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Study Guide: Neurobiology and Treatment of Drug Relapse

Cheat Sheet:
Neurobiology and Treatment of Drug Relapse Study Guide

Defining Relapse and Recrudescence

In internal medicine, relapse signifies the initial onset of a disease after a period of complete health.

Answer: False

Explanation: In internal medicine, relapse is defined as the recurrence of a disease or its symptoms following a period of remission or dormancy, not necessarily the initial onset after complete health.

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Psychiatric relapse is characterized by the return of pathological drug use or other symptoms following a recovery phase.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement accurately defines psychiatric relapse as the recurrence of pathological drug use or symptoms after a period of recovery or remission.

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Recrudescence is a term used exclusively for the recurrence of psychiatric symptoms after recovery.

Answer: False

Explanation: Recrudescence refers to the recurrence of a past condition after dormancy and is used for various conditions, including infections like malaria, not exclusively psychiatric symptoms.

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Recrudescence is a synonym for relapse specifically within the field of psychiatry.

Answer: False

Explanation: Recrudescence refers to the recurrence of a past condition after dormancy and is used across various medical fields, not exclusively in psychiatry as a synonym for relapse.

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Relapse in psychiatry specifically refers to the recurrence of symptoms related to mental disorders, excluding drug use.

Answer: False

Explanation: Psychiatric relapse, as defined in the text, explicitly includes the recurrence of pathological drug use, alongside other symptoms of mental disorders.

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According to the source, what is the definition of relapse in the context of internal medicine?

Answer: The recurrence of a past medical condition after a period of remission or dormancy.

Explanation: In internal medicine, relapse refers to the reappearance of a disease or its symptoms following a period where they were absent or dormant.

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Which of the following best describes relapse in psychiatry, according to the text?

Answer: The recurrence of pathological drug use or symptoms after a recovery period.

Explanation: Psychiatric relapse is characterized by the return of problematic behaviors or symptoms following a period of improvement or abstinence.

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The text uses the term 'recrudescence' in the context of which type of condition?

Answer: Recurrence of infections like malaria after dormancy.

Explanation: Recrudescence is exemplified by the reappearance of dormant infections, such as malaria, after a period of inactivity.

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Neurobiology of Addiction and Relapse

Higher availability of dopamine D2 receptors is associated with increased vulnerability to the reinforcing effects of drugs like cocaine.

Answer: False

Explanation: Research indicates an inverse relationship: lower availability of dopamine D2 receptors is associated with increased vulnerability to the reinforcing effects of drugs like cocaine.

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Research strongly suggests that low dopamine D2 receptor availability is a predisposing factor for drug addiction.

Answer: False

Explanation: While low dopamine D2 receptor availability is linked to increased vulnerability, studies suggest these changes are often a result of drug use rather than a definitive predisposing factor for addiction.

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The dopamine receptor D2 and the medial prefrontal cortex are key neurobiological targets for pharmacotherapy in relapse prevention.

Answer: True

Explanation: These brain regions and receptor systems are critically involved in the neurobiological pathways underlying relapse, making them important targets for pharmacological intervention.

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The medial prefrontal cortex is targeted by pharmacotherapy because it is implicated in various forms of relapse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex are strongly associated with multiple pathways of relapse, making it a critical target for therapeutic interventions.

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The source suggests that dopamine D2 receptors may return to normal levels after prolonged abstinence from drug use.

Answer: True

Explanation: Evidence suggests that dopamine D2 receptor availability can potentially recover to pre-drug exposure levels during extended periods of abstinence.

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The source implies that addiction involves persistent neurobiological changes that require therapeutic intervention.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text suggests that addiction is characterized by long-term alterations in brain structure and function, necessitating therapeutic interventions to manage or reverse these changes.

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The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy targeting neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex is currently limited due to incomplete understanding of these adaptations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The complexity and incomplete understanding of neuroadaptations in the medial prefrontal cortex currently limit the efficacy of pharmacotherapies targeting this region.

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What is the relationship between dopamine D2 receptor availability and vulnerability to drugs like cocaine?

Answer: Low D2 availability increases vulnerability.

