Addiction and impulse-control disorders

Question 1

Substance abuse

Answer 1

It is classed as substance abuse when the substance use significantly interfere with social, educational or occupational life (E.g. showing up drunk for work may lead to you being fired).

Question 2

Withdrawal

Answer 2

Symptoms occur when the substance is no longer ingested (no longer in the system) symptoms may be nausea, headaches, apathy etc.

Question 3

Substance categories

Answer 3

• Depressants
• Stimulants
• Opiates
• Hallucinogens
• Other drugs of abuse( e.g. anabolic steroids or over-the counter medication.

Question 4

Depressants

Answer 4

A substance category. Result in behavioural sedation and can induce relaxation. Depressants decrease SNS activity.
Include: Alcohol, sedative drugs and benzodiazepines.

Question 5

Alcohol disorders

Answer 5

Moderate amounts of alcohol over time will suppress the inhibitory system in the brain to begin with and go on to affect other areas as well. Motor coordination is impaired, the reaction time is slowed, delirium may occur. Behaviour may change (e.g. domestic violence perpetration). Dementia and Wernicke’s syndrome may occur as well.

Question 6

Sedative-hypnotic or anixioktic-related disorders

Answer 6

DSM-V criteria do not differ much from alcohol disorders. Include maladaptive behaviour changes, e.g. sexual or aggressive behaviour, variable moods, impaired judgement, impaired social or occupational functioning, slurred speech, motor coordination problems and unsteady gait.
Affect the GABA neurotransmitter system

Question 7

Stimulant-related disorders

Answer 7

e.g. amphetamines, cocaine. Creates euphoria, increases blood pressure and pulse, cause insomnia and loss of appetite in some cases paranoia.

Question 8

Tobacco-related disorders

Answer 8

• Nicotine in tobacco is a psychoactive substance that produces patterns of dependence, tolerance and withdrawal (comparable to other addiction disorders).
• Craving or strong desire to use tobacco.
• Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control tobacco use.

Question 9

Caffeine-related disorders

Answer 9

The most common of the psychoactive substances.

• large amounts can make you feel jittery and cause insomnia.
• Restlessness.
• Nervousness.

Question 10

Cannabis-related disorders

Answer 10

• Frequent usage may lead to impairments of memory, concentration, relationship with others, negative employment outcomes etc.

Question 11

Kleptomania

Answer 11

Failure to resist urges to steal.