DRUG ABUSE

Author: HERNÁNDEZ LOPEZ CANDIDO.
Year: 2002.
University: AUTÓNOMA DE BARCELONA [www.uab.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAT MEDICINA.
Place of preparation: ESCUELA DE DOCTORADO Y DE FORMACIÓN CONTINUADA.

Summary: The poly is the pattern of drug use more prevalent. In poly associated with MDMA (ecstasy), the combination often with snuff, cannabis or alcohol. Prior to this report there were no experimental studies in humans that have evaluated the combined administration of MDMA and alcohol. The objective of this report was to study the effects on human consumption simultaneously, condicines controlled, a single dose of MDMA similar to that used with a dose and recreational purposes and capable of producing alcohol intoxication etÂ'lica. We conducted a clinical trial with nine men and healthy volunteers experienced in the use of Ecstasy and alcohol. The design of the study was double-blind and double masked, crossover, placebo-controlled and randomized. The four treatment conditions consisted of oral administration of 100 mg of MDAM, alcohol (vodka) at a dose adjusted by weight of 0.8 g / kg, the combination of MDAM and alcohol related to the dose and the placebo both. These doses were selected based on the results of pilot studies. We evaluated pharmacodynamic parameters of safety and pharmacokinetic, including vital signs, psychomotor performance, and subjective effects hormone levels. Drugs administered and the most important metabolites of MDMA in plasma were analyzed. The values were analyzed coom differences in the baseline, then calculating the area under the curve (AUC) and the effect (Emax) or maximum concentration (Cmax) depending on the type of variable. Abmas estimates were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The administration of a single dose of 100 mg of MDMA produced the effects described above, which included a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate, mydriasis, slight elevation in temperature and oral esoforia. There was a sense of wellbeing and euphoria without significant changes in perceptions or hallucinations. Increased plasma concentrations of cortisol and prolactin. Plasma concentrations of MDMA and its metabolites were consistent with those described previously. The administration of alcohol (0.8 g / kg) produced and the effects described as feeling drunkenness, sedation and worsening of psychomotor performance. No effects were observed neuroendocrine. The ethanol concentrations in the blood were similar to those described in previous studies. The combination of MDMA and alcohol use was associated with an increase in heart rate and the extension in time of the impact hipertensor and hipertérmico compared with MDMA alone. It was also associated with a prolongation of euforizantes and stimulant effects of MDMA. The administration of MDMA in combianción not meant significant changes in the perception of drunkenness, but reduced the subjective feeling of sedacióny sleepiness caused by alcohol. The MDMA did not modify the deterioration of psychomotor performance produced by alcohol. The presence of alcohol led to a partial reversal of the esoforia produced by the MDMa. The combination led to an increase in the plasma concentrations of cortisol and prolactin in a manner similar to that obtained by MDMA. The combination was associated with an increase in Cmax of MDMA a 11% and a reduction of 15% in the Cmax ethanol respect to Cmax obtained by the two conditions alone. In conclusion, the combination of MDMA and alcohol appears to hold greater cardiovascular toxicity and greater potential for abuse that both substances separately. In addition results in a decline in sedacción and a false perception of better performance when in fact the real capacity to re-8 ndimient 31b or psychomotor remains equally upset that after administration of alcohol.

Author: CUSTODIO DOS SANTOS ANIBAL.
Year: 2003.
University: EXTREMADURA [www.unex.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE EDUCACIÓN.
Place of preparation: DAPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGIA.

Author: CUSTODIO DOS SANTOS ANIBAL.
Year: 2003.
University: EXTREMADURA [www.unex.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE EDUACIÓN.
Place of preparation: DEPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGÍA.

Author: MUÑOZ GARCÍA JUAN JESÚS.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE PSICOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE PSICOLOGÍA DE LA UCM.

