Drugs test 1

HLTH 237: Introduction to Drugs, Drug Use, and Drug Dependence

Lecture 1: January 15, 2025

Instructor: Stevenson Fergus, PhD, MPH

Chapter 1: Conceptualizing Addiction

  • Psychoactive Drugs: Substances that alter the central nervous system, affecting thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

  • Drug Misuse: Occasional inappropriate use of substances leading to medical, social, or legal consequences.

  • Addiction:

    • Historically linked to morality and productivity.

    • Shift from viewing addiction as a behavioral issue to recognizing both physical and psychological dependence.

    • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines it as a chronic disease involving brain function, genetics, environment, and personal experiences.

    • Some perspectives argue that addiction is more than chemical dependency, emphasizing social and environmental influences.

  • Dependency:

    • Physical: Body adapts to the substance and requires it to function normally.

    • Psychological: Mental reliance, believing the drug is necessary.

DSM-V: Substance Use Disorder

  • Severity Levels: Mild, Moderate, Severe.

  • Symptoms Include: Tolerance, withdrawal, increased usage, unsuccessful control, excessive time spent, social/occupational impacts, craving, and hazardous use.

What is NOT an Addiction?

  • Food: No proven tolerance/withdrawal effects like drugs.

  • Gambling: Included in some medical classifications but debated due to lack of direct biological effects.

  • Sex: Lacks scientific support as a distinct addiction.

Chapter 2: Pharmacological Foundations

  • Drug Groups:

    • Depressants: Slow CNS activity (e.g., opioids).

    • Stimulants: Increase CNS activity (e.g., caffeine, amphetamines).

    • Hallucinogens: Alter perception and mood (e.g., LSD, cannabis).

    • Psychotherapeutic Agents: Used for mental health conditions.

  • Neurotransmitters:

    • Dopamine: Associated with reward and motivation.

    • Endorphins: Pain relief and pleasure.

    • GABA: Reduces anxiety and stress.

    • Serotonin: Regulates mood and emotional well-being.

  • Pharmacodynamics: Examines how drugs affect the body, including tolerance and withdrawal.

  • Pharmacokinetics: Focuses on drug absorption and distribution, covering oral, injection, inhalation, and other methods of administration.

Chapter 3: Drug Use and Economic Implications

  • Global Trends:

    • Widespread use of both legal and illegal substances.

    • Variability in drug consumption patterns across different regions.

  • Canada-Specific Trends:

    • Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drug use patterns.

    • Increase in opioid-related health concerns.

Chapter 4: The Moral Model

  • Core Beliefs:

    • Drug use is a moral failing.

    • Addiction is seen as a personal choice rather than a medical condition.

    • Does not consider biological, psychological, or social factors.

  • Consequences:

    • War on Drugs (U.S.): Focused on criminalization, leading to high incarceration rates.

    • Other countries: Some enforce extreme penalties, including death sentences.

  • Criticisms:

    • Ignores evidence-based treatments.

    • Contradictions in policies regarding legal and illegal substances.

HLTH 237: Theories of Drug Use and Dependence

Lecture 2: January 22, 2025

Instructor: Stevenson Fergus, PhD, MPH

Test 1 Information (January 29, 6:30 – 8:30 PM)

  • Covers Weeks 1-3, Language Document, and Textbook Chapters 1-7.

  • Format:

    • Multiple choice

    • Short answers

    • Long-form responses

Chapter 5: Biological Theories

  • Disease/Medical Model:

    • Addiction is a chronic condition requiring treatment.

    • Follows a progression from controlled use to severe dependence.

    • Criticisms: Lacks empirical support, oversimplifies addiction, and may reinforce stigma.

  • Neurobiological Theories:

    • Drug use changes brain structures related to reward, memory, and motivation.

    • The dopamine system plays a key role in reinforcing drug-seeking behavior.

    • Criticism: Too reductionist, does not account for social influences.

  • Genetic Theories:

    • Some evidence suggests addiction has a hereditary component.

    • Criticism: No single addiction gene has been identified, and environmental factors remain influential.

  • Allergy Theory:

    • Suggests addiction results from an allergic reaction to substances.

    • No scientific support.

Chapter 6: Psychological Theories

  • Learning Theory:

    • Addiction is reinforced through rewards and avoidance of withdrawal symptoms.

  • Personality Theory:

    • Some traits, like impulsivity, may be linked to substance use.

    • No universal "addictive personality."

  • Humanistic Theory:

    • Drug use may be a response to unmet needs or emotional distress.

  • Attachment Theory:

    • Insecure attachment in early life may contribute to substance dependence.

  • Rational Theory:

    • People make decisions based on information, but this does not always prevent addiction.

Chapter 7: Sociological Theories

  • Cultural Theory:

    • Social norms and traditions influence drug use patterns.

  • Subcultural Theories:

    • Certain social groups may encourage or normalize substance use.

  • Deviant Behavior Theories:

    • Drug use may be seen as a form of rebellion or nonconformity.

  • Marxist Theories:

    • Economic and social inequalities contribute to substance dependence.

  • Availability-Control Theory:

    • Increased access leads to higher use, while restrictions reduce consumption.

  • Environmental Stress:

    • Stressful environments can increase the likelihood of substance use.

Conclusion

  • No single theory fully explains substance use and dependence.

  • Biopsychosocial Model: Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding.