Psychology Chapter on Addiction and Neurotransmitters

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Questions and Answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in regulating mood and sleep?

Acetylcholine

Norepinephrine

Dopamine

Serotonin (correct)

What is the main function of GABA in the nervous system?

Enhance heart rate

Inhibit neural activity (correct)

Increase excitatory impulses

Facilitate memory retention

Which phase of pharmacokinetics describes how a drug is eliminated from the body?

Absorption

Metabolization (correct)

Distribution

Administration

What role does glutamate play in the central nervous system?

Major excitatory neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is involved with motor function and the reward system?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with addiction?

The behaviour consistently results in positive outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What psychological response is commonly linked to addictive behaviours?

Dopamine release Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sign of withdrawal from an addictive substance?

Visible signs of distress Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'requires markedly increased amounts of the substance' in addiction?

Tolerance development Signup and view all the answers

What phrase do individuals often use to describe their addictive behaviours?

I must have it Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion is NOT part of the DSM-IV definition of addiction?

Using smaller amounts over longer periods Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of taking a substance in larger amounts than intended?

Higher risk of negative consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the behaviour associated with addiction despite negative consequences?

The behaviour continues unabated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode through which intranasal drugs are absorbed?

Through the mucous membranes of the nose and sinus cavities Signup and view all the answers

What does bioavailability indicate?

The extent to which a drug reaches systemic circulation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects the distribution of a drug in the body?

Amount of blood in the region of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of drug metabolism?

To make the drug chemically inert and water soluble Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of a drug allows it to better penetrate the blood-brain barrier?

High lipid solubility Signup and view all the answers

What does first pass metabolism refer to?

The degradation of a drug by liver enzymes before it reaches systemic circulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding transdermal drug delivery?

It can provide stable blood levels without first-pass metabolism Signup and view all the answers

Intranasal administration leads to which potential adverse effect?

Local damage to the nasal septum Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes first-order kinetics in the context of drug elimination?

The rate of elimination is directly proportional to the drug concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary influence of other drugs on the rate of metabolization?

Certain drugs can induce or reduce metabolic enzymes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an agonist and an antagonist in pharmacodynamics?

An agonist enhances normal synaptic transmission, while an antagonist blocks it. Signup and view all the answers

In pharmacodynamics, which mechanism can result from drugs blocking the release of neurotransmitters?

Disruption of normal synaptic communication. Signup and view all the answers

What role do second messengers play in drug action?

They initiate a chain reaction that amplifies the drug's effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes zero-order kinetics in drug elimination?

Elimination is constant over time regardless of concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor determines the intensity of a drug's action according to the drug-receptor hypothesis?

The affinity of the drug for its receptor. Signup and view all the answers

How can drugs affect neurotransmitter transport mechanisms?

They may enhance or inhibit transport efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Which conflict management style is characterized by a high concern for others and a low concern for self?

Accommodating Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the collaborating conflict style?

High investment in conflict Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of the initial interview do families come together to present their understanding of the problem?

The Joining Stage Signup and view all the answers

What family therapy assessment technique involves family members arranging themselves to visually represent their relationships?

Family Sculpting Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy in family therapy aims to change a family's perception of a problem to make it seem solvable?

Reframing Signup and view all the answers

The family therapy technique that uses open-ended questions to explore family dynamics is known as:

Circular Questioning Signup and view all the answers

What is embodying one of the critical aspects of the Problem Statement Stage in the initial interview?

Identifying family patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which conflict management style has a moderate concern for both self and others?

Compromising Signup and view all the answers

In family therapy, what does a genogram primarily illustrate?

Generational relationships and history Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the interaction stage in the initial interview?

Goal Setting Stage Signup and view all the answers

What emotional reaction is commonly observed in children of parents who suffer from addiction?

Insecurity and fear Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic refers to adult children of alcoholics' ability to complete tasks?

They have difficulty finishing projects Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might an adult child of an alcoholic exhibit when it comes to honesty?

They lie even when it's just as easy to tell the truth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits describes adult children of alcoholics regarding their sense of normalcy?

They guess at what normal is Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reaction among children of parents with addiction when facing changes they cannot control?

They overreact to changes they cannot control Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral characteristic indicates how adult children of alcoholics typically handle conflict?

They avoid conflict or aggravate it but do not resolve it Signup and view all the answers

How do adult children of alcoholics generally feel about their ability to enjoy leisure activities?