Summary: The drug is a problem of undoubted interest in science, constituting a social situation of the first order whose concept has evolved over the years and from initial consideration that equated with heroin to integrate other illegal substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens and cannabis. The countless negative personal and social consequences caused by the consumption of substances are the starting point of this thesis. The data provided by recent research suggests that people are drug addicts has consolidated a new pattern of consumer of cocaine along with alcohol and, on the other hand, has gradually been reducing the number of new users of opiates. Taking into account these kinds of remarks, in an initial study has been conducted to establish groups of subjects under certain sociodemographic characteristics, consumption and severity of addiction in different plots (medical, employment / media, alcohol, drugs, legally, family / social and psychological). Then, according to the data provided on possible patterns of consumers in the population studied, the following analysis will focus specifically on the establishment of profiles differentials under variable psychopathological, processes of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy expectations. In addition, it will establish profiles depending on the stages of change model in addictive behaviors which has received greater support empirical and considering different drugs (cocaine, alcohol, tranquilizers and heroin). The interest of these profiles deals characterize the potential behavior of the variables of interest in the groups studied in order to understand its role change in the consumption of substances. Lastly, once demarcated the sample through these profiles, procedeerá to analyze the predictive power they have going riables mentioned on those stages of change leading to the abandonment of consumption, all to know the specific weight of the explanatory factors the abstinence from drugs. To achieve the objectives of the research were based on a sample of 367 drogodpendientes (78.69% were male and 21.31% women) from various devices (care centers for drug addicts, prisons and inpatient detoxification units) of the Community of Madrid . In each of the sites selected to administer the protocol was evaluated by psychologists working in these devices. The psychometric testing components of the index were generally instrument European Addiction Severity of (EuropASI), the Questionnaire 90 Symptoms Revised (SCL-90-R), the Evaluation Categorial or Discreta of Stadiums Change, Inventory Process Change (CPI), the Assessment Questionnaire Decisional (BD) and the Scale of Autoeficiencia (SES). As most significant findings include it has been found that the existence of two distinct types of addicts called Type A and Type B. Broadly. The Type A has a lower average age, and their main source of income in employment. With respect to drug use, the substance is alcohol addiction dual and / or cocaine, with a lesser number of years of consumption at all substances evaluated the Type B. Lastly, referring to the severity of the addiction problem has only increased the Type B alcohol related. The Type B characterizes subjects older middle and with a source of income heterogeneous. Its main dorga abuse is heroin or polydrug use and have a consumption cronificado. Obviously, higher severity of their problems in parácticamente all areas evaluated. As for the profiles, both groups recorded difernecias significant psychopathology, change processes and decisional balance, serving as an example the most serious psicopatológica of 8 l Type B 509. By the same token, they also differ in the studied variables when considering the stages of change model. Finalizing were obtained predictive models of the stages of change (preacción and acción-mantenimiento) for the different types of consumers and depending on the drug in question. In summary, the results of these studies could add data to proposals for drug intervention in directing the efforts of therapists to those variables that really prove decisive in the pursuit of change.

Author: NAVAS COLLADO ENCARNACIÓN.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE PSICOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE PSICOLOGÍA.

Summary: Today, it is accepted that the personality traits are some significant determinants in the consumption of substances, but not the sole cause. The variables of personality interact with a wide variety of biological, psychological and environmental determining an individual answer on the use, abuse and dependence on psychotropic substances, but does not seem to have a kind of personality that predisponga to the addendum. What can be seen is the coexistence of patients with different types of personality consuming various substances or drug addicts subjects with different types of traits or personality disorders, but with clear challenge to indicate the direction of causality. Moreover, the problem of investigating the characteristics of personality of drug users is becoming increasingly complicated by the multiplicity of drugs that can be consumed and because addicted to various drugs are not a group not completely homogeneous. On the other hand, emphasized that the drug problem takes on special significance when it intersects with others in the hot spots of our social environment, crime. The drugs and crime will become a duet intimately connected, and in most cases difficult separation. The objectives of this research aims to answer some of the approaches previously commented. Specifically, it seeks to establish the existence of different groups of drogodependendientes to then proceed to a more detailed analysis of personality traits and criminal behavior in those subjects, while assessing their influence on the motivation to change. In addition, it will examine the predictive power that have traits normal and pathological personality variables as well as family, work and psychological or not in the commission of crimes by drug addicts. To carry out the study, with the participation of 367 drug addicts from different Centers Serving Drogodependientes (DAC) of the Commonwealth of Madrdi, distributed in both sexes (78.69% were male and 21.31% female) aged between 12 and the 60 years. To achieve the targets, were carried out various statistical analysis such as cluster analysis, analysis perifles, correlation studies and linear regression. Overall, the main findings show two consumer groups of substances known as Type A and Type B. The Type A is characterized by a group of some 30 years old, whose main source of income is employment, the substances are consumed alcohol and cocaine addiction double, with a stable partner without serious psychological and family problems and generally with less severity of their problems with the law. The main features of personality show more subject-directed and friendly compared to the other group. Type B is characterized by older, mostly unemployed subjects, whose addiction is related to pliconsumo, partner extinct, psychological and family problems, the greater chronicity of physical and legal problems. The main features of personality refer to subjects with more neurotic traits and disociales compared to Type A, on the other hand, those subjects in earlier stages of change show features more impulsive and disociales than those in more advanced stages. Finally, we show different risk factors and protection of the commission of crimes subject addicts.

