Care of Patients with Substance-Use Disorders – Key Vocabulary

These vocabulary flashcards cover major terms, conditions, neurobiology, drug classes, withdrawal syndromes, complications, treatments, and nursing considerations from the lecture on substance-use disorders. Use them to review definitions and prepare for exam questions requiring accurate terminology.

Substance-Use Disorder (SUD)

A maladaptive pattern of compulsive substance use leading to significant impairment or distress and repeated attempts to cut down without success.

Substance-Induced Disorder

Mental or physical conditions (e.g., intoxication, withdrawal, psychosis) that are directly caused by recent substance use.

Intoxication

A reversible, substance-specific syndrome of problematic behavioral or physiological changes after recent ingestion/exposure.

Withdrawal

Physiological and psychological symptoms that occur when heavy, prolonged substance use is abruptly reduced or stopped.

Tolerance

A state in which increasing amounts of a substance are needed to achieve previous effects because the body has adapted to the drug.

Detoxification

Medically managed, gradual removal of a substance from the body while treating acute withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Dependence

Biological adaptation in which the body requires continued substance use to prevent withdrawal.

Psychological Dependence

Emotional or mental preoccupation with a substance and strong craving for its effects.

Genetic Vulnerability

Inherited factors that increase a person’s risk for developing SUD.

Neurochemical Influence

Changes in brain neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine surge) produced by substances that reinforce drug-taking behavior.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter central to the brain’s reward pathway; elevated by all drugs of abuse causing euphoria and cravings.

GABA

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter enhanced by alcohol; decreased availability during withdrawal leads to neural hyperexcitability.

Glutamate

Primary excitatory neurotransmitter; increased activity after chronic alcohol use contributes to seizures and delirium tremens.

Substance Craving

Intense desire or urge for the rewarding effects of a drug.

Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Severe alcohol withdrawal stage (48–72+ hr) featuring delirium, malignant hypertension, hyperthermia, hallucinations, seizures, and possible death.

Alcohol Withdrawal Stage 1

6–12 hr post-drink: tremors, diaphoresis, nausea/vomiting, mild HTN, tachycardia, fever, tachypnea.

Alcohol Withdrawal Stage 2

12–24 hr: visual or tactile hallucinations and paranoia (alcoholic hallucinosis).

Alcohol Withdrawal Stage 3

24–48 hr: abrupt tonic-clonic seizures with short post-ictal period; patient lucid between seizures.

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar)

Standardized 10-item scale (score 0–67) used to quantify severity of alcohol withdrawal and guide benzodiazepine dosing.

Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

Acute thiamine-deficient condition causing ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion; reversible with prompt thiamine.

Korsakoff’s Psychosis

Chronic thiamine-related syndrome with irreversible memory loss, confusion, and confabulation.

Peripheral Neuropathy (Alcohol-Related)

Irreversible nerve damage causing pain, numbness, and weakness in chronic drinkers.

Alcoholic Myopathy

Reversible muscle breakdown, pain, and weakness associated with heavy alcohol use.

Cirrhosis

Irreversible scarring of the liver often resulting from chronic alcohol consumption.

Cardiomyopathy (Alcoholic)

Degeneration of heart muscle caused by long-term excessive drinking.

Opioid-Use Disorder

Problematic use of opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) leading to impairment or distress.

Naloxone

Short-acting opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose.

Methadone

Long-acting opioid agonist used for maintenance therapy and to reduce cravings in OUD.

Buprenorphine

Partial opioid agonist (often combined with naloxone in Suboxone) used for outpatient OUD treatment.

Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS)

11-item tool to quantify severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid Withdrawal

Flu-like syndrome with anxiety, yawning, lacrimation, sweats, GI cramps, diarrhea, piloerection, and myalgias.

CNS Depressants

Substances that slow brain activity (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids).

CNS Stimulants

Drugs that increase CNS activity (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine).

Hallucinogens

Substances producing perceptual distortions and psychosis-like effects (e.g., LSD, PCP, psilocybin, ketamine).

Inhalants

Volatile hydrocarbons inhaled for euphoria (e.g., glue, paint thinner) with risk of anoxia and sudden death.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Problematic pattern of cannabis use causing impairment; second most common substance problem in U.S.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Primary psychoactive component of cannabis responsible for euphoria and perceptual changes.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Non-psychoactive cannabis compound with potential anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Synthetic Cannabis (Spice)

Unregulated chemical cannabinoids sprayed on plant matter, producing unpredictable potency and toxicity.

Synthetic Cathinones (Bath Salts)

Man-made stimulant compounds that can cause severe agitation, tachycardia, and psychosis.

Amphetamines

Potent synthetic stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine, Adderall) increasing dopamine release at synapse.

Methamphetamine

Highly addictive stimulant with long half-life (19–34 hr) causing severe dental decay, weight loss, and psychosis.

