substance abuse disorders Flashcards
substances are…
psychoactive materials such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other drugs that are used by people to get certain effects
substance misuse or dependence occurs….
when people continue to use a drug/ drugs despite negative consequences occurring as a result of these drugs, which often lead to the development of various substance use disorders (SUD)
common pattern of substance use
- experimental use (intrigue of the drug),
- recreational use, situational use (smoking at a party when it is offered),
- bingeing,
- dependent use (prioritising the drug over other things),
- intoxication (short term effects of the drug such as violence, risky sexual behaviour),
- regular excessive use (problems arise over using the drug excessively- may be physical or medical consequences such as liver cirrhosis)
using injectable substances leads to a risk of
- psychosis
- depression
- injury
- overdose
- blood borne viruses
- physical illness
- nutrient deficiencies
4 Ls of substance use effects
Liver
Lover
Livelihood
Law
Liver
involves physical impacts of abusing substances
chance of cirrhosis, overdose, cancer, psychiatric/psychological or emotional issues
Lover
Relationship problems with family, friends, partner, children
Livelihood
problems relating to worklife and non work related activities such as hobbies
Law
legal issues that may occur as a result of substance use
DUIs, possession, trafficking
Stigma and SU
- people with SUD are negatively portrayed in society- seen as less worthy of respect
- comorbid SUDs are further stigmatised
- Leads to low self worth and avoidance of contact with mainstream society, and seeing HPs
- Drug and alcohol probram can inc. stigma as seeking treatment means an ‘ addict’ or ‘junkie’ identity
impact of HPs attitudes on treatment
if the HP has conflicting views about the persons SU, it can negatively affect the ability for the individual to get the help they deserve.
HPs may lack the confidence to treat the person
gatekeeping may occur- rejecting referrals of service because the person has other MH issues as well as a SUD
HPs are encouraged to seek out further training about SUDs
Language that HPs should avoid when working with SUDs
avoid terms that stigmatise the individual- eg. “addict” “junkie” “drug seeker”
do not even use these words when the individual with a SUD is absent
comorbidities/dual diagnoses and SUDs
the rates of substance use issues are much higher in people with mental health problems and, likewise, that the incidence of mental health problems is significantly higher in people seeking treatment for substance use issues
approach taken to the care & treatment of people with SUDs
Harm minimisation
what is harm minimisation?
it acknowledges that substance use will continue in the community and the work of health services and health professionals is to assist to reduce the harm associated with substance use for individuals and also for the community as a whole.
major categories of substances
stimulants
depressants
hallucinogens
stimulants_________neurochemical activity in the brain
a. increase
b. decrease
c. have no affect on
a
stimulants include…
caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine
stimulants lead to….
- euphoria/sense of wellbeing
- increased energy
- wakefulness & confidence
- improved cognitive and physical performance
- decreased appetite
depressants____ activity in the brain
a. change perceptual
b. increase
c. decrease
c
depressants impact…
cognition
impairs coordination
induces sedation
in larger doses, depressants can..
a. lead to seizures
b. induce chronic diarrhoea
c. lead to respiratory depression
d. induce heart attacks
c
examples of depressants
benzodiazepines, alcohol, GHB/fantasy, inhalants, opiates cannabis
4 levels of criteria for a SUD
- impaired control
- social impairment
- risky use
- pharmacological criteria