Explanation: A lower availability of dopamine D2 receptors is associated with a greater susceptibility to the reinforcing effects of drugs like cocaine.

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Based on the provided text, are changes in dopamine D2 receptor availability typically considered a cause or a result of cocaine use?

Answer: A result, as studies suggest it changes due to drug use.

Explanation: Most research indicates that alterations in dopamine D2 receptor availability are typically observed as a consequence of cocaine use, rather than a pre-existing condition that causes it.

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What are identified as key neurobiological targets for pharmacotherapy in relapse prevention?

Answer: The dopamine receptor D2 and the medial prefrontal cortex.

Explanation: These specific neurobiological structures and systems are critically involved in the mechanisms of relapse and are therefore key targets for pharmacotherapeutic intervention.

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Which brain region is highlighted as a significant target for pharmacotherapy due to its involvement in various forms of relapse?

Answer: The medial prefrontal cortex

Explanation: The medial prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in the neurobiological pathways that mediate drug, stress, and cue-induced relapse, making it a key target for therapeutic interventions.

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What does the source suggest about the recovery of dopamine D2 receptors during abstinence?

Answer: They may return to pre-drug levels during long periods of abstinence.

Explanation: The text indicates a potential for dopamine D2 receptors to normalize over extended periods of abstinence, suggesting a biological basis for recovery.

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What does the source imply about the long-term impact of prolonged drug use on the brain?

Answer: It leads to significant and long-term changes in the brain and nervous system.

Explanation: The text suggests that sustained drug use induces persistent neurobiological alterations that necessitate therapeutic intervention.

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Triggers and Mechanisms of Relapse

Stress, re-exposure to the drug, and environmental cues are the three main factors that can trigger the reinstatement of drug use.

Answer: True

Explanation: These three factors—stress, drug priming (re-exposure), and environmental cues—are consistently identified as primary triggers for the reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior.

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Stress can induce relapse primarily by causing physical pain during abstinence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stress can induce relapse by activating craving and drug-seeking behavior through psychological and physiological pathways, not primarily by causing physical pain.

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Drug-priming involves exposing an abstinent individual to a non-drug related stressor to test their resilience.

Answer: False

Explanation: Drug-priming specifically refers to the exposure of an abstinent individual to the addictive substance itself, not a non-drug related stressor.

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Environmental cues associated with drug use can trigger relapse by activating learned associations and prompting craving.

Answer: True

Explanation: Environmental cues are powerful triggers that leverage learned associations to evoke craving and initiate drug-seeking behavior, contributing significantly to relapse.

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Craving, defined as a mild desire for a drug, is considered a hallmark of substance dependence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Craving is defined as a strong desire or intention to use a drug, and it is considered a hallmark of substance dependence.

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Reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior in animal models can be induced by drug exposure, cues, or stressors.

Answer: True

Explanation: These three stimuli are the primary methods used in animal models to experimentally induce the return of drug-seeking behavior after a period of abstinence.

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Abraham Wikler first described the concept of craving in the context of substance dependence in the mid-20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Abraham Wikler is credited with first defining craving in relation to substance dependence, contributing significantly to the understanding of addiction.

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The source suggests that environmental cues play a less significant role in triggering craving in humans compared to laboratory animal models.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text notes that drug-associated stimuli often play a less significant role in triggering craving in humans compared to the controlled laboratory environment of animal models.

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Identify the three primary triggers that can initiate the reinstatement of drug use after abstinence.

Answer: Stress, re-exposure to the drug (drug-priming), and environmental cues.

Explanation: These three factors are consistently identified as the principal stimuli that can trigger a return to drug-seeking behavior following a period of abstinence.

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What mechanism explains how stress acts as a trigger for relapse?

Answer: Stress cues can stimulate craving and drug-seeking behavior, even during abstinence.

Explanation: Stress acts as a potent trigger by activating learned associations and emotional states that prompt drug-seeking behavior, irrespective of current physiological need.

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In the context of relapse, what does 'drug-priming' refer to?

Answer: A brief exposure of an abstinent individual to the addictive substance.

