Drug Dependence Flashcards
Psychoactive Drug
Drugs that have the potential to alter consciousness and mood
Depressant
Drugs that lower the body’s basic functions and neural activity
Alcohol
A depressant that is known to disrupt REM sleep and to cause slower thinking
Barbituates
Depressants that depress the Central Nervous System; are often used to induce sleep or calm anxiety
Benzodiazepines
A depressant that is used to induce sleep, calm anxiety, and reduce seizure intensity; increases the brain’s response to the neurotransmitter GABA. They are similar to barbituates but are less prone to overdose
Opiates
Natural drugs that depress the Central Nervous System; unlike depressants, they lead to euphoria and act on endorphins receptors. They are often used as pain killers and to treat anxiety
Opioids
Synthetic opiates with the same effects
Stimulants
Drugs that stimulate the Central Nervous System and raise/intensify the body’s basic functions and neural activity
Amphetamine
A stimulant that blocks the synaptic reuptake of serotonin and dopamine and promotes dopamine and norepinephrine release. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure
Cocaine
A stimulant that blocks the synaptic reuptake of dopamine and serotonin. It has anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties
Ectasy
A drug that is simultaneously a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It increases dopamine and serotonin levels, activates the nervous system, and causes hallucinations and heightened sensations. It is a type of amphetamine
Hallucinogen
Drugs that cause hallucinations. They can be used for the treatment of PTSD
Hallucination
An altered perception including the distortion of reality and fantasy and enhancement of sensory experiences. They are not due to external stimuli
LSD
A hallucinogen that interferes with the serotonin receptor and causes visual hallucinations
Marijuana
A drug that has depressive, stimulative, and hallucinogenic properties. It can be used as a pain reliever but impairs motor coordination. It can heighten the sensations of taste, smell, and sound
Homeostasis
The maintenance of body temperature, metabolism, and other conditions of the body
How does tolerance occur?
When the brain suspects upcoming drug usage and responds appropriately to maintain homeostasis (ex. lowering heart rate before the usage of an opioid)
Routes of Drug Entrance
Oral, Inhalation, Injection, transdermal, intramuscular
Drug Reward Pathway of the Brain
Dopamine goes up and signals to amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens. Serotonin goes down, so it’s a cyclical process of wanting and doing more
Tolerance
A substance-use disorder where the body is used to the drug so a higher dosage is needed to compensate for it
Withdrawal
The period of not using a drug one is addicted to, marked by dopamine decrease. It comes in acute and post-acute stages
Addiction
The state when one needs a drug to feel normal again
Intoxication
The behavioral and psychological effects of a drug on a person
Acute Withdrawal
The first few days or weeks after cessation of a drug; physical symptoms present
