Ch9 Lecture

The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs : 

Chapter 9 The Use and Abuse of Psychoactive Drugs

Addictive Behavior : 

Habits that have gotten out of control negative effect on health. Addiction habitual use that produces chemical changes in user’s body. Drug Addiction Drug Habituation (habit) Not as severe as addiction 2 Addictive Behavior

Slide 3: 

Characteristics of Addictive Behavior Reinforcement Produces pleasurable state Compulsion or Craving Loss of Control Cannot block impulse to do behavior Escalation More and more Negative Consequences Continues despite these

Development of Addiction : 

Often starts to bring pleasure or to avoid pain. Harmless or even beneficial if done in moderation Examples of addictive behaviors:** Gambling Compulsive Exercising Work Addiction Sex and love addiction Compulsive buying or shopping Internet addiction Characteristics of people with addiction Genetics, Trouble w/ Stress, risk-takers 4 Development of Addiction

Drug Use, Abuse, and Dependence : 

Drugs chemicals other than food that are intended to affect the structure or function of the body Prescription medicines Over-the-counter substances Caffeine Tobacco Alcohol Illegal substances Drug Use, Abuse, and Dependence 5

Drug Abuse and Dependence : 

Substance Abuse APA definition Failure to fulfill major responsibilities Drug use in situations that are hazardous Drug related legal problems Drug use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems Physically dependent may or may not present 6 Drug Abuse and Dependence

Dependence : 

Substance dependence 1. Developing tolerance to substance 2. Withdrawal 3. Larger amounts 4. Expressing persistent desire to cut down 5. Spending great deal of time obtaining 6. Giving up/reducing important activities 7. Continual usage even with recognition of problem Diagnosed with at least 3 or more symptoms during a 12-month period 7 Dependence

Who uses drugs? : 

All income and education levels All ethnic groups All ages Young people are at a higher risk Males (Twice as likely) Troubled adolescent Thrill-seeker Dysfunctional families Peer group or family that accepts Low Socioeconomical status Dating young In short, all populations are represented. 8 Who uses drugs?

Risk Factors for Dependence : 

Psychological risks Difficulty in controlling impulses Strong need for excitement Feelings of rejection Hostility Aggression Anxiety Mental illness Dual (co-occurring disorders) 9 Risk Factors for Dependence

Risk Factors for Dependence : 

Social Factors Growing up in a family with drug abuse Peer group Poverty 10 Risk Factors for Dependence

How Drugs Affect the Body : 

Changes in Brain chemistry Act on one or more neurotransmitters Drug factors Pharmacological properties User Factors Body type/weight Social Factors 11 How Drugs Affect the Body

Representative Psychoactive Drugs : 

Opioids (narcotics) Natural or synthetic Opium, morphine, heroin, methadone, codeine. Induce euphoria Stress relief Methods of administration Injection, snorting, sniffing or smoking 12 Representative Psychoactive Drugs

Central Nervous System Stimulants : 

Speed up the activity of the nervous or muscular system Cocaine Methods of use Smoking, inhalation: 10 seconds IV injections: 20 seconds Effects Intense, short-lived 13 Central Nervous System Stimulants

Central Nervous System Stimulants : 

Amphetamines (uppers) Alertness Ritalin Ephedrine Caffeine 14 Central Nervous System Stimulants

Psychoactive Drugs : 

Central Nervous System Depressants Includes alcohol Slow down the overall activity of CNS Sedative-hypnotics, anti-anxiety Effects Reduce Anxiety, Mood changes From use to abuse 15 Psychoactive Drugs

Marijuana : 

Cannabis Sativa THC Short term effects and uses Depersonalization, mind separate Long-term effects and uses Respiratory damage 16 Marijuana

Hallucinogens : 

Altered state of consciousness, perceptions, feelings and thoughts LSD, PCP (angel dust), certain mushrooms Altered states of consciousness Synesthesia Flashbacks 17 Hallucinogens

Treatment for Drug Dependence : 

Medication-assisted treatment Drug substitution Treatment centers Self-help groups and peer counseling Harm reduction strategies Codependency 18 Treatment for Drug Dependence

Preventing Drug Abuse : 

Governmental attempts Anti-drug education programs Indirect approaches Young people’s self-esteem Improve academic skills Increase recreational opportunities Direct approaches Information about the adverse effects Peer pressure resistance 19 Preventing Drug Abuse