Explanation: Drug-priming is a phenomenon where a small exposure to the drug can reactivate drug-seeking behavior after a period of abstinence.

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How do environmental cues contribute to relapse?

Answer: By activating learned associations and prompting craving for the drug.

Explanation: Environmental cues, through classical conditioning, become associated with the drug's effects and can elicit powerful cravings and drug-seeking behaviors.

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What is craving, as defined by Abraham Wikler and mentioned in the text?

Answer: A strong desire or intention to use a drug.

Explanation: Craving is characterized by a potent urge or intention to consume a substance, representing a key motivational state in substance dependence.

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How can reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior be induced in animal models after extinction?

Answer: By presenting the drug, associated cues, or stressors.

Explanation: These stimuli are known to reliably reinstate drug-seeking behavior in animal models, mimicking triggers for relapse in humans.

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Animal Models in Relapse Research

Animal studies indicate that socially dominant animals are more prone to maintaining self-administration of drugs compared to subordinate animals.

Answer: False

Explanation: Animal studies suggest the opposite: socially dominant animals tend to be less prone to maintaining drug self-administration compared to subordinate animals.

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Animal models are used in research because ethical considerations prevent humans from self-administering drugs for study.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ethical constraints on human drug administration make animal models indispensable for investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction and relapse.

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Non-human primates are less useful than rodents for studying drug relapse due to significant biological differences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Non-human primates are considered highly useful for studying drug relapse due to their biological and behavioral similarities to humans, including shared brain structures and complex social behaviors.

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In animal self-administration protocols, animals learn to press a lever to receive drug injections, often associated with a visual cue.

Answer: True

Explanation: This describes the standard operant conditioning paradigm used in self-administration studies, where animals learn to perform an action to obtain a drug reward, often signaled by a cue.

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The extinction protocol in animal models involves repeatedly administering the drug to reinforce abstinence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The extinction protocol involves withholding the drug reward (substituting it with saline) and removing associated cues to decrease drug-seeking behavior, not reinforce abstinence by administering the drug.

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Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is preferred in animal studies over human studies due to its high resolution and lack of radiation.

Answer: False

Explanation: fMRI is commonly preferred for human studies due to its high resolution and non-invasive nature. Other techniques like PET and SPECT are more typical for detailed neurochemical studies in animals.

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A major limitation of animal models is that human relapse rarely follows strict laboratory extinction protocols.

Answer: True

Explanation: This highlights a key difference between laboratory models and real-world human relapse, where the controlled extinction process is often not replicated.

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The 'predictive validity' of animal models assesses how closely the model's procedures resemble real-world relapse scenarios.

Answer: False

Explanation: Predictive validity assesses the model's ability to forecast real-world outcomes. How closely procedures resemble real-world scenarios is related to 'face validity' or 'formal equivalence'.

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Functional equivalence in validating animal models means the underlying mechanisms driving relapse behavior are comparable to humans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Functional equivalence, or 'functional validity,' posits that the behavioral processes and underlying neurobiological mechanisms observed in the animal model are analogous to those in humans.

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Animal models are considered highly reliable predictors of human relapse triggers due to their identical neurochemistry.

Answer: False

Explanation: While animal models provide valuable insights, their neurochemistry is not identical to humans, and their reliability as predictors of human relapse triggers is subject to limitations and ongoing research.

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PET and SPECT neuroimaging techniques are favored in human studies over fMRI due to their higher resolution.

Answer: False

Explanation: fMRI is generally favored in human studies for its higher resolution and lack of radiation compared to PET and SPECT.

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The concept of 'face validity' in animal models relates to their ability to predict real-world outcomes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Face validity, or formal equivalence, assesses how closely the model's procedures resemble the phenomenon being studied. Predictive validity relates to forecasting real-world outcomes.

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How does social hierarchy influence substance use vulnerability, according to animal studies mentioned?

Answer: Dominant animals are less vulnerable and less likely to maintain drug self-administration.

Explanation: Animal studies suggest that social dominance is associated with lower vulnerability to drug self-administration, potentially due to differences in dopamine receptor availability.

