Substance Abuse

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

A psychological condition involving compulsive drug use, impaired control, risky use despite consequences, and evidence of tolerance or withdrawal.

Misuse

Using a prescribed medication for non-medical reasons or in a way not prescribed.

Abuse

Misuse with consequences; corresponds to mild–severe SUD.

Physical Dependence

A physiological adaptation that leads to withdrawal when the substance stops.

Tolerance

Needing increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Addiction

A chronic, progressive, relapsing disease causing significant life impairment (moderate to severe).

Detoxification

Process of removing toxic substances from the body.

Relapse

Returning to use or illness after a period of improvement.

Harm Reduction

Strategies aimed at reducing negative consequences of drug use.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Includes methadone, Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Revia.

Co-occurring Disorders

A mental health disorder and a substance use disorder existing simultaneously.

DSM-5 Change for SUD

Combines past “abuse” and “dependence” into one disorder measured from mild to severe.

Added DSM-5 Criterion

Cravings.

Removed DSM-5 Criterion

Legal problems.

Initial Remission

Up to 3 months.

Early Remission

3 months to 1 year.

Sustained Remission

1 to 5 years.

Stable Remission

More than 5 years.

Remission Specifiers

On maintenance therapy; in a controlled environment.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter behavior, mood, thoughts, or consciousness.

Mechanisms of Action (MOA)

Blocking neurotransmitters, preventing reuptake, increasing or decreasing neurotransmitter effects, or binding receptor sites.

Higher Risk Groups for SUD

Males, young adults, single/never married individuals, childhood behavior disorder, antisocial personality disorder, family history, genetics.

Dependence (definition)

Normal functioning only in presence of the drug.

Withdrawal (definition)

Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when stopping or reducing substance use.

Role of Dopamine in Drug Use

Most drugs of abuse release large amounts of dopamine, leading to brain injury over time.

Brain Adaptation to Drug Use

Reduces dopamine production or receptor availability.

Barriers to Treatment in College Students

Stigma, lack of awareness, limited resources.

Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Use Statistics

About 15% of Americans over age 12 used cannabis in the past month.

CB1 Receptors

Located in basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, association cortex, spinal cord, peripheral nerves.

CB2 Receptors

Located on immune cells; related to inflammation and pain.

Psychological Effects of Cannabis

Euphoria, altered senses, altered time perception, mood changes, slowed movement, impaired memory and cognition, hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, worsened schizophrenia symptoms.

Physical Effects of Cannabis

Respiratory issues, increased heart rate, nausea/vomiting, fetal developmental issues.

Alcohol Classification