Addiction

Question 1

what are 6 characteristics of dependence?

Answer 1

1. difficulty in controlling use of drug (onset/termination/level of consumption)
2. increasing tolerance for drug (declining tolerance as a late phenomenon)
3. physiological withdrawal state on cessation or use of drug to avoid withdrawal
4. strong desire or sense of compulsion to alcohol
5. progressive neglect of other interests
6. persisting with use despite clear evidence of harmful consequences that the user is aware of

Question 2

what is the key neuroscience point behind addiction?

Answer 2

the increase in dopamine activity in the mesolimbic (reward) pathway

Question 3

what happens to this mesolimbic pathway with increased use levels of drug exposure?

Answer 3

they become less responsive and as a result level of stimulation increases to maintain reward

Question 4

what is said to cause withdrawal in chronic use of drug?

Answer 4

neuroadaptation

Question 5

neuroscience - what causes relapse behaviour?

Answer 5

drug use leads to reorganisation of synaptic connections with strengthening of pathways

Question 6

what are the 4 ‘L’ s that summarise harm due to substances?

Answer 6

LIVER - heath effects

LOVER - relationships

LIVELIHOOD - work

LAW - offending

Question 7

what % of all general medical and psychiatric hospital admissions are alcohol related?

Answer 7

25%

Question 8

what % of those with hep C have got it from IV drug use?

Answer 8

85%

Question 9

How many deaths each year in the UK is alcohol or drug related?

Answer 9

20,000 (1 in 3 of all UK deaths)

Question 10

What are the 4 main causes of death as a result of alcohol and drug related problems?

Answer 10

• accidents/injury (including suicide)
• liver disease
• cardiovascular disease
• cancers (upper GI, liver, breast)

Question 11

how does alcohol and drug related problems directly affec relationships?

Answer 11

involved in

• 60% of murders
• 60%+ of domestic violence

Question 12

what % of custodial sentences are alcohol related?

Answer 12

25%

Question 13

which group has the highest alcohol related mortality?

Answer 13

the most deprived areas