They have difficulty enjoying fun activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits might lead adult children of alcoholics to feel different from others?

They perceive an indescribable mark that separates them Signup and view all the answers

What is a behavioral tendency regarding approval seen in adult children of alcoholics?

They constantly seek approval from others Signup and view all the answers

What may lead adult children of alcoholics to be irresponsible at times?

They can either be super responsible or irresponsible Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: What is Addiction?

Addiction is characterized by an unhealthy relationship with substances, often used as a coping mechanism.
Media portrayal can glamorize addiction, creating a cycle that's difficult to escape.
DSM-5 uses a prototypical approach for diagnosing addiction, requiring meeting specific criteria.
Addiction is a spectrum, with some substances being more addictive than others.
Addiction can involve drug use or behaviours without ingestion (e.g. gambling, pornography).
It's important to consider different perspectives regarding addiction, such as disease model, self-medication, or learned behaviours.

What is Addiction (in Reflection)?

Addiction doesn't always require drug use.
A spectrum exists where some addictions are more severe than others.
Substances like Tyelnol, can be addictive if used frequently and excessively.
People living near alcohol outlets display a higher risk of addiction to alcohol.
Behaviours like substance abuse can become obsessive.
Addiction is often tied to an aspect of self-medication for those struggling with mental health.
The social context plays a key role in individuals' behaviour, and impacting government policies related to substances.

Page 2: Definition of Addiction

The DSM-IV defines addiction as a maladaptive pattern of substance use that leads to significant distress or impairment, involving at least three of the following:
Need for increased amounts of substance to achieve the desired effect.
Diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of substance.
Withdrawal
Taking substance in larger amounts or longer periods than intended.
Persistent desire to cut down or control substance use.
A substantial amount of time is spent in activities related to obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance, often leading to social disruption.

Page 3: Tolerance and Withdrawal

Tolerance is characterized by the need for increased amounts of a substance to achieve the desired effect or a diminished effect with continued use.
Withdrawal is the development of a characteristic syndrome when the substance is reduced or stopped.
These withdrawal symptoms can include physical and mental distress, prompting an individual to use more of the substance to reduce or avoid the symptoms.

Page 4: Circular Logic

Addiction can be conceptualized through various perspectives, such as disease model, learned behavior, personal-centered theories, and social models.
Social and cultural factors, like drinking age and legalisation (e.g., marijuana) significantly influences how society views and reacts to addiction.

Page 5: Where Does Addiction Live?

Addiction is considered a brain disease: drugs alter brain structure & function.
Addiction affects the body, mind, and the environment.
It's a behavioural pattern rooted in factors beyond the substance itself.

Page 6: Addiction as a Disease

The idea of addiction as a disease has roots in the past
Early treatments saw addiction in a different light (i.e., as a moral failing).
The concept of addiction as a disease moved towards seeing addiction as a complex issue requiring treatment and care.
There are different stages of addiction from prealcoholic stage to chronic.
There are many approaches now to treat addiction - i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous or therapy.

Page 7: Strengths and Decriminalization

Addiction treatment is now more comprehensive, with more accessible services.
Portugal's decriminalisation of drugs has been a popular topic of increased treatment for addiction.
Treatment approaches may vary by country but are often centred on access to facilities, and treatment.

Page 8: Addiction as a Disease: Rates and Assessment

Rates of drug use and associated criminal justice measures vary across racial groups.
Diagnosis is based on self-assessment, symptom presentation, behavioral patterns, and potential physiological effects.
Substance use and its impact are multifaceted and complex and require a multi-faceted approach for treatment.

Page 9: Fundamentals of Psychopharmacology

Homeostasis is the tendency of a system to maintain a stable internal environment.
Receptors receive signals, integrators process them, and effectors respond.
A negative feedback system is used where the system sends signals to effectors to restore balance.

Page 10: Control and the nervous system

The body's systems work through a stimulus to a response with a control to balance the response.
The nervous system's components work together to achieve a controlled response.
The Hypothalamus, a part of the brain's integrators, plays a central role in regulating body temperature.

Page 11, 12: The Nervous System and The Brain

The nervous system has two major divisions: autonomic and somatic.
The autonomic system regulates internal functions; the somatic system connects to the skeletal muscles.
The brain is divided into four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) with specialized functions.
specific parts of the brain involved in different functions (e.g., prefrontal cortex related to decision-making).
The diagram depicts the structure of a neuron.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals between neurons.

