Week 12 - Substance-related and Addictive Disorders

Psychoactive substance

Any substance that changes neurological functioning.

Depressants

Substances that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Stimulants

Substances that increase neural activity and speed up body functions.

Hallucinogens

Substances that alter perception, mood, and various cognitive processes.

Caffeine

The most common stimulant, causing alertness and increased anxiety at high doses.

Alcohol

The most common depressant associated with significant use and health risks.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

A condition characterized by an inability to control substance use despite harmful consequences.

Tolerance

A condition where increased amounts of a substance are needed to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

A set of symptoms that occur when substance use is reduced or stopped.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms such as nausea, hand tremors, and anxiety that occur after heavy drinking.

Gambling Disorder

A continued pattern of gambling behavior that leads to significant impairment or distress.

Integrated biopsychosocial explanations

A comprehensive approach to understanding addiction, considering biological, psychological, and social factors.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach aimed at enhancing a person's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

Community reinforcement

A treatment approach that emphasizes creating positive environmental supports for behavior change.

Harm minimization

Strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences of substance use without necessarily eliminating use.

Sociopolitical situations

Contextual factors affecting specific groups' experiences with substance use and addiction.

12-step program

A self-help approach to addiction treatment that involves community support and accountability.