Abnormal Psychology Final Exam - Substance Use Disorders Q&A 2025/2026 Update

Substance Abuse:
1. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress
2. At least one of the following features occurring within one year:
a) Recurrent substance use, resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,
school, or home
b) Recurrent substance use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
c) Recurrent substance-related legal problems
d) Substance use that continues despite its causing or increasing persistent social or
interpersonal problems
Substance dependence:
1. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress
2. At least three of the following:
a) Tolerance
b) Withdrawal
c) Substance often taken in larger amount over a longer period than was intended
d) Persistent desire for substance or unsuccessful efforts to control substance use
e) Considerable time spent trying to obtain, use, or recover from the substance
f) Substance use in place of important activities
g) Substance use that continues despite its causing or increasing persistent physical or
psychological problems - ANS-What is the current DSM distinction between Substance
Abuse and Substance dependence?
Tolerance
Withdrawal:
Physiological symptoms
-cramps
-anxiety attacks
-sweating
-nausea - ANS-What are some key concepts of substance dependence?
Depressants, Alcohol and sedative-hypnotics affect GABA in the brain, Stimulants, -
ANS-What are the major classes of substances?
Depressants:
Alcohol
- beer
- wine