factors)
STRONG heritability
40-60% of addiction risk related to biological factors –> genes, gender, ethnicity, stage of development
what are the most important things to remember about the principles of effective treatment?
- NO SINGLE TREATMENT APPROPRIATE
- treatment must be readily available + accessible
- effective treatment = combination methods addressing medical + social needs
- treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to effect change
- must be prepared for relapse, which can be very helpful in getting to know triggers etc
what are the 3 stages of readiness for therapy?
pre-contemplative: forced into therapy by other
ambivalent: aware of consequences; not ready to act
ready for change: willing to do the work
assess the efficacy of grup therapy
can be quite effective if everyone is sensitive
* creating new social connections
* good to combine 1-on-1 with group
assess importance of family in therapy process
VERY IMPORTANT!!
