Chpt 13 Flashcards
What is the relationship between the titration hypothesis and nicotine dependency?
Titration hypothesis: smokers can regulate their nicotine intake by frequency of puffs, depth of inhalation, time smoke is held in lungs, and number of cigarettes smokes.
- Can reinforce nicotine dependency since smokers unconsciously seek consistent nicotine levels to avoid withdrawal symptoms and experience the drug’s reinforcing effects.
What evidence exists to support the idea that smoking cigarettes is addictive? Is habit-forming?
Nicotine is the principal reinforcing component in tobacco (high doses are aversive because of side effects).
This increases the mesolimbic DA pathway.
Nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction.
Deprivation reversal model
positive effects of smoking represent alleviation of irritability, stress, and poor concentration experienced by smokers between cigarettes.
- The “relaxing” effect of smoking merely brings the smoker to the same state as a typical nonsmoker (avoid withdrawal symptoms)
Compulsive smoking
change in number of cigarettes from none, to “wanting” to “craving” and finally to “needing” a cigarette.
What is the relationship between cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease and cancer?
Smoking increases heart rate, blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer.
The deleterious effects stem from nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide from burning tobacco; also epigenetic effects.
What are the risks of using electronic cigarettes and vaping compared to tobacco
cigarettes?
Young adult e-cig users are more likely to start using tobacco cigs than those who aren’t e-cig users.
Risks to neurobehavioral development in younger users
What are the benefits of using electronic cigarettes and vaping compared to tobacco
cigarettes?
Fewer chemical compounds in e-cigs vapor than in tobacco smoke.
E-cigs are much more safer than tobacco cigs and are a healthier substitute.
Can help transition away from tobacco.
Can someone expect positive consequences if they are able to stop smoking?
Yes, quitting leads to lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Longer life expectancy, improved lung function and quality of life.
Save on money
What strategies are being used to treat tobacco dependence? Why is it so difficult to quit?
Behavioral and pharmacological strategies are used to treat tobacco dependence:
Anti-smoking ads appeals in the media, high taxes on tobacco products.
Individual or group counseling programs can be successful.
The most common pharmacological intervention is nicotine replacement therapy – relieves withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction to nicotine is so powerful that quitting success rate is quite low; users start to develop a psychological dependence
What are the mechanisms of action of nicotine?
Works by activating nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs), triggering dopamine release.
Some nAChRs subunits are located presynaptically where they enhance neurotransmitter, such as dopamine (DA) release.
What are the mechanisms of action of caffeine?
Caffeine has several biochemical effects, but only blockade of A1 and A2 receptors for adenosine has effects that operate at doses found in a cup of coffee. Adenosine is a neuromodulator of synaptic transmission that is involved in drowsiness and sleep.
In what ways are the behavioral effects of nicotine and caffeine similar?
Both stimulate the CNS and enhance alertness and concentration.
Both can be habit forming and lead to dependence.
In what ways are the behavioral effects of nicotine and caffeine different?
Nicotine has a calming effect on smokers, while caffeine increases arousal and reduces fatigue.
Nicotine affects dopamine pathways, caffeine blocks adenosine receptors.
Withdrawal symptoms differ; nicotine you get intense cravings, caffeine you get headaches and fatigue.
To what extent does chronic caffeine consumption produce physical dependence?
Chronic caffeine consumption can lead to mild physical dependence characterized by withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, and low mood.
What dangers are associated with heavy caffeine use?
Can cause caffeinism—a state of agitation, anxiety, tremors, and rapid breathing.
High doses can lead to insomnia, heart issues, and convulsions.
What dangers are associated with the use of caffeine with alcohol?
Can mask alcohol’s depressant effects, leading to dangerous overconsumption. Impairs judgment and coordination despite feeling alert.
Increases risk of alcohol poisoning due to reduced perception of intoxication.