Author: OLIVA DE LAS HERAS JOSE MARIA.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID [www.ucm.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE FARMACIA.
Place of preparation: HOSPITAL 12 DE OCTUBRE.

Summary: Ethanol is the most widespread drug abuse and consumed after the caffeine and is a serious public health problem. The relevance of endogenous opioid system and the dopaminergic in addiction by ethanol has been shown by the results obtained in animal and human studies, suggesting through biochemical and behavioral studies that the two systems directly involved in the addictive effect of ethanol and, therefore, they play a pivotal in the development of alcoholism. Knowing such as ethanol modifies the activity of the endogenous opioid system and the system mesolímbico dopamine through the study of the change in gene expression of opioid peptides and tyrosine hydroxylase would identify a set of molecular markers and neurochemical brain associated with addiction , abstinence and treatment response, which could help to design more effective drugs to treat alcoholism. The objectives were 1) to analyze the influence of different kinds of patterns of consumption of ethanol in animal model rat on the gene expression of opioid peptides and tirosina-hidroxilasa, 2) to study the behavioral substrates neuroquimicos and two breeds rats presenting different genetic vulnerability for the consumption of ethanol and 3) study the behavioral and neurochemical alterations by ethanol and naltrexone in a pattern of excessive consumption of ethanol. The results show that 1) the genes of opioid peptides and tyrosine hydroxylase are involved in the acute and chronic effects and withdrawal of ethanol contributing to the initiation and maintenance of alcoholism, 2) the rate of consumption of ethanol affects differently the studied gene expression, which implies that these peptides in the desire by the consumption of ethanol, 3) the declining role in the endogenous opioid system in rats preferential could be involved in the genetic vulnerability to alcoholism, 4) naltrexone is useful at the doses used for detoxification and deshabituaciÓll alcoholism and 5) the normalization of the cannabinoid system and serotonin after the slowdown caused by ethanol, suggests the involvement of these systems in the mechanism of alcohol dependency and the possible use of antagonists cannabinoid and inhibitors of serotonin reuptake in the treatment of alcoholism alone or associated with naltrexone.

Author: Castañé Forn Anna.
Year: 2004.
University: POMPEU FABRA [www.upf.edu].
Place of defense: Dep. Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud.
Place of preparation: Departamento de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud.

Summary: In order to thoroughly explore the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction cannabinoids have carried out various studies and molecular pharmacology. The substrate neuroanatómico of physical dependence of cannabinoids has been investigated in mice receiving treatment with chronic agonist WIN55 ,212-2. In this study, it was observed that the cerebellum and to a lesser extent the hippocampus and amygdala, involved in the demonstration behavioral withdrawal of cannabinoids. These three areas are characterized by a high density of cannabinoid receptor CB1. Furthermore, we evaluated the participation of various systems such as neurotransmission and purinérgico endogenous opioid systems, induced behavioral responses after administration of cannabinoids. Especially, we have an interest in those responses that are closely linked to the addictive properties of these compounds, such as reinforcing and aversive effects and the development of physical dependence. To do this we used genetically modified mice. The endogenous opioid system has been linked to the manifestation of the addictive properties of cannabinoids. In this paper, using double mutant mice MOR / DOR, we have shown that there is a need for cooperative action between the two types of opioid receptors for the withdrawal syndrome cannabinoid be expressed entirely. On the other hand, mice with a deletion of the gene encoding the receptor for adenosine A2A showed no preference for either square or plaza conditioned aversion to the administration of THC. Furthermore, these mice showed a withdrawal syndrome THC lesser severity, suggesting a specific involvement of the recipients A2A effects of cannabinoids related to its addictive properties. Finally, bearing in mind that the cannabinoid system appears to be implicated in the modulation of the addictive properties of other drugs of abuse such as opiates, ethanol, cocaine and MDMA, we investigated the possible involvement of the cannabinoid system in the addictive properties of nicotine. To that end, we evaluated the behavioral responses induced after acute and chronic administration of nicotine receptor in mice deficient cannabinoid CB1. In this sense, our main finding was that the rewarding properties of nicotine is not manifested in the mutant mice without the receptor cannabinoid CB1. This is of particular interest to the search for new therapeutic alternatives that facilitate the abandonment of smoking.

