Exam 1 Flashcards
How are substance use and addiction portrayed in the media?
-Glamorization versus Criminalization
-People associating the cartel with Mexicans, but not white young college students who use drugs
-Prescription drugs are marketed directly towards the consumer in the U.S.
-Tobacco and alcohol are very commonly shown in movies; Other substances like ecstasy and cocaine are more commonly used in songs.
-Prescription drugs are marketed as an immediate “fix” to one’s life and provides medical warnings of side or long term health effects.
-Alcohol and other drugs are marketed in a more sexual way to people of all income levels.
Substance
Any natural or synthesized chemical product that has psychoactive effects (changes perceptions, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, etc.)
What term should be used in place of the word “addiction”?
Substance Use Disorder
Craving
The urge/desire to use a substance
Heavy Use
Drug use that is beyond “acceptable” limits.
How is language important when it comes to discussing substance use disorders?
The word choice we use can change depending on the setting we are in and certain terms can create unwanted stigma and discrimination towards those who struggle with substance use and are in recovery.
Ex: Use a “person with a substance use disorder” instead of calling them an “addict”
What are the implications of direct-to consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals in the U.S?
It has increased the price of pharmaceutical drugs, but also provides more awareness to people of certain drugs that could benefit their health and well-being.
Why is substance use a concern in modern society?
- It is viewed as a threat to public health and safety (spread of infectious diseases, substance-related fatalities like overdose, traffic accidents, suicide, and violent crime).
- It is burdensome on health care systems because of frequent ER and mental health visits which we do not have the structure to support.
- It is viewed as being a major cause of criminal activities, especially when it comes to black and brown individuals, reinforcing racial biases.
What are the 4 basic principles of psychoactive drugs?
- Drugs are neither good nor bad
- Every drug has multiple effects
- Both the size and quality of a drug’s effects depend on the amount taken and potency
- The subjective effects of a drug depends on the user’s history and expectations
Culture
The belief systems and value orientations that influence customs, norms, practices, and social institutions, including psychological processes.
How are social identities talked about in research?
- They are not discussed at all
- They are used as independent variables (Ex: a certain race has increased depressive symptoms when taking a drug)
- They are used as moderators (Ex: comparing different races results for the same independent variable)
What information do we get from social identities being discussed in research? What information do we miss?
We only get information about a numerical trend/relationship and a relation between different groups. We miss the “why?” and context which contributes to stereotypes, biases, prejudice, and discrimination.
How have the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders evolved over time?
Normative Substance Use
Substance use that is not affecting one’s day-to-day life, has minimal long lasting negative effects, and is used only occasionally and/or in “socially acceptable” ways.
Problematic Substance Use
Substance use that is starting to affect one’s everyday responsibilities such as work, school, and relationships, but not a complete physical dependency on the drug. Substance use is taking up more time or financial resources, there are noticeable cravings and relief when using, and they are using despite known negative consequences.
Substance Use Disorder
A complete physical dependence on a drug including a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms if not taken. Negative consequences are pervasive and persistent and the user has lost the power of choice.
How do we evaluate substance use patterns?
- Quantity– How much of the substance is used?
- Frequency
- Methods of administration
- Age of onset and progression
What are some typical metrics used to describe the quantity of drug use?
-Weight per occasion (ex: grams, ounces)
-Number of pills (or mg if known)
-Hits used per occasion
-Drug-specific metrics (joints, blunts)
-Amount of money spent per occasion
-Standard drinks for alcohol (0.6 oz per 1 standard drink
What is a standard drink?
-0.6 ounces of pure alcohol
-1 mixed drink with 1.5 fl oz of liquor
-5 fl oz of wine
-12 fl oz of beer or wine cooler
What are the “safe” drinking limits of men and women according to the NIH?
No more than 4 drinks on any single day for men and 3 drinks for women. No more than 14 drinks per week for men and 7 for women.
How have the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders evolved over time?
- DSM-I: Alcoholism was written as a subcategory of sociopathic personality disorder
- DSM-II: Alcoholism was a separate category under “Personality Disorders and center other Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders”– Alcohol abuse vs Alcohol dependence.
- DSM-III: A new “Substance Use Disorders” section which separated substance use (impairment of social or occupational functioning) and substance dependence (pathological use/impairment, and evidence of tolerance or withdrawal).
- DSM-IV: Separated substance abuse (a maladaptive pattern leading to clinically significant impairment or distress with one or more symptoms) and substance dependence (with 3 or more symptoms).
- DSM-V: Removed legal problems as a criteria for alcohol use disorder; integrates abuse and dependence into “Substance Use Disorder” with mild, moderate, and severe subclassifications for each drug type.
What are the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders?
- Impaired control– unsuccessful attempts to quit usage, spending a great deal of time obtaining the substance or recovering from its effects , and repeated cravings.
- Social impairment– difficulty in fulfilling major role obligations, continued use despite having social or interpersonal problems.
- Risky use– Use of substances where it is physically hazardous.
- Pharmacological criteria– Tolerance and withdrawal.