Cocaine

Powerful stimulant that blocks dopamine reuptake; can be snorted, smoked (crack), or injected.

Stimulant “Crash”

Post-use phase of profound dysphoria, fatigue, and sleep after stimulant intoxication.

Caffeine

Most widely used mild stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks; withdrawal causes headache and drowsiness.

Nicotine

Highly addictive tobacco stimulant; cessation often accompanied by irritability, weight gain, and insomnia.

Bupropion

NDRI antidepressant used as a smoking-cessation aid.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Partial nicotinic receptor agonist used to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines

Anxiolytic/hypnotic CNS depressants (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) often used to manage alcohol or sedative withdrawal.

Barbiturates

Older sedative-hypnotic class (e.g., phenobarbital) with high overdose lethality.

Sedative, Hypnotic, & Anxiolytic Use Disorder

Problematic use of benzodiazepines or barbiturates with tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal risk.

Huffing

Inhalation of volatile substances from bags or soaked rags to achieve intoxication.

Anoxia

Lack of oxygen that may result from inhalant use, leading to brain damage or death.

Flashback (Hallucinogen)

Re-experiencing perceptual disturbances weeks to years after hallucinogen use.

Diazepam

Long-acting benzodiazepine used for acute anxiety, muscle spasm, and management of stimulant or hallucinogen agitation.

12-Step Program

Peer support recovery model (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) promoting abstinence and spiritual growth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy focusing on identifying and changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with substance use.

Codependency

Maladaptive relationship pattern enabling another’s substance use, often addressed in family therapy.

High-Risk Situations

Circumstances (e.g., peers, locations) that increase likelihood of relapse; identification is key to relapse prevention.

Relapse Prevention

Strategies (coping skills, support, lifestyle change) designed to maintain sobriety after treatment.

Addiction

Chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking despite harmful consequences.

Reward Pathway

Mesolimbic dopaminergic circuit activated by addictive substances producing reinforcement.

Maladaptive Coping

Ineffective strategies (e.g., substance use) utilized to manage stress or emotions.

Stage-Wise Treatment

Approach addressing acute withdrawal, early abstinence, and long-term maintenance phases of recovery.

Seizure Precautions

Safety measures (padded rails, airway readiness) implemented for patients at risk during withdrawal.

“Banana Bag”

IV infusion containing thiamine, folate, and multivitamins given to alcohol-dependent patients to correct deficiencies.

Antabuse (Disulfiram)

Aversive agent producing unpleasant reaction with alcohol intake; used as a deterrent after detoxification.

Sleep Disturbance (Post-Withdrawal)

Common lingering symptom after cessation of many substances, often lasting weeks.

Criminal Consequences

Legal problems (e.g., DUI, possession charges) that often persist despite ongoing substance use.

Functional Addict

Individual who maintains outward life roles (job, family) while meeting criteria for SUD.

Polysubstance Use

Concurrent use of multiple drugs, complicating assessment and treatment.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Substances (e.g., anabolic steroids) misused to improve athletic ability, qualifying under “Other” SUD in DSM-5.

Laxative Abuse

Excessive use of laxatives for weight control leading to electrolyte disturbances; considered “Other” SUD.

Self-Assessment (Nurse)

Reflecting on personal attitudes toward substance users to maintain nonjudgmental, therapeutic care.

Risk for Injury (Nursing Dx)

Nursing diagnosis related to impaired judgment and physiological instability during substance intoxication or withdrawal.

Private, Quiet Room

Environmental intervention to reduce external stimuli for agitated or hallucinating withdrawal patients.

Sensorium

Level of cognitive clarity; typically intact in SUD unless complicated by intoxication or withdrawal.

Low Self-Esteem

Negative self-concept frequently contributing to and resulting from substance misuse.

Malignant Hypertension

Severe, rapid rise in blood pressure seen in DTs requiring ICU management.

Hyperthermia

Elevated body temperature that can occur with stimulant intoxication or severe alcohol withdrawal.

Piloerection

“Gooseflesh” sign seen in opioid withdrawal due to autonomic overactivity.

Anhedonia

Inability to experience pleasure, prominent after chronic stimulant use.

Confabulation

Fabricated memories used to fill in memory gaps, typical of Korsakoff’s psychosis.

E-Cigarettes

Electronic nicotine delivery systems contributing to nicotine dependence.

Energy Drink Epidemic

Public health concern over high caffeine intake and potential for cardiac and psychiatric adverse effects.

Hydration & Nutrition Support

Foundational medical interventions during detox to correct deficiencies and promote healing.

Drug Tapering

Gradual dose reduction (e.g., benzodiazepines) to prevent severe withdrawal.

Psychosis (Substance-Induced)

Temporary or lasting psychotic state triggered by substance use (e.g., amphetamine psychosis).

Flashcard

Study tool—term on one side, definition on the other—to aid memorization of key concepts (what you are reading now!).