Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to substance use and addictive disorders, focusing on definitions, symptoms, and treatment strategies.

Addiction

A chronic disorder characterized by cravings, loss of control, compulsion, and use despite consequences.

Cravings

Intense desires or urges to use a substance.

Loss of control

Inability to limit substance use.

Compulsion

An overwhelming urge to engage in a specific behavior or use a substance.

Use despite consequences

Consuming a substance regardless of negative outcomes.

Codependent

Excessive emotional and psychological reliance on a partner.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that activates the reward center of the brain.

Tolerance

The need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physiological symptoms experienced after stopping substance use.

Intoxication

The state of being under the influence of a substance.

Behavioral addiction

Addiction characterized by compulsive behaviors that activate the brain's reward system.

Gambling addiction

Compulsive gambling behavior that disrupts personal and professional life.

Gamblers Anonymous

A support group for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Psychotherapy

Therapeutic treatment for mental health issues and compulsive behaviors.

Antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Medication used to treat depression and may assist in treating addiction.

Opioid antagonist naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Medication used to prevent relapse in opioid and alcohol addiction.

CNS stimulants

Drugs that increase brain activity; includes meth, cocaine, and prescription medications.

Caffeine

A central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

Meth psychosis

Psychological symptoms such as paranoia and hallucinations caused by meth use.

Rhabdomyolysis

Muscle breakdown caused by extreme physical activity, sometimes linked to drug use.

Delirium Tremens

Severe withdrawal syndrome characterized by confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.

Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS)

A neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, often due to alcohol abuse.

Ativan

A benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and assist with alcohol withdrawal.

Benzo addiction

Dependency on benzodiazepines, leading to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and seizures.

Opioid use disorder

A medical condition characterized by compulsive use of opioids despite harmful consequences.

Fentanyl

A potent synthetic opioid frequently associated with overdose deaths.

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Subutex

A brand name for buprenorphine, used in opioid addiction treatment.

Nicotine

A substance found in tobacco that has both stimulant and depressant effects.

Bupropion (Zyban)

An antidepressant used to help people quit smoking.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Medication that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

Hallucinogen

Substances like LSD or PCP that can alter perception and mood.

Synesthesia

A condition where stimulation of one sense leads to involuntary experiences in another sense.

Cannabis

A widely used drug that contains THC, causing psychoactive effects.

CAGE Questionnaire

A tool used to identify potential alcohol misuse.

12 Steps

A set of guiding principles for recovery in various addiction support groups.

Therapy Treatment

Various therapeutic approaches utilized in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Motivational Interviewing

A counseling approach that helps patients find motivation to change.

Self-assessment tools

Instruments like AUDIT used to assess substance use and risk.

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale (CIWA-Ar)

A scale used to measure the severity of alcohol withdrawal.

Motivational enhancement therapy

A type of psychotherapy aimed at enhancing a patient's motivation to change.

Crisis intervention

Immediate assistance provided during a mental health emergency.

Relapse prevention

Strategies to prevent return to substance use after treatment.

Support groups

Peer-led gatherings that provide encouragement and resources for recovery.

Inpatient treatment

Residential treatment programs for individuals with severe substance use disorders.

Outpatient treatment

Therapeutic programs that allow individuals to live at home while receiving care.

SADA (Substance Abuse and Detoxification Assessment)

Assessment tools used to evaluate substance abuse issues.