Chapter 3 + Lecture 3 Flashcards
(36 cards)
The Moral Model
Substance use is a matter of personal choice and personal weakness
Individual is considered morally repugnant and responsible for own negative outcomes
Canadian law enforcement and criminal justice approaches follow the moral model
- criminalization
- social sanctions (disapproval)
The Medical/Disease Model
More humanitarian approach than the moral model
Assumes that users are victims that have lost control and that have a biological ailment to be treated (rehab, AA)
Substance use itself is not a disease
According to the medical/disease model is substance use itself considered a disease?
NO only uncontrollable or harmful use is
Criticisms of the medical/disease model
- Not founded in scientific fact; substance use and dependence are socially constructed
- Assistance programs such as AA do not address the complexities of substance dependence
- Does not remove feelings of shame and stigma
One common theme amongst all biological explanations
Individuals do not choose to become substance dependent so they should not be stigmatized or imprisoned for their condition, rather, they should be treated
3 biological explanations/ theories of drug dependence
- Nature/Drive theories
- Genetic theories
- Neurobiological theories
Nature/Drive theories
Everyone has potential to use and become dependent
Humans are naturally motivated to alter their state of consciousness
**little empirical support
What is the problem with the statement “humans are naturally motivated to alter their state of consciousness” as put forth by nature/drive theories
Not all people have used substances
Drugs are different from food and sexual behavior
Genetic theories
Assume that genetic variations explain why some people are more susceptible to dependence than others
**some empirical support
What is some empirical support for genetic theories
Some Asian populations are more vulnerable to negative reactions to alcohol
Alcoholism tends to run in families
- Specifically males are at an increased risk if the biological parent has alcoholism and adoption does not act as a protective factor
Overall effect of genetics on substance use ranges from 30 to 70% depending on other factors like culture, gender, age, etc.
Limitations of genetic theories
- Limitations to adoption & twin studies
- No genetic evidence for alcohol problems amongst Indigenous populations
- Genetics aren’t fully determinative
- No “addiction gene”
Neurobiological theories
Aims to understand how people process information like learning, emotions, perceptions and sensations
Potential mechanisms:
1. Intracellular signalling
2. Synaptic plasticity
What theories are currently receiving most support and funding?
Neurobiological theories
Explain intracellular signalling in relation to drug dependence
Nerve cells adapt to changes produced by external influences such as drugs
Explains withdrawal
Explains increased tolerance
Explain synaptic plasticity in relation to drug dependence
Stimuli in the environment associated with drug use become linked to positive memories and sensations
Explains continued use to experience pleasure
All psychological explanations/theories of drug dependence emphasize that…
individual behaviour can be explained by factors that are endogenous to the individual, particularly in the mind
3 psychological theories/explanations of drug dependence
- Personality theories
- Behavioural theories
- Psychopathology
Personality theories
Widely used and studied is the five factor model which includes:
Neuroticism
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Openness
Problem Behaviour Theory (PBT) of personality theories
Integrates elements of the personality, environmental influences, and behaviour and states that substance use occurs alongside other risk taking behaviours
Empirical evidence for personality theories
One longitudinal study found that scoring high in neuroticism and onenesses and low in conscientiousness = higher risk of using substances
Scoring higher on agreeableness is associated with decreased likelihood of alcohol use and alcohol problems
Conscientiousness is an important moderator of alcohol and other drug use
- It can change the effects of other traits
Limitations of personality theories
- No such thing as an “addictive personality”
- Personality only accounts for a small proportion of alcohol dependency
- Inconsistent definitions of personality and substance use across studies
Behavioural theories (2):
Social learning theory
Cognitive behavioural theory
Aspects of social learning theory include:
Imitation
Operant conditioning
- reinforcement (+ and -)
- punishment (+ and -)
Extinction
Examples of positive and negative reinforcement
Positive:
- Peers like you
- Relief from anxiety or pain
- Increased confidence/ sociability
- General pleasure
Negative:
- Withdrawal symptoms leading to continued use
