Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 14

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 14.1 (tests Learning Outcome 14.1)

Which of the following statement is false? In each case explain why it is incorrect.

A  Every psychative substance will cause dependence.

B  Tolerance refers to the need to increase the amount of psychoactive substance to achieve the same effect.

C  People who are addicted to alcohol and cannot stop drinking only have themselves to blame.

D  The presence of withdrawal symptoms is one sign of dependence.

Answer

A is false. Psychoactive substances can cause addiction, but many people use substances, for example alcohol, in low amounts without becoming addicted.

B is true. Psychoactive substances can cause tolerance, which is characterised by the need to increase the quantity of substances used in order to get the same level of effect as before.

C is false. This person may have started using substances voluntarily, but after a certain period of time brain changes will lead to involuntary use. This means the person should receive help and support in overcoming their addiction.

D is true. People who have developed an addiction will show withdrawal symptoms. Which particular symptoms are likely to occur depends on the type of substance used.

Read Case Study 14.1 and answer the question that follows it.

Case Study 14.1  Mr Thomas

Mr Thomas is a 39-year-old merchant and a married father of two. He has been drinking local areki on a daily basis for the last 10 years. He initially took up drinking to socialise with his friends, but over time he has greatly increased the amount of areki he drinks. He feels a craving to get areki all the time. His wife is worried about his forgetfulness, his loss of interest in work, the lack of money to feed the family and the many domestic arguments they have. He exhibits irritable behaviour, tremor, sweating and nausea. His wife says he looks tense and fearful whenever he has a day without drinking areki.

SAQ 14.2 (tests Learning Outcome 14.2)

Outline the withdrawal symptoms and long-term effects impacting on Mr. Thomas of his areki drinking.

Answer

Mr Thomas’s withdrawal symptoms include: a compulsion to drink, irritable behaviour, tremors, sweating, nausea and feeling tense and fearful when deprived of drink.

Long-term effects are: forgetfulness, loss of interest in work, failure to manage family commitments and financial difficulties.

SAQ 14.3 (tests Learning Outcome 14.3 and 14.5)

After reading Case Study 14.1, what questions would you ask Mr Thomas to find out whether he has an alcohol use problem?

What would make you decide whether to refer Mr Thomas for medical treatment?

Answer

You should use the questions in the CAGE questionnaire (Box 14.2):

  • Have you ever felt you should Cut your drinking?
  • Have people Annoyed you by criticising your drinking?
  • Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking?
  • Have you ever taken a drink first thing in the morning (Eye opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

Based on the information provided in the Case Study, Mr Thomas seems to have developed an alcohol addiction. From the CAGE questions you ask Mr Thomas, and from talking to Mr Thomas’s wife, you can evaluate the severity of the addiction, his withdrawal symptoms and whether Mr Thomas may have other physical or mental health problems. In cases of severe withdrawal symptoms or other physical or mental health problems, you should refer Mr Thomas to the nearest healthcentre or hospital.

SAQ 14.4 (tests Learning Outcomes 14.4 and 14.5)

Mr Nuredin has been chewing khat and smoking cigarettes for more than 15 years. He comes to you and asks you ‘Is there a need to stop chewing khat and smoking cigarettes?’ How would you respond?

Answer

Mr Nuredin has been chewing khat and smoking cigarettes for 15 years. You should encourage him to stop using these substances by giving him adequate information about the negative consequences of using them. You can also support him in his efforts to stop taking the drugs by assisting and advising him in making changes to his lifestyle. You should advise him to see a doctor if he cannot stop without medical assistance.

Summary of Study Session 14