Addiction

Question 1

What is tolerance?

Answer 1

Reduced responsiveness to a drug caused by previous administration

Question 2

What are the two mechanisms of tolerance?

Answer 2

Dispositional Tolerance

Pharmacodynamic Tolerance

Question 3

What is dispositional tolerance?

Answer 3

Less drug reaching the active site (less drug absorbed, metabolised faster, increased excretion)

Question 4

What is pharmacodynamic tolerance?

Answer 4

Drug has less action at the active site (fewer drug receptors, less efficient drug receptors)

Question 5

What is the reward pathway?

Answer 5

Projection of neurons from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. These neurons release dopamine in response to certain activities. This dopamine creates a sensation of pleasure and reward.

Question 6

What are the two components of drug dependence?

Answer 6

Physical dependence (tolerance)
Psychological craving (reward pathways)

Question 7

List some negative effects of cocaine

Answer 7

Financial stress
Damage to nose and airways
Convulsions
Arrhythmias
Hypertension

Question 8

List some withdrawal effects of cocaine

Answer 8

Depression
Irritability
Agitation
Craving
Hyperphagia
Hypersomnia

Question 9

What are the effects of heroin?

Answer 9

Intense analgesic
Drowsiness
Mood change
Respiratory depression
Suppress cough reflex
Pupillary constriction

Question 10

List some withdrawal effects of opiates

Answer 10

Craving
Insomnia
Yawning
Muscle pain and cramp
Increased secretions
Dilated pupils