Addiction and Drug Abuse

Chapter 6 Addiction and Drug Abuse Learning Outcomes: Discuss the concept of addiction and describe various addictive behaviors Discuss various kinds of drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs Discuss different types of psychoactive drugs and their effects Discuss who uses psychoactive drugs Explain how people respond to drugs in different ways Describe pathways to drug abuse and dependence Discuss ways of becoming and remaining drug free

Addictive Behaviors Psychological Addiction: Physiological Addiction: A pattern of compulsive behavior, or habitual use of a drug, indicating impaired control without physiological signs of dependence. Behaviors: Compulsive spending, pathological gambling, internet addiction Physiological Addiction: A state of physical need for a drug, characterized by the development of a withdrawal syndrome (abstinence syndrome) following abrupt cessation of use of a particular drug. Tolerance: user needs larger amounts or doses of the drug to achieve same effect

Drug Use, Misuse, Abuse Drug: chemical affects psychological and biological function Drug Misuse: use of a drug not for the purpose or in the way that is was intended Over-the-Counter drug: available for sale without prescription. Easy to misuse Prescription Drug: Controlled and regulated, must be prescribed by a doctor

Psychoactive Drugs Drugs that act on the brain to affect mental processes – mood, thought processes, perceptions and behaviors Some are physically addictive, some are illegal Caffeine #1 drug of choice Major classes: Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens

Psychoactive Drugs Depressants Stimulants Barbiturates Lower rate of CNS activity Have potential for psychological /physical dependence Barbiturates Sedatives Tranquilizers Opiates – highly addictive Narcotics Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Codeine Tolerance Alcohol Increase level of CNS activity Have potential for psychological /physical dependence Amphetamines Increase heart rate, BP High doses – “rush” Suppress appetite – diet pills Methamphetamines Amphetamine psychosis Cocaine – highly addictive Crack, free base Cocaine psychosis

Caffeine Most widely used psychoactive drug Mild stimulant For most healthy and non-pregnant adults – moderate intake of 200-300mg per day poses no significant risk Effects dose-related

Psychoactive Drugs Hallucinogens Club Drugs (Designer) Inhalants Alter sensory perceptions, distorting reality, producing hallucinations LSD: “acid” “trips” ; sensation crossover Mescaline and Psilocybin “peyote”, “magic mushrooms” Phencyclidine (PCP) “angel dust” Deliriant Marijuana Most widely used illegal drug Mild hallucinogen & relaxant Potential physiological dependence Club Drugs (Designer) Increase risks of sensory stimulation MDMA, GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, herbal ecstasy Inhalants Deriliant, also depressant effects on nervous system Quickly absorbed into bloodstream Anabolic Steroids Medical Uses

Psychoactive Drug Use in U.S.

Response to Drugs Response varies with type of drug, route of administration, user’s biological response to drug, user’s frame of mind, presence of other drugs, and social setting Routes of Administration: Ingested – typically longer for effect Injected (directly into bloodstream fastest) Inhaled or smoked (can reach brain within 10 sec) Absorbed

Response to Drugs Dose-response relationship Biological Responsivity Weight, gender, tolerance Frame of mind Drug Interactions May increase risk of toxicity Additive, Synergistic effect, potentiate antagonist Social Factors

Drug Abuse and Dependence Drug Abuse: The repeated use of a drug even when use harms the user’s health, impairs user’s ability to meet academic, occupation, or family responsibilities, or exposes the user or others to danger. Factors Influencing Abuse: Environmental: peer pressure, exposure, subcultures Psychological: feelings of hopelessness, self-medication Genetic: linked to increased risk - predisposition Biochemical: production of pleasurable effects, damage of dopamine centers

Drug Dependence Stage 1 – Experimentation Stage 2 – Routine Use Stage 3 – Addiction Codependence: A relationship where a codependent is enabling or assisting in maintaining the drug-dependent person’s chemical dependency. Gateway Drugs – stepping stones

Drug Treatment Detoxification – ridding the body of drugs Starting point – works through withdrawal Therapeutic Communities Drug free residential treatment facilities Methadone Maintenance Synthetic opiate blocks “heroin high: prevents developing withdrawal symptoms Psychological Interventions Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches Antidepressants – treatment of cocaine addiction Self-Help Organizations (AA, NA, CA, Ala-non)