Drug dependance Flashcards
What is drug dependance
the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people - repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted persons self control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges
Name some ways in which drugs can damage physical and mental health
- poor vein health
- lung damage
- liver damage
- depression
- anxiety
What are some effects of drug dependence
- poor social integration
- financial problems
- crime
- reduced education
- reduced employment
What are the most common drugs for drug dependence
- opioids
- alcohol
- crack cocaine
- cocaine
- cannabis
What are the 2 types of drug dependence
- psychological
- physical
What is psychological dependence
a preoccupation with and compulsive use of a substance
the compulsion is due to a physiological effect ‘high’
substance use becomes number one goal
What is physical dependence
body becomes used to regular consumption of a substance
develop tolerance
withdrawal can be lethal
What is one common way drugs can cause dependence
overactivation of the mesocorticolimbic pathway
What is tolerance
a decreasing response to repeated constant doses of a drug
What are withdrawal symptoms
unpleasant effects experienced on abrupt cessation or dose reduction of a drug
What is a pharmacological treatment for alcohol drug dependence
benzodiazepines
What is a pharmacological treatment for opioid drug dependence
methadone
What is a pharmacological treatment for nicotine drug dependence
nicotine patches