Author: RIBEIRO DO COUTO BRUNO RODOLFO.
Year: 2005.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAT DE PSICOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAT DE PSICOLOGIA.

Summary: The overall objective of this PhD thesis was to study the neurobiological mechanisms suybacentes the phenomenon of relapse, analyzing what neurotransmitters and what neurotransmission systems can be involved in such conduct. By conditioning preference instead develop a model of relapse using mice as subjects of the strain OF1. We hypothesized that the administration of morphine induced a preference for the place where it is administered, that effect was extended by some kind will occur spontaneously disappearing. After the period of extinction, low doses of morphine or psychostimulants and different protocols stressful stimuli, produced a return to the condition, causing the animal show again preference for the location associated with the initial administration of the drug, suggesting that this reinstatement or relapse could be similar to that observed in humans. The results confirmed that the restoration of preference instead may be useful as a model to study the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of relapse to drug addiction. Once properly defined this model, we studied the role various neurotransmitters in the phenomenon of relapse. This study showed that the condition of preference rather induced by morphine is very persistent over time and, once extinguished, may be restored by the administration of different doses not contingent "priming" of morphine, cocaine and amphetamine. The results also suggest us the crucial role of the system glutamatérigco in restoring produced by the re-exposición to morphine. We have also observed the reistauración (relapse) conditionality previously extinguished after the exposure of animals to a physical or emotional stress. This work contributes to the understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings involved in addiction, especially in the conduct of search and desire for drugs (craving), which form the core elements in the phenomenon of relapse. In addition, the results will also help us to understand to what extent the physical and emotional stressors contribute to the phenomenon of relapse, and possible preventive and therapeutic that should be considered in addressing this phenomenon. KEYWORDS Morphine, conditioned place preference, relapse, reinstatement, amphetamine, cocaine, stress, clamping, immobilization, I find agonístico, memantine, MK - 801, SCH 23390, raclopride, haloperido, CGS 10746B, mice.

Author: ESTELLES OLMOS JOSEFINA.
Year: 2006.
University: VALENCIA [www.uv.es].
Place of defense: FACULTAT DE PSICOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAT DE PSICOLOGIA.

Summary: One of the most important areas of research in the study of addictions are the neurobiological long-term effects that occur as a result of consumption of addictive substances. These effects can be particularly evident where consumption takes place at a critical time of development as can be the prenatal stage and adolescence. This exposure can cause permanent and lasting changes in the central nervous system that, later in adulthood, leading to the development of abnormal behavior. The various studies that make up this Doctoral Thesis have as a common goal to observe potential disruptions behavioral and neurobiological that cocaine use at different times of development, can cause in adulthood. Five studies. In the first job-evaluate the effect that different doses of cocaine, managed acutely or binge (atracón) had on the social and aggressive behavior of mice subjected to various forms of accommodation. - The second study analyzed the long-term effects of chronic administration of cocaine, either acute or binge in adolescent and adult mice and subjected to different housing situations. This note whether the cocaine produced different effects in the two different age groups and after a period free of drugs. - In a third study evaluated the motor and social consequences in adult mice exposed prenatalmente to cocaine. We also try to ascertain whether the cocaine managed during this period of development was capable of producing changes in the concentrations monoaminérgicas brain that persist into adulthood. - In the last two studies assessing the response of the system booster brain subjects who had been exposed to cocaine during the prenatal period. The fourth work we studied the response to the reinforcing effects of morphine as well as their actions on the social behavior of these animals and motor. It also assessed concentrations monoaminas in the brains of these mice. - In the fifth study assessed the response to the reinforcing effects of a range of doses of cocaine in mice exposed prenatalmente to the same drug. Together, the works that make up this Doctoral Thesis have attempted to clarify, as far as possible, two very controversial aspects of cocaine use. First his relationship with the aggressive behavior, which is not confirmed, observed only when the animals chronically exposed to cocaine consumed other drugs. And secondly, it is confirmed that exposure to cocaine during pregnancy is going to alter the way in which these animals, once adults respond to the reinforcing effects of drugs. Both aspects can help us better understand consumer behavior of this and other drugs of abuse and therefore to better target the treatment to follow.

