MENTAL ILLNESS UNIT

Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction

Is it a mental illness?Millions of Americans depend on drugs so

heavily that they hurt themselves physically, socially, and psychologically For this reason drug addiction is covered in the DSM-

VPsychological Dependence: use of a drug to

such an extent that a person feels nervous and anxious without it Variety of drugs

Drug Addiction

Addiction Definition: a pattern of drug abuse characterized by an overwhelming and compulsive desire to obtain and use the drug Drugged state for addicts becomes the body’s

“normal” state Both a psychological and physical need

Tolerance: physical adaptation to a drug so that a person needs an increased amount in order to produce the original effect

Drug Addiction

Withdrawal: symptoms that occur after a person discontinues the use of a drug to which he or she has become addicted Vary from person to person

Mild nausea Shakes Hallucinations Convulsions Coma Death

Alcoholism

Most serious drug problem in America 77% of all high school seniors

have consumed alcohol (48% within the last month)

44% of students ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL have tried alcohol

29% have had 5 or more drinks in a row within the last two weeks

3% of graduating seniors are drinking alcohol daily

3rd leading “lifestyle-related” cause of death in America

Alcoholism

“Social Drug” First psychological

function that slows down is our inhibitions

Alcohol is not a stimulant – it is a depressant

As consumption increases, one by one the persons psychological and physiological functions begin to shut down

Alcoholism

Four Stage Disease Model: Stage I: individual drinks and relaxation encourages

more drinking Stage II: secret drinking occurs, with blackouts and

no memory of drinking Stage III: rationalization to justify drinking Stage IV: impaired thinking and compulsive drinking

May develop from both environmental or genetic factors 3 to 4 times more likely if a family member is an

alcoholic