Risk Factors and Protective Factors
Trevor Endre
Dr. Donna Steckal
PSY370 | Introduction to Addiction & Addictive Behavior
Argosy University
In this case study, Aaliyah is struggling with a possible caffeine addiction. Aaliyah is now struggling to stay awake to complete her assignments, to stay awake her roommate makes coffee for her. To stay awake Aaliyah consumes up to four cups of coffee, she does this in hopes of being able to finish her assignment. In order to better understand Aaliyah’s situation, we will need to identify risk and protective factors, while also discussing at least either one risk or protective factor not mentioned. Finally, we will be explaining what these risk/ protective factors imply for future drug use. …show more content…
The first is increase in blood pressure, and the second is myocardial infarction (heart attacks). “Acute caffeine intake is shown to significantly increase central blood pressure. In people prone to hypertension, drinking coffee may be harmful and it might also increase some anti-stress properties” (pg. 90) (Shirlow, Berry, & Stokes). Caffeine is also a possible protective factor against both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. “Coffee drinking of 3-5 cups per day at midlife was associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD by about 65% at late-life. In conclusion, coffee drinking may be associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD.” (Eskelinen MH, Kivipelto M.) Another risk factor of consuming too much caffeine/ coffee would be the increase of anxiety, as well as disrupt sleeping patterns eventually leading to insomnia. For future substance use Aaliyah might resort to the use of amphetamines to stay focused on her school work. Some examples of these amphetamines would be Adderall, or Concerta. She may also have to start using blood pressure medication to regulate her blood pressure. She may also have to use sleep aids to regulate her sleeping
Trevor Endre
Dr. Donna Steckal
PSY370 | Introduction to Addiction & Addictive Behavior
Argosy University
In this case study, Aaliyah is struggling with a possible caffeine addiction. Aaliyah is now struggling to stay awake to complete her assignments, to stay awake her roommate makes coffee for her. To stay awake Aaliyah consumes up to four cups of coffee, she does this in hopes of being able to finish her assignment. In order to better understand Aaliyah’s situation, we will need to identify risk and protective factors, while also discussing at least either one risk or protective factor not mentioned. Finally, we will be explaining what these risk/ protective factors imply for future drug use. …show more content…
The first is increase in blood pressure, and the second is myocardial infarction (heart attacks). “Acute caffeine intake is shown to significantly increase central blood pressure. In people prone to hypertension, drinking coffee may be harmful and it might also increase some anti-stress properties” (pg. 90) (Shirlow, Berry, & Stokes). Caffeine is also a possible protective factor against both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. “Coffee drinking of 3-5 cups per day at midlife was associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD by about 65% at late-life. In conclusion, coffee drinking may be associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD.” (Eskelinen MH, Kivipelto M.) Another risk factor of consuming too much caffeine/ coffee would be the increase of anxiety, as well as disrupt sleeping patterns eventually leading to insomnia. For future substance use Aaliyah might resort to the use of amphetamines to stay focused on her school work. Some examples of these amphetamines would be Adderall, or Concerta. She may also have to start using blood pressure medication to regulate her blood pressure. She may also have to use sleep aids to regulate her sleeping