Chapter Review on Physical and Psychological Dependence

Chapter Overview

• Introduction to concepts of physical and psychological dependence on drugs.

Physical Dependence

• Definition: A state in which a person is unable to function normally without a drug; the body adapts to the presence of the substance.
• Example: Cocaine dependency where users feel they need the drug to feel normal physically.
• Signs: Need for the drug to achieve a state of normalcy due to repeated usage.

Psychological Dependence

• Definition: A mental or emotional need for a substance, often associated with the belief that one needs it to function or to cope with life.
• Example: Individuals believing they need substances like alcohol for socializing or creativity, as seen with musicians.

Classes of Drugs

• Three main classes of drugs:

  1. Stimulants: Increase activity, energy levels; typically result in heightened alertness and excitation.
  • Examples:
    • Caffeine (coffee) - often used but can have paradoxical effects (opposite reaction).
    • Nicotine - psychologically used for relaxation despite being a stimulant.
  • Effects: On overdose, may cause heart failure due to increased bodily activity.
  1. Depressants: Slow down bodily functions, inducing calmness and relaxation.
  • Examples:
    • Barbiturates and benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium).
    • Alcohol - may cause impairment in breathing with overdose.
  • Mixing Caution: Dangerous to mix depressants and stimulants, leading to significant health risks.
  1. Hallucinogens: Alter perception of reality; do not necessarily increase or decrease bodily functions.
  • Examples: PCP (angel dust) - linked to severe mental implications (e.g., schizophrenia); other substances include LSD and marijuana potentially for creativity.
  • Conditioning Implications: Prior experiences shape responses to drugs rather than a direct physiological dependency.

Drug Overdose Information

• Stimulants: Cause death typically through heart failure.
• Depressants: Cause death typically through respiratory failure, as seen in alcohol poisoning.

Addiction and Its Challenges

• Dual Drug Use: People often use combinations of stimulants and depressants (e.g., speedball) for opposite effects (activation and calmness) leading to heightened overdose risk.
• Cultural References: Historical figures and celebrities (e.g., John Belushi, Michael Jackson) illustrate the dire consequences of combining these substances.

Endorphins and Pain Relievers

• Definition of Endorphins: Natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, acting similarly to depressants.
• Substances: Opium, morphine, heroin mimic this effect but have risks of overdose, particularly with fentanyl.
• Risks of Synthetic Opioids: Often lead to severe, unintended overdoses due to variations in purity and dosage.

Overview of Learning Theories

• Operant Conditioning: Learning that is based on consequences (reinforcement).
  • Definition: Change in behavior resulting from experience.
  • Example: Feeding dogs leads to conditioned behavior around meals (anticipation).

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov's Study)

• Overview: Associative learning through paired stimuli.
• Components:
  • Unconditioned Stimulus (US): Stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response (e.g., dog food).
  • Unconditioned Response (UR): Natural reaction to an unconditioned stimulus (e.g., salivation when the dog sees the food).
  • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response (e.g., bell).
  • Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to the conditioned stimulus (salivation at the sound of the bell alone).

Experimental Process

• Pairing: Ringing a bell while offering food leads to salivation without food present, forming the conditioned response.
• Extinction: If the bell is rung without the food, the conditioned response diminishes over time.
• Spontaneous Recovery: After a period of time, the conditioned response may return when the conditioned stimulus is presented again, even after it was extinguished.

Application of Learning Theories to Everyday Life

• Real-World Examples:
  • Personal Experiences: Emotional connections to food, places, and events (e.g., experiences associated with specific meals, habitual behavior).
  • Conditioning in Communities: How local businesses and advertisements create associations influencing behavior and decision-making.
• Conclusions: Understanding these principles aids in recognizing and altering problematic behaviors, especially in addiction contexts.

Conclusion

• Learning encompasses behavior change driven by experience, that can be conditioned and influenced by emotional contexts.
• Awareness of behavioral patterns and their origins can inform personal decisions and social interactions.