Alcohol and substance misuse

Question 1

Know the recommended limit of alcohol consumption

Answer 1

14 units per week (men and women)

Over several days (no binge)
There should be a few days without alcohol

1 pint of lager = 2
Glass of wine = 2
Single measure spirit = 1

bottle of wine - 9

Question 2

Heroin mechanism of action and effects

Answer 2

Analgesia
Sedation
Euphoria

Most commonly smoked

Crosses BBB
Inhibits release of GABA, reducing the inhibitory effect of GABA on dopaminergic neurones

Increased release of dopamine into synaptic cleft and continued activation of dopaminergic pathway

Question 3

Cocainemechanism of action and effects

Answer 3

Elevated sense of well-being
Alertness
Energy
Confidence

Pupil dilation
Aggression
Risk-taking

Tachycardia, HTN, vasoconstriction
Increased risk of CVA, MI, cardiac arrhythmias

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Impulsivity

Chronic effects:
necrosis of nasal septum
CKD secondary to HTN
Panic disorder, GAD, psychosis

Question 4

Cannabis mechanism of action and effects

Answer 4

Relaxation
Happiness
Hallucinations
Depressant

THC binds and activates cannabinoid CB1 receptors on pre-synaptic nerve terminals
Distributed in parts of the brain associated with memory, concentration, time perception, coordination and executive functioning