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Why are animal models essential in drug addiction and relapse research?

Answer: Ethical limitations prevent humans from self-administering drugs for study.

Explanation: Ethical considerations preclude direct experimental drug administration in humans, making animal models crucial for studying addiction mechanisms.

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What characteristic makes non-human primates particularly valuable for studying drug relapse?

Answer: They share similarities with humans in brain anatomy, social behavior, and lifespan.

Explanation: The phylogenetic proximity to humans, particularly in brain structure and complex social dynamics, makes non-human primates valuable models for addiction research.

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In animal models, what occurs during the extinction protocol for studying relapse?

Answer: The drug is replaced with saline, and the reward is removed until drug-seeking behavior decreases.

Explanation: The extinction protocol aims to reduce drug-seeking behavior by removing the drug reward associated with a specific action.

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What is a primary limitation of using animal models to study human relapse, according to the text?

Answer: Human relapse rarely follows the strict extinction protocols used in labs.

Explanation: The artificial nature of laboratory protocols, such as extinction, represents a significant divergence from the complex and often less structured reality of human relapse.

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Which neuroimaging technique is commonly used in human subjects for studying brain activity due to its high resolution and lack of radiation?

Answer: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Explanation: fMRI is a preferred neuroimaging modality in human research owing to its superior spatial resolution and absence of ionizing radiation.

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Therapeutic Strategies for Relapse Prevention

A primary goal in treating substance dependence is to help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms to meet needs previously fulfilled by drug use.

Answer: True

Explanation: A central aim of addiction treatment is equipping individuals with alternative strategies to address fundamental needs that were previously met through substance use.

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Pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), and contingency management are the three main approaches to reducing drug relapse.

Answer: True

Explanation: These three modalities—pharmacotherapy, CBT, and contingency management—represent the primary evidence-based approaches for mitigating drug relapse.

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Pharmacotherapy aims to prevent relapse by altering the individual's social environment.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pharmacotherapy primarily aims to prevent relapse by using medications to normalize neurobiological changes associated with addiction, not by altering the social environment.

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Cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT) primarily use medication to alter drug-seeking behavior.

Answer: False

Explanation: CBT focuses on altering thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through psychological techniques, not primarily through medication, which is the domain of pharmacotherapy.

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Cue exposure therapy aims to gradually reduce the power of drug-related triggers by repeated exposure without substance use.

Answer: True

Explanation: This therapeutic technique is designed to diminish the conditioned response to drug cues through systematic, non-reinforced exposure.

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Relapse prevention (RP) models primarily focus on the immediate environmental consequences of drug use.

Answer: False

Explanation: RP models consider both immediate determinants (including environmental factors) and covert antecedents (like stress and cravings), not solely immediate environmental consequences.

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Covert antecedents in relapse prevention include high-risk situations and outcome expectancies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Covert antecedents refer to less obvious factors such as stress, urges, and cravings. High-risk situations and outcome expectancies are classified as immediate determinants.

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Contingency management focuses on altering thoughts and emotions related to drug use.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contingency management focuses on altering behavior through reinforcement of abstinence and consequences for drug use, rather than directly targeting thoughts and emotions.

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Contingency management relies on the principle of punishment for drug use, without offering rewards for abstinence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contingency management primarily utilizes reinforcement principles, offering rewards for abstinence and sometimes employing sanctions for drug use, but its core is positive reinforcement of desired behavior.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for relapse prevention includes techniques like cue exposure and teaching coping mechanisms.

Answer: True

Explanation: These are core components of CBT applied to relapse prevention, aiming to manage triggers and build resilience.

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Pharmacotherapy for relapse prevention primarily targets the alteration of cognitions and emotions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pharmacotherapy targets neurobiological mechanisms, whereas the alteration of cognitions and emotions is the primary focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

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Contingency management is a treatment approach that focuses on identifying underlying needs previously met by drug use.

Answer: False

Explanation: While identifying underlying needs is a general goal of addiction treatment, contingency management specifically focuses on altering behavior through reinforcement based on abstinence.

