Chapter 23: Substance Use Disorders

Define drug abuse 

The use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of legal drugs for purposes other than their intended use, that results in physical, psychological, legal, or social harm

Which drug/substance causes more medical problems than any other combined? 

Alcohol & tobacco 

What makes a drug have the potential for abuse? 

Elevate mood, cause euphoria, relieve fear & apprehension, & produce a feeling of peace & tranquility 

What is addiction?

a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking use despite complications 

What is dependence

the physical or psychological adaptation to a substance, where the body becomes used to it and develops tolerance and/or withdrawal symptoms when the substance is reduced or stopped. 

Psychological dependence

believes unable to maintain optimal performance w/o having taken a drug, The “need” to use 

Physical dependence

the body becomes accustomed to a substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when its use is discontinued or reduced 

Define tolerance

w/ repeated dosing, the dose of a drug must be increased to obtain the same effect. Or the same dose of a drug, w/ consecutive dosing, has less effect

What is a CNS depressant?

a substance that slows down brain activity, causes muscles to relax and producing drowsiness 

Examples of CNS depressant

ethyl alcohol, Nitrous Oxide (N20), Opioid Analgesics, Sedative- Hypnotics 

What is the most often abused “drug”? 

Alcohol 

What are the pharmacokinetics of alcohol? 

 Food delays absorption & reduces peak levels, Peak levels occur w/i 40 minutes (Fasting), Completely absorbed in the GI tract, Excreted through lungs & urine 

List the three drugs that can be given to treat alcoholism. 

Antabuse (disulfiram), ReVia (naltrexone), Campral (acamprosate) 

What are some red flags of alcoholism? 

Cirrhosis of the Liver 

Who typically abuses nitrous oxide? 

dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, & food service workers 

What emergency drug can be administered for a heroin/opioid overdose? 

Narcan 

Which illegal substance has local anesthetic properties? 

Cocaine

Which illegal substance can produce a bad smell and have the potential to explode? 

Meth

What is the most widely used social drug? 

Caffeine

What is the most potent hallucinogen? 

Psychedelics 

What drug is derived from the hemp plant? 

Marijuana 

What is spice of K-2? 

Synthetic: Designer drug – spraying natural herbs w/ synthetic chemicals that have psychoactive effects similar to cannabis 

What is a shopper? 

Drug-seeking individual who visits medical or dental offices pretending to be a patient in order to obtain prescription drugs — especially controlled substances like opioids