Chpt. 10 Flashcards
How is alcohol similar to other drugs of abuse?
Effects of alcohol are influenced by an individual’s environment and expectations, it disrupts ongoing psychological processes (cognitive and motor skills), and it disrupts learning and memory functions.
In what ways is alcohol different from other drugs of abuse?
Alcohol is unique as it is a high calorie liquid that provides no essential nutrients and is a rather bulky type of drug.
The chemical structure of alcohol is different from other drugs.
Alcohol produces dose-dependent effects that also depend on duration of intake.
What factors influence the absorption of alcohol in the body?
Ethanol is easily absorbed from the GI tract and diffuses throughout the body, readily entering most tissues, including the brain.
What factors influence the distribution of alcohol in the body?
Alcohol distributes throughout the body and readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier.
What gender differences exist in alcohol absorption?
Alcohol is more concentrated in women than in men
What is the metabolic pathway for alcohol in the liver?
95% of alcohol is metabolized, with enzymes in the cytochrome P450 family converting alcohol to acetaldehyde.
What factors influences alcohols metabolism? (metabolic tolerance induction)
Regular drinking increases liver enzyme activity.
How do the effects of alcohol differ between males and females?
Women experience higher BACs than men due to sex differences in alcohol metabolism and smaller fluid volume.
How do its psychological/behavioral effects relate to the blood levels (BACs) of alcohol?
Vestibular effects (balance issues), abnormal sleep (lack of REM), peripheral vasodilation (sense of warmth, but actually losing heat), effects of reproduction (desire is there, but function decreases), alcohol poisoning (vomiting, unconsciousness, clammy, cold, irregular breathing)
What are the specific neurochemical effects of alcohol?
Disrupts learning, memory, attention, motor skills, and reflexes, potentially causing blackouts.
What are the nonspecific neurochemical effects of alcohol?
Increase cardiovascular risks and can lead to long-term brain damage.
What adaptive responses occur with chronic alcohol exposure?
Tolerance to alcohol as well as physical dependence.
What are the 3 types of tolerances to alcohol?
metabolic, pharmacodynamic, & behavioral
What is acute tolerance?
Acute tolerance occurs within a single exposure to alcohol, changing the drinker’s perception of intoxication.
What types of brain damage are associated with chronic alcohol abuse?
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and alcohol-induced brain damage due to lack of thiamine and other factors.
How does chronic alcohol exposure affect the liver?
Chronic exposure can lead to steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, with potential for irreversible damage.
Steatosis
Fatty liver; fats store inside liver cells
Hepatitis
liver cell damage; caused by accumulation of high levels of acetaldehyde
Cirrhosis
death of liver cells results in scar formation & blood vessels carrying oxygen are cut off; damage is irreversible; NUMBER 1 CAUSE OF DEATH IN CHRONIC USERS
How does chronic alcohol exposure affect the developing fetus?
Fetus can develop fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Developmental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
What treatments are available for alcohol use disorder?
Treatments include detoxification and withdrawal management, rehabilitation programs, therapy, and AA meetings.