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Pharmacotherapy aims to normalize brain changes by directly altering an individual's cognitive processes.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pharmacotherapy utilizes medications to normalize neurobiological changes, whereas the direct alteration of cognitive processes is the domain of psychotherapeutic interventions like CBT.

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What are the fundamental goals of treating substance dependence mentioned in the text?

Answer: To identify underlying needs met by drugs and develop alternative coping skills.

Explanation: Effective treatment addresses the root issues that led to substance use by identifying unmet needs and fostering healthier strategies to fulfill them.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the three main approaches to reducing the likelihood of drug relapse mentioned?

Answer: Psychodynamic therapy

Explanation: The text explicitly lists pharmacotherapy, CBT, and contingency management as the three primary approaches for relapse reduction.

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How does pharmacotherapy primarily aim to prevent relapse?

Answer: By using medications to normalize long-term brain changes caused by drug use.

Explanation: Pharmacotherapy leverages medications to address the neurobiological alterations underlying addiction, thereby supporting sustained abstinence.

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Which therapeutic approach focuses on altering cognitions, thoughts, and emotions related to drug-taking behavior using conditioning principles?

Answer: Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT)

Explanation: CBT employs principles of learning and conditioning to modify maladaptive thought patterns and emotional responses associated with substance use.

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What is the goal of cue exposure therapy within CBT?

Answer: To gradually reduce the power of drug-related triggers through repeated exposure without use.

Explanation: This therapy aims to extinguish the conditioned response to drug cues by repeatedly exposing individuals to them without the opportunity for substance use.

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According to relapse prevention (RP) models, what are 'covert antecedents'?

Answer: Less obvious factors like overall stress, urges, and cravings.

Explanation: Covert antecedents represent internal, less apparent factors that contribute to relapse risk, contrasting with immediate determinants which are more situational.

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How does contingency management approach relapse prevention?

Answer: By using reinforcement (rewards or punishments) based on abstinence.

Explanation: Contingency management leverages behavioral principles by providing tangible rewards for abstinence and potentially sanctions for relapse.

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What is the main difference in focus between contingency management and CBT for relapse prevention?

Answer: Contingency management focuses on consequences (rewards/punishments); CBT focuses on precursors (thoughts/emotions/skills).

Explanation: Contingency management targets behavioral outcomes (consequences), while CBT addresses the cognitive and emotional precursors to drug use.

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Sex Differences and Hormonal Influences on Relapse

Women generally show lower relapse rates and less responsiveness to drug cues compared to men.

Answer: False

Explanation: Research indicates that women typically exhibit higher relapse rates and greater responsiveness to drug cues than men.

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Ovarian hormones like estradiol and progesterone are believed to influence drug-primed relapse in females.

Answer: True

Explanation: These hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and are implicated in modulating vulnerability to relapse in females.

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During the luteal phase, increased estradiol and decreased progesterone levels are associated with higher relapse risk.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the luteal phase, progesterone levels typically increase while estradiol levels decrease, a hormonal state associated with increased anxiety and depression, potentially elevating relapse risk.

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The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in females is associated with hormonal changes that can potentially increase vulnerability to relapse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hormonal fluctuations during the luteal phase, characterized by increased progesterone and decreased estradiol, can exacerbate negative mood states and withdrawal symptoms, potentially increasing relapse vulnerability.

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How do women generally differ from men regarding relapse and cue responsiveness, based on the source?

Answer: Women have higher relapse rates and are more responsive to cues.

Explanation: Research indicates that women tend to experience higher rates of relapse and exhibit greater sensitivity to drug-related cues compared to men.

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Which ovarian hormones are mentioned as potentially playing a significant role in drug-primed relapse in females?

Answer: Estradiol and progesterone

Explanation: Estradiol and progesterone are key ovarian hormones whose cyclical fluctuations are implicated in modulating relapse vulnerability in females.

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What changes occur during the luteal phase that might affect relapse risk in females?

Answer: Increased progesterone and decreased estradiol, potentially increasing anxiety and depression.

Explanation: The hormonal milieu of the luteal phase, characterized by higher progesterone and lower estradiol, is associated with increased negative affect, which can heighten relapse risk.

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