Substance abuse

What is the average age of onset for sniffing glue on Reservations?

9 years

How much higher are hospitalization rates for substance abuse in First Nations compared to the non-Indigenous population?

7 times higher

What are some physical consequences of substance abuse?

Damage to vital organs (liver, heart, lungs, brain), increased risk of infectious diseases, neurological impairments, increased risk of overdose, anxiety, and mood disorders.

What psychological consequences can arise from substance abuse?

Development or worsening of mental health problems, strained relationships, social isolation, and difficulties at work or school.

What social consequences are associated with substance abuse?

Legal problems, financial issues, loss of employment, and academic opportunities.

What are the life impacts of substance abuse?

Pregnancy complications and incarceration.

Define 'Use' in the context of substance involvement.

Ingestion of psychoactive substances in moderate amounts that do not interfere with functioning.

What does 'Intoxication' refer to?

Physiological reactions such as becoming drunk or high.

What is 'Substance Abuse'?

When individuals can no longer control their use of a particular substance.

What is physiological dependence on substances?

Using increasingly greater amounts of the drug to experience the same effect (tolerance) and experiencing negative physical responses when not using (withdrawal).

What characterizes psychological dependence on substances?

Desperate need to ingest more of the substance, including drug-seeking behavior and likelihood of resuming use after abstinence.

What are the criteria for diagnosing Substance Use Disorder?

At least 2 of the following: larger amounts or longer periods than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, significant time spent on substances, craving, failure to fulfill obligations, continued use despite problems, giving up activities, using in hazardous situations, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

Name the major categories of substances of abuse.

Depressants, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, and other drugs (e.g., glue, steroids, nitrous oxide).

What are depressants and their effects?

Drugs that decrease central nervous system activity, including alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines, often leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

What are the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Craving, impaired control, preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and continued use despite problems.

What are the symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium?

Agitation, insomnia, disorientation, and hallucinations.

What is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome associated with?

Severe thiamine deficiency, leading to confusion, planning difficulties, loss of muscle coordination, and confabulation.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

A condition in infants whose mothers drank excessively during pregnancy, resulting in growth retardation, cognitive deficits, and behavioral problems.

What are the types of sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic-related disorders?

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

What is the mechanism of action for barbiturates?

They enhance the activity of GABA, resulting in sedative and calming effects.

What are some risks associated with barbiturates?

Dependence, overdose, respiratory depression, and withdrawal symptoms.

What are common benzodiazepines?

Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Temazepam (Restoril).

What is the diagnosis for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder?

Use despite problems, unsuccessful efforts to reduce use, significant impairment or distress, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

What are the criteria for diagnosing Stimulant Use Disorder?

At least two of the following: excessive use, unsuccessful quit attempts, time spent, cravings, failure to fulfill roles, social problems, reduced activities, dangerous use, continued use despite problems, tolerance, and withdrawal.

What are some common stimulants?

Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine.

What were amphetamines originally used for?

Treatment of asthma and as a nasal decongestant.

What are the psychological effects of amphetamine intoxication?

Euphoria, changes in sociability, anxiety, tension, anger, stereotyped behaviors, impaired judgment, and hallucinations.

What physiological effects can result from amphetamine intoxication?

Increases in heart rate, blood pressure changes, perspiration or chills, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, respiratory depression, seizures, and coma.

What is cocaine derived from?

The leaves of the coca plant.

What are common methods of cocaine ingestion?

Snorting or injecting; crack cocaine is smoked.

What are some long-term effects of cocaine use?

Cardiovascular damage, neurological effects (seizures, strokes), psychological impacts (paranoia, hallucinations), addiction, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, dental decay, and effects on infants.

How does amphetamine affect dopamine levels?

It stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and blocks reuptake.

What is the primary effect of cocaine on dopamine?

It primarily blocks the reuptake of dopamine.

What is the 'Dopamine Theory of Addiction'?

It suggests individuals with a genetic predisposition to experience less satisfaction from natural rewards are more prone to addiction.

What is nicotine classified as?

A psychoactive substance that produces dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal.

What are common withdrawal symptoms from nicotine?

Depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased appetite.

What percentage of the Canadian population smokes?

Approximately 10%, with slightly more men (12%) than women (9%).

What is caffeine commonly referred to as?

The gentle stimulant.

What are some withdrawal symptoms from caffeine?

Headache, drowsiness, and irritability.

What are opiates?

Chemical compounds extracted or refined from natural plant matter, such as opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin.

What are opioids?

Chemical compounds synthesized to mimic the properties of opiates, such as oxycontin and fentanyl.

What defines opioid use disorder?

Taking opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, and continued use despite problems caused by opioids.

What is LSD?

A common hallucinogenic drug known as d-lysergic acid diethylamide.

What are some examples of hallucinogenic drugs?

Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, mescaline, and PCP.

What are the effects of cannabis?

Increased humor, dreamlike state, heightened sensory experiences, and potential psychotic episodes in at-risk individuals.

What are some causes of drug use?

Genetics, psychological factors, cognitive expectancies, craving, conditioning, denial, modeling, and social inclusion.

What is methadone used for?

A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in opioid use disorder.

What is disulfiram (Antabuse) used for?

It causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent for alcohol use disorder.

What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

A treatment that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use.

What is motivational interviewing?

A client-centered approach that enhances motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence about drug use.

What is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)?

A therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help manage emotions and reduce self-destructive behaviors.

What is the purpose of drug rehabilitation centers?

To provide 24/7 care in a residential setting, offering structured programs with medical supervision for managing withdrawal symptoms and detoxification.

What is the relationship between problem gambling and substance use disorders?

Problem gamblers display similar cravings and dependence as those with substance use disorders, involving similar brain systems.

What are impulse control disorders in the DSM-5-TR?

Disorders that include intermittent explosive disorder, kleptomania, and pyromania.