Substance-Related, Addictive, & Impulse-Control Disorders — Causes, Effects, and Treatments Explained | Chapter 10 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology

Chapter 10 of Essentials of Abnormal Psychology examines substance-related and addictive behaviors as well as impulse-control disorders. You’ll learn how various drugs affect the brain and body, what drives compulsive use, and which evidence-based treatments—from medication to behavioral therapies—offer the best outcomes. Use this guide to reinforce your understanding and boost your exam performance.

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Overview of Substance-Related Disorders

Substance-related disorders involve compulsive use of psychoactive substances despite harmful consequences. Key features include tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect), withdrawal symptoms, and loss of control. Clinicians classify severity as mild, moderate, or severe based on DSM-5 criteria.

Categories of Psychoactive Substances

Depressants

• Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates
• Effects: Slow CNS activity, reduce anxiety, impair coordination
• Risks: Tolerance, severe withdrawal (e.g., delirium tremens), liver damage

Stimulants

• Examples: Cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, caffeine
• Effects: Increase alertness and energy by stimulating dopamine pathways
• Risks: Paranoia, cardiovascular problems, withdrawal irritability

Opioids

• Examples: Heroin, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl
• Effects: Pain relief and euphoria via endorphin system
• Risks: High overdose potential, severe flu-like withdrawal symptoms

Cannabis

• Effects: Mood alteration, increased appetite, impaired memory and coordination
• Risks: Possible psychotic symptoms at high doses

Hallucinogens & Other Drugs

• Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin): Distort perception, low dependence but risk “bad trips”
• Inhalants & Designer Drugs: Unpredictable effects, potential for neurotoxicity
• Steroids: Increase muscle mass but lead to aggression and cardiovascular issues

Causes of Substance Use Disorders

• Biological: Genetic predisposition, dopamine system dysregulation, neuroplastic changes
• Psychological: Positive reinforcement (pleasure), negative reinforcement (avoid withdrawal), craving triggers
• Social/Cultural: Peer influence, stress, media exposure, socioeconomic factors

Treatment Approaches

Biological Treatments

• Agonist Substitution: Methadone for opioids, nicotine patches for tobacco
• Antagonist Therapies: Naltrexone to block alcohol and opioid effects
• Aversive Treatments: Disulfiram (Antabuse) to produce unpleasant reaction to alcohol

Psychosocial Treatments

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies triggers, teaches coping skills
• Contingency Management: Rewards abstinence (e.g., vouchers for clean tests)
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Strengthens motivation to change
• Peer Support: 12-Step programs like AA/NA for community and accountability

Impulse-Control Disorders

Impulse-control disorders feature repeated failures to resist harmful urges. Common examples include:

• Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Sudden aggressive outbursts. Treatment: CBT, SSRIs
• Kleptomania: Compulsive stealing for emotional relief. Treatment: CBT, impulse-control training
• Pyromania: Urge to set fires for tension relief. Treatment: Behavioral therapy, emotion regulation strategies

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Treatment Framework

Effective intervention for substance-related and impulse-control disorders requires a multifaceted approach—combining pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and peer support. By addressing biological vulnerabilities, psychological triggers, and social influences, clinicians can tailor treatment plans that maximize recovery and reduce relapse.

For more detailed case studies and strategies, watch the full Chapter 10 summary on Last Minute Lecture. Dive deeper into each topic as you prepare for exams!

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