PSYC 212: Exam 3: Chapt. 11

What is a psychoactive substance?

A chemical substance that alters mood, changes perception, or changes brain functioning

What is polysubstance abuse?

When people with substance abuse use more than one drug

What are the other two substance-related disorders?

Substance Withdrawal and Substance Intoxication

What are the four categories of symptoms for Substance Use Disorder?

Impaired Control, Social Impairment, Risky Use, and Pharmacological Criteria

What are the four Impaired Control symptoms?

Consuming more or for longer than intended

Persistent desire for or unsuccessful efforts to quit using the substance

Excessive time spent on use-related behavior or recovering from effects

Craving - strong desire or urge to use

What are the three Social Impairment symptoms?

Recurrent use that interferes with fulfillment of obligations

Continued use despite interpersonal problems/conflicts

Gives up alternative activities in order to use

What are the two Risky Use symptoms?

Recurrent use in physically dangerous situations

Continued use despite knowledge of substance’s contribution to psychological or physical problems

What are the two Pharmacological Criteria symptoms?

Tolerance and Withdrawal

What are the criteria for Substance Use Disorder?

At least two symptoms that each add up to at least a month long within 12 months

What are the Physiological Tolerance mechanisms?

Metabolic

• Repetitive use increases the body’s metabolism of the substance, so the effects don’t last as long

• The person needs to take more to keep the effects going)

Pharmacodynamic

• Reduced number or sensitivity of receptors on post-synaptic neurons in the brain)

• You keep using more in the hopes of attaining the same old “high”

What are the Psychological Tolerance mechanisms?

Behavioral Conditioning: Exposure to conditioned stimuli elicits a response that is the opposite of the substance’s effects

What are the withdrawal symptoms of “uppers”?

Insomnia, depressed mood, increased appetite, irritability

What are the withdrawal symptoms of “downers”?

Nausea, physical pain/discomfort, insomnia, depressed or anxious mood, physiological agitation

Which substance has the most severe withdrawal symptoms?

Opiates (physical pain)

Which substance has not withdrawal symptoms?

Hallucinogens

Which substances are the most likely to lead to addiction?

Tobacco and opioids

Are men or women more likely to have Alcohol Use Disorder?

Men

How does age of first use relate to alcohol use disorder?

The younger you start drinking, the more likely you are to develop Alcohol Use Disorder

In the Vaillant study, which group had an earlier onset of Alcohol Use Disorder: the Boston boys or the Harvard boys?

The Boston boys (29) (The Harvard boys were 40)

In the Vaillant study, what was similar between the Boston boys and the Harvard boys?

Relapse became less likely after abstaining for 6+ years

What role do positive beliefs play in Alcohol Use Disorder?

People who have positive beliefs about the effects of alcohol drink more

What role do personality and peer influence play in Alcohol Use Disorder?

People high in extraversion and who tend to be particularly "rebellious" are more likely to experiment with alcohol

What is often the first step in treating substance use disorders?

Detoxification

What medications are sometimes used to help with detoxification?

Medications to address ongoing withdrawal-like symptoms, Antabuse which makes you sick if you drink alcohol, and methadone is a safer substance given to heroin users as a replacement

What is the goal of Alcoholics Anonymous?

Full abstinence

How effective is Alcohol Anonymous?

It is helpful for those who stick it out, but is has a high early dropout rate of 50%

What is the goal of motivational interventions?

To help the person decide if they are ready, willing, and able to reduce their substance use. The goal may just be moderation and not full abstinence