L4: Comorbidity & Role of Family and Friends Flashcards
Why does substance abuse often co-occur with other disorders? 4 explanatory models
- 3rd factor hypothesis: no direct relatnship but SUD and other MD share same cause (third factor, for ex genetics or environmental risk factor)
- self medication hypothesis: mental disorder -> excessive use of a substance to control emotional pain (spoiler alert, they only make each other worse)
- high risk-hypothesis: excessive use of substance -> behaviour that increases risk for, for ex; trauma exposure -> mental disorder
- susceptibility hypothesis: excessive use of substance -> neurobio changes introduced by substance makes more susceptible to develop ex PTSD after trauma -> mental disorder
- bidirectional hypothesis: SUD and other MD may influence each other / have bidirectional interrelations
What are some important mechanisms that play a role in both SUD & MDs?
- genetic & environmental factors -> neurobio mechanisms in SUD & MDs
- neuronal & molecular mechanisms: monoaminergic neurotransmission systems, hypothalamus-pituitary axis (HHA), immunological system, neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF), endocannabinoid system, and systems regulating food intake, metabolism, and circadian rhythms
- reward circuits
What are the psych symptoms induced by alcohol & alcohol withdrawal?
alcohol: depressed mood, fear, confusion, mood swings, sleep problems
wihdrawal: 0-12h: general bad/sick feeling, headache, nausea, vomiting, light shaking, fear, not eating
12-36h: insomnia, restlessness, agitation, tremors, sweating, palpitations
48h: withdrawal feeling/delirium, tremor, sweating, agitation, slight fever, hypertension
What are the psych symptoms induced by weed & weed withdrawal?
cannabis: concentration issues, memory impairment, fear, suspicion/paranoia/psychosis
withdrawal: insomnia, depressed mood, agitation
What are the psych symptoms induced by cocaine?
lack of energy, depressed mood, insomnia, fear and panic, suspicion/paranoia
Why is it important for diagnosis & treatment to consider comorbidity?
- more severe symptoms
- lower treatment compliance
- higher drop out
- worse treatment outcome
- higher prob of relapse
What are the common co-morbid substance abuse disorders?
mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorder (BPD, Anti social), ADHD, psychotic symptoms or delirium (in intoxication or withdrawal)
Why do close relatives of substance abusers also benefit from counseling?
becuase they struggle with trying to help their loved one which can lead to sadness, depression, anger, confusion, shame, guilt, frustration, and feelings of powerlessness and insecurity
can also encounter conflicts, domestic violence, financial problems, disrupted relation w their kids, relationship & sex issues
How do close relatives contribute to successful treatment of addiction?
can contribute to positive change by playing role in getting their loved the treatment they need & play role in CBT treatment itself
can also play negative role by facilitating substance abuse
What are different interventions in which close relatives contribute to the treatment of substance abuse?
- Ai-ANon
- Johnson intervention
- CRAFT
- BCT
What is Ai-Anon?
based on 12 steps of AA. helps relative accept they are powerless & help them to “detach w love” from the addict. they shouldnt try to influence addicts behaviour
What is Johnson intervention?
aka confrontational intervention
addict unexpectedly confronted by relatives about negative consequences of use
this “breaking through resistance” is seen as last chance to rescue addict in life or death situation
relatively little evidence for it
What is CRAFT?
Community Reinforcement and Family Training
- protocolized treatment where relatives, supported by practitioner, adjust their behaviour to motivate patient to start treatment so QOL of everyone can improve
- based on CBT & MI
- create FA of substance abuse & subsequent strategies to discourage the behaviour
- emergency plan for violence
- communication training
- positive reiforcement of desired behaviour (contingency management) by close relatives
- not rewarding unwanted behaviour & allowing negative reinforcement
- improving quality of your own life
- proposing to start treatment
How does CRAFT perform in patient engagment compared to Ai-Anon and Johnson intervention?
3x more engagment than Aianon
2x more engagment than Johnson
overall better results
What is BCT & its aims?
Behavioural Couple Therapy
- compared to CRAFt, here relative is actively involved in treatment of the addict
aims:
- teach the couple effective ways to cope with substance ‐ related situations
- teach the partner to support/reinforce behavior change and sobriety
- improve relationship satisfaction and reduce stress (in order to prevent relapse), by enhancing positive, rewarding exchanges between partners, and boosting healthy communication patterns and problem-solving skills.