PSY 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 27: Santa Barbara City College, Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, Alcohol Dependence
Document Summary
Low to moderate doses: increases activity of gaba (inhibitory neurotransmitter) Slow down vital life process (even to the point of death) {blood alcohol. Long-term risks: alcoholism, cirrhosis, breast and other cancer, heart disease, brain atrophy. Maladaptive pattern of use associated with clinically significant despair or stress. Resulting in the failure to fulfill responsibilities. Despite persistent or recurrent social/ interpersonal problems. Alcohol dependence: includes physical dependence, tolerance, greater amounts over time and withdrawal. Children of alcoholics require higher levels of alcohol to produce similar effects of intoxication then heavier drinking leads to dependence. High anxiety or emotional pain (self medication) Alcohol use is glamorized and associated with good times. People do not weigh the consequences for their actions. Barbiturates: tranquilizers, sleeping pills, valium sleeping pills. Suppress the nervous system by increasing the activity of gaba (**depressents addictive and limit gaba) Slurred speech, impaired co-ordination and severe memory loss.
