Addictions Flashcards
What constitutes drug dependence (vs addiction)?
- development of tolerance (Physiological adaptation to the presence of a substance & Higher doses are required to produce the same effect experienced during initial use)
- withdrawal (What a person experiences, after a period of regular use, when the quantity of available substance in the brain is reduced)
What are the 4 C’s that constitute addiction?
- Craving for mood altering effects
- Control loss re: amount or frequency
- Compulsive use of substance or behaviour
- Consequences (continued use despite)
Examples of addictive behaviours?
Gambling Sexual activity, viewing pornography Overeating, binging, starving Video games, on-line activities TV watching Risk taking Working Exercising Self-harming Cleaning Shopping Spiritual obsession, idolizing
Categories of addictive depressants?
alcohol opioids anxiolytics hypnotics GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate - date rape drug)
Categories of addictive stimulants?
tobacco
cocaine
caffeine
amphetamines
Cannabis addictive substances?
marijuana
hash
Hallucinogenic addictive substances?
PCP - phencyclidine (“angel dust”) - dissociative hallucinogen; distort perceptions of sight and sound and produce feelings of detachment – dissociation – from the environment and self. (dream-like state)
LSD - lysergic acid diethyl amide (“acid”) - however not highly addictive
MDMA (ecstasy/molly) - 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine; alters mood and perception; feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.
salvia
mescaline
psilocybin
Addictive potential of a substance is determined by?
Ability to produce:
- rapid onset of action
- powerful euphoric effect
- short duration of action
- tolerance and withdrawal
Who should be screen for substance use?
all patients over 10 yrs old
What is the lifetime prevalence of a psychiatric disorder in people with a current alcohol problem?
28%
What constitutes appropriate assessment of an individual with a substance abuse issue?
Medical & psychiatric hx
family & social hx
complete screening PE
routine blood work incl. CBC, chem panel, LFTs
screening of blood, breath, urine if substance use suspected
How does the DSM V organize substance use and abuse?
Combines substance use and abuse into one category:
“substance use disorder”
Divided into 10 subcategories (by class of drug)
- alcohol
- amphetamines
- cannabis
- cocaine
- hallucinogens
- inhalants
- opioids
- phencyclidines
- sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics
- tobacco
- other (unknown) substances
DSM V dx criteria?
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by 2 or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- failure to fulfill major role obligations (work/school/home)
- use in situations it is physically hazardous
- social or interpersonal problems d/t substance
- tolerance (need more for same effect/diminished effect w/same amount)
- withdrawal (characteristic, or same/similar substance used to relieve/avoid symptoms)
- larger amounts taken over period of time
- unsuccessful efforts to cut down
- great deal of time spent in efforts to obtain substance, use, or recover
- important activities given up
- continued use despite knowledge of persistent/recurrent physical/psychological problem
- craving
Scoring
0-1 = no DSM diagnosis of a substance use disorder
2-3 = mild substance use disorder
4-5 = moderate substance use disorder
6 or more = severe substance use disorder
Doctor reporting obligations?
Doctors in Ontario are required to report patients who they believe have a condition that may make it dangerous to operate a motor vehicle to the Ministry of Transportation
The use of alcohol or other drugs is not in itself sufficient reason to report someone, however, any of the following, in combination with the doctor’s opinion, are reasonable grounds:
The patient admits to driving while impaired
A family member informs you that the patient often drives while impaired
The patient drinks or uses other drugs steadily throughout the day and regularly drives
The patient drove to your clinic while intoxicated
The patient has experienced a withdrawal seizure, regularly drives and continues to drink
The patient has substance-related medical complications that impair driving ability (e.g., alcohol-related cerebellar ataxia)
Risk factors for developing substance abuse?
Physical:
- naturally higher tolerance
- family hx addiction
- chronic illness/pain
Social:
- chronic relational problems
- access to addictive substance
- social pressures
Psychological:
- underlying mental illness
- inability to delay gratification
- low self-esteem
- unresolved grief or resentment
- heightened need for acceptance
- perfectionism
- timidity
- rebellious nature
- spiritual crisis
- inability to cope with stress