Addiction Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Problematic pattern of use which impairs functioning, including two or more symptoms within a one year period.
Symptoms include consuming more than planned, worrying about stopping, spending time to obtain the substance, failing major role obligations, cravings, continuing despite health problems, and more.
List three symptoms of Substance Use Disorder.
- Consuming more than originally planned
- Worrying about stopping or failed efforts to control use
- Spending large amounts of time using or obtaining the substance
What is tolerance in the context of Substance Use Disorder?
A need for increased amounts to achieve the same effect or markedly diminished effect for the same amount of the substance.
This indicates a physiological adaptation to the substance.
Define withdrawal in relation to Substance Use Disorder.
Physical and psychological symptoms emerge after cessation or reduction of substance use.
Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, fatigue, nausea, and seizures in the case of alcohol.
How is the severity of Substance Use Disorder specified?
Based on symptoms: Mild (2-3), Moderate (4-5), Severe (6+).
What is physical dependence?
The presence of physical symptoms when not using the drug, such as feeling sick or strong cravings.
This typically indicates a more serious withdrawal syndrome.
What is psychological dependence?
The presence of psychological symptoms when not using the substance, such as depression or anxiety about obtaining the drug.
What is the sequence of stages leading to addiction risk?
Positive attitude => Experimentation => Regular Use => Heavy Use => Dependence or Abuse.
What are comorbidity factors in addiction?
Coping mechanisms, impairment problems, and shared aetiology such as trauma.
Name two biological risk factors for addiction.
- Difference in individual biological reaction
- Genetic components
What is the ‘reward deficiency syndrome’?
Underactive reward circuitry or hypodopaminergic function making individuals more susceptible to the rewarding effects of drugs.
What are the two key pathways involved in the dopamine reward system?
- Mesolimbic Pathway: important for stimulus reward processing
- Mesocortical Pathway: important for motivation and emotion processing
What is classical conditioning in the context of addiction?
Cues ready the body for outcomes of drug use, leading to cravings even when not using.
What is operant conditioning in addiction?
- Positive reinforcement: alcohol and drugs are rewarding
- Negative reinforcement: alcohol and drugs remove pain
- Delayed negative reinforcement: removes withdrawal symptoms
What does Beck’s cognitive model suggest about substance use?
Dysfunctional beliefs about the need for substances predict use and relapse.
What are the stages of behavior change according to the behavior change theory?
- Pre-contemplation
- Contemplation
- Preparation
- Action
- Maintenance
- Relapse
List one biological treatment for Substance Use Disorder.
- Withdrawal management
- Replacement therapies (e.g., nicotine patches)
- Antagonists (e.g., methadone, Antabuse)
What is the goal of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
Cure abstinence is the goal, involving regular meetings and shared stories.
What is motivational interviewing?
Exploring ambivalence and readiness to change, supporting patients in their journey to conclude their own problems.
Fill in the blank: The psychological treatment known for high relapse and drop out rates is _______.
AA
What is contingency management in cognitive behavior control?
Reinforcement of inconsistent behavior and managing triggers and high-risk situations.
What is the role of relapse prevention management?
To help individuals avoid triggers and manage barriers to prevent returning to substance use.
True or False: The mesolimbic pathway is important for emotion processing.
False
