Drugs and Alcohol Awareness Flashcards
What is addiction?
State of habitual behaviour that is initially enjoyable but which eventually becomes self-sustaining of habitual
Name 3 ways addiction interferes with normal life
- Overtakes work
- Overtakes personal relationships
- Overtakes family activities
What 2 chemicals can cause pleasurable or rewarding effects of addictions?
- Dopamine
2. Endorphins
How is the pleasure laid down?
Deep-seated memories, through changes in other neurotransmitters e.g. GABA and glutamate
How do memories cause addiction?
Memories are powerful positive ones so the person craves them
What compounds the memory situation in terms off addiction?
Withdrawal reactions cause further distress
Describe 4 reasons why a drug user may not be an addict
- Genetic predispositions
- Mental health problems
- Coping strategy
- Particular sensitivity to pleasurable effects
Name 4 predisposing factors for addiction
- Men are twice as likely to have problems
- Peer pressure
- Increase in women in 30-49 exceeding alcohol recommendation
- Increase in alcohol consumption in 60-75 age group in last 10 years
Name 3 ways alcohol and drug misuse is directly relevant to dentistry
- Drinking hazardously is risk factor for sustaining oro-facial injuries
- Aetiology of potentially fatal disease e.g. cancers
- Detrimental effects on the dentition e.g. erosion
How many dentists are predicted to struggle with substance use disorders?
10-15%
Name 1 way alcohol and drug misuse is indirectly relevant to dentistry
Alcohol misuse affects patients’ general health
Name 3 legal types of drugs which have the potential to be abused
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Prescribed drugs
Give an overview of alcohol
- Affects many brain areas
- Moderate consumption not harmful to adults
- Use of alcohol in children is negative due to developing brains
- Using other drugs which target the same area of the brain as alcohol can intensify both drugs’ effects
Name 2 ways in which alcohol affects the cerebral cortex
- Lowers inhibitions and loss of judgement
2. Affects how brain receives sensory information
Name 2 ways in which alcohol affects the frontal lobes
- Affects making decisions and using self control
2. This part of the brain can be damaged permanently
Name 3 ways in which alcohol affects the hippocampus
- Ability to remember something just learned
- Blackout in binge drinking
- Permanent memory loss in long term abuse
Name 2 ways in which alcohol affects the cerebellum
- Thinking, coordination, balance and awareness affected
2. Cause increased blood pressure, hunger and thirst
What does units of alcohol measure?
The quantity of pure alcohol in a drink
How much does 1 unit of alcohol equate to?
10ml / 8g
What are NHS guidelines on units of alcohol for men?
Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units per day
What are NHS guidelines on units of alcohol for women?
Men should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units per day
What is the Audit-C tool?
A guide to help identify patients who are drinking alcohol at a level which is increasing risk to their health
Describe the 4 zones in the Audit-C tool
- Zone I (0-7) - Low risk drinking
- Zone II (8-15) - Hazardous risk drinking
- Zone III (16-20) - Harmful risk drinking
- Zone IV (20-40) - Possible dependence
What is the main function of Audit-C tool?
Draw patient’s attention to alcohol usage
Describe 4 ways nicotine can affect the body
- Increase heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Increase alertness
- Reduce appetite
What 2 neurotransmitters does nicotine act on?
- Acetylcholine
2. Dopamine
What neurotransmitter is majorly responsible for nicotine addiction?
Dopamine
Name 3 reasons a person may self-medicate
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Pain control
Name 3 reasons dentists may be more vulnerable to self medicating
- Access to prescription writing
- Access to prescription drugs
- Access to friendships with other dental / medical colleagues
Name 3 major illegal drugs
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
How does heroin affect the body?
- Activates brain opiate receptors and increases dopamine release
- Feelings of euphoria and decrease pain
- Nausea
- Receptors decrease after use and users need more drug to feel same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms are intense
How does cocaine affect the body?
- Prevents normal reabsorption of dopamine during neurotransmission
- Build up of dopamine
- When stop using cocaine, dopamine levels decrease
- Repeat use damages neurones
- Withdrawals lead to depression and anxiety
How does marijuana affect the body?
- 85 times more likely to use than cocaine
- Tetrahydrocannabinol is main active ingredient
- THC in large quantities over long periods can affect neurons in hippocampus
- Can result in anxiety, panic attacks and paranoia
Name 4 “Club-Drugs”
- GHB
- Rohypnol
- MDMA
- Ketamine
Describe the drug GHB
- Colourless, odourless liquid
- Memory loss, drowsiness
- Vision problems
- Loss of conciousness
Describe the drug rohypnol
- Pill which easily dissolves
- Causes sleepiness and loss of muscle control
- Memory loss almost certain
Describe the drug MDMA
- Ecstasy in tablet form
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea and sweating
- High doses lead to hyperthermia leading to liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure
Describe the drug ketamine
- Anaesthetic
- Hallucinations, numbness and loss of coordination
- Breathing problems
- Aggressive behaviour
Name 3 everyday effects of drug abuse
- Ability to assess risk inhibited
- Risky decisions
- Missed concentration
Describe 4 signs of substance abuse
- Smell of alcohol or mouthwash to mask alcohol
- Hand tremor
- Excessive perspiration
- Frequent bathroom breaks
Name 4 things which may happen if a dentist is found to be abusing substances
- Fitness to Practice
- Help will be offered
- Suspended / restrictions on ability to practice
- Duty to report yourself or a colleague
Name 2 places a dentist can get help for substance abuse
- GP / family / counselling
2. DHSP helpline
Name 4 places a student dentist can get help for substance abuse
- GP
- Addiction NI
- Student Guidance
- Tutor
