Addiction

Definition of Drug

A substance used to bring about a change in some existing process of state (psychological, physical, and biochemical).

Categorization of Drugs

Drugs are categorized by their behavior and/or pharmacological effects.

Stimulants

Drugs that elevate mood, increase feelings of well-being, enhance energy and alertness (e.g., amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine).

Depressants

Drugs that reduce psychological activity, often leading to relaxation and sedation (e.g., antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol).

Opioids

Both prescribed and illegal drugs primarily used for pain relief.

Hallucinogens

Substances that cause changes in perception, mood, and cognitive processes.

Psychotherapeutics

Medications designed to treat mental disorders, impacting mood, cognition, and behavior.

Distinction between Drug Use and Drug Abuse

Drug use is general consumption of substances, while drug abuse indicates compulsive use leading to adverse consequences.

Addiction

A state of psychological or physical dependence on the use of alcohol or other drugs.

Top Abused Drugs

Include marijuana, prescription pain relievers, prescription tranquilizers, cocaine, and prescription stimulants.

Substance Use Disorder Defined by DSM-V

Characterized by severity: Mild (2-3 criteria met), Moderate (4-5 criteria met), Severe (6+ criteria met).

Moral Model of Addiction

Sees individuals with addiction as those who choose drugs over responsibilities due to personal morals and weaknesses.

Medical Model of Addiction

Considers addiction as a chronic brain disease complicating an individual's ability to cease using substances.

Biopsychological Model of Addiction

Views addiction as a product of biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

Conditioned Place Preference/Aversion

A method to determine if drugs are rewarding or aversive by observing choice behavior in animals related to drug administration.

Drug Self-Administration

Involves animals performing actions for drug rewards, measuring motivation and response rates under controlled schedules.

Dopamine Signaling Pathway

Involves the VTA signaling to the NAc, implicated in the rewarding effects of drugs.

Allostasis Model of Addiction

Suggests compulsive drug use occurs to escape the negative emotional state of withdrawal.

Anhedonia Theory of Addiction

Suggests that dopamine is responsible for generating pleasure, and drugs stimulate dopamine systems, leading to addiction.

Incentive Sensitization Theory of Addiction

Proposes that cravings and relapse are driven by excessive wanting rather than liking; drugs potentiate motivational triggers.

Sensitization in Addiction

A drug effect where repeated exposure leads to increasingly stronger behavioral responses, related to craving and motivation.

Complexities in Addiction Models

Question the relationship between dopamine levels, craving, and the predictability of relapse.

Summary of Addiction Models

Includes major theories like Allostasis, Anhedonia, and Incentive Sensitization, focusing on addiction's psychological and physiological underpinnings.