Page 13: Nerve Transmission

The dendrite receives signals, the axon conducts the signal, and the terminals transmit it to the next neuron across a synapse.
Key components for nerve transmission include neurotransmitters, voltage-gated channels, synaptic vesicles, and synapses.
Myelin sheaths accelerate signal transmission.

Page 14: Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters can have either excitatory or inhibitory effects on neurons, impacting behaviour and emotions.
Multiple processes are involved to remove neurotransmitters from the synapse.
The process of neurotransmitters is complex and affects many bodily functions.
Key neurotransmitters discussed include acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.

Page 15: Pharmacodynamics

Drug administration is how drugs enter the body.
Absorption is how drugs move within the body.
Distribution is how drugs are dispersed throughout the body.
Metabolism and excretion are how drugs are eliminated from the body.
Specific routes (e.g. oral, intravenous) of administration have implications for the efficiency of drug absorption and distribution.

Page 16: Routes of Administration

Oral administration has advantages (convenience, cost-effectiveness) and disadvantages (first-pass effect, variability of absorption).
Others (e.g., injections, inhalation) have other pros and cons, often relating to onset, speed, and potential side effects.

Page 17: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion

Drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are critical pharmacokinetic processes.
Factors influencing absorption (e.g., blood flow, surface area, membrane permeability) must be understood to optimize treatment efficacy.
In addition to what is known, there are still many factors that influence how the body absorbs drugs.

Page 18, 19: Distribution and the Blood-Brain Barrier

Drugs administered orally face the first pass effect.
Distribution of drugs relies on factors such as drug lipid solubility, blood flow, and plasma binding where some drugs readily affect the brain.
The blood-brain barrier is a special membrane that limits certain substances from entering the brain.

Page 20, 21: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

Pharmacokinetics describes the time course of a drug in the body.
Pharmacodynamics describes the effects drugs have on the body.
Drugs can increase or decrease the rate of neurotransmitter degradation, synthesis, transport or release, and act on second messenger systems or the receptors themselves.

Page 22: Questions on Addiction

The text contains questions about the importance of biology in addiction and evaluating disease models of addiction and how they've been affected by the day's lesson.

Page 23: Dose-Response Curve

Dose-response curves illustrate the relationship between drug dosage and its effect.
Different types of dose-response curves display the effects of varying doses, from therapeutic to toxic levels.

Page 24: Organismic Effects on Drug Response

Organismic factors (e.g., age, weight, genetics) influence drug response.
Environmental factors (e.g, expectation) are also important factors that affect an individual's reaction to a substance.

Page 25: The Placebo Effect

The placebo effect is a response to an inactive substance or procedure.
Negative expectations related to a treatment that can lead to symptoms is known as a nocebo effect.

Page 26: Drug effect vs. Drug Action

Drug effect is the overall effect on an individual from a treatment, including specific effects, but also non-specific effects (i.e. cultural and societal factors).
Drug action is the immediate action of a drug.

Page 27: Drug Interactions

Additive effect occurs when multiple drugs taken together have a combined effect.
Synergistic effect occurs when the combined effect is stronger than the sum of the individual effects.
Antagonistic effect occurs when the combined effect is weaker than the sum of the individual effects.
Understanding drug interactions helps to avoid negative and potentially harmful interactions of substances when combined.

Page 28: Stimulants

Stimulants such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine (crystal meth, ice, glass), Khat, and Methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine, theophylline) are stimulants.
Their effects and mechanisms are explained in detail, including aspects like their impact on the body, similar behaviours, differences, and uses.

Page 29: Cocaine

Cocaine is obtained from coca leaves in South America.
It is used commonly for its stimulant, medicinal, and social purposes.
Its production methods are outlined.

Page 30: Cocaine Pharmacokinetics

Absorption of cocaine varies depending on the delivery routes, impacting its concentration in the blood, as well as its metabolism.
Metabolites and their effects are discussed, as well as how alcohol may inhibit the metabolism of cocaine leading to interactions and potential harm.

