Chapter 11 - short answer

Question 1

Discuss the long-term physical effects of alcohol.

Answer 1

1. in bloodstream, so contacts all organs
2. damage influenced by genetics and amount drunk
3. many empty calories
4. inhibits absorption of nutrients ⟹ malnutrition
5. damages liver, pancreas, hormone glands
6. associated with cancer
7. causes heart damage, high blood pressure, and strokes
8. kills brain cells
9. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome ⟹ damaged memory and loss of contact with reality

Question 2

Define alcohol expectancy theory and discuss the research findings regarding this theory.

Answer 2

1. drinking reinforced by expectations
2. expectation: enhances social, physical, and sexual experiences and improves power and personality
3. but these effects are related to person’s beliefs about alcohol, not to actual physiological effects
4. alcoholics believe alcohol produces positive outcomes

Question 3

Discuss the sociocultural factors that influence drinking patterns.

Answer 3

1. family values, attitudes, and expectations
2. drinking socially acceptable

Question 3

Discuss the sociocultural factors that influence drinking patterns.

Answer 3

1. family values, attitudes, and expectations
2. drinking socially acceptable ⟹ risk ↑ for drinking problems
3. cultural + family traditions = attitudes
4. France - daily drinking, never lose control, but physical problems
5. England, Ireland, U.S./Canada - heavy drinking binges, loss of control, negative consequences
6. Italy - drink only at meals ⟹ fewer alcohol problems

Question 4

Describe the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) approach to treating alcohol use disorder.

Answer 4

1. self-help
2. disease model
3. goal = abstinence
4. belief = no cure, powerless, need Higher Power
5. twelve steps
6. social support and encouragement

Question 5

Describe the operant conditioning approach to treating alcohol/other substance use disorders.

Answer 5

1. belief = drinking is learned
2. supported by experimental results
3. contingency management
4. rewards for small steps
5. behavioural coping skills
6. identify triggers and reinforcers for drinking
7. can involve family/friends or self-management

Question 6

Describe the short-term and long-term consequences of tobacco use.

Answer 6

1. nicotine = strong stimulant
2. interferes with thinking
3. alertness/mood ↑
4. lung, esophagus, larynx cancers
5. emphysema, respiratory illnesses, heart disease
6. caused by chemicals in cigarettes
7. second-hand smoke more dangerous

Question 7

Explain the harm reduction approach to managing problematic substance use. What are the pros of this approach, and what are some concerns that have been voiced about this approach?

Answer 7

1. limit negative consequences
2. not about abstinence
3. used for injection use
4. reduce spread of HIV and hepatitis C from sharing needles
5. education + outreach, mobile
6. benefits: decreased risky behaviors/infection rates, increase in treatment
7. criticisms: more needles, dealers finding clients, promotes drug use
8. no evidence for these criticisms

Question 8

What are opioids? Explain what contributes to their strong addiction potential.

Answer 8

1. central nervous system depressant
2. morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycodone
3. pills or injections
4. narcodits (exogenous opiates) mimic effects of body’s natural pain killers (endogenous opiates)
5. addiction: intense, rapid rush, dream-like euphoria
6. withdrawal starts very quickly (8 hours after last dose) and lasts a long time (for 5-10 days)
7. people keep using to avoid withdrawal

Question 9

Define problematic gambling and describe the similarities between gambling disorder and substance use disorder.

Answer 9

1. risk reputation, family, life savings, work, freedom, safety for gambling
2. unable to resist gambling despite negative consequences
3. similarities: withdrawal, pleasure, cravings, alters mood, negative consequences