Module 14 Substance Abuse

Psych 130M -

substance abuse

a complex condition characterized by uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences

5 Symptom Categories of Substance Use Disorder

1. loss of control

2. social impairment

3. risky use

4. tolerance

5. withdrawal

Tolerance

occurs when a person’s reaction to a drug decreases so that larger doses are required to achieve an equivalent effect

withdrawal

physiological response to a lowered drug concentration to a patient tolerant to that drug

Main risk factors for SUD

1. family history of SUB

2. earlier age of initiation of use

3. sex and gender

4. early childhood adverse experiences

5. mental health conditions or psych disorders

Gender Differences in SUB

more common in men

women who develop an alcohol use disorder are likely to progress more quickly to serious medical consequences

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders in DSM-5

• cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues using the substance despite significant substance-related problems

• The diagnosis can be applied to 10 classes of substances:

  • All Crazy Hippies In Oakland Snort Hard Addictive Substances To Overdose

  • alcohol

  • cannabis

  • hallucinogens

  • inhalants

  • opioids

  • sedatives

  • hypnotics

  • anxiolytics

  • stimulants

  • tobacco

  • other (unknown substances)

DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder

a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress

• 2+ symptoms within 12-month period

• impaired control over substance use:

  • taken in larger amounts or over longer period than was intended

  • persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to obtain/use alcohol

  • a great deal of time spent to obtain or use alcohol, or recover from its effects

  • strong craving

• social impairment related to substance use

  • failure to fulfill major role obligation

  • continued use despite social/interpersonal problems caused/exacerbated by alcohol

  • important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up/reduced bc of alcohol

• risky use of substance (failure to abstain despite risk)

  • recurrent alcohol use in physically hazardous situations

  • continued use despite knowledge of phsyical or psych problems caused by alcohol

• pharmacological effects

  • tolerance

    • need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication

    • markedly diminished effect with continued use of same amount of alcohol

  • withdrawal

    • withdrawal syndrome for alc - autonomic hyperactivity, hand tremor, insomnia

    • alcohol (related substance) is taken to relive/avoid withdrawal

Severity of Alcoholism

Mild (2-3 symptoms)

moderate (4-5 symptoms)

severe (6+ symptoms)