Drug Addiction (Psychology 351) Course Objectives, Organization, & Requirements

Learning Objectives Attitude & Subjective Appraisal Concepts & Terminology Analytical Methods Factual Knowledge

Course Content Overview of fundamental concepts Detailed examination of two prototypical drug classes –psychomotor stimulants (e.g., cocaine) –opiates (e.g., heroin) Emphasis on biological mechanisms Possible generalization to some other addictive drugs

Course Content (cont.) Not covered in the course –many psychoactive drugs marijuana hallucinogens alcohol nicotine & caffeine –diagnosis & treatment of addiction –possible nonchemical “addictions”

Background & Prerequisites Introductory Psychology –conditioning & learning theory –biological mechanisms of behavior Research Methods –experimental design –principles of scientific inference Biopsychology or Behavioral Neuroscience

Instructional Format Assigned readings Lecture Discussions Some videos Possible laboratory demonstrations Class attendance essential Internet access mandatory

Readings Textbook installments available at Jacob’s Copy Center throughout the semester Online material Reserve list at UGL

Course Grade Based on three equally weighted exams administered during regularly scheduled class periods –major emphasis on readings and lecture material but material discussed in class may also be included as well as material from the Discussion List –make-up exams allowed only under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the instructor

Opening Discussion: What’s the course about???

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean?

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term “drug abuse” mean?

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term “drug abuse” mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition?

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term “drug abuse” mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition? What does the term “dependence” mean?

What’s the course about??? What does the term “addiction” mean? –What drugs are considered addictive by this definition? What does the term “drug abuse” mean? –What drugs are considered abused by this definition? What does the term “dependence” mean? –What are some examples of dependence?

Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave

Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly

Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition

Common Definitions of Key Terms addiction: to use compulsively or uncontrollably; to enslave abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition addiction liability/potential: the tendency to develop/produce an addiction

Common Definitions of Key Terms (cont.) dependence: state of being determined, influenced, or controlled by something else; subordination to someone or something needed or greatly desired; required for normal physiological or psychological function –physical /physiologic/physiological –psychological /psychic

What’s in a Name? Compare the course title/subject matter (i.e., Drug Addiction) vs. the National Institute on Drug Abuse Therein lies the difference -- this course is about drug addiction not drug abuse

Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug?

Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual?

Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual? –the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)

Key Concept Addiction potential is a property of... –the drug? –the individual? –the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?) The common factor that has been identified is the drug

Key Concept Some important characteristic of a drug’s action is critically involved in producing an addition Attempts to identify personality characteristics, social environment, etc. have been far less successful than identifying common characteristics of drug action

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

Determine characteristics of addiction

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs? Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction –typical characteristics –defining attributes

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs? Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction –typical characteristics –defining attributes Develop scientific understanding of addiction –behavioral processes –biological mechanisms

The Yin and Yang of Addictive Drugs

The “Yin” Addictive drugs take a horrific toll on humanity –personal –social –economic

The “Yang” But addictive drugs also provide probes for understanding brain function –addictive drugs provide a tool for probing the mind and its underlying neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis From Smith et al., From Bozarth, 1987.