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Tolerance and Addiction in Substance Use
TEACH 1.3-5 Disorders

Teaching Tip 1.3-5 What are substance use disorders?

What ar

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What ar
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substance use disorders?
1.3-5
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What ar
substance use disorders?
If students approach you about a Let’s imagine a day in the life of a legal-drug-using adult. The day begins with a couple shots
substance use–related problem that of espresso to feel alert, then an Adderall pill to help focus on a morning meeting. At midday,
either they have or someone they care an energy drink offsets post-lunch drowsiness, and vaping calms anxiety before a presenta-
tion. Later, a friend suggests meeting for after-work drinks. It used to take only a drink or two
about has, help them understand your to feel relaxed, but now it’s three or four. Back home, two Advil PMs before bed help induce
obligations as a teacher. While you sleep. The alarm beeps just a few hours later. Then the daily cycle of drug use resumes. Over
can assure them a certain level of con- time, our imagined person — and many actual people — may struggle to keep up with work
and family responsibilities, experience strained relationships, and have difficulty limiting their
fidentiality, you may be obligated to substance use. How do we know when substance use becomes a problem?
report behaviors that may cause them The substances our imaginary person uses are psychoactive drugs — chemicals that
personal harm to a guidance coun- alter the brain, producing changes in perceptions and moods. Most of us manage to use
some psychoactive drugs in moderation and without disrupting our lives. But sometimes,
selor, school psychologist, or parent. drug use crosses the line between moderation and substance use disorder ( Table 1.3-2 ).

Inform them upfront that you will do
Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Not for redistribution.
everything in your power to help, but TABLE 1.3-2 When Is Drug Use a Disorder?

for their safety, that help may involve According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), a person may be diagnosed with
other people more qualified than you substance use disorder when drug use continues despite significant life disruptions. The
to deal with this type of problem. resulting brain changes may persist after quitting use of the substance (thus leading to strong
cravings when exposed to people and situations that trigger memories of drug use). The
severity of substance use disorder varies from mild (two to three of the indicators listed below)
to moderate (four to five indicators) to severe (six or more indicators). If you are concerned
ENGAGE 1.3-5 about your substance use or that of a loved one, contact your school counselor, health clinic,
or physician.
(Out of class) Use Student Activity: Diminished Control
Signs of Drug Abuse to help students

recognize when someone they know 1. Uses more substance, or for longer than intended.
might be addicted to drugs. This activ- 2. Tries unsuccessfully to regulate use of substance.

3. Spends much time acquiring, using, or recovering from effects of substance.
ity contains two brief surveys that can 4. Craves the substance.
be used to introduce or conclude your
classroom discussion of substance Diminished Social Functioning
5. Use disrupts commitments at work, school, or home.

use. Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
6. Continues use despite social problems.
M1.3b: Signs of Drug Abuse 7. Causes reduced social, recreational, and work activities.
Hazardous Use
psychoactive drug a chemical
substance that alters the brain, 8. Continues use despite hazards.
ENGAGE 1.3-5 causing changes in perceptions
and moods. 9. Continues use despite worsening physical or psychological problems.
(Out of class) Drug use can be a substance use disorder Drug Action
difficult topic for you to discuss with a disorder characterized by 10. Experiences tolerance (needing more substance for the desired effect).
continued substance use despite

your students because the social resulting life disruption. 11. Experiences withdrawal (unpleasant mental or physical reactions) when attempting to end use.

stigma of drug use is so profound.
Use Student Activity: Eyescube Drug 40 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior
Addiction Simulation to help students
understand, through a safe and active
learning experience, the interaction of
biological, psychological, and socio- TEACH 1.3-5 substances like drugs or alcohol? Why or 15/12/23 9:22 AM
03_myersAPpsychology4e_28116_ch01_002_163.indd 40
logical processes of drug addiction. Teaching Tip why not?
• Does the psychologist treat all addictions
M1.3b: Eyescube Drug Contact a local psychologist who special- the same way? Why or why not?
Addiction Simulation izes in substance dependence to get their
thoughts on the various addictions found in Share this information with your class.
the U.S. population.
• Does the psychologist believe addictions
to the internet, shopping, or sex have the
same fundamental basis as addictions to
40 Unit 1 Biological Bases of Behavior

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