Drug Addiction

(Psychology 451) Course Objectives, Organization, & Requirements

Copyright 2005 Dr. Michael A. Bozarth, Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo

Learning Objectives
Attitude & Subjective Appraisal Concepts & Terminology Analytical Methods Factual Knowledge

Course Content
Overview of fundamental concepts Detailed examination of two prototypical drug classes
psychomotor stimulants (e.g., cocaine) opiates (e.g., heroin)

Emphasis on biological mechanisms Possible generalization to some other addictive drugs

Course Content (cont.)

Not covered in the course
many psychoactive drugs
marijuana MDMA (ecstasy) hallucinogens alcohol nicotine & caffeine

diagnosis & treatment of addiction possible nonchemical addictions

Background & Prerequisites

Introductory Psychology
conditioning & learning theory biological mechanisms of behavior

Research Methods & Statistics

experimental design principles of scientific inference

Biopsychology or Behavioral Neuroscience Survey course/module on Drug Abuse or equivalent background

Instructional Format
Assigned readings (primary learning tool) Lecture (mostly Q & A with mini lectures) Discussions (limited to main themes) Some videos (introductory case studies) Possible laboratory demonstrations Class attendance essential Internet access mandatory

Readings
Textbook installments available at Jacobs Copy Center throughout the semester
availability announced in class chapter study guides are available online readings must be completed before class meeting

Online material (see course home page) Reserve list at UGL Student is responsible for mastering the material and asking questions for clarification

Course Grade
Based on three exams administered during regularly scheduled class periods
grades are not curved but based on absolute grading criteria (A- = 90%, B- = 80%, etc.) major emphasis on readings and lecture material but material discussed in class may also be included as well as material from the Discussion List make-up exams allowed only under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the instructor and with written documentation

Course Difficulty
This is an upper level (elective) psychology course that places responsibility for learning largely on the student The course becomes progressively more difficult for most students
later concepts build on earlier concepts more material to learn, more difficult reading (e.g., details & level of analysis) more biological orientation

 Past course grades

average C+ 40 to 48% As & Bs a few students have managed perfect or near perfect exam scores (even on Exam #3)
Mean Exam Score
90%

80%

70%

60%
Exam #1 Exam #2 Exam #3

http://wings.buffalo.edu/aru/PSY451syl.htm

Opening Discussion: Whats the course about???

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?
What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?
What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

What does the term drug abuse mean?

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?
What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

What does the term drug abuse mean?

What drugs are considered abused by this definition?

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?
What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

What does the term drug abuse mean?

What drugs are considered abused by this definition?

What does the term dependence mean?

Whats the course about???

What does the term addiction mean?
What drugs are considered addictive by this definition?

What does the term drug abuse mean?

What drugs are considered abused by this definition?

What does the term dependence mean?

What are some examples of dependence?

Common Definitions of Key Terms

addiction: to use compulsively or
uncontrollably; to enslave

Common Definitions of Key Terms

addiction: to use compulsively or
uncontrollably; to enslave

abuse: to use wrongly or improperly

Common Definitions of Key Terms

addiction: to use compulsively or
uncontrollably; to enslave

abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination

to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition

Common Definitions of Key Terms

addiction: to use compulsively or
uncontrollably; to enslave

abuse: to use wrongly or improperly habit: a constant, often unconscious, inclination

to perform some act, acquired through its frequent repetition

addiction liability/potential: the tendency to

develop/produce an addiction

Common Definitions of Key Terms (cont.)

dependence: state of being determined,
influenced, or controlled by something else; subordination to someone or something needed or greatly desired; required for normal physiological or psychological function physical/physiologic/physiological psychological/psychic

Whats in a Name?
Compare the course title/subject matter (i.e., Drug Addiction) vs. the National Institute on Drug Abuse Therein lies the difference -- this course is about drug addiction not drug abuse

Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug?

Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual?

Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual? the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)

Key Concept
Addiction potential is a property of . . .
the drug? the individual? the situation/circumstances (e.g., social setting?)

The common factor that has been identified is the drug

Key Concept
Some important characteristic of a drugs action is critically involved in producing an addition Attempts to identify personality characteristics, social environment, etc. have been far less successful than identifying common characteristics of drug action

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

Determine characteristics of addiction

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction
typical characteristics defining attributes

Why Study Prototypic Addictive Drugs?

Determine characteristics of addiction Refine definitions of addiction
typical characteristics defining attributes

Develop scientific understanding of addiction

behavioral processes biological mechanisms

The Yin and Yang of Addictive Drugs

The Yin
Addictive drugs take a horrific toll on humanity
personal social economic

The Yang
But addictive drugs also provide probes for understanding brain function
addictive drugs provide a tool for probing the mind and its underlying neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis

From Smith et al., 1998.

From Bozarth, 1987.