Brain Function
- All Brain Function includes communication among nerve cells
- Gaps between connection points are synapses
- Neurotransmitters carry those messages across the synapses (Dopamine, Serotonin, etc)
- Chemicals alter functioning of the brain - therefore mood, perception, and judgement altered
- Certain neurotransmitter systems are thought to be involved in addiction
Types Effects of Chemicals
- Physical and Psychological
* Short-term and Long-term effects
Effects of Chemicals: Physical
- Respiration
- Blood Pressures
- Pupil Size
- Heart Rate
Effects of Chemicals: Psychological
- Changes in perception and judgement
- Relief of pain, anxiety
- Excitability
- Alters Mood
Short-Term Effects of Chemicals (while in body)**
Influencing Factors:
- Body Weight, age, expectations
- Mood, personality, location (setting)
Short-Term Effects of Chemicals (while in body)**
- Dependence
* Cross-Dependence
Withdrawal Process: Alcohol
Shakes, Nausea, Thirst, Seizure, Hallucinations, disorientation, depressed (suicidal), guilty, ashamed, irritable, angry, hopeless, elevated blood pressure, restlessness
Withdrawal Process: Cocaine
Paranoia, hyper alter, insomnia, manic-like agitation, depressed, guilt
Powder produces a 20 minute high. Crack is 7 seconds
Withdrawal Process: Heroine (Opiates)
lasting about a week, yawning, sweating, tearing, running nose, goose bumps, twitching, cramps, diarrhea, insomnia, elevated blood pressure
Alcoholism
- 14 Million in population with this disorder
- Likely a Multi-Gene Interaction
- Children of Alcoholics are 4 times more likely to become one themselves
- Environmental cues are major components of relapse
Medical Problems of Chemical Dependency
Liver Disease (3 phases): Fatty Liver, Enlarged Liver, Cirrhosis
- Enlarged Heart
- Pancreitius
- Elevated Blood Pressure
Psychiatric Problems of Chemical Dependency
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
Psychosocial Problems of Chemical Dependency
- Legal
- Marital
- Occuptional
Addiction Tests
- MAST: Michigan Alcoholism Test
- MAST-G: For Geriatrics
- DAST: Drug Abuse Screening Test
- SASSI: Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory
Clinical Indicators of Chemical Dependency
- Increase tissue tolerance
- Loss of Control
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Social Disruption: Home, Work, Law
Identifying Chemical Dependency
- Define “how much”
- Denial
- Client is able to drink less and feel the effects faster because of liver disease
Risk Perception: Key to prevention
- Peer Pressure…
1. Socialization Forces
2. Selection Forces - Be able to assess whether risk is Genetic or Social
- Cognitive Patterns are consistent with consumption level
Field Dependent verses Field Independent
Field Dependent: Individuals who are heavily influenced by those around them
Field Independent: Individuals that are NOT influenced by those around them
1. Do NOT work well in groups
Goal of Treatment for Chemical Dependence
Eliminate or reduce use of chemicals as a contributing factor to physical, psychological, and social dysfunction and thereby reducing related symptoms
Biological Addiction Model
Progressive disease caused by physiological malfunctioning that requires treatment by a physician; genetics important
Sociocultural Addition Model
Addiction is a result of a lifelong socialization process in a particular social or cultural milieu.
- Environmental restructuring
- Self-Help
- Half-way houses
Psychological Addiction Model
addition arises from emotional, learning, or motivational dysfunction.
- Psychotherapy
- Self help
Biopsychosocial Additional Model
Addiction results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural risk factor.
1. Treatment strategy is a function of carefully assessing the clients needs
Diagnosing Substance Dependence Disorders
- *Three or more occurring at any time in 12 month period**
1. Tolerance
2. Withdrawal
3. Taking in larger amounts than intended over a period of time
4. Persistance desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down
5. Much time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from substance
6. Social, occupational, or recreational activities reduced
7. Continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological problems