Page 31: Cocaine Pharmacodynamics

The mechanisms by which cocaine affects the body are explained using a diagram, including its effects on dopamine & other neurotransmitters.
The action of cocaine is explained in terms of its dopamine impacting effects on the brain, as well as its effects at high vs. low doses.

Page 32: Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine withdrawal includes symptoms like vivid dreams, depression, cravings, and significant psychological impacts when use stops.

Page 33: Amphetamines

Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and methylphenidate) are similar to cocaine in their effects.
The effects are similar to cocaine, but with a greater timeframe of action.

Page 34: Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine use has long-term harmful effects on several areas of the body, including the teeth, skin, and the brain- itself and its related effects.

Page 35: National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Cocaine Use in Canada

Data outlining usage, demographics, and trends in cocaine and methamphetamine use are provided.

Page 36: Cocaine and Meth in Canada

Data on rates, incidents, and hospitalizations involving cocaine and meth use in Canada is provided.

Pages 37- 42: Opiates, Treatment, and Effects, Tolerance

Opiates function as analgesics and sedatives, with different varieties (e.g. morphine, codeine, heroin).
The importance of treatment for individuals who are struggling with opiate use is emphasised with various methods of treatment.
The effects of opiates and their related impact on the individual is elaborated on, with a focus on tolerance to the substances.

Page 43: Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, is used for its medicinal and social/recreational purposes.
Various parts of the cannabis plant are used, impacting its potency/effects greatly.

Page 44: Cannabis Pharmacokinetics

Methods/delivery/forms of marijuana use affect how the body absorbs it, and its associated effects.
The distribution of cannabinoids, such as THC, are in the body, particularly its quick penetration of the blood brain barrier.

Page 45: Cannabinoid Pharmacodynamics

Cannabinoids interact with specific receptors in the brain (CB1 and CB2), influencing various brain functions and behaviours.
The mechanisms, details, and effects on neurotransmission are discussed with different forms of cannabis.

Page 46: Effects of Cannabis; and Who Uses Marijuana?

The effects on the body, including physiological and behavioural aspects are discussed.
A detailed look at the societal aspect of marijuana use and its increasing rate in recent years, with data on prevalence, is presented.

Page 47: Use and Beliefs in Canada

Canadians' perceptions and beliefs about the effects of cannabis use are presented based on data from a survey.

Page 48: Driving and Marijuana Use

The dangers and links between driving and marijuana use are highlighted with statistical data from a survey.
The comorbidity of marijuana use and mental health concerns(e.g. depression) is discussed with possible explanations and limitations of statistical significance.

Page 49: Alcohol

Background on alcohol and its historical use is presented, both in medicine (i.e., its use in treatments) and early use in different cultures.

Page 50, 51: Alcohol Use and Dependency

The importance of tolerance and withdrawal related to alcohol use disorders is emphasized, using diagrams to illustrate tolerance development.
The DSM-5 criteria for classifying substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorders, are outlined for understanding categories of severity.
Trends related to specific demographics are discussed in the case of alcohol use trends over time, especially in young adults and the frequency of use.

Page 52: Per capita alcohol consumption and comorbidity in Canada

Data highlighting per capita alcohol consumption across Canada and comorbidities related to alcohol abuse are presented.

Page 53: Alcohol and the Brain

Structural and functional changes in the brain due to alcohol use are explained in detail.
The impacts on the physical body of continued alcohol use are summarised and presented, with diagrammatic explanations.

Page 54, 55, 56: Liver Health, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Illustrations of healthy and diseased liver conditions, cirrhosis specifically, are used to highlight the impact of continued substance use on liver health.
The link between prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is also detailed.

Page 57: Economic Burdens of Alcohol

The economic impact (costs, financial implications) of alcohol consumption and its impact on society is highlighted, alongside the economic value of harm reduction, preventative policies, and revenue.

Page 58, 59: Biological and Psychosocial Motivations/Causes

The influences of biological factors (e.g., genetics, neurobiology), and psychosocial factors (e.g., parenting, social environment, psychological vulnerability) on addiction are discussed in detail.

Page 60: Psychological Vulnerabilities and Drinking Motives

Factors that increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorders (e.g. personality, comorbid mental disorders, tense environments, tension reduction).
Four distinct categories of drinking motives (i.e., coping, enhancement, social faciliation and conformity) which motivate individuals to engage in drinking, with different underlying reasons for engaging in alcohol use.

