PSYC 2301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Substance Abuse, Methadone, Substance Dependence
Document Summary
Harms reduction: completely eliminating substance use is unrealistic and therefore it is preferable to focus on reducing substance use to help minimize the social and physical harm associated with it. Illicit drug use: non-medical use of prescription drugs is on the increase in young adults, consequences, physical, lung damage, risk for hiv and other infections. Increase in heart rate and bp: mental, short-term anxiety, confusion, long-term memory and personality changes, social problems, lower inhibitions and affect judgement resulting in decisions and behaviours not normally taken, risky sexual behaviours, driving while impaired. Increase in hdl (good cholesterol: reduced risk of heart attack and lower bp (only moderate drinking though) Factors that influence smoking: some think smoking helps reduce weight or controls appetite, smoking tied to aggressive tendencies and depressive episodes, feelings of being angry, hassled or sad increase likelihood of smoking.
