Answer :
Answer:
Characteristics of the chemically dependent population
Explanation:
Chemically dependency can be described as a situation where people depend on harmful chemicals or substances like alcohol or drugs to live and perform their daily tasks. The continuous misuse of these chemicals leads to Chemical dependency, which means the individual is mentally and physically dependent on the chemicals to live or perform his tasks. These individuals do not keep away from misusing these chemicals even with the knowledge of the side effects of it like psychological, physical and social effects. These chemicals can be legal or illegal chemicals, some of the legal chemicals includes medical prescriptions (pain killer pills, anxiety pills, stimulants), alcohol and the inappropriate use of it become harmful to the body system while the illegal chemicals include narcotic drugs, cocaine, heroin and the continuous use of these chemicals leads to abuse of the drugs. The misuse of these harmful chemicals like narcotics, cocaine, alcohol, drugs leads to addiction to the chemicals which cause changes in the behavior of the individuals and may lead to mental and physical damage to the individuals and result in mental illness. Alcohol is the most used of all these harmful chemicals.
Some of the characteristics or behavior of Chemically dependent population are
Driving or having sex under the influence of the chemicals
Having a strong desire to use chemicals
Changes in normal behavior
Tends to be inactive at work or school
Mood swings
Stronger symptoms of mental illness
Having less desire for pleasure or fun
Hallucinations and delusions
Aged skin
Desperation
Depression
Weight loss
Final answer:
The chemically dependent population includes individuals with a range of responses to toxicants, depicted by a bell-shaped curve, with certain subpopulations at higher risk. Demographic models help characterize this population through various ecological measures. Animal models are used in research to understand the transition from casual drug use to addiction.
Explanation:
Characteristics of the Chemically Dependent Population
The chemically dependent population refers to individuals who are unable to abstain from drug or alcohol use despite significant substance-related problems. Among this population, responses to toxicants demonstrate a bell-shaped standard distribution curve where the majority of individuals display a typical response, but subpopulations, such as those who are resistant or susceptible, show mild or severe reactions, respectively. Specific subpopulations that might be at greater risk include infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses due to increased exposure or sensitivity.
Demographic-Based Population Models
Demographic-Based Population Models suggest that life history characteristics like birth rates and age at first reproduction evolve to adapt to environments, influencing population growth. Ecologists study populations by measuring characteristics such as size, density, age structure, and sex ratio, which can help characterize the chemically dependent population.
Using Animal Models to Study Abused Substances
Research into drug abuse often employs animal models to discern between casual users and those with a heightened propensity for addiction. Studies strive to understand the environmental or genetic factors that prevent or induce the transition from casual drug use to compulsive drug addiction, as well as possible interventions that could modify harmful behaviors.
