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Questions and Answers
Define addiction.
Define addiction.
Addiction is viewed as a chronic disease, a pathological pursuit of pleasure or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
What are some factors that contribute to drug use and addiction?
What are some factors that contribute to drug use and addiction?
All addictions involve an initial voluntary step.
All addictions involve an initial voluntary step.
True
Match the following psychoactive drugs with their potential for substance use disorder and addiction:
Match the following psychoactive drugs with their potential for substance use disorder and addiction:
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Substance misuse is the use of a substance that is not consistent with __________ guidelines.
Substance misuse is the use of a substance that is not consistent with __________ guidelines.
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What are some short-term effects of marijuana at low doses?
What are some short-term effects of marijuana at low doses?
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Which of the following drugs belong to the hallucinogens group?
Which of the following drugs belong to the hallucinogens group?
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Prescription drug misuse refers to the use of medication without a prescription.
Prescription drug misuse refers to the use of medication without a prescription.
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Match the drug addiction treatment methods with their descriptions:
Match the drug addiction treatment methods with their descriptions:
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______ are synthetic drugs sold as 'bath salts' and can lead to severe effects.
______ are synthetic drugs sold as 'bath salts' and can lead to severe effects.
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What do governmental attempts historically focus on in preventing drug misuse?
What do governmental attempts historically focus on in preventing drug misuse?
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Study Notes
Addiction
- Definition: a chronic disease, a pathological pursuit of pleasure or relief by substance use and other behaviors
- Characteristics: changes in brain chemistry, tolerance, and negative effects on health
- Initial voluntary step, but lifestyle, personality, and environment play key roles
Drug Abuse, Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
- Nonmedical drug use among Americans (2018):
- Illicit drugs: 11.7% of Americans aged 12 and over
- Marijuana and hashish: 10.1% of Americans aged 12 and over
- Cocaine: 0.7% of Americans aged 12 and over
- Factors contributing to drug misuse:
- Availability and peer influence
- Altering one's mood, escaping feelings, coping with difficulties, and participating in an alternative economy
Diagnosing Substance Misuse and Addiction
- Substance misuse: use of a substance not consistent with medical or legal guidelines
- Substance use disorder: a cluster of symptoms involving cognitive, bodily, and social impairment related to the continued use of a substance
- Dependence: physical dependence, compulsive use, and other criteria
The Development of Addiction
- Many behaviors can be harmless or beneficial in moderation
- Addiction often starts with pleasure or avoiding pain, but leads to negative consequences
- Factors contributing to addiction: personality, lifestyle, heredity, social and physical environment, and the nature of the substance or behavior
Behavioral Addictions
- Compulsive gambling, video game disorder, compulsive exercising, work addiction, sex addiction, and compulsive buying or shopping
Why People Use and Misuse Drugs
- Historical context: ancient and universal pursuit of altering consciousness
- Factors contributing to drug use: availability, peer influence, and altered consciousness
- Rates of drug misuse have fluctuated over time, with certain age groups more susceptible
The Allure of Drugs
- Factors influencing initial drug use: availability, peer influence, and altering consciousness
- Susceptible groups: healthcare professionals, those with genetic predisposition, and those exposed in the womb
Risk Factors for Drug Misuse and Addiction
- Factors associated with trying drugs:
- Male, troubled childhood, thrill-seeking, dysfunctional family, and peer group acceptance
- Poverty, risky sexual behavior, and other social and economic factors
- Factors associated with not using drugs:
- Perceiving drug use as risky, positive self-esteem, assertive and independent thinking, self-control, and social competence
How Drugs Affect the Body
- Changes in brain chemistry: neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin
- Physical factors: body mass, general health, genetics, concurrent use of other chemicals, pregnancy, and psychological factors
- User expectations, placebo effect, and social and physical environment influence drug effects
Groups of Psychoactive Drugs
- Opioids, CNS depressants, CNS stimulants, marijuana and other cannabis products, hallucinogens, inhalants, and prescription drugs
Opioids
- Definition: natural or synthetic drugs that relieve pain, cause drowsiness, and induce euphoria
- Medical uses: pain relief, anesthesia, and cough suppression
- Risks: rapid tolerance, addiction, and overdose, including the opioid epidemic
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
- Definition: sedatives that decrease nervous or muscular activity, causing drowsiness or sleep
- Medical uses: anxiety, sleep disorders, and anesthesia
- Risks: addiction, withdrawal, and interactions with other substances
Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants
- Definition: drugs that increase nervous or muscular activity, causing excitement and alertness
- Medical uses: ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity
- Risks: addiction, withdrawal, and cardiovascular problems
Marijuana and Other Cannabis Products
- Definition: a psychoactive drug that affects the brain, influencing mood, perception, and cognition
- Short-term effects: euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception
- Long-term effects: respiratory damage, learning and memory problems, and increased risk of disease and infection
Hallucinogens
- Definition: drugs that alter perception, feelings, and thoughts
- Examples: LSD, MDMA, PCP, ketamine, and mescaline
Inhalants
- Definition: chemicals that produce effects when inhaled
- Examples: volatile solvents, aerosols, and anesthetics
- Risks: suffocation, brain damage, and addiction
Prescription Drug Misuse
- Definition: using medication without a prescription or in a way other than as prescribed
- Risks: addiction, overdose, and interactions with other substances
New Psychoactive Substances
- Definition: synthetic or herbal drugs that mimic the effects of other drugs
- Examples: synthetic marijuana and stimulants sold as "bath salts"
Preventing Drug-Related Problems
- Strategies: drug education, drug testing, and harm-reduction approaches
- Legalization and decriminalization of drugs are debated as potential solutions
Treating Drug Addiction
- Approaches: medication-assisted treatment, treatment centers, groups, and peer counseling
- Harm-reduction strategies: minimizing the effects of drug use and misuse
Preventing Drug Misuse
- Strategies: antidrug education, building self-esteem, improving academic skills, and increasing recreational opportunities
- Direct approaches: providing information about adverse effects and helping students resist peer pressure
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of drug use and addiction, including factors that contribute to drug misuse, risks associated with drug misuse, and ways to prevent drug-related problems.
