Addiction and Substance Abuse PowerPoint ® Lecture Slide Presentation Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. 15

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. What is Addiction? Habitual psychological and physical dependence on a substance or practice that is beyond voluntary control Associated with the following traits: Reinforcement leading to craving Loss of control Escalation Negative outcomes Denial

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. What is Addiction? continued Addiction can involve a substance or behavior Addictive substances include drugs, alcohol, and tobacco Addictive behaviors can include gambling, internet usage, pornography, sex, gaming, eating, shoplifting or exercising Addiction can be physical or psychological Chemical dependence Withdrawal symptoms Tolerance

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Drugs and Their Potential for Dependence Table 15.1

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Drugs and Their Potential for Dependence Table 15.1 (continued)

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Causes of Addiction Addictions can result from numerous potential causes, including: Types of drug used Genetics Brain chemistry Psychological makeup Social factors Personality characteristics Heredity

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Substance Use vs. Substance Abuse Substance abuse Use of illegal drugs or inappropriate use of legal drugs to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter/avoid reality Occurs when use of a drug interferes with other areas of one’s life, such as grades, work, relationships, or legal issues Commonly Abused Substances: Alcohol Illicit drugs, including: Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin Hallucinogens Inhalants Tranquilizers Stimulants Sedatives

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Psychoactive Drugs Any drug that causes a user to experience an altered state of consciousness Examples of psychoactive drugs: Marijuana (stimulant) Cocaine (powerful stimulant) “Club drugs” – Ecstasy, LSD, GHB, methamphetamine (addictive stimulant) Prescription drugs – OxyContin Over-the-counter drugs such as cough suppressants & expectorants

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Health Effects of Psychoactive Drugs Long-term use of marijuana: Psychological dependence and lung damage Long-term complications from cocaine use: Cardiovascular effects, respiratory effects, neurological effects, GI problems Long term use of methamphetamines: Paranoia, aggressiveness, extreme anorexia, memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, and dental problems Drug use and abuse by pregnant women can have serious health effects on the developing fetus

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Alcohol Most widely-used recreational drug in the U.S. & most popular on college campuses 85% of college students use alcohol & 20-25% abuse it Central nervous system depressant: Impaired vision, slowed reaction time, impaired motor coordination The blood level of alcohol determines the extent of central nervous system depression Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is determined by the amount of alcohol consumed, and rate of alcohol metabolized by the body

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Alcohol Table 15.3

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcohol Addiction Alcohol Abuse Four criteria of abuse: Alcohol use in hazardous situations Alcohol-related school problems Recurrent interpersonal problems Recurrent legal problems Alcohol Addiction (alcoholism) Alcohol dependence Disease that involves craving alcohol and not being able to control the impulse to drink Binge drinking

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Health Effects of Alcohol Abuse Liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure and death Damage to the central nervous system, which can result in brain damage Increased risk of cancers including the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, mouth, tongue and liver Drinking while pregnant causes fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects Physical, behavioral, and learning problems

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Tobacco Contains nicotine, the most heavily used addictive drug in the U.S. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipe tobacco Nicotine addiction: Provides immediate “psychological kick” Causes withdrawal symptoms Secondhand smoke contains toxic chemicals Health Effects of Tobacco Use: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of death in the U.S. & accounts for one out of every five deaths per year Increases risk of cancers including cancer of the lung, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, and kidney Woman smokers are more likely to lose a baby during pregnancy and have babies with low birth weight

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Caffeine A substance found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and certain medications Stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) within 15 minutes Moderate doses (2-4 cups of coffee) increases alertness and provides an energy boost Large doses cause restlessness and irritability Associated with insomnia, headaches, and abnormal heart rhythms. Creates psychological dependence Creates withdrawal symptoms including headache, muscle pain, and fatigue

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Anabolic Steroids Synthetic male sex hormones (e.g. testosterone) Available by prescription (tablet or ointment) Health effects: Produces psychological effects including aggressiveness, uncontrolled bouts of anger (“roid rage”), depression Associated with liver cysts and cancer, increased blood cholesterol, increased blood clotting, hypertension, reduced sperm count, testicular shrinkage, impotence, irreversible breast enlargement in men, and development of masculine characteristics in women

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Strategies to Avoid Drug Abuse Find productive ways to increase your self-esteem Learn and practice stress-coping techniques Develop varied interests Practice assertiveness Need support: AA, NA, Al-Anon