Abnormal--Substance Use Disorders

Substance use

moderate amounts that do not interfere with daily life

Intoxification

physiological response to ingesting the substance

Substance Use Disorder

Physiological dependence, affects life negatively but does not have to be in distress

Withdrawal

physiological response when one stops taking a substance after
frequent use. Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and
aches and pains.

Tolerance

needs increasingly greater doses of substance to achieve the same effect

Depressants

Alcohol—depresses GABA

Barbiturates—sedative & hypnotic

Benzodiazepines—anxiolytic

Negative outcomes of Depressant misuse

delerium, brain damage, liver disease, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, impulsivity, lack of considering consequences/cause-effect, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, cognitive deficits, learning difficulties, behavioral issues

Stimulants

Amphetamines—euphoria, affective blunting, impaired social/occupational functioning, boosts energy, reduces appetite, reduces need for sleep

Cocaine—reduces appetite, increases intellectual effort capacity, less need for sleep

Nicotine—depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, anger

Caffine—decreases fatigue, lifts mood, insomnia, jitters, headache, drowsiness, unpleasant withdrawal

Negative consequences of Stimulants

Heart rate/blood pressure changes, perspiration or
chills, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, muscular weakness, respiratory
depression, chest pain, seizures, coma. Overdose on amphetamines results in
hallucinations, panic, agitation, and paranoid delusions. Withdrawal from
amphetamines. Results in apathy, prolonged periods of sleep, irritability, and
depression

Opiates

Analgesics/pain meds—naturally occurring (endorphins) and synthetic (heroin, methadone)

Withdrawal: excessive yawning, nausea & vomiting, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea, insomnia

Hallucinogens

produces delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations

LSD, PCP, Mescaline, DMT, psilocybin

pupillary dilation, rapid heartbeat, sweating, blurred vision, depersonalization,
intensification of perceptions, convulsions, delirium, mood changes, impulsivity,
aggression

Pleasure pathway includes

Dopaminergic system (largest role in addiction), opioid releasing neurons, VTA, nucleus accumbens, serotonin & NE