PsychologicalDisorders-3.12

Anemia vs. Anorexia

• Anemia can last significantly longer than anorexia if untreated.

• Duration: Anemia can persist for years if not addressed.

• Treatment effect:

  • Immediate improvement: About 40% experience significant improvement shortly after treatment.

  • Long-term improvement: Another 40% show moderate improvements over time.

  • After 10 years post-treatment: Roughly 75% of behaviors are conducive to weight loss.

Substance Use Disorders

• Complex definitions surrounding substance use and abuse.

• Definition of a drug: Any substance other than food affecting the body; includes medicines, illegal substances, caffeine, alcohol.

• Distinctions:

  • Substance versus drug terminology: Shift from "substance abuse disorder" to "substance use disorder" to be more inclusive.

  • Focus on how substance use affects the individual rather than the substance itself.

Short-term Effects of Substance Use

• Intoxication: Temporary change in normal functioning; can manifest in mood, perception, and physical capabilities.

  • Examples: Caffeine can increase wakefulness, while alcohol alters judgment and motor skills.

Dependence Mechanisms

• Two types of dependence: Physical and Psychological.

• Physical dependence characterized by:

  • Tolerance: Increased need for a substance to achieve the same effect, often a sign of physical changes in the brain and body.

  • Withdrawal: Symptoms that occur when the substance is not in the system; body tries to adjust back to normal functioning without the substance.

Behavioral Consequences of Substance Use

• Individuals may engage in deceitful behaviors to sustain their substance use, such as lying or stealing.

• Consequences can be both behavioral and medical; serious substance use can lead to critical medical problems over time.

Diagnosing Substance Use Disorder

• Criteria include:

  • Use of larger amounts or over longer periods than intended.

  • Desire to cut down or control use, but unsuccessful.

  • Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use.

  • Continued use despite physical or psychological problems.

• Severity based on number of criteria met:

  • Mild: 2-3 criteria.

  • Moderate: 4-5 criteria.

  • Severe: 6 or more criteria.

Alcohol Use Disorder

• Most prevalent substance use disorder in the U.S.

• Affects 5.4% of Americans over age 11.

• Varying presentations:

  • Some individuals function normally while being regular drinkers ("functioning alcoholics").

  • Others may binge drink or remain intoxicated for days.

  • Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and potential for severe withdrawal (DTs).

Physical Effects of Alcohol

• Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant—reducing tension, inhibitions, and overall activity.

• Impairs areas of impulse control, judgment, and memory, leading to blackouts.

• Legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is 0.08.

Factors Influencing Alcohol Absorption

• Body weight, sex, and biological differences impact alcohol metabolism:

  • Women tend to be affected more quickly due to differences in body water content and metabolism.

Opioids and Their Effects

• Highly addictive drugs (e.g., morphine, heroin, fentanyl) that attach to endorphin receptors.

  • Rapid development of tolerance, leading users to require more of the substance to achieve previous effects.

  • Risk of overdose due to respiratory depression caused by opioids.

  • Street drugs can vary in their composition leading to dangerous cuts with harmful substances.

Stimulants

• Contrast to depressants; they increase central nervous system activity.

• Effects: Elevated heart rate, blood pressure, heightened alertness (e.g., cocaine).

• Examples of prescribed stimulants: Adderall (amphetamine) and Ritalin (non-amphetamine stimulant).

Conclusion

• Understanding substance use issues necessitates knowledge of the effects, dependence, and the social implications of use.

• Challenges extend from personal health to societal norms and legal implications surrounding substance usage.