Lesson 1: Clinical Disorders – Part F

To summarize:

• Many Canadians use a variety of drugs each day (e.g., caffeine, acetaminophen, alcohol, nicotine). Some drugs, however, are illegal (e.g., crystal meth, hallucinogens, cocaine). Individuals can experience negative effects from both legal and illegal drugs.

• A diagnosis of intoxication may be made if obvious and significant behavioural and psychological changes are evident in an individual after he or she introduces a specific substance into his or her body. These changes occur as a direct result of the substance’s biological effects on the central nervous system. When people are intoxicated, their judgement, attention, and concentration are reduced.

• When a person repeatedly uses a substance and the effects are negative (e.g., significant impairment or distress), a substance abuse diagnosis may be made. The negative symptoms, however, must occur for a minimum of 12 months. Substance dependence may be considered an advanced form of substance abuse.

• When individuals discontinue the use of a substance they are dependent on, they may experience a variety of symptoms, both physical and psychological.

• A person’s vulnerability to a specific substance depends on his or her individual traits, both physiological and psychological.

• Some drugs lock onto the neuron and act like a pump, so the neuron releases more neurotransmitters. Other drugs block re-absorption or reuptake and cause unnatural floods of neurotransmitters. All drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, cocaine, and marijuana, primarily affect the brain’s limbic system.

• Similarities between pathological gambling and chemical dependency include an inability to stop/control the addiction, denial, severe depression, and mood swings. Pathological gambling and chemical dependency are both progressive diseases with similar phases.