Substance Use and Abuse: Chapter Thirteen

-The use of drugs for both medical and social purposes is widespread in America -the most serious consequences are abuse addiction

Can alter a person's state of mind or consiousness -many psychoactive drugs can cause intoxication, a state in which physical and emotional changes occur

-is any habit that has gotten out of control, resulting in a negative effect on one's health -General characteristics associated with addictive behaviors include: -----reinforcement -----compulsion or craving -----loss of control -----escalation -----negative consequences

-many common behaviors are potentially addictive, but most people who engage in them do not develop problems -there is no single cause of addiction but could include the following ---Individual characteristics -------coping abilities ---Environmental factors or aspects of the specific behavior or substance -Those who have the most trouble dealing with stress and painful emotions may be more susceptible to addiction

- Compulsive or Pathological gambling -compulsive buying or shopping -internet addiction

-as defined by the APA, involves one or more of the following ---recurrent drug use, resulting in a failure to fulfill responsibilities ----recurrent drug use in potential physically hazardous situations -----recurrent drug-related legal problems -----continued drug use despite social and interpersonal problems caused by or worsened by the effects of the drug

Three or more of the following -developing a tolerance of the substance -experiencing withdrawl -taking the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended -expressing a persistent desire to cut down or reculate substance use - spending a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using the substance, or recovering from its effects -giving up or reducing important schoo, work, or recreational activitied because of substance use -continuing to use the substance in spite of recognizing that it is contributing to a psychological or physical problem

- the use and abuse of drugs occurs at all income and education levels, all ages and ethnic groups -characteristics that place people at higher-than-average risk are ----being male ----being young ----having frequent exposure to drugs ----being disinterested in school ----having a risk-taking personality

See chart

-there is no single best method of treatment but different types of programs are available -treatment programs include: Drug substitution;treatment centers, self help groups, peer counseling

- The best solution to drug abuse and dependence is prevention -specific approaches include: ---building self-esteem ---improving academic skills ---increasing recreational opportunities ---providing honest information about the effects of drugs

- Ethyl alcoholis the common psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic beverages - The concentration of alcohol is indicated by the term, "proof'" which is double the percentage of alcohol -when consumed, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine -the main site of alcohol metabolism is the liver

See chart

-disease in which the liver is severely damaged by alcohol, other toxins, or infection

-FAS, describes birth defects due to excessive alcohol consumption by the mother, including facial deformities, heart defects, and physical and mental impairments