Drug dependence

Question 1

Define drug dependence.

Answer 1

an adaptive state that develops after repeated drug use and which results in withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use

Question 2

Define drug tolerance.

Answer 2

the diminishing effect of a drug which results after repeated administration at a set dose

Question 3

Define drug abuse.

Answer 3

pattern of drug use in which users consume the substance in amounts/using methods which are directly/indirectly harmful to themselves or others

Question 4

What receptors do opiates act on?

Answer 4

mu and delta opioid receptors

Question 5

What receptors does cocaine act on?

Answer 5

DA, NA, 5-HT uptake systems

Question 6

What receptors does amphetamine act on?

Answer 6

monoaminergic transmission uptake systems; agonist of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1)

Question 7

What receptors does ethanol act on?

Answer 7

GABAa and NMDA receptors

Question 8

What receptors does nicotine act on?

Answer 8

Nicotinic receptors

Question 9

What receptors do phencyclidine + ketamine act on?

Answer 9

NMDA glutamate receptors

Question 10

What receptors do hallucinogens act on?

Answer 10

5-HT2a receptors

Question 11

What receptors do barbiturates + benzodiazepines act on?

Answer 11

GABAa receptors

Question 12

What genes have been associated with opiate and cocaine addiction?

Answer 12

OPrM1
OPRK1
OPRD1
DRD2

Question 13

Describe the 3 stages of the addiction cycle.

Answer 13

1. binge/intoxication = positive reinforcement
2. withdrawal/negative effect = negative reinforcement
3. preoccupation/anticipation = conditioned positive + negative reinforcement

Question 14

What does IRISA stand for?

Answer 14

Impaired response inhibition and salience attribution

Question 15

What are the core clinical symptoms of addiction?

Answer 15

1. intoxication
2. bingeing
3. withdrawal
4. craving

Question 16

What effects do cocaine and morphine have on the spine density and dendritic branching of the mPFC, oFC, S1, NAc shell?

Answer 16

Cocaine:

• mPFC = increased
• oFC = no change
• S1 = increased
• NAc shell = increased

Morphine:

• mPFC = decreased
• oFC = decreased
• S1 = no change
• NAc shell = decreased

Question 17

What is the progression/different stages of acute alcohol intoxication?

Answer 17

Euphoria 
followed by:
depressed mood
slurring of speech 
ataxia 
general incoordination 
pupillary dilatation

Question 18

What are the cellular targets of ecstasy/MDMA?

Answer 18

5-HT uptake system
Dopamine uptake system 
5-HT2 receptors 
H2 receptors 
alpha2 adrenergic receptors

Question 19

What neurotransmitter mediates the behavioural effects of MDMA?

Answer 19

5-HT

Question 20

What changes happen in the body in acute MDMA toxicity?

Answer 20

Increase in body temperature
Rhabdomyolysis
Increased renal absorption of water
Hyponatraemia + cerebral oedema

Question 21

What irreversible consequences might occur from overuse of MDMA?

Answer 21

Serotonin axon loss

Question 22

What receptors do cannabinoids bind to?

Answer 22

CB1 + CB2 receptors

Question 23

Where are CB1 and CB2 receptors found?

Answer 23

CB1: concentrated in the CNS –> neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, brainstem
CB2: present in peripheral organs and are associated with the immune system

Question 24

What are the symptoms of cannabinoid intoxication?

Answer 24

hypothermia
rigid immobility
reduced motor activity

Question 25

What mental health conditions are associated with long-term use of cannabinoids?

Answer 25

Schizophrenia

MDD

Question 26

Name the 6 different types of cannabis preparations.

Answer 26

1. Inhaled cannabis
2. THC
3. CBD
4. Nabilone (synthetic analogue of THC)
5. Sativex (THC and CBD 1:1)
6. Cannador (THC + CBD 2:1)

Question 27

What are the long term effects of cocaine/crack addiction?

Answer 27

CV problems (increased risk of heart attack + stroke)
Marked cognitive decline
Persistent psychotic symptoms; MDD + anxiety