Substance Use Disorders

Question 1

what is addiction?

Answer 1

• Physical dependence and neuroadaptation – tolerance and withdrawal.
• Preoccupation with obtaining and using, and giving up other important interests.
• Addictive behaviours develop slowly.
• Continued use despite obvious harm.
• It is possible to have addictive behaviour without physical dependence.
• Operant conditioning – activation of the reward pathways.

Question 2

substance induced disorder?

Answer 2

A. The disorder represents a clinically significant symptomatic presentation of a relevant mental disorder.

B. There is evidence from the history, physical examination, or laboratory findings of both of the following:

1. The disorder developed during or within 1 month of a substance intoxication or withdrawal or taking a medication; and
2. The involved substance/medication is capable of producing the mental disorder.

C. The disorder is not better explained by an independent mental disorder. Such evidence of an independent mental disorder could include the following:

1. The disorder preceded the onset of severe intoxication or withdrawal or exposure to the medication; or
2. The full mental disorder persisted for a substantial period of time (e.g. at least 1 month) after the cessation of acute withdrawal or severe intoxication or talking the medication.

D. The disorder does not occur exclusively during the course of a delirium.

E. The disorder causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, ore other important areas of functioning.

Question 3

Substance use disorder?

Answer 3

A. Substance use leading to clinically significant impairment w/ 2+ of the following within a 12 month period:
Impaired Control
(1) taking the substance in larger amounts / longer periods than intended
(2) persistent desire / unsuccessful attempts to reduce / stop substance
(3) a great deal of time spent obtaining / using / recovering from the substance
(4) cravings
Social Impairment
(5) Failure to fulfil obligations at work / school / home
(6) Continued use despite persistent interpersonal / social problems from substance use
(7) Important social / occupational / other activities are given up due to substance use
Risky Use
(8) Recurrent use where it is physically hazardous
(9) Continued use despite knowledge of physical / psychological issues resulting from substance use
Pharmacological
(10) Tolerance
(11) Withdrawal

Mild: 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: 4-5
Severe: 6+
(Moderate and Severe considered addiction)

Question 4

How many symps needed for mild, mod and severe substance use disorder?

Answer 4

Mild: 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: 4-5
Severe: 6+
(Moderate and Severe considered addiction)

MOD to SEVERE considered an ADDICTION