Basics of Addiction Flashcards
Neurotransmitters
referred to as the body’s chemical messengers. Used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons or from neurons to muscles.
Dopamine
Neurotransmitter, sending signals from the body to the brain. Creates feelings of pleasure and reward, which motivates repetitious specific behaviors. Found in regions that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and pleasure.
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter (also considered a hormone by some) used to send messages between nerve cells. Regulates mood, appetite, digestion, is a precursor to melatonin and helps regulate sleep, and the body clock.
Blackout
Phenomenon caused by the intake of any substance or medication in which long term memory creation is impaired, therefore causing a complete inability to recall the past.
GABA
Naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Blocks or inhibits certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system.
GABA Receptor
Protein in your brain when attached to GABA it produces a calming effect. Can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear.
Synapse
A structure that permits a neuron (nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell (neural or otherwise).
Genetic:
Of or relating to genes or hereditary.
Hereditary
Genetic factor that is able to be passed on from parent to child.
Predisposition
An increased likelihood of developing a particular disease based on a person’s genetic makeup.
Environmental
Relating to or arising from a person’s surroundings.
DNA
Nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in the cell.
Disease (1)
Pathological condition with an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.
Disease (2)
A condition or tendency society regards as abnormal and harmful.
Concept
A general idea derived or inferred from specific instances or occurrences. Something formed in the mind: a thought or notion.
Recovery
A return to a normal state of mind or strength.
Relapse
To fall or slide back into a formal state. To regress after partial recovery.
Chemical
A drug, especially an illicit or addictive one.
Abuse
To use wrongly or improperly; misuse; identified by significant negative consequences
Dependency
Identified by increased tolerance and the presence of withdrawal symptoms
Primary
First or highest in rank
Addiction
A chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite serious adverse consequences, and by long-lasting changes in the brain.
Barbiturates
Sedative-hypnotics, a type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to promote sleep (usually in surgical procedures), treat insomnia, seizures, and headaches.
Benzodiazepine
A type of CNS depressant prescribed to relieve anxiety and sleep problems. Valium and Xanax are among the most widely prescribed medications.
Buprenorphine
A mixed opiate agonist/antagonist medication approved by the FDA in Oct. 2002 for the treatment of opioid addiction (e.g. heroin).
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
CNS Depresseants
A class of drugs that slow CNS function (also called sedatives and tranquilizers), some of which are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders; includes barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Comorbidity
The occurrence of two disorders or illnesses in the same person, also referred to as co-occurring conditions or dual diagnosis. Patients may experience a more severe illness course and require treatment for each or all conditions.
Detoxification
A process in which the body rids itself of a drug (or its metabolites). During this period, withdrawal symptoms can emerge that may require medical treatment. This is often the first step in drug abuse treatment.
Methadone
A long-acting synthetic opioid medication that is effective in treating opioid addiction and pain.
Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter present in the brain and the peripheral (sympathetic) nervous system; and a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Is involved in attention, responses to stress, and it regulates smooth muscle contraction, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Opioid
A compound or drug that binds to receptors in the brain involved in the control of pain and other functions (e.g. morphine, heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone).
Physical Dependence
An adaptive physiological state that occurs with regular drug use and results in a withdrawal syndrome when drug use is stopped; often occurs with tolerance. By itself it does not constitute addiction.
Polydrug Abuse
The abuse of two or more drugs at the same time, such as CNS depressants and alcohol.
Prescription drug abuse
Use of a medication without a prescription, in a way other than as prescribed, or for the experience or feeling elicited. Term is used interchangeably with “nonmedical” use.
Psychotherapeutics
Drugs that have an effect on the function of the brain and often are used to treat psychiatric/neurologic disorders. (Opioids, CNS depressants, and stimulants)
Sedatives
Drugs that suppress anxiety and promote sleep.
Stimulants
A class of drugs that enhances the activity of monamines (e.g. dopamine) in the brain, increasing arousal, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and decreasing appetite.
Tolerance
A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same effect achieved during initial use’ often associated with physical dependence.
Tranquilizers
Drugs prescribed to promote sleep or reduce anxiety
Withdrawal
Symptoms that occur after Chronic use of a drug is reduced abruptly or stopped.
Cravings
Identified by triggers and urges
Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)
Passed by Teddy Roosevelt, prohibited misbranding adulterated foods, drinks, and drugs and eventually led to the creation of the FDA
Substance Abuse Disorder
Once “addiction” now has the three components: Abuse, Dependence, Cravings
Harrison Narcotics Tax Act (1914)
Regulated and taxed the production, importation, and distribution of opiates and coca product
Alcoholism is defined as a disease.
1956: American Medical Association presents evidence to the U.S. Supreme Court to establish a definition for alcoholism.
Inhalents
Fastest route to addiction.
Spectrum of Substance Use, Abuse
- Drug Experimentation
- Social Use of Drugs
- Binge Drinking
- Substance Abuse
- Addiction/Chemical Dependency
DSM-V
Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Model of Recovery
- Transition
- Stabilization
- Early Recovery
- Middle Recovery
- Late Recovery
- Maintenance
The Disease Concept
- Primary
- Chronic
- Progressive
- Permanent/Chronic
- Fatal if left unchecked
- Treatable
Controlled Substances Act (1970)
Consolidated and updated most drug laws that had been passed in the 20th century. DEA was created (‘73) and charged with enforcing the legislation. Established Drug Scheduling.
5 Classes of Drugs
1.Narcotics
2.Depressants
3.Stimulants
4.Hallucinogens
5.Anabolic steroids
Schedule I
Drugs with a high abuse potential and no approved medical uses.
Schedule II
Substances with a high abuse potential even though they have medical uses.
Schedule III
Substances with less abuse potential (e.g., anabolic steroids)
Schedule IV
Drugs that have even less abuse potential (e.g., Valium)
Schedule V
Substances with very low abuse potential because of very limited quantities of narcotic and stimulant drugs; some sold over the counter.
