W1: Perspectives & Natural Course of Addiction Flashcards
The patterns of use differ based on
- type of substance
- route of administration
- frequency
- quantity
No single classification system, BUT psychoactive drugs can be grouped based on
- molecular structure
- clinical use
- subjective effects
- actions on neurotransmission
- effects on ANS & CNS
Fastest speed of absorption of drugs
lungs
Relatively slow speed of absorption of drugs
stomach & small intestine
Drugs affect primarily the
Central Nervous System
Types of substances are
- tobacco
- stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, XCT)
- depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB)
- opioids (heroin, prescription drugs)
- hallucinogens (Lsd, cannabis, ketamine)
Agonist drug
mimics the effects of the neurotransmitter by binding to the same receptor site
Antagonist drug
binds to the receptor but prevents functional effects of the endogenous neurotransmitters
Effects of cocaine on neurotransmitters
dopamine agonist = inhibits the re-uptake of dopamine
Effects of MDMA ecstasy on neurotransmitters
increases serotonin and dopamine levels in synaptic cleft -> increased release and reduces re-uptake
Effects of alcohol on neurotransmitters
- GABA agonist
- NMDA antagonist
- 5HT serotonin agonist
How many symptoms out of 11 should a person display within x months to be diagnosed with SUD (according to DSM-5)?
2 symptoms
- within 12 months
What are the DSM-5 symptoms of SUD (11 of them)?
- Using much more or for longer than intended
- Much time spent using, obtaining or being affected
- Role Impairment
- Hazardous use
- Social problems
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit/cut down
- Reduced activities
- Psychological/physical problems
- Craving
Simultaneous Polydrug Use (SPU)
combination of two or more psychoactive substances
=> dangerous because can have additive or interactive effects on intoxication and impairment
Modern thinking about psychiatric diagnosis was within a
neo-kraepelinian tradition (studying case history -> disorder -> progression can be predicted)