PBH101 Chapter 6: Drug Use and Addiction

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