PSYO 2220 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Substance Abuse, Miscarriage, Etiology
Document Summary
Aside from its behavioral effects, cocaine poses significant physical danger. Pregnant women who use cocaine have an increased likelihood of miscarriage and of having children with abnormalities. The greatest danger of use of cocaine is the risk of overdose. Excessive doses depress the brain"s respiratory function, and stop breathing. Cocaine use can also cause heart failure. Getaway hypothesis: use of entry drugs leas to use of harder drugs. (does not occur to all users) General pattern of progression: initiation, experimentation, casual use, regular use, abuse, dependence. Factors associated with progressing from entry drugs to hard drugs are: age: younger age at start use more likely to abuse later in life, quantity: more drugs used at beginning, more likely to continue to dependence. Cognitive theorist argue that reward effects produce an expectancy that substances will be rewarding, and this expectation is sufficient to motivate individuals to increase drug use at times of tension.