Terms used in Drug Addiction

Question 1

Craving (aka psychological dependence)

Answer 1

is an intense desire to experience the effects of a psychoactive substance. Craving is the cause for relapse after long periods of abstinence

Question 2

Physical or physiological dependence

Answer 2

is an outdated term that refers to physical tolerance and the withdrawal syndrome

Question 3

Priming

Answer 3

refers to a new exposure to a formerly abused substance. This exposure can precipitate rapid resumption of abuse at previous levels or at higher levels

Question 4

Relapse

Answer 4

is a resumption of drug-seeking or drug-taking behavior after a period of abstinence. Priming, environmental cues (people, places, or things associated with past drug use), and stress can trigger intense craving and cause a relapse

Question 5

Reward

Answer 5

is a stimulus that the brain interprets as intrinsically positive or as something to be attained

Question 6

Sensitization (3)

Answer 6

1. is the increase in the expected effect of a drug after repeated administration (e.g., increased locomotor activation after the administration of psychostimulants). 2. Sensitization also refers to persistent hypersensitivity to the effects of a drug in a person with a history of exposure to that drug (or to stress). 3. Sensitization is one of the neurobiologic mechanisms involved in craving and relapse

Question 7

Substance abuse (4)

Answer 7

is characterized by recurrent and clinically significant adverse consequences related to the repeated use of substances, such as 1. failing to fulfill major role obligations, 2. use of drugs in situations in which it is physically hazardous, 3. occurrence of substance-related legal problems, and 4. continued drug use despite the presence of persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems

Question 8

Substance dependence (7)

Answer 8

is a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms indicating that a person is continuing to use a substance despite having clinically significant substance-related problems. For substance dependence to be diagnosed, at least three of the following must be present: 1. symptoms of tolerance; 2. symptoms of withdrawal; 3. the use of a substance in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended; 4. persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control use; 5. the spending of considerable time and efforts to obtain the substance; 6. a reduction in important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of drug use; and 7. continued use of a substance despite attendant health, social, or economic problems

Question 9

Withdrawal syndrome

Answer 9

is a constellation of signs and symptoms that follows the abrupt discontinuation or reduction in the use of a substance or after blockage of the actions of a substance with antagonists (e.g., naloxone in heroine addiction). The syndrome can also be produced by cues associated with substance use (conditioned withdrawal). Symptoms tend to be the opposite of those produced after short-term exposure to a drug. Withdrawal is one of the causes of compulsive drug-taking behavior and short-term relapse

Question 10

Define Drug Addiction/Substance Dependence

Answer 10

Chronic, brain-based, relapsing disorder.

Question 11

Characteristics of Drug Addiction/Substance Dependence (3)

Answer 11

impulsivity to compulsivity disorder and behavior shift from + to - reinforcement 1. compulsion to seek and take the drug 2. loss of control in limiting intake 3. emergence of negative emotional and physical states when access to the drug is prevented