Substance Abuse Flashcards
What is the historical context of psychoactive substance use?
Psychoactive substances have been taken for centuries, but misuse has become a significant societal problem.
What percentage of disability adjusted life years is attributed to illicit drug use disorder and alcohol use disorder according to Whiteford et al?
Illicit drug use disorder accounts for 10% and alcohol use disorder for 9.6%.
How many drug misuse deaths involving illegal drugs were reported in England and Wales in 2016?
There were 2,593 drug misuse deaths involving illegal drugs in England and Wales in 2016.
What is the estimated annual cost of substance use disorders (SUDs) to the UK economy?
The estimated annual cost of SUDs to the UK economy is £15.4 billion.
What percentage of UK adults have taken drugs in the last year?
8.4% of UK adults have taken drugs in the last year.
What percentage of UK adults consume alcohol?
60% of adults in the UK drank alcohol.
What are the methods of administering psychoactive substances?
Psychoactive substances can be administered orally, smoked, inhaled, snorted, or injected.
What must psychoactive substances do to exert an effect?
They must reach the brain, which involves crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
How do lipid-soluble chemicals affect the blood-brain barrier?
Lipid-soluble chemicals cross the blood-brain barrier more quickly.
What are the effects of drugs on the nervous system?
Drugs can affect neural membranes throughout the CNS or influence specific types of neurons.
What is the role of enzymes in drug metabolism?
Enzymes made by the liver terminate drug action by converting drugs into forms that can’t cross the BBB.
What are synthetic cannabinoids (SC)?
SC are cannabinoid receptor agonists sold as legal highs, more potent than THC and less predictable.
What are the reported hazards of synthetic cannabinoids?
Hazards include arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac arrest, and psychosis.
What is addiction?
Addiction is when drug use reaches a point where the drugged state is considered normal.
What is physical dependence?
Physical dependence is the presence of a drug needed to function normally, with withdrawal symptoms when use ceases.
What is psychological dependence?
Psychological dependence occurs when life revolves around taking and obtaining drugs.
What is craving in the context of substance use?
Craving is a strong drive to use a substance.
What is tolerance?
Tolerance is the need for more of a drug to achieve the same effect.
What is withdrawal?
Withdrawal is the appearance of symptoms opposite to the drug’s effects when it is no longer taken.
What is homeostasis in relation to substance use?
Homeostasis refers to the body’s system being set to an optimum level, with disruptions leading to compensatory actions.
What is the global prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) among the population aged 15-64?
The global prevalence of SUD is 0.7%.
What is the prevalence of alcohol use disorder in the UK?
The prevalence of alcohol use disorder in the UK is 5.9%.
What factors influence why people take drugs?
Factors include pleasure, genetic predisposition, social influences, personality factors, dependence, avoidance of feelings, and maladaptive thoughts.
What role does media play in substance use?
Exposure to advertisements and images in media significantly influences the initiation of smoking, drinking, and drug use.
What is the mesocorticolimbic dopamine pathway?
It is the brain region responsible for the experience of pleasure.
What did Volkow’s PET scanning study reveal about dopamine (DA)?
The intensity of the high induced by stimulants correlated with the level of released DA.
What is the role of craving in substance abuse?
Individuals who experience craving tend to use the substance more than those who do not.
What is the purpose of contingency management therapy?
It teaches clients to restructure and control their behavior to prevent substance use.
What is the effectiveness of family therapy in treating substance use disorders?
Family therapy is effective in treating SUD in adolescents by engaging family members in the treatment process.
What are some bio treatments for managing withdrawal symptoms?
Clonidine, buprenorphine, and anxiolytics are used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
What is the purpose of Antabuse in treating alcohol use disorder?
Antabuse causes violent vomiting when alcohol is ingested, reducing alcohol intake.
What is the role of methadone in substance use treatment?
Methadone is used as a long-acting opioid agonist to stabilize individuals recovering from opioid use disorder.
What is the primary goal of residential rehabilitation centers?
They allow individuals to detox and socialize in a supportive environment.
What is the aim of self-help groups in substance use recovery?
Self-help groups aim to replace networks of drinking/drug-taking friends with abstaining friends.
What is the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorder?
CBT is effective for correcting dysfunctional thoughts about relapse and treating comorbid mental health conditions.
What is the purpose of motivational-enhancement intervention?
It aids clients in dealing with negative effects and stress, effectively reducing substance use.
What is the significance of chronic life stress in substance use disorders?
Chronic life stress, such as social and material deprivation, is a risk factor for developing SUD.