Author: CARBALLO CRESPO JOSELUIS.
Year: 2006.
University: OVIEDO [www.uniovi.es].
Place of defense: DEPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGIA.
Place of preparation: DEPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGIA.

Summary: The natural recovery is the preferred route of recovery among those who drop out or reduce alcohol and other substances, although it is unknown whether such an improvement presents substantial differences in terms of the substance consumed or cultural context of addicts. This thesis examines the circumstances and determinants of recovery from alcohol and drug abusers speaking of Spain and the United States have changed themselves, in terms of background and consistent. Treaties and autocambiadores various addictions and countries were compared to the achievement of this goal. Advertisements, posters and other strategies were used in Spain and Florida (USA) to recruit 83 individuals (29 autocambiadores of Spain, 25 autocambiadores United States and 29 treaties Spain) who had problems with alcohol and / or other drugs, and carrying reuperados a year or more. Consistent with previous studies, those who recovered without treatment had a history of substance use more severe than those that have changed themselves. Regarding the autocambio various addictions, we found no differences in the determinants of autocambio between autocambiadores that were recovered from their problemasd alcohol and those autocambiadores that were recovered from problems with other drugs. The main difference found between autocambiadores speaking is that autocambiadores reculutados in Florida noticed more serious in its previous problems with substances, compared to autocambiadores of Esapña being anyway the two groups are very similar. These findings are parallel to those found in non-Spanish-speaking populations and suggest that the processes associated with the change are cross. Finally, most transcultural studies with larger samples are needed to enteder best what lead and maintained the recoveries of alcohol and other drugs.

Author: LOREA CONDE IÑAKI.
Year: 2006.
University: PÚBLICA DE NAVARRA [www.unavarra.es].
Place of defense: DEPARTAMENTO DE PSICOLOGÍA Y PEDAGOGÍA.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD PÚBLICA DE NAVARRA.

Summary: The cocaine addiction is a disorder with an incidence emerging in recent years. This is why it is essential to know what kind of characteristics of these patients in the design of treatment cessation. This study analyzes the profile cynical, psicopatológico and neurocognitivo a group of 60 addicted to cocaine attending outpatient treatment of the Foundation Project Man Navarre. The results indicate that these subjects have an addiction to high intensity (20 days of cocaine use the month, 6.7 grams of cocaine a week), and associated with the consumption of other substances (mainly alcohol and cannabis). Present also serious family problems and psicopatológicos measured with EuropASO. However, most of the sample of addicts (73%) maintained the work to make the demand for treatment. The evaluation of symptoms psicopatológicos, conducted with the SCL-90-R indicates that present a psychopathology more intensity and more extensively than the general population, with higher scores steps on the scales of obsesión-compulsión and depression. Also present more personality disorders, assessed with the MCMI-II, than the control group (36.7% vs. 16%). The personality disorders more prevalent in the group of cocaine addicts were dependency and pasivo-agresivo. With regard to cognitive performance, we did not obtain indicators deficit for the group as a whole, although the group with chronic consumption of cocaine had cognitive deficits, compared with the control, memory tests (verbal memory immediate Scale memory Wechsler Revised), and executive functioning (Stroop test). These damages brought the great heterogeneity of this sample, in relation to the severity of the addiction, psicopatológica symptoms, personality disorders and cognitive performance, with different groups affected by varying levels of symptoms. Therefore, it seems appropriate to assess and treat every patient as a unique case, ie design treatments tailored to the needs as each patient clinics.