Chapter 12 - Substance Use and Impulse Control Flashcards
Define substance/psychoactive substance. What are some examples of psychoactive substances? (2)
-chemical compounds ingested to alter mood or behavior
-nicotine, alcohol
Define polysubstance use
-using multiple substances
What are the levels of involvement in substance use?
-use and intoxication
What is “use” as a level of involvement?
-morning coffee, drink with a friend
What is substance intoxication?
-drunkenness
Define tolerance
-greater amount of drug needed to experience the same effect
Define withdrawal
-negative physical response when the substance is no longer ingested
What are two key signs of physiological dependence?
-tolerance and withdrawal
What is psychological dependence in substance use disorder?
-Behavioral reactions to substance dependence, such as cravings or habits tied to substance use.
Can substance dependence exist without misuse?
-Yes
How can substance use and mental health disorders interact diagnostically?
-Substance use may occur alongside other mental health disorders, and mental health issues can lead to substance use disorder.
What is a potential effect of drug intoxication and withdrawal in terms of risk-taking behaviour?
-They can increase risk-taking behavior.
What are the five general categories of substances?
-Depressants, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, and other drugs.
Alcohol acts as a depressant. What changes can this cause in someone?
-impaired motor coordination, slower reaction times, and poor judgment.
Which neurotransmitter does alcohol primarily influence, and what effects can this cause? (2)
-GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter)
-blackouts and release of analgesics.
What are some medical effects of alcohol-related disorders? (2)
-Delirium tremens, which include frightening hallucinations and body tremors
-fetal alcohol syndrome, which affects children of mothers who drank during pregnancy.
What percentage of Canadians exceed low-risk guidelines for alcohol consumption?
-21% of Canadians.
What are key patterns in alcohol use and abuse, especially in either gender?
-Binge drinking is frequent among college students, men drink more than women, and single males are the most likely to be heavy drinkers.
What is the typical progression of alcohol-related disorders?
-Fluctuations between heavy drinking and abstinence, worsening over time if untreated, and early drinking predicting future dependence.
What do each do: sedative-, hypnotic-, and anxiolytic?
-Sedatives (calming), hypnotics (sleep-inducing), and anxiolytics (anxiety-reducing).
What do barbiturates do, and what risks do they carry?
-Relax muscles, pleasant mood, overdose risk is high.
What are benzodiazepines and what risk do they carry?
-Calm and induce sleep, but repeated use leads to tolerance and dependence.
What are some statistics on benzodiazepine use in Canada?
-Use declined by 6% between 2016–2017, and 12% of Canadians reported using sedatives in 2019
What are the main effects of amphetamines?
-“uppers,” reduce appetite and fatigue but lead to a “crash” after use.
Which neurotransmitters does MDMA (“ecstasy”) enhance?
-enhances norepinephrine and dopamine activity, potentially causing hallucinations and delusions.
What is cocaine derived from, and what are its effects?
-Cocaine comes from coca plant leaves and increases alertness, blood pressure, and insomnia.