The Effects Of Substance Dependence

Prior to the _____ (time frame), it was believed that those addicted to certain substances were possessed by the devil, or ____ [CITE]. Treatment for drug-dependent people involved _____ from a priest (instead of dr). As time has progressed, the way in which we perceive abnormal behaviour has evolved from a religious and philosophical context, to scientific and empirically grounded interpretations [CITE]. Although many uncertainties remain, the explanation of substance dependence has diversified to include two fundamental cues of abuse, which are psychological and environmental [CITE]. Psychological cues to substance use may include --- [CITE]. Environmental cues to substance use may include ---[CITE]. When assessing the impact of each cue, …show more content…
Psychological cues, such as ---prior state—(stress)-, ---feelings experienced during drug use---, as well as the impact of somatic states produced by withdrawal symptoms, are all instrumental in the transition from drug abuse into dependence [CITE]. As the use of certain substances temporarily alleviates the negative psychological symptoms, the user may become conditioned to associate the drug with a pleasant experience [CITE]. In the absence of certain factors obstructive to drug use, such as limited access to substances or unsupportive peers, the user is likely to develop a dependence on the drug in order to maintain the numbing or dulling of unpleasant mental states, or the feelings of euphoria [CITE]. For example, if a person experiencing a negative mood were to abuse a substance that provided them with emotional relief, the next time they experience the negative mood, they may be more likely to depend on the substance rather than seek the appropriate solution [CITE]. Additionally, users may seek to enhance an already-positive mood, which is demonstrated in the use of party drugs (such as ecstasy, cocaine, cannabis, and amphetamines), and alcohol [CITE]. Alternatively, a person who experienced an uncomfortable side effect following drug use may be less likely to repeat the behaviour, which prevents the development of dependence [CITE]. Studies have …show more content…
The strength of a particular cue differs from person to person, however, substance dependence relies on a combination of both cues to be maintained in the long term [CITE]. For example, a person living in a household where they are exposed to physical abuse is likely to experience emotional distress. Upon discovering that a certain substance is capable of easing their discomfort, subsequent household abuse is likely to result in the person relying on the substance to relieve them of their pain. The environmental cue (the household abuse) triggered the psychological cue (the emotional distress), which resulted in drug use and relief from the distress (a positive reinforcement). Eventually, the abuser, the location of abuse, a certain smell or sound, or even mental imagery may result in negative emotions, thereby expanding the number of environmental cues capable of promoting substance abuse, and furthering the dependence [CITE]. An alternative cycle may begin with a psychological cue, such as anxiety or depression due to drug withdrawal symptoms, which, when paired with an environmental cue such as the physical presence of the drug, may also result in the continuation of substance dependence. As demonstrated in The interconnected cues amalgamate to create a powerful dependence, which is often very difficult to terminate