Pages 61-63: Socio-cultural factors, Family Roles, Structures

Sociocultural circumstances impacting the development and risk of addiction, family roles, and family structures, are presented.
There are detailed descriptions of factors that are important for understanding the impact of society on behaviour and how behaviours are learned.

Pages 64-65: Family Development and Structure, The Family as a System

Stages of family development, from young adulthood to later life.
Family structures and their implications for understanding family functioning and dynamics are presented, including the impact of change in one part of the family, on the other parts.

Pages 66-67: Boundaries, Rules, and Family Adaptability

Family characteristics (e.g. diffuse, rigid or clear, adaptability, enmeshment, disengagement) are presented to help understand the complexities of family dynamics and their implications.
The concepts include rules, rituals and their importance for family functioning.

Pages 68-69: Family Circumplex Model and Stages of Family Development

The Family Circumplex Model helps understand family functioning in terms of cohesion and flexibility.
Developmental stages of families are described, emphasizing the dynamic nature of family relationships.

Pages 70-71, 72: Interventions, Assessment, Techniques, Reframing, and Family Therapy Principles

Family therapy approaches and associated practices are presented. • These approaches are focused on helping families, especially those struggling with substance, and using various methods of assessment (e.g. genograms, and roleplaying) and intervention.

Pages 73-74: Developmental Psychology, Focus on Adolescents

The specific challenges of adolescents and their brains in terms of risk-taking and emotional regulation are examined.
The brain development of an adolescent's frontal cortex is presented, and how it impacts decision-making.

Pages 75-78: Child Mental Health Outcomes when Parents have SUD, Research, and Supporting Families

A discussion on how parenting/family structure influences the adolescent's psychological health.
Research findings on the influence of parental substance use on children's development and mental health outcomes are included.
Strategies for supporting families undergoing challenges related to parenting, and substance use disorders.

Pages 79-80: Effects on the Brain

The immediate impact of drugs on the brain is discussed, focusing on the specific impacts on the brain from drug and alcohol use (e.g. PET scans, and dopamine receptor issues).

Page 81: Methamphetamine Impact on Families

The specific impacts of methamphetamine (crystal meth, ice, glass) use on families are examined.

Pages 82-83: Risk Factors on Substance Use, Treatment, and the Family

Charting out specific risk factors, treatment options, and the various ways in which parental substance use impacts families.

Page 84: Diagnosis with DSM-5 criteria: Relapse Rates

Descriptions, and criteria for identifying severity stages of substance use disorders (i.e., mild, moderate, severe) through the lens of the DSM-5, are explained.
Rates of relapse associated with several illnesses (e.g,, hypertension, asthma) are presented and a discussion on the importance of management/treatment/prevention of relapse.

Pages 85-86, 87, 88: Treatment Process, Service Needs, Cultural Competency

Treatment for addiction, including detoxification, medication, behavioral therapies, and support groups.
Service needs and considerations for culturally appropriate service delivery.
The importance of cultural competence and sensitivity in treatment is highlighted.

Page 89, 90: Recovery in the Context of the Family and a Family Approach to Treatment

The importance of a family-centred approach to recovery and treatment of substance disorders is presented.
Discussion on continuing care and supports required in the process of recovery, especially for parents and for their families.

Pages 91, 92: Treatment Evaluation and Integrated Theoretical Frameworks.

Specific factors that affect the process of treatment for substance users and families, and integrated theoretical frameworks (i.e. PUF framework).

Pages 93- 94: Theoretical Frameworks; Assessment, Outcomes, Considerations for Health Services

Theoretical frameworks and practical applications are outlined with an emphasis on assessing impacts and improving outcomes in treatment.
Factors like parental emotional regulation, early signs, and protective factors to identify and improve children's mental health outcomes.

Pages 95, 96: Family Dynamics and Implications in Recovery

The impact of substance use and trauma on family dynamics and children's development is examined and how family support helps in recovery.

Pages 97: Family and Trauma-Informed Practice

The interconnectedness of trauma, substance use, and family dynamics and interventions/treatments for the family.
The significance of trauma-informed approaches to family-centred care for effective treatment.

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Test your knowledge on the role of neurotransmitters in mood regulation, sleep, and addiction. This quiz covers various aspects of pharmacokinetics and psychological responses related to substance use. Assess your understanding of key concepts in psychology related to addiction and its physiological effects.