NUR 144 MH - Week 6 - Substance and Addiction Disorders Flashcards
Describe the reward pathway in addiction
Limbic system: dopamine burst
Basal ganglia: Controls motivation, excessive stimulation causes feelings of euphoria
Amygdala: Anxiety and irritability, illicit cravings
Prefrontal cortex: compulsive behaviors
Addiction:
Risk Factors
-Mental illness
-Stress
-Genetics
-Peer pressure
-Abuse
Addiction:
Protective Factors
-Positive family support
-Caregiver involvement
-Positive relationships
-Employment
-Community resources
Alcohol:
Symptoms of use
- Mood and behavior Changes
- Unable to coordinate movement
- Slurring words
Alcohol:
Symptoms and Concerns of withdrawal
- Agitation, anxiety, sweating, insomnia
- Delirium, Tremors (mild to severe)
- Confusion, syncope
- Hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia
- Seizures
Delirium Tremens = severe and potentially fatal
Hallucinogens:
Symptoms of Use
Hallucination: false sensory experiences
Hallucinogens:
Concern when under the influence
- Safety
- Sexual assault
- Out of control behaviors
Hallucinogens:
Symptoms and Concerns of withdrawal
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Sleepiness
- Depression
Opioids:
Symptoms of use
- Relieve pain, relaxation
- Drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, euphoria, and slowed breathing
Opioids:
Concerns when under the influence
Use with alcohol can cause dangerous drop in heart rate & breathing = coma, death
Opioids:
Symptoms and Concerns of Withdrawal
-Restlessness
-Muscle and bone pai
-Insomnia
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”)
-Leg movements.
Stimulants:
Symptoms of Use
-Euphoria, “a rush,” increased alertness, attention, energy
-Increased blood pressure and heart rate
-Narrowed blood vessels
-Increased blood sugar
-Opened-up breathing passages
Stimulants:
Concerns when under the influence
When used in combination with alcohol = greater risk of cardiac toxicity
Stimulants:
Symptoms and concerns of withdrawal
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Vivid unpleasant dreams
- Slowed thinking & moving
- Restlessness
Sedatives:
Symptoms of Use
-Decreased anxiety
-Ability to sleep, drowsiness
-Slurred speech
-Poor concentration, confusion
-Dizziness, problems with movement and memory
-Lowered blood pressure
-Slowed breathing
Sedatives:
Symptoms and Concerns of Withdrawal
- Must be discussed with a health care provider
- Withdrawal can cause serious abstinence syndrome, may include seizures
Warnings Signs of Substance USe
- Loss of interest in overall health
- Change in weight, sleeping habits
- Decline in performance at work/school
When do manifestations of alcohol withdrawal begin?
4-6 hours since last drink
Alcohol Addiction:
Treatment
Withdrawal:
- Benzodiazepines
- Antiepileptics
- Thiamine (to prevent Wernicke’s Encephalopathy & Korsakoff’s Psychoiss)
Alcohol abstinence:
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
Community stuff:
- 12 step
- Peer support groups
