Substance Use and Addiction

Question 1

Tolerance

Answer 1

when increased dosages are required to produce desired effects
- a chronic decrease in neurotransmitter availability, as drugs enhance NT efficacy

Question 2

Dependence

Answer 2

when regular use of a drug is necessary to maintain stable biophysiological functioning

Question 3

Withdrawl

Answer 3

cessation of the drug results in unwanted symptoms
- a sudden lack of NT availability, in the absence of the drug, until the brain readjusts it’s rate of production/reuptake

Question 4

Drug Abuse

Answer 4

the use of drugs for unintended purposes ie; higher dosages or alternate methods of administration

Question 5

Addiction

Answer 5

a disorder whereby people persistently use substances despite substantial medical, interpersonal, and/or socioeconomic consequences
- abnormal circuitry in the brain reward circuit

Question 6

Analgesics

Answer 6

Aspirin/Tylenol

Question 7

Anti-histamines

Answer 7

Claritin, Gravel, Benadryl

Question 8

Illicit Drugs

Answer 8

• high potential for addiction/dependency
• high potential for overdose
• severe side-effect profile
• treat conditions which cannot be self-diagnosed or self-managed
• no medical purpose

Question 9

Recreational Drugs

Answer 9

drugs people use for non-medical reasons
- the intent is to alter ones experiences by altering nervous system functioning
- ie; caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cannabis

Question 10

Civil Liberty Perspective on Drugs

Answer 10

drug use is an individual choice but not a moral failing
- drugs are largely neutral and beneficial, can be used responsibly, and are compatible with everyday functioning

Question 11

Risk

Answer 11

how likely is an adverse event to occur?

how severe are the consequences if it does occur?

Question 12

Harm Reduction

Answer 12

described goals of the “Mersey Model”, which was to prevent HIV infection in drug users
- advocated for controlled use of substances involving rational choice, care, and moderation”
- model involved needle exchange programs, opiate prescriptions, and educational material

Question 13

Overdose Reversal

Answer 13

for some drugs such as opiates, other drugs exist which can counteract their effects ie; naloxone/narcan

Question 14

Substitution

Answer 14

harm reduction technique in which drug users may be prescribed a drug as a substitute tube for another, which reduces frequency of use and aids cessation

Question 15

Safe Supply

Answer 15

harm reduction technique
- if a drug-dependent person takes the same dose at the same time every day, tolerance to the psychoactive effects allows them to function normally while avoiding withdrawal

Question 16

Issues with Substitution and Safe Supply

Answer 16

• people who get drugs through safe supply programs might give or sell them to other users
• normalization of addiction
• substitution ineffective in adolescents using opioids

Question 17

Relapse Prevention

Answer 17

users are taught to keep track of their substance use and identify situations which trigger use, or an urge to use

Question 18

Contingency Management

Answer 18

people are incentivized not to use drugs

Question 19

Detox

Answer 19

medically supervised cessation of a drug
- typically requires ongoing therapy and social support for recovery to by maintained without relapse