Addiction Overview

These flashcards cover the key concepts and terminology related to addiction, its definitions, risk factors, cultural implications, and management strategies.

Addiction

A condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Renamed by the APA to describe addiction, encompassing various substance-related disorders including opioid use disorder.

Physical Dependence

A normal physiological response to repeated substance administration, often confused with addiction.

Tolerance

A symptom of substance use disorder marked by the need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

A syndrome that occurs upon abrupt discontinuation of a substance to which the body has become accustomed.

Opioid Naïve

A person who has not recently taken enough opiate to develop tolerance.

Opioid Tolerant

A person who has used opiates long enough to require higher doses for the same effect.

Etiology

The study of the causes of a condition, including biological, psychological, and social factors in addiction.

Genetic Vulnerability

The risk of developing addiction based on hereditary factors.

Neurochemical Influences

Chemical processes that affect brain function and can predispose individuals to addiction.

Coping Styles

Methods individuals use to manage stress and discomfort, which can affect the likelihood of addiction.

Cultural Factors

Societal norms and attitudes towards substances that influence addiction rates.

Risk Factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing addiction.

Burnout

A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and intense stress.

Mood Disorders

Mental health conditions that affect mood regulation and can increase dependency on substances.

Family History

A background of substance abuse in the family, which can influence one’s own risk of addiction.

Substance Abuse Among Nurses

A concern where 10%-15% of nurses have substance use disorders, often starting during training.

Behavioral Changes in Addiction

Shifts in performance, frequent absences, and mistakes that may indicate substance use issues.

Sedatives

Drugs that depress the central nervous system and can lead to dependence.

CAGE Questionnaire

A widely used screening tool for identifying alcohol use disorders.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs used to treat symptoms of withdrawal from substances, especially alcohol.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Delirium Tremens

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and tremors.

Opioids

A class of drugs that include both legal prescription pain relievers and illegal drugs.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase the function of the nervous system, potentially leading to addiction.

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause hallucinations and perceptual disturbances.

Inhalants

Volatile substances that produce psychoactive effects when inhaled.

Dual Diagnosis

A condition where an individual suffers from both a substance use disorder and another psychiatric disorder.

Ethanol

The type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, which is a CNS depressant.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

A range of effects in children due to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Alcohol Abuse

Excessive consumption of alcohol leading to a host of health issues.

Recovery

The process of overcoming addiction, involving multiple interventions and support systems.

Pharmacotherapy

Use of medication to treat substance use disorders.

Suboxone

A combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid dependence.

Clonidine

A medication used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in substance dependence.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and anxiety, which can impact substance use.

Addiction Symptoms

Indicators such as mood changes, fatigue, and withdrawal that signal substance use disorder.

Supportive Living Environments

Healthy community dynamics that aid recovery from addiction.

Ethnic Variations in Substance Use

Differences in substance use patterns based on ethnic group genetics and culture.

Social Attitudes

Community norms that affect perceptions about substance use and addiction.

Group Therapy

A treatment modality involving peer support in the recovery process.

Relapse Process

Reverting to substance use after attempting to maintain sobriety.

Controlled Substances

Drugs regulated by law due to their potential for abuse.

Depressant

A substance that slows down brain function and neuronal activity.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach to encourage behavioral change in substance use.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical and psychological effects experienced when reducing or stopping substance use.

Neonatal Risks

Health complications that infants may experience due to maternal substance use.

Substance Misuse in Older Adults

Increased risk of alcohol and drug misuse among the elderly population.

Recovery Resources

Support systems available for individuals seeking to overcome addiction.

Behavioral Psychology

A branch of psychology that examines the influence of the environment on behaviors, including addiction.

Anxiety Disorders

Mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear and anxiety, which may co-occur with substance use disorder.

Pain Management

The process of providing medical care that alleviates pain, which can be complicated by substance use.

Community Support Programs

Local initiatives designed to help individuals in recovery from addiction.

Coping Strategies

Specific approaches or techniques used to handle stress or challenges without reverting to substance use.

Social Isolation

A common issue faced by those with addiction, leading to increased mood disorders.

Sensation Seeking

A personality trait often associated with higher risk of substance use.

Peer Pressure

Influence from friends or peers to engage in substance use.

Detoxification

The process of removing toxic substances from the body.

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

A range of effects including nausea and anxiety experienced when stopping opioid use.

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain leading to a higher risk of substance use in an attempt to find relief.

Supportive Therapy

Therapeutic interventions designed to provide emotional support during recovery.

Addiction Treatment Plan

A comprehensive approach to address individual needs in overcoming substance use.

Behavioral Interventions

Therapeutic strategies aimed at changing maladaptive behaviors related to addiction.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one counseling that targets personal issues contributing to addiction.