Introduction to Substance Abuse

Question 1

what is a drug?

Answer 1

medicine or other substance which has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body

Question 2

risk factors for drug misuse/addiction?

Answer 2

• men x2 likely
• genetic, socioeconomic

environmental:
- home/family/friends
- stress
- peer pressure
- coexisting mental problems
- physical/sexual abuse

Question 3

what are additional considerations for people who may substance abuse?

Answer 3

• many people attending rehab services thought to have history of trauma
• particularly vulnerable to further trauma
• clear connections with homelessness

Question 4

what is the traditional theory for pattern of addiction (opioid)?

Answer 4

• intense initial intoxication
• development of profound tolerance
• escalation in intake
• profound dysphoria (unease), physical discomfort and withdrawal signs during abstinence

Question 5

alcohol pattern of addicition?

Answer 5

• pattern characterised by binges
• severe emotional and somatic withdrawal syndrome
• intense craving for the drug that is often driven by negative & positive emotional states

Question 6

what areas of the brain are involved in THE REWARD PATHWAY?

Answer 6

• ventral tegmental area (VTA)
• nucleus accumbens
• prefrontal cortex
• dopamine transmission allows us to feel pleasure

Question 7

what are the function of neurotransmitters?

Answer 7

involved in regulating how we feel

use of drugs can produce:

• increase level of dopamine -> euphoria
• decreased levels of serotonin -> decreased levels of contentment

Question 8

what are the 3 main classification of drugs?

Answer 8

• behavioural classification
• pharmacodynamic classification
• legal classification

Question 9

what is the behavioural classification for drugs?

Answer 9

• stimulants
• opioids
• sedative hypnotics
• antipsychotics
• antidepressants
• psychedelics

Question 10

what is the pharmacodynamic classification for drugs?

Answer 10

the study of a drug’s molecular, biochemical, and physiologic effects or actions

Question 11

what is the legal classification for drugs?

Answer 11

each drug designated in its own class based on the harm considered to cause - Misuse of drugs act 1971

Class A
Class B
Class C

Question 12

the risks of illegal drug use?

Answer 12

• increased risk of infection (TB, STI, BBV)
• health & social issues related to alcohol & smoking

Question 13

how can drugs be taken?

Answer 13

• oral (alcohol, MDMA, prescription drugs)
• transmucosal (cocaine)
• inhalation/smoking (cannabis)
• intramuscular (ketamine)
• intravenous (heroin)

Question 14

what are injection related complications?

Answer 14

• cellulitis (bacterial infection, redness, swelling)
• abscess
• thrombophlebitis

Question 15

types of BBV from risk of injection?

Answer 15

• HIV
• Hep B & C

Question 16

social implications of drug use?

Answer 16

• drug related deaths (accidents, suicides, assaults etc)
• drug related crime
• drug related treatment services

Question 17

effects of cannabis?

Answer 17

Question 18

effects of alcohol?

Answer 18

• CNS depressant
• judgement, concentration
• coordination, aggression
• emotional, uncooperative
• unconsciousness

Question 19

risk factors of groups who may experience alcoholism?

Answer 19

• armed forces
• bachelors over 40
• bored housewives
• doctors
• entertainers
• workers in drink industry

Question 20

signs of addiction?

Answer 20

• loss of reliability
• mood changes
• impaired driving
• worsening personal & professional isolation

Question 21

physical symptoms of stress?

Answer 21

• increase HR & BP
• some experience palpitations
• increased muscle tension

Question 22

mental symptoms of stress?

Answer 22

• too much can affect our thinking ability
• thoughts may become jumbled & confused
• thinking becomes more focused on worrying

Question 23

emotional symptoms of stress?

Answer 23

• irritability
• impatience
• anger, frustration
• panic
• insecurity
• unhappiness/emotional withdrawal