Chapter 15: Addictive Behaviors and Drugs

addiction

A behavioral pattern characterized by compulsion, loss of control, and continued repetition of a behavior or an activity in spite of adverse consequences.

dopamine

A brain chemical associated with feelings of satisfaction and euphoria.

gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

A brain messenger chemical that stimulates the release of human growth hormone; commonly abused for its high and its alleged ability to trim fat and build muscles. Also known as "blue nitro" or the "date rape drug."

Hashish

A concentrated form of a drug derived from the cannabis plant that contains the psychoactive ingredient THC, which causes a sense of euphoria when inhaled or eaten.

generic

A consumer product with no brand name or registered trademark.

cannabinoids

A group of closely related compounds that include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis (marijuana).

Ecstacy

A synthetic compound, also known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, that is similar in structure to methamphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.

MDMA

A synthetic compound, also known as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, that is similar in structure to methamphetamine and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

A synthetic psychoactive substance originally developed to explore mental illness.

phencyclidine (PCP)

A synthetic psychoactive substance that produces effects similar to those of other psychoactive drugs when swallowed, smoked, sniffed, or injected and also may trigger unpredictable behavioral changes.

club drugs

A variety of drugs including MDMA, GHB, GBL, ketamine, fentanyl, Rohypnol, and nitrites that first became popular at nightclubs, bars, and raves.

cocaine

A white crystalline powder extracted from the leaves of the coca plant that stimulates the central nervous system and produces a brief period of euphoria followed by a depression.

stimulants

Agents, such as drugs, that temporarily relieve drowsiness, help in the performance of repetitive tasks, and improve capacity for work.

cathinone

An amphetamine-like stimulant derived from the khat plant.

Benzodiazepine

An antianxiety drug that depresses the central nervous system, reduces activity, and induces relaxation, drowsiness, or sleep; often prescribed to relieve tension, muscular strain, sleep problems, anxiety, and panic attacks; also used as an anesthetic and in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.

barbiturates

Antianxiety drugs that depress the central nervous system, reduce activity, and induce relaxation, drowsiness, or sleep; often prescribed to relieve tension and treat epileptic seizures or as a general anesthetic.

amphetamines

Any of a class of stimulants that trigger the release of epinephrine, which stimulates the central nervous system; users experience a state of hyper-alertness and energy, followed by a crash as the drug wears off.

drug

Any substance, other than food, that affects bodily functions and structures when taken into the body.

additive

Characterized by a combined effect that is equal to the sum of the individual effects.

synergistic

Characterized by a combined effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects.

Drug dependence

Continued substance use even when its use causes cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

Withdrawal

Development of symptoms that cause significant psychological and physical distress when an individual reduces or stops drug use.

hallucinogens

Drugs that cause hallucinations.

opioids

Drugs that have sleep-inducing and pain-relieving properties, including opium and its derivatives and nonopioid, synthetic drugs.

designer drugs

Illegally manufactured psychoactive drugs that have dangerous physical and psychological effects.

Intravenous

Into a vein.

intramuscular

Into or within a muscle.

potentiating

Making more effective or powerful.

Intoxication

Maladaptive behavioral, psychological, and physiologic changes that occur as a result of substance abuse.

over-the-counter (OTC)

Medications that can be obtained legally without a prescription from a medical professional.

psychoactive

Mind-affecting.

antagonistic

Opposing or counteracting.

Gambling disorder

Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress.

Physical dependence

Physiological attachment to, and need for, a drug.

toxicity

Poisonousness; the dosage level at which a drug becomes poisonous to the body, causing either temporary or permanent damage.

12-Step programs

Self-help group program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

psychological dependence

Strong craving for a drug because it produces pleasurable feelings or relieves stress and anxiety.

Inhalants

Substances that produce vapors having psychoactive effects when sniffed.

Marijuana

The drug derived from the cannabis plant, containing the psychoactive ingredient THC, which causes a mild sense of euphoria when inhaled or eaten.

Drug abuse

The excessive use of a drug in a manner inconsistent with accepted medical practice.

gamma butyrolactone (GBL)

The main ingredient in gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB); once ingested, GBL converts to GHB and can cause the ingestor to lose consciousness.

polyabuse

The misuse or abuse of more than one drug.

Drug diversion

The transfer of a drug from the person for whom it was prescribed to another individual.

