Chapter 14 - Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders Flashcards
Alcohol
A liquid created through a process of fermentation; in most humans, the experience of alcohol intake includes pleasant subjective experiences, which are partly related to the effects of alcohol on such neurotransmitters as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine; alcohol will also decrease inhibition by reducing the effects of the GABA system, which is associated with anxiety.
Cocaine
Comes from the naturally occurring coca plant largely grown in South America; for thousands of years, individuals have chewed the leaves of the coca plant for its psychoactive experiences; its effects include a mental alertness, heightening the experience of sensory processes, and physiological effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Tobacco
A plant that originated in the Americas with native populations smoking or chewing its leaves.
Hallucinogens
Drugs that are able to alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes in often unpredictable ways; also called psychedelics; some of these drugs occur in nature and have been used by various cultures for thousands of years - e.g., mescaline, which comes from the peyote cactus; although the ergot fungus is naturally occurring, LSD was first made in the laboratory; other laboratory-made drugs include MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy.
Amphetamines
Stimulants produced in the laboratory which result in positive feelings, a burst of energy, and alertness.
Opiods
Substances derived from the opium poppy that have been used for thousands of years to control pain and bring on euphoric feelings; more common opiods are heroin, opium, morphine, methadone, and oxycodone (oxyCotin, Percocet)
Addiction
The situation of using psychoactive substances in which individuals experience a stronger motivation that results in an active wanting and seeking of the substance as opposed to a simple choice of when and where to have the experience.
Cannabis
A plant species also referred to as marijuana; the resin is referred to as hashish; the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is THC
Binge Drinking
Defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as consuming enough alcohol in a 2-hour period to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL.
Dependence
A way to describe addiction to a substance: three major components are 1) the desire to seek and take a certain substance, 2) the inability to avoid or limit the intake of the substance, and 3) the experience of negative emotional states when the substance is not available.
Intoxication
Refers to the effects of the psychoactive substance on the individual; effects are substance-related but typically involve psychological changes and behavioral abilities.
Withdrawal
The symptoms experienced when a psychoactive substance is reduced or no longer used.
Disordered Use
The condition in the use of the psychoactive substance in which the person experiences significant impairment or distress.
Caffeine
A substance that acts as a stimulant although there are beneficial effects beyond stimulation; caffeine is found naturally in different amounts in the leaves and seeds of various plants including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans
Pathological Gambling
A disorder in which gambling continues even despite negative consequences such as consistent losses and an inability to control one’s gambling behavior.
Craving
A step in the addiction pattern in which the individual loses control of the ability to limit intake of the drug.
Nicotine
The addictive substance in tobacco; it is a stimulant substance found in plants of the nightshade family; it can have varied effects on the body which makes it function as both a stimulant and a depressant.
Substance Tolerance
The situation in which the individual must consume more of the drug to have the same effect, or with gambling, the individual needs to bet more to keep the same level of excitement.
12-step Program
A community in which individuals with addiction problems meet and follow the principles described in the 12 steps; forms the basis for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and variations of the approach have been used with other addictions; not considered a treatment in the usual sense since there is not a health care professional involved.
Agonist Drug
As a treatment for addiction, it is a substance that binds to the receptor in the brain and produces cellular activity that mimics the function of the illicit drug without producing the high; methadone is an opioid agonist.
Antagonist Drug
As a treatment for addiction, it is a substance that blocks the receptor site in the brain so that the illicit drug does not produce an effect; by blocking or counteracting the effects of the illicit drug, it no longer has its rewarding and addictive effects; naltrexone is an antagonist used to treat opioid addiction.
Aversive Drug
As a treatment for addiction, it becomes aversive when the drug of abuse is taken; Antabuse is an aversive drug that interferes with the metabolism of alcohol and produces unpleasant reactions.
