Introductory psychologyLesson 1 of 1 in the course States of Consciousness

Substance Use Disorders and the Effects of Psychoactive Drugs

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces substance use disorders and explains how clinicians distinguish a disorder from drug exposure or physical adaptation alone. Understanding these distinctions helps people recognize harmful patterns without relying on stereotypes.

The DSM-5 provides diagnostic criteria clinicians use to assess psychological disorders, including substance use disorders. A person with a substance use disorder may use more of a substance than intended, have difficulty controlling use, and continue using despite significant adverse consequences. The pattern is often compulsive: obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance can take priority over other activities.

All flashcards

Psychoactive drug
A substance that changes brain function and can alter consciousness, mood, perception, or behavior.
Agonist
A drug that facilitates or increases activity in a neurotransmitter system.
Tolerance
Needing more of a substance to produce an effect previously reached at a lower dose.
Respiratory depression
Dangerously slow or impaired breathing, which can be caused by opioids.
Methadone
A medication used in treatment programs to manage opioid withdrawal and support recovery.

Quiz questions

  1. At a neurotransmitter system, what does an agonist do?Answer: Facilitates or increases the system's activity.
  2. How does cocaine increase dopamine availability in the synapse?Answer: It blocks dopamine reuptake.
  3. How does caffeine mainly promote wakefulness?Answer: By antagonizing adenosine.
  4. What makes opioid overdose especially dangerous?Answer: Breathing can become dangerously slow or impaired.
  5. What does a substance's legal status establish about its medical effectiveness?Answer: Legal status alone does not establish medical effectiveness.

Based on Psychology 2e by Rose M. Spielman, William J. Jenkins, Marilyn D. Lovett (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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