SOCI3055A STUDIES IN ADDICTIONS January 16, 2007 Understanding Addiction and “the Addict”

Overview  Readings: (1) The Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (2006). “Addiction Services” in Out of the Shadows at Last. Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada. Ottawa: Government of Canada. pp (2) Whiteacre, K. (2005). “Criminal Construction of Drug Users” in Cocktails & Dreams. Perspectives on Drug and Alcohol Use. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall. pp (3) Collin, C. (2006). Substance Abuse Issues and Public Policy in Canada. Canada’s Federal Drug Strategy. Ottawa: Library of Parliament. pp  Film: Fix: The Story of an Addicted City

Class outline 1.Readings – summaries and concepts 2.What is addiction? 3.Understanding addiction a. The drugs i. Drug categories ii. Detoxification b. The behaviours 4.Understanding the addict 5.Film / discussion

1.Readings – summaries and concepts  60 second description of the article. Identify a key concept in the article. Support why this is an important concept from the standpoint of 2 of the following: the user, society/culture, service providers, policy makers.

2. What is addiction?

Addiction  A primary, chronic disease, characterised by impaired control over the use of a psychoactive substance and/or behaviour. Clinically, the manifestations occur along biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual dimensions. Common features are change in mood, relief from negative emotions, provision of pleasure, pre- occupation with the use of substance(s) or ritualistic behaviour(s); and continued use of the substance(s) and/or engagement in behaviour(s) despite adverse physical, psychological and/or social consequences. Like other chronic diseases, it can be progressive, relapsing and fatal." Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine. (1999, October 14). Definitions in addiction medicine. Retrieved August 10, 2006, from

 "[...] an unhealthy relationship between a person and a mood or mind-altering substance, experience, event or activity, which contributes to life problems and their recurrence.” Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. (2000, June). A biopsychosocial model of addiction (p. 1). Retrieved July 25, 2006, from

3. Understanding addiction  Bio-psycho-social approach to understanding  Drugs and alcohol consist of ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, BUFFERS, and FILLERS.  The active ingredients in drugs and alcohol are PSYCHOACTIVE.  Your brain has NEUROTRANSMITTERS. Some common ones: Dopamine, GABA, Serotonin, Glutamate

a. The drugs  Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 

(i) Drug categories  Pharmacology = pharmakon (drugs) and logos (study) 1.Hallucinogens 2.Central Nervous System Depressants opioid analgesics, alcohol, inhalants, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other sleeping pills

3. Stimulants a mphertamines, methamphetamines, cocaine 4. Cannabis 5. Antidepressants 6. Steroids

(ii) Detoxification  Neuro-adaptation: The adaptation of cells and neural functioning following continued exposure to drugs.  (1) Safe withdraw of the drug/alcohol from body; (2) humane process; (3) prepares individual for next stage of treatment.

b. The behaviours

2. Understanding the ‘addict’  Who is “the addict”?  CAGE C: Have you ever felt you ought to CUT DOWN on your drinking? A: Have you ever felt ANNOYED by someone criticizing your drinking? G: Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY about your drinking? E: Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning (EYE-OPENER) to steady your nerves and get rid of a hangover?

Film  What was one thing about ‘addictions’ that was confirmed for you?  What was one thing you learned?  What are the social implications of addiction for Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside? For Vancouver city generally?