1. The United States is a drug culture. Americans use drugs on a regular basis to wake up in the morning (coffee and tea), get through the day (cigarettes), and to relax at night (alcohol). Newcomb& Bentler, 1989

2. Drug Terminology (1) Drug-any substance other than water or food that has a direct impact on the structure and function of the body. Illicit Drugs: Drugs whose manufacture, sale, or possession is illegal. Licit Drugs: Drugs whose manufacture, sale, or possession is legal.

3. Drug Terminology (2) Instrumental Use: Drug use for a specific purpose other than getting “high”. Recreational Use: Drug use for the specific purpose of getting “high” or achieving some pleasurable effect.

4. Drug Terminology (3) Drug Misuse: Drug taking behavior in which a prescription or nonprescription drug is used inappropriately. Drug Abuse: Drug taking behavior resulting in some form of physical, mental, or social impairment.

5. Drug Terminology (4) Acute Toxicity-The physical and psychological harm a drug presents to the user immediately or soon after the drug is ingested into the body. Chronic Toxicity-The physical or psychological harm a drug might cause over a long period of time.

6. Drug Terminology (5) Prevention-Programming that is taken to avoid the problems associated with alcohol and drug use. May focus on the community and/or individual. Intervention-Programming and procedures for the early identification of alcohol or drug problems. Focus on the individual.

7. Drug Terminology (6) Treatment-Programming and strategies focusing on reducing/eliminating an individual’s problems due to their drug use. Treatment focuses on the individual, however the family and community may play a significant role in the treatment process.

8. Substance Abuse: A diagnostic term used to describe an individual who continues to take a psychoactive substance despite the fact the drug taking behavior creates specific problems for that individual.

9. Drug Tolerance Tolerance-The capacity of a drug to produce a gradually diminished physical or psychological effect upon repeated administrations of the drug at the same dose level. (It takes more of a drug to get the same effect)

10. Substance Dependence: A diagnostic term used to identify an individual with significant signs of a dependent relationship upon a psychoactive drug. Example: Tolerance, Withdrawal, Loss of control, persistent unsuccessful attempts to quit using the drug.

11. Psychological Dependence Psychological dependence occurs when there is an uncontrollable need or desire to continue the use of a substance. Signs of psychological dependence include: –continued use despite negative consequences –using to mask feelings –obsession with getting the substance

12. Withdrawal A wide array physiological responses to withdrawal of a substance from the body. Withdrawal is typically considered a hallmark symptom of physical dependence.