Substance Abuse Disorders

Question 1

Definition of addiction.

Answer 1

A cluster of cognitive, behavioral, physiological signs that indicate compulsive use of a substance or inability to control intake despite negative consequences.

Question 2

Definition of dependence.

Answer 2

Upon taking or stoping use of a drug, an individual experiences pathological signs and symptoms such as tolerance and withdrawal.

Question 3

Definition of tolerance.

Answer 3

Requiring a markedly increased dose to achieve the desired effect or shows a markedly reduced effect when the usual dose is consumed.

Question 4

Definition of withdrawal.

Answer 4

A drug specific syndrome that occurs when blood or tissue concentrations of a substance decline in someone who had maintained prolong, heavy use.

Question 5

What is the prevalence of substance abuse disorders in adolescents?

Answer 5

9% in adolescents age 12-17

Question 6

Greater substance use in adolescence leads to…

Answer 6

greater use as adults.

Question 7

What is the most frequently used drug?

Answer 7

Marijuana

Question 8

What is the influence of early use of drugs and alcohol?

Answer 8

• Earlier use leads to subsequent abuse
• Drug abuse disorder 3x more likely if used before age 13
• Alcohol abuse disorder 6x more likely if used before age 21 (unlike societal’s notion of the European system)
• Each year drinking onset is delayed, dependence risk decreases 14%

Question 9

What is the gateway concept?

Answer 9

That on substance use leads to another. Cigarettes and alcohol lead to marijuana. Marijuana leads to illicit drugs.

Question 10

Risk factors for substance abuse

Answer 10

1) Family and peers
- chaotic home environment
- poor parental monitoring
- parental substance use
- affiliation with deviant peer group
- physical, sexual, or verbal abuse
2) Environmental and cultural
- perceptions of use in the community
- availability
- low SES
- media promotion
3) Life Events

Question 11

Protective factors for substance abuse

Answer 11

1) Strong family bonds and parenting
2) Strong bonds with pro-social institutions (religion, school, etc.)
3) Success in school
4) Exposure to prevention programs

Question 12

How does education effect drug abuse?

Answer 12

The more educated you are, the less likely you are to abuse drugs/alcohol but are more likely to “experiment.”

Question 13

Explain the Dopamine Theory of Addiction.

Answer 13

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate motivation for behaviors such as food, sex, and drug use. So if D2 receptor density is decreased in users, they will experience less of a motivation to seek such situations because it is less rewarding. Increases of dopamine are 5-10x greater with drugs because it blocks the reuptake transporter and leaves the dopamine in the synapse longer.

Question 14

What are the negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse?

Answer 14

• dehydration
• cancer
• accidents and injury
• brain damage
• brittle hair and nails
• Fetal Alcohol syndrome
• depression and psychosis
• ulcers

Question 15

What are the warning signs of abuse?

Answer 15

Changes in one’s behavior, personality, appearance, school performance, peer group, activities, etc.

Question 16

CRAFFT

Answer 16

C- Have you gotten in a car driven by someone under the influence?
R- Do you use substances to relax?
A- Do you ever use while alone?
F- Has a friend/family member ever thought you had a problem with substance use?
F- Do you ever forget (or regret) things you did while using?
T- Have you ever gotten into trouble while using?