LO1 - Substance Use Flashcards
Definition - Drug
Any substance, natural or artificial, other than food, which its chemical nature alters structure or function in the living organism
Definition - illicit drug
Refer to a drug that is unlawful to possess or use. They may be available by prescription but when manufactured or sold illegally, they are illicit
Definition - drug misuse
Refers to the use of prescribed drugs in greater amounts than or for purposes other than prescribed by a physician or dentist. For non prescription drugs or chemicals, such as paints, glues and solvents, misuse might mean any use other than the intended use by the manufacturer
Definition - drug abuse
Consists of the use of a substance in a manner, amounts or situations such as the drug use causes problems or greatly increases the chances of problems occurring.nether problem may be social, legal, occupational, psychological or physical
Definition - drug dependence
A state in which the individual uses the drug so frequently and consistently that it appears it would be difficult for the person to get along without using the drug. Stopping is very difficult and may cause severe physical or psychological withdrawal
Definition - drug tolerance
A reduced reaction to a drug following it’s repeated use. Increasing its dosage May reamplify the drugs effects. Indicative of drug use but it’s not necessarily associated with drug dependence of addiction
Dopamine signaling
Dopamine is a key signalling molecules in the brains reward system. Repeated exposure to addictive substances can cause the dopamine pathways to adapt to the effect of the substances requiring more of the substance to receive the same amount of reward
Psychological factors influencing addiction (IMMET)
Issues relating to trauma, victimization, and extreme stress experiences
Mental illness
Motivators to reduce or stop drug use
Early and persistent problem behaviours and learning difficulties
Thoughts, feelings and behaviours surrounding and generated by misuse (triggers)
Social factors (focusing on the relationship between…)
Family
Friends
Performance at school and work
Neighbourhood risks (crime, violence, gangs)
Early access to substances
Racial discrimination or prejudice
Early life exposure to stressful situations
Association with substances users
What is trauma
Directly experiencing or witnessing an event that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury
Can also be learning about a family member or close association who has experienced such an event
Two hypotheses for SUD and Trauma
- Self medicating to try and numb the pain and feelings
- Using substances can lead to traumatic events
The 3 different types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Can be direct or indirect
Household dysfunction- mental illness, incarceration, domestic abuse, substance abuse, divorce
Abuse - physical, emotional, sexual
Neglect - physical, emotional
Nursing interventions for trauma
Introduce yourself and your role
Non threatening body language
Explain what needs to be done and what you are doing to the patient
Ask for permission before touching
Protect privacy
Factors in substance abuse in adolescents (PEACE)
Peer pressure
Escape
Availability of drugs
Curiosity
Emptiness
Potential signs of adolescent substance use
Problems at school, attendance or grades
Resisting discipline or feedback, ignoring curfew
Secrecy, locking bedroom, secret phone calls
Withdrawal from family, friends
Frequently asking for or stealing money
Poor hygiene and eye contact
