Substance use disorders Flashcards
What is the evolution of diagnostic labels over time and why?
Addiction - may imply character weakness
This was replaced by dependence - implied emphasis on biological adaptations
DSM IV made a distinction between substance abuse and substance dependence
DSM 5 combined these two into a single diagnoses - substance use disorder
What does the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder require as part of the DSM 5?
A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, manifested by craving, and continued alcohol use despite social problems caused by it.
What is a problem with the DSM5 and diagnosing substance use disorder?
You only have to meet 2 from any 11 criteria. Across all severities there is a possible 2036 possible combinations of symptoms but the reality is that slightly similar symptoms tend to cluster together
What are some risk factors of Substance Use Disorder?
Heritability and traumatic life events
What is the range estimate for heritability being a risk factor for SUDs?
30% to 70%
What is one traumatic life event that increases the risk in development for SUD?
Sexual abuse during childhood
Describe why people take drugs using the psychology of addiction
People take drugs because of the outcomes that those drugs produce
Explain how compulsion is evoked to explain addictive behaviour
Addicts are compelled to use drugs despite their better judgement or their desire not to use because addiction is a brain disease - disruptions to the dopamine reward system are crucial.
Describe the addicted brain
Hypoactive and have less grey matter in prefrontal regions
What are two treatments effective for SUD?
Motivational interviewing and CBT. They increase the percentage of patients who remain abstinent
How does CBT work to treat SUD?
Improving coping skills
How does motivational interviewing increase the percentage of patients who remain abstinent?
Changes motivational balance and increases client change talk
What are self-help treatment groups?
They are free to the tax payer, and each new member is paired with a sponsor to help people achieve and maintain abstinence.
What is pharmacotherapy in treating SUD?
Drug treatments are available but none cure and none address dysfunction in the brain.
Give an example of pharmacotherapy for SUD
Methadone as a substitute for heroin, vaping as a substitute for smoking
