Introduction Flashcards
Addictions
Behavior with the following characteristics:
- impaired control
- repetitive, obsessive use/behavior
- negative consequences, negative impact on self and others
Drug
- a medicine or other substance which has a psychological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body
- substances which have a psychoactive effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body
- Illegally obtained drugs
Narcotics
An addictive drug affecting mood or behavior, especially an illegal one.
Used mainly for opioids (in medicine= a drug which induces drowsiness, stupor, insensibility and receives pain.
Psychoactive substance
Substance that, when taken into ones system, affect mental processes (e.g. cognition or affect).
Effects via central nervous system
Intoxication
A condition that follows the administration of a psychoactive substance and results in disturbance in the level of consciousness, cognition, perception, judgement, affect, behavior, or other psychophysiological function and responses.
Intoxication depends on…
It is highly dependent on the type and dose of drug and is influenced by an individuals level of tolerance and other factors
Substance abuse (DSM 4)
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress
- failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
- substance use in situation in which is physically hazardous
- legal problems
Dependence
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress
Symptoms: substance use disorders
- taken in larger amounts and over a longer period than intended
- a persistent desire or insignificant effort to cut down or control using
- a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from its effects.
- Craving or a strong desire or urge to use
- Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home
- Continued use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of substance
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of use
- Recurrent use in situations which is physically hazardous
- The use is continued despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that are unlikely to have been caused exacerbated by the substance
- Tolerance (1. a need for markedly increased amount to achieve intoxication and desired effects, or 2) as markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount)
- Withdrawal (the characteristic withdrawal symptoms for the substance, or, a close related substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms)
Abstinence
Refraining from an activity which is known to be harmful and addictive. Doing this involves not taking a particular substance, avoiding areas where this is likely to be on offer or adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Euphoria
An affective state in which a person experiences pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness.
Certain drugs can cause euphoria
Overdose
The ingestion or application of a substance in quantities greater than are recommended or generally practiced
Relapse
Recurrence of a prior condition; re-initiation of drug seeking behaviors and the resumption of use after a period of abstinence.
Classification of psychoactive substances
1. Legal vs. Illegal
- depend on culture
- drug policy issue
Classification of psychoactive substances
2. Naturally occurring vs synstethic
- Sometimes difficult to differentiate
- problem: classification does not give information about effects and danger
- myths:
+ natural substances are more safe
+ Syntethic substances are more safe
