Drugs of Abuse and Their Psychological Impacts

A compilation of key vocabulary related to the concepts of drugs of abuse and their psychological effects, aimed at helping students review for exams.

Drugs of abuse

Substances that are used recreationally and can lead to significant adverse effects on an individual’s health and social functioning.

Addiction

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain.

Dependence

A state in which an organism functions normally only in the presence of a drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms in its absence.

Tolerance

A phenomenon where increasing amounts of a drug are required to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops or reduces intake of a substance they are dependent on.

Positive reinforcement

The addition of a stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Negative reinforcement

The removal of a stimulus that increases the likelihood of the behavior being repeated.

Substance Use Disorder

A medical condition characterized by an individual's inability to control their substance use despite negative consequences.

Environmental factors

External influences, such as social circumstances or stress, that can affect substance use behavior and vulnerability to addiction.

Bio-psycho-social model

A holistic approach that posits addiction is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Operant conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Craving

A strong desire or urge to use a substance, often triggered by environmental cues or stress.

Experimental use

Initial, often curious use of drugs, typically without yet experiencing negative consequences.

Circumstantial use

Drug use that occurs within a specific context, often related to social events or gatherings.

Compulsive use

A situation where the individual feels compelled to seek and use a drug, despite knowing it may be harmful.

Models of addiction

Theoretical frameworks that explain the reasons behind substance use and addiction, including moral, social learning, and biological models.

Limbic system

A complex part of the brain involved in emotions, behavior, and the reward system, significantly affected by drug use.

Nucleus accumbens

A key brain region involved in the reward circuit, where the release of dopamine plays a crucial role in pleasure and reward.

Self-medication hypothesis

A theory suggesting individuals may use substances to alleviate physical or emotional pain.

Social learning theory

A perspective that posits behavior is learned through observation and modeling of others, including drug use.

12 Step programs

Peer support groups designed to help individuals recover from substance use disorders through a structured approach.

Harm reduction

A public health approach aimed at minimizing the negative consequences of drug use rather than focusing solely on abstinence.