Ch. 5.4 - Commonly Abused Illegal Drugs

Question 1

stimulants (6)

Answer 1

• category of drugs that speed up the nervous system, typically enhancing wakefulness and alertness
• euphoria, increased energy, lowered inhibitions
• increased dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine
• tolerance develops quickly
• high risk of dependence
• ex) cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA)

Question 2

physical deterioration (2)

Answer 2

• hygiene neglected

- drug cocktail often includes ingredients such as hydrochloric acid and farm fertilizer

Question 3

cognitive deterioration (2)

Answer 3

• structural abnormalities in cells of the frontal lobes
• users develop difficulties ignoring irrelevant thoughts
• ex) stroop test

Question 4

hallucinogens (6)

Answer 4

• substances that produce perceptual distortions
• experiences ranges from euphoria to fear, panic, paranoia
• increased serotonin, blocks glutamate receptors
• tolerance develops slowly
• low risk of dependence
  ex) LSD, ketamine, DMT, psilocybin, salive divinorum

Question 5

marijuana (7)

Answer 5

• made from leaves and buds pr the cannabis plant
• euphoria, relaxation, distorted sensory experiences, paranoia
• THC mimics brain chemicals (anandamide) involved in sleep and memory by binding to cannabinoid receptors
• tolerance develops slowly
• low risk of dependence
• stimulates hunger, reduces pain

Question 6

effects of marijuana (4)

Answer 6

• impairs memory, executive functioning, and motor coordination
• worse memory, attention, and decision making than controls
• altered brain activity compared to controls even when successfully completing tasks
• distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain correspond to cognitive deficits

Question 7

opiates (narcotics) (7)

Answer 7

• drugs that reduce pain and induce extremely intense feelings of euphoria
• intense euphoria, pain relief
• stimulate endorphin receptors
• tolerance develops quickly
• very high risk of dependence
• methadone treatment
• ex) morphine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, opium

Question 8

sedatives (‘downers’) (7)

Answer 8

depress activity of the CNS

• drowsiness, relaxation, sleep
• increase GABA activity
• tolerance develops quickly
• high risk of dependence
• barbiturates vs benzodiazepines
• ex) Xanax, Valium

Question 9

alcohol (6)

Answer 9

• most commonly used drug
• euphoria, relaxation, lowered inhibitions
• increase GABA activity, then stimulates endorphin and dopamine receptors
• tolerance develops gradually
• moderate-high risk of dependence
• biphasic effect