Drug misuse

The use of a drug for a purpose (or person) other than that for which it was medically intended.

subcutaneous

Under the skin.

Which of the following is true about preventing addictions? a. Chronic substance abusers do not get the normal surge in dopamine from excitable events, when compared to non-addicts. b. Most college students engage in addictive behaviors. c. There are no positive addictions. d. For those with a substance addiction, they experience an inability to surge dopamine from anything other than their addictive substance, and this inability to surge dopamine is irreversible.

a. Chronic substance abusers do not get the normal surge in dopamine from excitable events, when compared to non-addicts.

Risk factors for problem gambling include all except which of the following? a. Feeling excited before gambling b. Consistently betting more to cover losses c. Having a big win early in one's gambling career d. Behaving irrationally during gambling

a. Feeling excited before gambling

Which of the following is NOT true regarding prescription medications? a. Most adults have no problem understanding the dosage information. b. Allergic reactions to drugs are common. c. There can be dangerous drug interactions when combining some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. d. Recurrent infections are a danger of not taking some prescription drugs as directed.

a. Most adults have no problem understanding the dosage information.

Which of the following is true regarding the impact of the opioid epidemic? a. Non-Hispanic whites, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have higher prevalence of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses. b. The number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and illegal opioids such as heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl) is double than in 1999. c. More than one-third of fatal drug overdoses involve an opioid. d. On average, 30 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. The rate of overdose deaths involving opioids has risen by 150 percent.

a. Non-Hispanic whites, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have higher prevalence of opioid misuse, addiction, and overdoses

An estimated one in _______ patients receiving long-term opioid therapy struggles with opioid addiction a. four b. eight c. twelve d. twelve

a. four

The American Society of Addiction Medicine indicates the characteristics of addiction include all of the following except which one? a. Diminished recognition of significant problems with one's behavior and interpersonal relationships b. Knowledge that the substance is harmful c. Inability to abstain from use of a substance d. Dysfunctional or unhealthy emotional response

b. Knowledge that the substance is harmful

Which is true regarding the principles of drug abuse treatment? a. Treatment must be voluntary to be effective. b. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders. c. There really is no treatment that ultimately works. d. Medically assisted detoxification is the only proven treatment option for addicts.

b. Many drug-addicted individuals also have other mental disorders.

Based upon the Monitoring the Future study, which of the following is true regarding drug use on campus? a. Few students report use of an illicit drug during their lifetimes. b. Most students use marijuana regularly. c. About 11 percent of college students report that they misused prescription drugs in the last year. d. About 14 percent of students have used heroin.

c. About 11 percent of college students report that they misused prescription drugs in the last year.

Which of these is NOT true of caffeine? a. Studies indicate caffeine does not offer serious health risks for most people. b. Caffeine sharpens concentration. c. Caffeine causes depression. d. Contrary to common belief, regular caffeine consumption also does not cause dangerous racing of the heart.

c. Caffeine causes depression.

Why do students use drugs? a. Students who delay enrollment or enter college at an older age are more likely to use drugs than those who enroll in college directly from high school. b. In general, African American students have higher levels of alcohol and drug use than do white students. c. What your parents approve of is related to drug use. d. Illicit drug use is more common among students who actively participate in classes and feel connected with the subject matter.

c. What your parents approve of is related to drug use.

Long-term effects of prescription stimulants include all of the following except ______________________ ? a. psychosis b. paranoia c. improved academic performance d. heart problems

c. improved academic performance

__________ , which was once sold in health-food stores as a fat burner, was banned because of its effects on the brain and nervous system. a. MDMA b. Khat c. Bath salts d. GHB and GBL

d. GHB and GBL

Which of the following is true about medications? a. Other than shipping costs, purchasing drugs online is an acceptable alternative to buying through a pharmacy. b. It is now recommended to drink a hot beverage when taking a medication. c. Most medications are entirely without side effects. d. Many medications can change the way people think, feel, and behave, and patients as well as their physicians many times do not connect the link to the medication.

d. Many medications can change the way people think, feel, and behave, and patients as well as their physicians many times do not connect the link to the medication.

______________ interaction is one in which the total effect of two drugs taken together is greater than the sum of the effects the two drugs would have had if taken by themselves on separate occasions a. Potentiating b. Antagonistic c. Additive d. Synergistic

d. Synergistic

The average drug abuser who enters into treatment is on _____ different drugs. a. two b. three c. four d. five

d. five