Chapter 11: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

substance intoxication

A cluster of temporary undesirable behavioral or psychological changes that develop during or shortly after the ingestion of a substance.

substance use disorder

A pattern of long-term maladaptive behaviors and reactions brought about by repeated use of a substance.

tolerance

The brain and body’s need for everlarger doses of a drug to produce earlier effects.

withdrawal

Unpleasant, sometimes dangerous reactions that may occur when people who use a drug regularly stop it or reduce the dosage

alcohol

Any beverage containing ethyl alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor.

sedative-hypnotic drug

A drug used to reduce anxiety and to help people sleep. Also called an anxiolytic drug

barbiturates

Addictive sedative-hypnotic drugs that reduce anxiety and help people sleep.

benzodiazepines

The most common group of antianxiety drugs; includes Xanax.

opioid

Opium, drugs derived from opium, and similar synthetic drugs

opium

A highly addictive substance made from the sap of the opium poppy.

morphine

A highly addictive substance derived from opium that is particularly effective in relieving pain

heroin

One of the most addictive substances derived from opium.

endorphins

Neurotransmitters that help relieve pain and reduce emotional tension.

cocaine

An addictive stimulant obtained from the coca plant. It is the most powerful natural stimulant known

freebasing

A technique for ingesting cocaine in which the pure cocaine basic alkaloid is chemically separated from processed cocaine, vaporized by heat from a flame, and inhaled with a pipe

crack

A powerful, ready-to-smoke freebase cocaine.

amphetamine

A stimulant drug that is manufactured in the laboratory

methamphetamine

A powerful amphetamine drug that has surged in popularity in recent years, posing major health and law enforcement problems.

hallucinogen

A substance that causes powerful changes primarily in sensory perception. Also called a psychedelic drug

LSD

A hallucinogen derived from ergot alkaloids.

MDMA

A stimulant drug that also produces hallucinogenic effects and so is typically viewed as a hallucinogenic drug. Also called Ecstasy.

cannabis

Drugs produced from the varieties of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. They cause a mixture of hallucinogenic, depressant, and stimulant effects

marijuana

One of the cannabis drugs, derived from the buds, leaves, and flowering tops of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The main active ingredient of cannabis substances

synergistic effect

In pharmacology, an increase of effects that occurs when more than one substance is acting on the body at the same tim

reward circuit

A dopamine-rich circuit in the brain that produces feelings of pleasure when activated.

aversion therapy

A treatment in which clients are repeatedly presented with unpleasant stimuli while they are performing undesirable behaviors such as taking a drug

relapse-prevention therapy

An approach to treating alcohol use disorder in which clients are taught to plan ahead and to apply coping strategies in situations that typically trigger excessive drinking.

detoxification

Systematic and medically supervised withdrawal from a drug.

antagonist drugs

Drugs that block or change the effects of an addictive drug

naloxone

A widely used opioid antagonist.

methadone maintenance program

A treatment in which clients are given legally and medically supervised doses of methadone — a heroin substitute — to treat opioid use disorder

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A self-help organization that provides support and guidance for people with alcohol use disorder

residential treatment center

A place where people who were formerly addicted to drugs live, work, and socialize in a drug-free environment. Also called a therapeutic community.

gambling disorder

A disorder marked by persistent and recurrent gambling behavior, leading to a range of life problems.