Class 9: Substance Use Disorders Flashcards
Define Drugs.
Chemical compounds that when administered produce a physiological change in the body.
Which type of drugs are most relevant in the context of substance abuse and addiction?
Psychoactive drugs which alter mood thought or behaviour.
How do most psychoactive drugs exert their effects?
By influencing chemical signaling in the synapse.
What are the three different categories of psychoactive drugs?
- CNS Depressants
- CNS Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
What do CNS Depressants do?
General suppression and relaxation (including suppressing mental function)
What do CNS Depressents do at low doses vs at high doses?
Low Dose: Calming
High Dose: Intoxication leading to sedation, coma or death
What do CNS Stimulants do?
Stimulate arousal giving a rapid but temporary boost of energy or clarity.
What do Hallucinogens do?
Alter perceptual experience; disturbing reality or cause hallucinations.
Name 3 Examples of CNS Depressants.
- Alcohol
- Opiates (Morphine, Heroin)
- Anxiolytics (Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates)
Name 4 examples of CNS Stimulants.
- Amphetamine (Meth, Speed)
- Cocaine
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
Name 3 Examples of Hallucinogens.
- Marijuana
- LSD
- MDMA (ecstasy)
What age group has the highest percent of alcohol drinkers?
Young adults (18-24) followed closely by adults (25+)
What age group has the highest percent of cannabis users?
Youth (15-24) followed by adults (25-44)
Is opioid use in Canada going up or down?
Down thanks to getting it prescribed less.
Define ‘problematic substance use’
When someone uses drugs or alcohol in a harmful way that has negative effects on their health and life.
Define Substance Use Disorder.
Uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences
Define Addiction
State of uncontrolled drug use that persists in spite of negative consequences
What are the 4 diagnosing categories of DSM-5 for Substance Use Disorders?
- Impaired Control
- Social Impairment
- Risky Use of Substance
- Pharmacological Criteria