PSY 215 Lecture 5: Factors Influencing Addictions

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering social categories, biological differences, the NIMHD research framework, and clinical practice implications in addiction.

Disparities

Inequitable differences.

Race

An individual's physical characteristics.

Ethnicity

Cultural factors, such as language.

Gender

A social construct based on societal roles.

Gender roles

Ideal behaviours for an individual of a specific biological sex.

Absorption

The movement of a drug from the site of administration into the blood circulation.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase

An enzyme in stomach linings that breaks down alcohol before it reaches the bloodstream, found in lower levels in women compared to men.

Telescoping

The phenomenon where women often drink for less time than men before developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other related consequences.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A developmental disorder resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Korsakoff's syndrome

An alcohol-induced disorder causing cognitive defects later in life, well-established as a consequence of heavy drinking.

Intersectionality

The framework recognizing that individuals do not belong to one single group and are embedded in social contexts that independently or jointly affect risk for substance use and related problems.

NIMHD Research Framework

A multi-level, multi-domain model integrating biological and social determinants to understand health disparities and vulnerability to addictive behaviours.

Biological determinants

Genetic and biological factors that may make an individual vulnerable to engaging in addictive behaviours and developing substance use disorders.

Social determinants

Characteristics of different social environments in which an individual functions, elements of which affect exposure to risks, protective factors, and access to resources.

Levels of influence (NIMHD)

The four tiers of health determinants in the NIMHD framework: individual, interpersonal, community, and societal.

Domains of influence (NIMHD)

The five functional areas of health determinants in the NIMHD framework: biological, behavioural, physical environment, sociocultural environment, and health care system.

Acculturation

The process of cultural adaptation, identified among immigrants as a risk factor for alcohol use, heavy use, and related problems.

Cultural competence

Compatible behaviours and values that allow effective service delivery in cross-cultural settings, linked to better communication, greater patient satisfaction, and better treatment retention.

Implicit bias

Acting on automatic and subconscious assumptions, which can result in discriminatory behaviour and missed opportunities in treatment delivery.

Community social infrastructure

Foundational community resources, such as quality schools, that set the foundation for residents' overall social functioning.

Co-ethnic communities

Residential areas where individuals live surrounded by others who share their heritage, serving as a protective factor against substance use by fostering cultural identity.

Disability (ADA definition)

An impairment that substantially limits an individual's daily functioning.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Legislation offering protection from discriminatory practices to individuals who are currently experiencing AUD, have previously experienced SUD, or are receiving or have received treatment.