chap 10 addictive disorders

define psychoactive substances

Psychoactive substances are chemicals that change perceptions and mood via their actions at the neural synapses.

How do psychoactive substances affect neurotransmitters?

they inhibit (antagonist), stimulate (agonist) or mimic the activity of the brain’s neurotransmitters

how do psychoactive substances affect perception?

perception of the world is ALTERED, because information is not transmitted properly. Causing cognitive imparement (impared attention, memory, abstract reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

be sure to give an example of a psychoactive substance and how it interacts with the brain at the neural level

normally, each molecule of serotonin activates a receptor for a while, but then gets reabsorbed by the neuron that released it. Ecstasy disrupts this process

what is tolerance?

needing more and more of a substance to achieve the desired effects

what is withdrawal?

discomfort and distress thatt follow the reduction or stopping of use

what is physical dependence?

continued use to avoid withdrawal symptoms

what is psychological dependence?

continued use motivated by attempts to avoid boredom, regulate mood, and/or cope with difficulties

what are the four causes of substance use disorder?

1. sociocultural influences

2. personality

3. learning and expectancies

4. genetic influences

how are sociocultural influences important for this disorder?

1. stressful environments: higher rates of substance use disorder among poor people, the unemployed, and those facing heavy discrimination

2. differences in substance use acceptance:

• from family to family

• culture to culture

• from country to country

How does operant condition promote substance use disorder?

substances are taken to increase arousal or reduce tension. Expectancy of continued reward leads to higher doses (Self-medication hypothesis)

how is “locus of control” linked to substance use disorder?

Substance use disorders may be linked to people’s “locus of control” assumptions.

what is External Locus of Control?

“I’m controlled by my enviorment”

what is Internal Locus of Control?

“I’m able to control my enviorment”

Summerize ideas about “Substance Abuse Personality”

People who abuse substances have powerful dependency needs that can be traced to early childhood. A lack of parental nurturing may give rise to a “Substance Abuse Personality”

What has research found in relation to impulse control and substance abuse?

Some correlational research links early impulsivity to later substance abuse use and other personality traits that may create a predisposition

How is early childhood thought to be linked to this disorder?

early childhood experiences, particularly a lack of parental nurturing.

Identify examples of research showing a genetic predisposition to abuse substances

Research with “alcohol-preferring” animals and human twins (concordance rates). Adoption studies= patterns of substance use follow the biological parents

What is the Incentive-sensitiation theory?

Neurotransmitter production adapts to an external source

Provide an example of Reward-deficency syndrome

The ordinary events of life do not activate the brain’s reward centers. Ex: Higher risk of compulsive behaviors: Gambling, overeating, etc

What is the most common treatment option for substance use disorder?

Self- help groups are quite common

What is aversion therapy and what is the goal? Provide an example of this therapy

Uses classical conditioning to create an aversive response where the absence of one is causing trouble. Ex: Alcoholism

What is Contingency management therapy? What addiction is it especially used for?

A therapy that uses positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors. Especially effective for stimulant addictions like cocaine

How effective are behaviora; interventions?

They are effective in short term and there is limited success as a sole form of treatment

What is Relapse-prevention training? (R-PT)

It is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that is designed to reduce intoxication and binge-drinking.

What is Motivational Interviewing (MI) therapy?

An effective way of talking to people about behavior change. The therapy relationship is critical to successful behavior change (substance use)

What are the major points of focus of Motivational Interviewing?

Abvivilance: assumes it is normal for people to have mixed feelings about change

readiness to change

discrepancy: in the client between current substance behaviors (real self) and their life goals/desires (ideal self)

What does it mean to have “OARS” skills?

1. Use Open-ended questions

2. Use Affirmations

3. Use Reflective listening

4. Use Summaries

What is the purpose in biological treatments?

Help people withdrawal, abstain from substances, or maintain level of use without additional increases

What are examples of biological treatments?

1. Detoxification

2. Antagonist Drug (aversion therapy)

3. Drug maintenance therapy

How effective are Biological Treatments?

Limited long-term success in isolation but is often more helpful when combined with other approaches

What are the assumptions of AA?

• Substance use disorders are diseases

• addicts are powerless over alcohol

• addicts must totally and permanently stop drinking to experience normal lives

What are other addictive disorders?

• Gambling Disorder

• Internet use disorder (FOMO)

• Smartphone addiction (Nomophobia- No mobile phone phobia)

• Binge watching shows