exam 1: chap 1-3 Flashcards
study half of 4 in notes (140 cards)
What is the age of initiation in the context of drug use?
The age at which individuals use drugs for the first time.
Why does the distinction “legal” and “illegal” provide a false sense of security when dealing with drugs?
The misconception that legal drugs are less dangerous and less addictive.
What does the term ‘addictive liability’ refer to?
The chance for a substance to be addictive and the level of addictiveness.
Which substances are often associated with a high level of addictive liability?
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
What is pharmacology?
The scientific study of drugs.
Define psychopharmacology.
The scientific study of the effects of drugs on behavior.
What qualifies as a drug?
A chemical entity or mixture that alters biological function and is not required for health maintenance.
What are psychoactive drugs?
Drugs that affect mood, cognition, and/or behavior.
List some reasons why people use drugs.
- Religious practices
- Alter mood/state
- Stimulation to relieve boredom
- Social interaction
- Self-medicate
- Pleasure
What is the ‘War on Drugs’?
A campaign initiated to combat drug abuse, which some argue has been unsuccessful.
What do most experts agree is the best way to combat drug abuse?
Drug education.
What is the significance of dosage in drug use?
Everything is dose dependent; the amount and speed of administration matter.
What are some research methods mentioned for studying drug effects?
- Case studies
- Naturalistic observation
- Human lab studies
- Surveys
What is a limitation of naturalistic observation?
Lack of detail and inability to measure just one factor.
What is a disadvantage of human lab studies?
They may not occur in actual settings, missing social factors.
Fill in the blank: The ‘War on Drugs’ started with _______.
Richard Nixon
Are patients entirely truthful in surveys?
Patients may be more truthful but only to a certain extent.
True or False: The ‘War on Drugs’ has been universally accepted as effective.
False - many experts believe it has not worked.
What do genetic predispositions refer to in drug use?
An individual’s genetic makeup that may influence drug effects.
What do surveys provide in terms of information?
Approximations and trends
Surveys are used year after year to track changes over time.
What is crucial for maximizing accuracy in surveys?
Reliability and validity
given sober, objective questions, confidentiality!!
This involves using sober, objective questions and ensuring confidentiality.
Why is confidentiality important in surveys?
When dealing with sensitive or illegal subject questions, need trust from participants for most truthful data
What is the primary focus of general population surveys?
Epidemiological data, usually health-related, from a specific country at a specific time
What is the goal of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health?
Establish overall prevalence of drug use for a variety of substances during certain periods of time (life, year, month)
60,000 people - 12 and up