Chapter 7
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A drug which alters a person ’ s experiences or consciousness
Can cause intoxication
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A state in which sometimes unpredictable physical and emotional changes occur
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Addiction traditionally used only when the habitual use of a drug produced chemical changes in the user ’ s body
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Tolerance: body ’ s adaptation to drug
Concept of addiction as a disease process, based in brain chemistry rather than moral failing, led to many advances
Addictive behaviors are habits that have gotten out of control, resulting in negative effects on a person ’ s health
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Characteristics of Addictive
Behavior
Reinforcement
Compulsion or Craving
Loss of Control
Escalation
Negative Consequences
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The development of addiction
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Often starts when person does something to bring pleasure or to avoid pain
Characteristics of people with addictions
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Difficulty dealing with stress and painful emotions
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Risk-takers, impulse control problems
Examples of addictive behaviors:
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Compulsive gambling
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Compulsive exercising
Work addiction
Sex and love addiction
Compulsive buying or shopping
Internet addiction
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Drug Use, Abuse, and Dependence
Drugs are chemicals other than food that are intended to affect the structure or function of the body
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Prescription medicines
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Over-the-counter substances
Caffeine
Tobacco
Alcohol
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Illegal substances
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The APA ’ s Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders – authoritative reference
Abuse: APA definition
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Recurrent drug use, resulting in failure to fulfill major responsibilities
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Drug use in situations that are physically hazardous
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Drug-related legal problems
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Drug use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems
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Physical dependency may or may not present
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Substance dependence
1. Developing tolerance to the substance
2. Experiencing withdrawal
3. Taking in larger amounts
4. Expressing a persistent desire to cut down
5. Spending great deal of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance
6. Giving up or reducing important activities
7. Continual usage despite the knowledge of a problem
Diagnosis with at least 3 or more symptoms during a 12-month period
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Drug Users
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All income and education levels
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All ethnic groups
All ages
People more likely to try drugs
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Young people are at a higher risk
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Males (Twice as likely)
Troubled adolescents
Thrill-seekers
Members of dysfunctional families
Members of peer groups that accept drug use
People who live in disadvantaged areas
Teen girls who date older boys
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Experiment
Escape
Coping
Reliance
Social surroundings
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Psychological risks
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Difficulty in controlling impulses
Strong need for excitement, stimulation, automatic gratification
Feelings of rejection
Hostility
Aggression
Anxiety
Depression
Mental illness
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Intoxication
Unexpected side effects
Unknown drug constituents
Risks associated with injection drug use
Legal consequences
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 Changes in Brain chemistry
 Drug factors:
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Pharmacological properties
Dose-response function
Time-action function
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Drug use history
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Method of use
 User Factors
 Social Factors
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Representative Psychoactive
Drugs
Opioids (narcotics)
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Natural or synthetic
Opium, morphine, heroin, methadone, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, meperidine, and fentanyl
Effects
Medical Uses
Methods of administration
Injection, snorting, sniffing, or smoking
Symptoms of overdose
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Representative Psychoactive
Drugs
Central Nervous System Depressants
(Sedative Hypnotics)
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Slow down the overall activity of the CNS
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Types
Barbiturates ( “ downers ” )
Sedatives or tranquilizers
Effects
Medical uses
From use to abuse
Overdosing
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
Speed up the activity of the nervous or muscular system
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Cocaine
Methods of use
Effects
Abuse and dependence
Use during pregnancy
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
Amphetamines ( “ uppers ” )
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Effects
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From use to abuse
State dependence
Dependence
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Methamphetamine
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Ritalin
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Caffeine
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Marijuana and Other Cannabis
Products
Cannabis Sativa
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Short-term effects and uses
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Depersonalization
Long-term effects
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Respiratory damage
Dependence
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LSD, mescaline, psilocybin, STP, DMT,
MDMA, ketamine, PCP (angel dust), and certain mushrooms
Effects
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Altered states of consciousness, perceptions, feelings and thoughts
LSD effects
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Synesthesia
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Altered states of consciousness
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Flashbacks
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Types
Volatile solvents
Aerosols
Nitrites
Anesthetics
Methods of use
Sniffing
Snorting
“ Bagging ”
“ Huffing ”
Effects
Nearly all inhalants produce effects similar to those of anesthetics, which slow down body functions
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Drug research
Drugs, society, and families
Legalizing drugs
Drug Testing
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Treatment for Drug Dependence
Medication-assisted treatment
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Drug substitution
Treatment centers
Self-help groups and peer counseling
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AA
NA
Harm reduction strategies
Codependency
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Governmental attempts
Anti-drug education programs
Indirect approaches
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Building young people ’ s self-esteem
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Improving their academic skills
Increasing their recreational opportunities
Direct approaches
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Informing them about the adverse effects of drugs
Peer pressure resistance
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Chapter 7
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