Lesson B2 - Pharmacology

Question 1

The term “drug addiction” has often been used to describe an intense pattern of drug use that is detrimental to the

Answer 1

individual and society

Question 2

The term “drug
habituation” has been used to refer to a less intense form of drug use that produces detrimental
effects on the

Answer 2

individual only

Question 3

Currently the term dependence is used to denote

“physical dependence” and addiction is used to denote

Answer 3

psychological dependence”

Question 4

Drug dependence is a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by repeated
consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Its characteristics include:

Answer 4

1. An overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it
   by any means.
2. A tendency to increase the dose.
3. A psychic (psychological) “addiction” and sometimes a physical dependence
   “dependence” on the effects of the drug.

Question 5

The term drug dependence includes all degrees of intensity of desire for the drug, all degrees of
damage to both the individual and society, and all degrees

Answer 5

of both physical and psychological

and need to continue using the drug.

Question 6

From a pharmacological viewpoint, there are three important aspects of drug dependence:

Answer 6

(a) drug tolerance, (b) physical dependence, (c) psychic (psychological) dependence.

Question 7

Drug tolerance is defined as a state in which repeated administration of a given dose or a
drug has progressively less pharmacological effect

Answer 7

or a state in which the dose of a drug
must be increased to obtain the same magnitude of pharmacological effect as was
produced by the original drug dose.

Question 8

Physical dependence (dependence) is defined as an abnormal physiological state 
produced by repeated administration of a drug that leads to

Answer 8

the appearance of a
characteristic and specific group of symptoms (withdrawal syndrome) when drug
administration is discontinued or decreased.

Question 9

Psychological dependence (addiction) is a state in which stopping or abruptly reducing 
the dose of a given drug produces non-physical symptoms. Psychological dependence is 
characterized by emotional and mental preoccupation with the drug's effects and

Answer 9

by a persistent craving for the drug.

Question 10

What is compulsive use?

Answer 10

The individual takes the substance in larger doses and for a longer period of time than intended

Question 11

What is harmful use?

Answer 11

A pattern of psychoactive substance use that is causing damage to health. The damage may be physical (as in cases of hepatitis from the self-administration of injected drugs) or mental (e.g. episodes of depressive disorder secondary to heavy consumption
of alcohol).

Question 12

define substance abuse

Answer 12

A maladaptive pattern of substance use manifested by recurrent and significant adverse
consequences related to repeated use of substances. There may be a repeated failure to
fulfil major role obligations, repeated use in situations in which it is physically
hazardous, multiple legal problems, and repeated social and personal problems.

Question 13

The concept of abuse potential involves three main contributors:

Answer 13

the intrinsic dependence liability of the drug, the availability of the drug, and its inherent harmfulness to cause physical
and psychological effects.

Question 14

Dependence liability is the tendency of the drug to produce physical and psychological
dependence. It varies from drug to drug as well as from

Answer 14

individual to individual.

Question 15

Dependence

liability is determined by three factors:

Answer 15

nature of the drug, route of administration, amount used.

Question 16

Nature of the drug: Most, if not all, drugs are

Answer 16

natural reinforcers-The pleasurable effects produced by a drug increases the probability that
the drug will be taken again.

Question 17

Route of administration: Drugs that can be administered by routes that give rapid
absorption and hence rapid effects have a greater potential for abuse than drugs which
produce the effect

Answer 17

more slowly

Question 18

Amount used: The greater the dose and the frequency of use, the greater the potential for
development of

Answer 18

dependence

Question 19

The availability of a drug in society is a major factor in determining abuse potential. The more
widespread a drug, the more likely it is to be

Answer 19

abused

Question 20

The inherent harmfulness of a drug refers to the potential of the drug to cause harm. If a drug is
perceived to be a serious risk to life and health, it will

Answer 20

not be used even if widely available.