1
Q
Give 3 criteria the ICD 10 gives for drug dependency
A
- desire or sense of compulsion
- difficulties in controlling substance abuse
- a physiological withdrawal state
- tolerance
- prioritising use
- persisting with substance use despite consequences
2
Q
Why do people take drugs?
A
- Psychological addiction - rewarding pathways
- Physical addiction - self-medicate withdrawal symptoms
3
Q
What do drugs do to the brain?
A
Activate reward systems - if you enjoy something, you will repeat the same activity
4
Q
What is the effect of cocaine in the brain?
A
- Blocks the Dopamine reuptake transporters on the presynaptic membrane
- more DA will stay in the synapse and so will stimulate D receptors more often
5
Q
What is the effect of amphetamine in the brain?
A
- Get inside the cell via Dopamine transporters and displace DA from the synaptic vesicles
- They are lipophilic and cationic so can get into cells and IC organelles quite easily
6
Q
Name some CNS stimulants
A
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Nicotine
- Caffeine
7
Q
Name some CNS depressants
A
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Barbiturates
- BZDs
- Volatile solvents
8
Q
Name some Hallucinogens
A
- LSD
- Ecstacy
- Ketamine
- Cannabis
9
Q
What effects do drugs have on the body?
A
- Cardiovascular - increased BP, HR, risk of respiratory arrest
- Liver disease
- Neurotoxicity
- Behaviour - depression, dementia, psychosis, anxiety
- Anorectic effects (appetite suppressants)
10
Q
What treatments are there for dependence?
A
- mainly psychological
- Disulfiram for alcohol - blocks ALDH enzyme, causes a build up of acetyladehyde ,alomg you feel sick
- Methadone replacement and opioid antagonists for Heroin - act on mu opioid receptors
11
Q
What other addictive behaviours are there?
A
- Gambling
- Sex
- Over-eating
- exercise
(all activate DA systems)
