10.21 Harmful Effects Of Substance Use Flashcards
Define misuse
Using a substance differently to how it is supposed to be used or for a purpose for which it was not intended
Define harmful use
Harmful use is a pattern of substance use that is causing damage to health – this may be physical, or mental and is often also associated with social harms
Define substance use disorder:
- Cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena
- Includes symptoms indicating strong desire to use, difficulties is controlling use, on-going use despite harmful effects, prioritizing use above other activities and obligations, physical adaptation to the substance
- Characterized by problematic substance use, so that it leads to significant distress or impairment
- DSM 5 has a set of 11 criteria to consider and the number of criteria indicated the severity of the SUD (mild, moderate or severe)
- A moderate to severe disorder is sometimes called addiction
Define intoxication
A reversible, substance- specific syndrome due to recent use of a substance
Define tolerance
Physical adaptation of the body to heavy and repeated use of a substance where more of the substance is required for the same effect or the same amount has a reduced effect.
Define withdrawal
A substance specific syndrome due to cessation or a reduction in substance use after heavy and prolonged use
Define detoxification
- Clinical procedure
- Process whereby the level of tolerance is gradually reduced in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Often involves the administration of medication
- May use symptomatic medication
- In some cases, a medication with cross- tolerance to the substance of dependence, is used. The dose is calculated to relieve withdrawal symptoms without leading to intoxication and this is then gradually tapered off
- “treats” tolerance and withdrawal, not the addiction
Journey to addiction
- Experimenting
- Occasional controlled use / recreational use
- Use begins to cause problems / harm (still reversible)
- Addiction
- Substance use disorder
Risk factors for drug abuse
Societal/ community factors
- easy access to alcohol/drugs; societal norms encouraging drinking/ drugging; exposure to public drunkenness/ drug use; community violence; high unemployment
School / academic environment
- easy availability in and around institutions; use of alcohol/drugs by educators; low academic aspirations; performing poorly at school
Family factors
- more likely to use if parents/ family uses (modelling); poor monitoring of behaviour; lack of rules & boundaries; poor communication between caregivers & child; high levels of family conflict
Peers
- peer pressure; high use amongst peers ; gang membership
Individual
- rebellious; a short-term rather than a longer-term focus; poor mental health e.g. suffering from depression; impulsiveness; poor self-esteem
Protective factors against drug abuse
Community factors
- low tolerance of drug use; cohesive community structures; social opportunities (e.g. sport & music groups)
Academic environment
- high educational aspirations; good teacher-student relationships; good monitoring at school
Family factors
- good bonding and positive relationships with family; consistent caregiver supervision; good communication
Peers
- positive peer groups; belonging to social groups e.g.
religious, sport groups etc.
Individual factors
- feeling in control of one’s life; longer term outlook; positive peer groups; willingness to seek support; high self-esteem
Why are adolescence at higher risk for addiction, based on their physiology?
The adolescent brain
- Prefrontal areas mature last (Regulation of impulses, thinking ahead, planning and weighing risk, self-regulation)
- Permits one to put the brakes on the sensation-seeking
- Occurs very gradually and is not complete until mid 20’s.
- Accompanied by escalation in high-risk behaviors
