What is a "DRUG"?

A DRUG is any substance that causes a physiological and/or psychological CHANGE in the body.

When we think of "DRUGS" we usually think of things like marijuana, cocaine, and even alcohol.

Name some other types of commonly-used drugs that are over-used and abused:

Nicoteine (tobacco)

Caffeine (coffee, cola drinks, chocolate)

LEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Define "ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR"

Behaviors that satisfy a pathological (unhealthy) need for a substance or a type of behavior.

Substance: Drugs, alcohol

Activity: Sex, Gambling

What types of drugs are most abused?

PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS that affect mental functioning are the most abused.

(Ex. Alcohol, marijuana, barbiturates, hallucinogens, amphetamines, narcotics)

Name the two types of psychoactive substance-related disorders:

Organic Impairment ("being 'messed up'")

Maladaptive Behavior (stealing to buy drugs)

What are the three "hallmarks" of psychoactive substance abuse?

1. Pathological use of a substance

2. Individual's use poses a danger to self and others

3. Use continues despite health, social or occupational consequences

What are the hallmarks of PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY?

1. More severe than psychoactive substance abuse

2. There is a PHYSIOLOGICAL NEED for more substance

3. Continued use leads to TOLERANCE INCREASE

4. Cessation of use leads to WITHDRAWAL

TOLERANCE

(definition)

The need to increase the amount of a substance in order to feel the same effect.

WITHDRAWAL

(definition)

The physical symptoms experienced when a person who is dependent upon a substance stops using it.

What is the difference between the terms "Alcoholic" and "Alcoholism"?

ALCOHOLIC - THE PERSON whose drinking seriously affect their health, relationships, job, etc.

ALCOHOLISM - Refers to THE PERSON'S DEPENDENCE ON ALCOHOL and how it affects their life

What is a feature of approximately 1/3 of those who abuse alcohol?

They suffer from some other mental disorder (comorbidity).

Briefly describe the affect of alcohol on the brain in both small and large amounts

SMALL AMOUNTS: activate pleasure areas of the brain (lower inhibition i.e. "social lubricant")

LARGE AMOUNTS: Inhibit excitatory neurotramsmitters and act as a DEPRESSANT

Pregnant women who abuse alchol run the risk of what sort of fetal damage?

What are the features of this condition?

FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

FEATURES:

Growth deficiencies

Facial and Limb irregularities

Central Nervous System dysfunction

 What is the actual (clinical) term for "KORSAKOFF'S SYNDROME"?

What are the features?

KORSAKOFF'S = ALCOHOL AMNESTIC DISORDER

Cannot remember recent events

Confabulation (false memory)

Occurs after many years of abuse

Declining intellect and cognitive abilities

(person is literally "pickling" themselves)

In terms of percentage, how much of a person's biological pre-disposition to alcohol abuse/dependency is genetic and how much is environmental?

30% is genetic

70% is environmental

Name some of the PSYCHOSOCIAL CAUSAL FACTORS associated with alcohol abuse and dependency

Little or no parental guidance

Predisposition ("Alcoholic Personality")

Stress, tension reduction, reinforcement

Expectations of (social) success

Marital/intimate relation problems

What is the main thing we can remember in terms of SOCIOCULTURAL CAUSAL FACTORS relating to Alcohol abuse and dependency

The more that alcohol is accepted in a culture the higher the incidence rate of abuse and dependency

(pretty self-explanatory, huh?)

Is relapse an accepted part of the treatment plan for alcoholism?

Yes. It is fully expected that at some point the person will suffer a relapse.