Substance use disorders

exam 3

Dopamine’s role in addiction

dopamine works as a motivator to repeat the activity. the more dopamine that a drug causes to be released, the more addictive the drug is

Inhalation and injection

the fastest ways to get high and the ways to get the highest highs

snorting and inhaling

you get a lower high for longer

injestion

the least high but it lasts longer and takes longer to take effect

transdermal

very ineffective without an extremely high dose. the slowest possible way to get the slightest high

Biological

influenced by genetics and epigenetics, dopamine reward and stress pathways, brain chemistry, and physiological dependency on a drug

psychological

self medication for illness, stressful emotions can cause relapse, control of behavior, life transition coping skills

social

parental and peer models, social pressures, or childhood maltreatment

sociocultural

cultural norma and values, media influences, and societal stressors can make you more likely to abuse drugs

Precision medicine

the use of genetics to find the best medication treatment for you

Alcohol poisoning

characterized by impaired breathing, coma, and even death within minutes to hours depending on how much alcohol was consumed and the individual’s tolerance levels

alcohol use disorder

18% of American adults deal with this, men are twice as likely to be effected but progresses quicker in women, and looks different for everyone. could be 1 time with bad consequences or 30 beers a day

delirium tremens

a life-threatening condition caused by alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, aggression, or irritability, confusion, trembling, sweating, tachycardia, nausea, and vomiting, visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations, and tumors or seizures

requires medical treatment

Alcohol

a depressant (causes nervous system to slow) that effects breathing, heart rate, and consciousness.

moderate drinking

1 drink maximum for women and 2 drinks max for men

heavy drinking

any drinking above moderate levels

binge drinking

4-5 drinks on a single occasion for men and 4+ for women

intervention

ineffective for substance use disorders because change requires autonomy. family or friends confront someone for a specific change that is often met with defensiveness, anger, denial, or other big emotions

motivational enhancement therapy/motivational interviewing

works by planting the seed for change, makes people more willing to change, and focuses on the client’s decisions and goals to ensure client autonomy. it is guiding, collaborative, and the client’s decision is most important

Treatments for alcohol use

the goal is to achieve and maintain abstinence, maintain a drug free lifestyle, and function productively. starts with detoxification where you stop/reduce substance use and followed by preventing relapse

DSM substance use criteria

have at least 2 symptoms within a 12 month period

• spend more time than intended with it

• unsuccessful attempts to quit

• a lot of recovery time

• use despite harmful side effects

• social, work, & leisure participation decreases

• occurs where it may be hazardous

• tolerance is built

• experiences withdrawal

mild = 2-3 moderate = 4-5 severe = 6+

preventing relapse

overcome physiological and psychological effects, utilize neuroplasticity, use contingency management programs (paid to quit) and use motivational enhancement therapy