Chapter 10: Drugs & Crime ⭐️

Psychopharmacology/Behavioural Pharmacology

The branch of psychology studying drug effects on human cognition, emotions, & behavior.

Psychoactive drug

A substance acting on the central nervous system, altering cognitions, emotions, or behaviors.

Licit drugs

Legal substances like tobacco & caffeine.

Illicit drugs

Illegal substances in possession, sale, or use.

Substance use

Moderate drug consumption without significant impairment.

Substance misuse

Taking drugs differently than prescribed or intended.

Tolerance

Needing higher drug doses for previous effects.

Withdrawal

Unpleasant symptoms when abruptly stopping a drug.

Stimulants

Drugs increasing CNS function, attention, mood, & activity.

Depressants

Drugs slowing CNS function, reducing neural activity.

Sedative-Hypnotics

Drugs for anxiety & insomnia treatment.

Opioids

Drugs like opium, morphine, heroin, with analgesic effects.

Hallucinogens

Drugs causing hallucinations & distortions in perception.

Cannabis

Derived from cannabis sativa plant, with THC as the main psychoactive ingredient.

Substance Use Disorder

Problematic drug use causing distress or impairment.

DSM-5

Diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorder.

Factors Impacting Drug Effects

Drug type, route of administration, dosage, physical attributes, substance use history, psychological expectations, set & setting.

Drugs-Crime Link

Models examining the relationship between drug use and crime.

Goldstein’s Tripartite Model

Describes the drug-violence connection.

Systemic Crime

Drug-related crime due to illegal drug trade.

Economic Compulsive Crime

Crime from drug users supporting their habit.

Psychopharmacological Crime

Crime due to acute & chronic drug effects.

Theories of the Alcohol-Violence Relationship

Disinhibition, Cognitive disruption, Expectancy theories.