Week Seven - Substance Related & Addictive Disorders Flashcards
Psychoactive substance
Any chemical compound which passes through the blood-brain barrier and alters mood and/or behaviour
Substance use
ingestion (inhalation/injection/transdermal) of a substance
Intoxication
Physiological reaction to the substance
Tolerance
Need larger doses for same effect
Withdrawal
A strong, negative physiological (and often
psychological) reaction which occurs when a psychoactive
substance is removed
Substance use disorder
Problematic pattern of use that impairs functioning, with two or more of the following within 12 months:
1. The substance is taken in larger amount or for a longer period than planned
2. Persistent desire and/or failed attempts to reduce/control use
3. A large amount of time is spent either trying to attain the substance, or to recover from it’s use
4. Cravings/strong desire
5. Use is resulting in inability to fulfil obligations at work/home
6. Continued use despite ongoing exacerbation of psycho-social problems
7. Social, hobbies, or work activities are given up or reduced
8. Recurrent use in situation which may be dangerous
9. Continued use despite knowing the problems caused by the substance
10. Tolerance – an increasing need to use more of the substance to gain the same effects, AND/OR a marked diminished effect whenusing the same amount
11. Withdrawal – as manifested by a severe negative physiological
response to cessation, or the need to continue use to avoid
negative symptoms
Substance use disorder is specified by?
Type and severity
types of substances
- Alcohol
- Sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytic
- Stimulant
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Opioid
- Cannabis
- Other Hallucinogens
- Inhalant
Severity of SUD
Mild: 2-3 symptoms
Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
Severe: 6 + symptoms
Drug categories
- Depressants – increase physiological arousal. Eg Alcohol and barbiturates
- Stimulants – increase physiological arousal. Eg cocaine and nicotine
- Opiates – pain relief. Eg morphine and heroin
• Hallucinogens/Psychedelics – alter sensation and perception.
Eg cannabis and LSD
How much do Aus spend pa on illicit drugs?
7 billion, more on legal
Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol is classed as a depressant
• Diagnosed if physiologically dependent or heavy user
Consequences of AUD
Delirium tremens (DTs) can occur when blood alcohol levels
drop suddenly. Results in:
• Deliriousness
• Tremulousness
• Hallucinations - Primarily visual; may be tactile
Polydrug abuse
– Many users abuse multiple substances
• e.g., cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana
• 85% of alcohol abusers are smokers
Prevalence of Alcohol Abuse
Lifetime prevalence: 8.6%
• Binge drinking
– 5 drinks in short period (e.g., within an hour)
– 43.5% prevalence among college/university students
• Heavy use drinking
– 5 drinks, 5 or more times in a 30-day period
• 16% prevalence among college students
Short-term effects of alcohol on brain?
Interacts with several neural systems:
– Stimulates GABA receptors (GABA is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter)
• Reduces tension
– Increases dopamine and serotonin
• Produces pleasurable effects
– Inhibits glutamate receptors (glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in a
range of functions, notably memory and learning)
• Produces cognitive difficulties
Long-term effects of alcohol
- Malnutrition
* Cirrhosis of the liver
Marijuana/Cannabis
Marijuana is classed as a hallucinogen
• Hashish
– Stronger than marijuana
Marijuana: Prevalence
• Most frequently used illicit drug in Australia.
• Greater use by men than women
• Ongoing debate about legalisation and medical use –
medical cannabis legalised at a federal level in 2016
Effects of Marijuana
Major psychoactive ingredient is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol)
Psychological Effects:
– Feelings of relaxation and sociability
– Rapid shifts of emotion
– Interferes with attention, memory, and thinking
• Decline in IQ over time
– Heavy doses can induce hallucinations and panic
Marijuana and the Brain
Two cannabinoid brain receptors - CB1 and CB2 – High concentration in hippocampus Increased blood flow to emotion regions – Amygdala and anterior cingulate Habitual use leads to tolerance – Withdrawal symptoms also observed
Marijuana and Mental Health
Evidence that cannabis use increases risk of psychosis for some people with a genetic predisposition for psychosis
Heavy use associated with:
• Chronic memory problems