4.3 Biological Aspects of Substance Use Disorders Flashcards
Define Substances
The term “substance” used in this course includes anything taken into the body in order to achieve an altered state of mind
Define Metabolism
the chemical and physical processes involved in the maintenance of life Nutrients
from food. The neurochemistry of well-being
Define Disease
(1) An interruption, cessation or disorder of body functions, systems or organs.
(2) A morbid entity characterized usually by at least two of these criteria:
What are the disease criteria?
(a) recognized etiologic agent(s)
(b) identifiable group of signs and symptoms,
(c) consistent anatomical alterations.
Define Neurotransmitter
a chemical that is released from a nerve cell which then transmits an impulse from one nerve cell to another nerve, muscle, organ, or other tissue.
A neurotransmitter is a messenger of neurologic information from one cell to another.
Define Acetylcholine
(Ach) translates intention into action between neuron and muscle fiber.
Also linked to attention and neuroplasticity
Define Norepinephrine
(NE) both a hormone and neurotransmitter, linked to mood, arousal, vigilance, memory, and stress.
Define Serotonin
(5HT) – called the “calming chemical” of the brain because of its mood, modulating effects. Linked to depression, appetite, sleep, memory, decision making behaviors.
Define Dopamine
(DA) often called the “pleasure chemical” of the brain.
Involved in motivation, decision making, movement,
Define Glutamate
most excitatory neurotransmitter. Too much glutamate can result in death or stroke. Role in learning and helping to form memories
Define Gamma-Aminobutyric
(GABA) most inhibitory neurotransmitter (opposite of glutamate). Linked to seizures.
Plays important role in brain development. Implicated in addiction brain circuitry
Define Agonist
A drug that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter at the receptor site.
Define Antagonist
A substance that tends to nullify the action of another, such as a drug that binds to
a receptor without eliciting a biological response.
Define Lethal Dose
expressed as a ratio for a given dose of a drug the number of people expected to
die (e.g., LD 1 indicates that 1 person out of 100 people will die if given that specific amount of
the drug, or their blood serum levels reach that specific level)
What are the biological (medical) aspects of alcohol contamination?
Consumption of alcohol in high amounts is a major cause of illness, injury and early death.
Some of the most preventable illnesses known are due to abusive alcohol consumption.
What are the properties of alcohol?
(1) Toxin
(2) Anesthetic/Sedative
(3) Disinhibitor
(4) CNS Depressant:
(5) Cerebellar irritant
(6) Selectively Addictive
(7) Vaso-constrictor/dilator
(8) Solvent
(9) Dehydrant
What are alcohol’s effect on the digestive system?
- Mouth/GI Tract
- Secretion of hydrochloric acid
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis
How does alcohol stimulate secretion of hydrochloric acid?
(a) Causes irritation of the stomach lining.
(b) Results may be inflammation of stomach lining, pain or bleeding
(c) Frequent excessive intake of alcohol interferes with absorption of food, iron, calcium,
magnesium, and vitamins in the small intestine, leading to serious nutritional
deficiencies.
How does alcohol affect the Pancreas?
(a) Alcohol causes inflammation of the pancreatic cells, interfering with the digestion of food and promoting a foul-smelling diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe pain.
(b) Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) often appears after 5-10 years of drinking the equivalent of one pint per day.
(c) The pancreas produces insulin, necessary for the body to use sugar. Prolonged pancreatitis may reduce or stop the
What are the two forms of liver disease associated with alcoholism?
- Fatty Liver
- Alcoholic Hepatitis
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis
When blood backs in other vessels particular in esophagus and the rectum, what the medical issues.
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose Veins
- Esophageal Varices
What is plasma?
The liquid part of the blood