Session 5 Lecture 1 - Substance misuse

Question 1

Definition of substance misuse

Answer 1

Refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances including alcohol and drugs. These substances use can lead to dependence syndrome.

Question 2

State 3 types of substances

Answer 2

• Stimulants: makes you feel more alert
• Hallucinogens: ‘mind-altering’ change or impact your perception /mood
• Depressants: makes you feel relaxed

Question 3

Dependence can be physical or psychological

What is physical dependence?

Answer 3

Physical dependence relates to experiencing symptoms associated with withdrawal from the substance

Question 4

Dependence can be physical or psychological

What is psychological dependence?

Answer 4

Psychological dependence relates to haveing impaired control.

Question 5

How is dependence diagnosed?

Answer 5

• taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than what you are meant to
• cravings and urges to use it
• still using it even though it puts you in danger
• giving up social /recreational activities because of substance use
• not managing to do what you should do at work, home or school because of substance use

Question 6

What are the risk factors for drug/alcohol use?

Answer 6

• Issues relating to family life: neglect, abuse
• mental health: depression, anxiety
• employment and educational attainment: unemployment, poor/lack of education
• social groups: socialising with drug/alcohol users
• previous drug use
• biology: positive experience
• ACE (adverse childhood experience): child abuse and household environment

Question 7

State 3 theories of dependence

Answer 7

• Learning theories
• Imitation theories
• Rational choice theories