Stigma and Substance Use Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to stigma and substance use disorders to aid in exam preparation.

Stigma

Discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. In the context of substance use disorders, it may involve unfounded beliefs that individuals are dangerous or incapable.

Person-first language

A communication style that maintains the integrity of individuals by focusing on the person rather than their condition, such as 'person with a substance use disorder'.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

A chronic, treatable disease characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences.

Chronic substance use effects

Structural and functional brain abnormalities that may contribute to drug dependence and withdrawal avoidance.

Withdrawal syndrome

Disturbance of the central nervous system that occurs with the abrupt cessation of a drug, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms.

Drug tolerance

A condition where increasing doses of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect due to decreased responsiveness of brain receptors.

Neuroplastic changes

Changes in the brain that occur with repeated exposure to substances, strengthening connections that promote addictive behavior.

Cognitive deficits model

A proposal that individuals with substance use disorders may have functional abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) influencing their behavior.

Natural rewards

Basic human needs like food, water, sex, and nurturing that stimulate pleasure and reinforce survival-related behavior.

Dopamine's role in addiction

Neurotransmitter involved in the brain's reward pathway; its release contributes to feelings of pleasure and motivation related to substance use.