Drug Abuse Flashcards
Define Drug abuse
The reoccurring use of illegal drugs or prescription or otc drugs, w/negative consequeces
Name 4 classes (w/examples) of commonly abused drugs
1) Opioids (Morphine, Heroin)
2) CNS depressants (Ethanol, Barbiturates, BZ’s)
3) Psychotomimetic agents (Cannabis, LSD)
4) Psychomotor stimulants= (Amphetamine, Cocaine)
What does the ‘health triangle’ of drug abuse consist of ?
a) Mental/Emotional interference
b) Physical interference
c) Social interference
Define Drug tolerance
A decrease in pharmacological effect with repeated use
Name the active agent in Cannabis
THC (TetraHydoCannabinol)
Describe what happens to THC when marijuana is burned
- THC vapour is absorbed into the lungs then blood plasma
Describe the effects of marijuana/’marijuana high’ ?
- Initial stimulation (giddiness/euphoria) followed by sedation and pleasant tranquillity
- This begins w/in a few mins after inhaling and can last up to 2-3hrs
- After peak levels reached, conc falls via metabolism in liver and fat storage
What type of opioid receptor produces euphoria ?
mu opioid receptor agonists
Cocaine acts as a CNS depressant whilst Alcohol stimulates the CNS. TRUE or FALSE ?
False. Cocaine = CNS stimulant
Alcohol = CNS depressant
Cocaine acts as an appetite suppressant. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
State 3 monoamine reuptake transporters inhibited by cocaine
1) DA (enhances dopaminergic transmission)
2) NA
3) 5-HT
Name 4 characteristics of opioid abuse
1) Respiratory depression
2) Pinpoint pupils
3) Decreased level of consciousness
4) Hypotension and Bradycardia
Describe ‘respiratory depression’
When breathing slows down, sometimes to a stop
Why is ‘pinpoint pupils’ important in opiate abuse/overdose ?
It is an important diagnostic feature in opioid poisoning
Describe Hypotension and Bradycardia
- Heart rate slows down, sometimes to a stop
- Blue lips and nails (due to insufficient oxygen in the blood)
Morphine and Heroin (Opioids) abuse are the most common single cause of death from drug overdose. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE. They account for about 25% of the total
Alcohol acts as a CNS depressant. TRUE or FALSE
TRUE
State 2 effects of alcohol on the CNS
1) Decreases excitatory action of Glutamate at NMDA receptor
2) Increases inhibitory action of GABA at GABA(A) receptor
Describe the effect of increased GABA and decreased glutamate
- Dopamine release in nucleus accumbens
- Increased serotonin conc in certain regions
- Release of endogenous opiates
- overall produces euphoria and pain attenuation
Describe the effect of acute alcohol intake
1) Sense of relaxation due to initial depression of inhibitory neurons
2) followed by progressive depression of all CNS functions (loss of coordination, poor judgement, slowed reflexes)
What is the recommended alcohol limit per week for men and women ?
Men = 21 units/week Women = 14 units/week
State some withdrawal symptoms of alcohol
- Shaking (tremors)
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Nausea
- Hallucinations and seizures
Name the primary target of psychomotor stimulants
DA receptor
Name the primary target of psychotomimetics
CB1 receptor
5-HT receptor
