Addiction Flashcards
What is tolerance?
Reduced responsiveness to a drug caused by previous administration
What are the two types of drug tolerance?
Dispositional tolerance- less drug reaches the active site
Pharmacodynamic tolerance- Drug has less action at the active site
Why does dispositional tolerance happen?
More drug excreted
Less drug absorbed
Drug metabolised faster
Why does pharmacodynamic tolerance happen?
Fewer drug receptors
Less efficient drug receptors
What part of the brain is the rewards centre?
Neurones project from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens & prefrontal cortex
What are the effects of cocaine?
Stimulant and euphoriant Increased energy and alertness Increased confidence Impaired judgement Lessens appetite and ability to sleep
What are the complications of taking cocaine?
Damage to nose and airways Convulsions with respiratory failure Cardiac arrhythmia's and MI Hypertension and CVA Toxic confusion Paranoid psychosis
What are the complications of taking amphetamine?
Effects similar to cocaine but longer lasting
Toxic confusion occasionally with convulsions and death
Amphetamine psychosis in heavy chronic use
What are the side effects of opiates?
First time - nausea/vomiting and headache
Medium term - phlebitis
- Anorexia
- Constipation
Longer term - tolerance
- Withdrawal
- Social and health problems
What are the symptoms of opiate withdrawal?
craving insomnia yawning muscle pain and cramps increased salivary, nasal and lacrimal secretions dilated pupils piloerection (hence ‘cold turkey’)
What are the side effects of ecstacy?
Nausea and dry mouth increased blood pressure and temperature in clubs users risk dehydration large doses can cause anxiety and panic drug induced psychosis ? liver and brain cell damage
What are the complications of cannabis use?
respiratory problems as with tobacco
toxic confusion
exacerbation of major mental illness
? cannabis psychosis
What are the side effects of anabolic steroid use?
Skin – acne, stretch marks, baldness
Feminisation in males with hypogonadism and gynaecomastia (occasioning use of anti-oestrogens)
Virilisation in women including hirsutism, deep voice, clitoral enlargement, menstrual irregularities, hair thinning
Cardiovascular – increased cholesterol and hypertension
Growth deficits due to premature closure of epiphyses
Liver Disease – cholestatic jaundice, liver tumours
Irritability and anger – ‘roid rage’
Hypomania and mania
Depression and suicidality on withdrawal
