substance abuse Flashcards
(17 cards)
diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders
Impaired Control
Use more than intended
Want to cut down
Much time spent obtaining/using substance
Cravings
Social Impairment
Cannot fulfill major obligations
Use despite social problems
Reduce/stop important activities
Risky Use
Use in physically dangerous situations
Use despite physical or psychological consequences
Pharmacological Criteria
Tolerance (need mor or diminished effects)
Withdrawal (withdrawal or use to avoid withdrawal)
Genetic influences
Twin and family studies suggest heritability of risk for addiction
But what is the genetic risk for?
Pleasure from substance
Impulsivity
Sensation-seeking
Risk-taking
Anxiety
which brain areas
Prefrontal cortex <-> nucleus accumbens <-> ventral tegmental area
Psychostimulant Theories
3 major assertions:
All addictive substances produce psychomotor stimulation
Stimulant effects of these addictive substances share a common biological mechanism
Stimulant effects of these substances produce their positive reinforcement
Incentive Sensitization Model
Mesolimbic dopamine activation Acquisition and sensitization of incentive salience (i.e., craving) for
substances of abuse—including alcohol—is produced by repeated
drug/alcohol ingestion and the associated release of dopamine
What does the Allostatic Model of Dependence explain about alcohol use disorder?
It explains how repeated alcohol use leads to dysregulation in reward and stress circuits, contributing to dependence and relapse risk.
neuropeptides = CRF and NPY
How does reinforcement influence initial substance use?
Positive reinforcement: Feeling a “high” from the substance
Negative reinforcement: Using to self-medicate or reduce discomfort
How does reinforcement influence disordered substance use?
Positive reinforcement: Trying to recapture the original “high”
Negative reinforcement: Using to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms
Tension Reduction Theory
People drink to reduce stress/tension.
Stress-Response Dampening (SRD) theory
Alcohol dampens response to stressors (e.g., shock, public speaking).
Varies by individual traits like hostility, anxiety sensitivity, gender, genetics (HPA axis).
What cognitive factors are central to SLT’s view of alcohol use?
Self-efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to resist or control use (especially abstinence self-efficacy)
Outcome expectancies: Beliefs about the positive or negative effects of alcohol use
How does SLT help explain relapse in alcohol use disorders?
SLT highlights that relapse is influenced by learned behaviors, low self-efficacy, poor coping skills, and strong triggers—making it a key model in understanding and preventing relapse.
What are the four stages of the Integrative VEAR Model of addiction?
V – Vulnerability: Individual risk factors (genetics, trauma, mental health)
E – Exposure: Access to and use of addictive substances or behaviors
A – Addiction: Development of compulsive use and loss of control
R – Recovery: Process of regaining control and developing coping strategies
What is Agonist Substitution in addiction treatment?
It involves using a safe drug with a similar chemical structure to the abused substance.
Examples: Methadone (for heroin), Nicotine gum/patch
What is Antagonistic Treatment in addiction therapy?
It uses drugs that block or counteract the effects of the substance.
Example: Naltrexone for opiates and alcohol
What is Aversive Treatment in substance use disorders?
It involves drugs that make using the substance extremely unpleasant.
Examples: Disulfiram (for alcohol), Silver nitrate (for nicotine)
