Substance-Related Disorders

Psychoactive substances

chemical substances that alter the functioning of the brain, causing changes in the way we think, feel and behave

depressants

substances that reduce arousal and stimulation

examples of depressants

alcohol, opioids, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytics, and inhalants

stimulants

a substance that increases the activity of the brain and the central nervous system

Examples of stimulants

caffeine, stimulants, tobacco

hallucinogens

drugs that produce altered states of consciousness characterized by major alterations in thought, mood, and perception

substance-use disorders

mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications

substance-induced disorders

medical conditions that can be directly attributed to the use of a substance

dual diagnosis/comorbidity

presence of more than one condition or illness at the same time

substance dependence

physiological state where the body adapts to the presence of a substance, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is reduced or discontinued

substance addiction

psychological component that drives individuals to continue using substances despite detrimental effects on their health and daily life

addictive behaviors not related to substances

gambling

internet gaming

sex

exercise

shopping

Alcohol Use Disorder

problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress

alcohol intoxication

recently drinking alcohol that is characterized by problematic behavior o psychological changes

alcohol withdrawal

stop drinking after heavy and prolonged use

Biological Etiologies and Risk factors

genetics - metabolization

brain’s reward circuits

dopamine pleasure pathway

GABA pathway - reduce anxiety

Reward Deficiency Syndrome (DRD@ gene) - fewer receptors in the reward pathway

low sensitivity to alcohol = higher use

Psychological etiologies and risk factors

Learning

Positive reinforcement - using is rewarding

negative reinforcement - using relieves pain/suffering

observational learning/modeling

classical conditioning

expectancy effect

heavy drinking significantly reduces life expectancy

sociological etiologies and risk factors

cultural/family attitudes toward drinking and drug use

availability of alcohol/drugs

lack of parental monitoring

stress

poverty

discrimination

Biological Treatment

hospitalization - detoxification

agonsits

aversives

Psychological Treatment

CBT

Covert Sensitization

Contingency management

relapse prevention training

aversion therapy

covert sensitization

associate thought of use with negative consequences

contingency management

select behaviors to change and reinforcements for success/reaching goals

relapse prevention training

challenge beliefs about use

identify negative consequences of use

develop coping strategies for situations and cravings

Sociological treatment

alcoholics anonymous