9/5/22

Characteristics of drug abuse: failure to perform adequately at work, school, or home; recurrent substance use during inappropriate situations, such as while operating a vehicle; legal problems related to substance abuse; continued substance use despite social consequences/interpersonal issues, such as fights with spouse. Drug abuse is determined by the above and NOT the amount consumed.

Addiction is defined by: compulsion, loss of control, continued drug use despite adverse consequences, distortions in normal thinking

Physical dependence (also called tissue dependence), biological adaption r/t continued use of the drug

Tolerance is when the body adapts to the drug, so the same dose no longer achieves the same psychological effect. However, not all parts of the body adapts to this tolerance, so a higher amount of the drug can lead to health consequences. Example: the respiratory center does not adapt to the continued use of heroin, so overdose can be dangerous.

withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the drugs effects

You can smoke crack, sniff crack, or inject crack (cocaine)

Amphetamines are often used by students to fight sleep. Adderall and Ritalin or prescription meds taken. 

Ecstasy = MDMA. Increases levels of serotonin in the brain.

Sedative = promotes calmness and reduces anxiety

Hypnotic = promotes sleep and drowsiness

benzodiazipines are also called tranquilizers. Best used together with therapy, not to be used more than 4 months and this may lead to dependence. Example, anything ending in "al", like barbital.

A psychotic hallucination = appear frightening, and user thinks it's real

A hallucinogen = often pleasurable, and the user knows it's not real. example: LSD

PCP = phencyclidine, causes a long hallucinogen effect that can put users in danger. Many admissions in psych wards are due to PCP intoxication.

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