Substance Use and Gambling Disorders

What are substance use disorders characterized by?

Chronic difficulties in resisting the desire to drink alcohol or take drugs.

What is substance intoxication?

Changes occurring as a result of the physiological effects of a substance on the central nervous system.

Define substance withdrawal.

Symptoms that result when people who have been using substances heavily for prolonged periods of time stop or greatly reduce their use.

What is substance abuse?

Recurrent use of a substance that leads to failing to fulfill important obligations, using the substance in hazardous situations, having legal problems, and continuing use despite social or legal problems.

What does tolerance to a substance mean?

Diminished effects from the same dose of a substance, requiring more for intoxication.

Name a key effect of depressants on the central nervous system.

They slow down the central nervous system.

What are the effects of alcohol at low doses?

Feeling of self-confidence, more relaxed, euphoric, and less inhibited.

What happens to the brain with chronic use of opioids?

Leads to a state of drowsiness, lethargy, and can suppress respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

What are hallucinogens also known as?

Psychedelic substances that produce perceptual changes.

How does nicotine affect the body?

It operates on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, causing effects similar to the fight-or-flight response.

What are common withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine?

Dysphoria, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and increased appetite.

How does caffeine affect the central nervous system?

It increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

What are some long-term effects of alcohol misuse?

Cognitive deficits, liver disease, and increased risk of certain cancers.

What are amphetamines used for?

Treatment of attention problems, narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue.

What psychological factors can influence substance use disorders?

Modeling from parents, expectations about drug effects, and behavioral undercontrol.

How are women generally affected by alcohol-related illnesses compared to men?

Women suffer alcohol-related illnesses at lower levels of exposure to alcohol.

What treatment method is used for gambling disorder?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focusing on changing distorted beliefs about gambling.

What is the harm reduction model in prevention programs?

Promotes safe drinking for adults and focuses on the immediate risks of excessive drinking.

What area of the brain is related to both substance use disorders and gambling disorders?

The same brain areas that register reward and pleasure.

What are the social factors that contribute to substance use disorders?

Environmental reinforcement, poverty, and abusive relationships.

What approach is recommended for treating older adults with substance use disorders?

Supportive, non-confrontational approaches that focus on rebuilding social skills and networks.