Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

Overal criteria

Answer 1

Two or more symptoms within 1-year period

• Failure to meet obligations
• Repeated use in situations where it is physically dangerous
• Repeated relationship problems
• Continued use despite problems caused by the substance
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal
• Substance taken for a longer time or greater amount than intended
• Efforts to reduce/control don’t work
• Much time spent trying to obtain the substance
• Social, hobbies, or work activities given up or reduced
• Craving to se the substance is strong

Question 2

Rating severity

Answer 2

Mild 2-3 criteria
Moderate 4-5 criteria
Severe 6 or more criteria

Question 3

Tolerance

Answer 3

Larger doses of the substance being needed to produce desired effect or
Effects of the drug becoming markedly less if usual amount is taken

Question 4

Withdrawal

Answer 4

Negative physical and psychological effects that develop when a person stops taking the substance or reduces the amount. Can include muscle pains, twitching, sweats, vomiting, diarrhea and insomnia.

Question 5

Mesolimbic pathway

Answer 5

Dopamine system in the brain that is stimulated by nearly all drugs.

Question 6

Incentive-senstization theory

Answer 6

Cravings theory: Craving (wanting) and pleasure that comes with it (liking). Says dopamine system is linked to liking, becomes supersensitive to cues associated with the drugs. Liking decreases but wanting remains intense.