Module 1: Individual (micro) Models Flashcards
What is the proper definition for addiction?
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite its harmful consequences
What does it mean by when addiction is a “brain disorder”?
It explains that addiction causes changes to the structure and functioning of the brain, and it is maintained by these changes
What does it mean by when addiction is “chronic”?
It suggests that addiction is a long-term illness with periods of remission and relapse. Although it is possible to get better, it is unlikely that a person will completely give up the substance and will go back to it
What does it mean by when addiction is “characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use”?
That there is a loss of control over substance use and the illness has taken over their will (regardless whether they want to do it or not)
What is addictive?
A substance that acts as a reward to our brains; it is the thing that helps develop an addiction
What are the 4 types of addictive?
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Mixed
What is a stimulant? List the possible effects and examples
A stimulant is a addictive that brings you up. For instance, it would increase your attention and energy, BP/HR. If it goes up too high beyond its optimal, one could develop heart problems, paranoia or have seizures. An example of a stimulant could be caffeine, nicotine or cocaine.
What is a depressant? List the possible effects and examples
A depressant is a addictive that brings us down (giving us low energy/slowing us down). Some of the effects of depressants include: sedation, reduction in anxiety, lowered BP, and slowed breathing. However, excessive use of depressants can be fatal, causing confusion, learning and memory impairment. Some examples could include: Alcohol and opioids.
What is a hallucinogen? List the possible effects
Hallucinogens is a addictive that causes the individual to see hallucinations. Some effects include perceptual change - sounds can be louder than usual, colours may seem brighter than usual.
Where does the word addiction originate from?
The word addiction comes from the Latin term “addictus,” which means “bound to” or “enslaved by.” In ancient Rome, the term was used to describe someone who was legally bound to a creditor or slave owner.
What is the DSM?
A categorical system for the classification, diagnosis and treatment of a mental disorder
How does the DSM work?
It provides diagnostic criteria for a wide range of mental disorders. The diagnostic criteria will have categories and within those categories include a description of the specific symptoms/behaviours that are characteristic of that disorder
What is a reward? What kinds of rewards are there?
In addiction, a reward is a pleasurable experience/feeling that a person experiences as a result of substance use and it acts as a stimuli to provide positive reinforcement for that behaviour.
There are natural/primary rewards which are essential for human survival and include food, water, and sex. Other rewards could also include learning, approach behaviours and feelings of positive emotion
How do drugs affect the brain reward system?
Drugs can affect the brain’s reward system by hijacking the natural processes of pleasure, which is regulated by neurotransmitters such as dopamine. When drugs are taken, they can increase the amount of dopamine that is released in the brain’s reward system → strong sense of pleasure
What are the 2 types of animal models used to study drug reward? Explain these models:
- Self-administration: This model involves training animals to self-administer a drug by pressing a lever or engaging in some other behavior. Animals will learn to work to obtain the drug, demonstrating the rewarding effects of the drug
- Conditioned Place Preference (CPP): In this model, animals are trained to associate the effects of the drug with a particular environment or context.