Drugs Of Abuse 1 (Lecture 19) Flashcards
Why is there a high risk of dependence for cocaine (particularly crack)?
Because it is a potent but short-acting stimulant
Who first produced MDMA?
Merck in 1912
What was MDMA initially used for?
An adjunct for psychotherapy in the 1970s
Used recreationally from 1980s - emerged / popularised by the rave scene
Stimulants affect the transmission of which NTs?
Serotonin
Noradrenaline
Dopamine
What is the mechanism of action of stimulants?
Stimulants increase serotonergic, noradrenergic & dopaminergic transmission through 2 mechanisms:
- Major mechanism - inhibit transmitter removal
- block SERT, NAT & DAT re-uptake transporters - Minor mechanism - reverse transportation
- drug molecule itself is taken up by the transporter, substituting for K+ ions
- extra transmitter released via reverse transport through the transporter
What is MDMA as a class of drug?
A synthetic amphetamine derivative
What is cocaine hydrochloride isolated from?
(It is the active ingredient) isolated from coca leaves (erythroxylaceae)
What is an example of a clinically used amphetamine?
Adderall for ADHD
What are the medical uses of cocaine?
Highly effective LA - used for nose, mouth & throat surgeries
(Lidocaine is a derivative of cocaine)
What is the meaning of substance abuse?
Compulsive & continuous use despite adverse effects
What is the meaning of addiction?
State of psychological / physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or drugs
What are the functional / subjective effects of inhalants?
Euphoria / lightheadedness (brief)
Increase HR & body temp
What are the functional / subjective effects of hallucinogens?
Altered perspective
Introspection
Panic / paranoia
What are the functional / subjective effects of dissociative anaesthetics? (E.g. ketamine, PCP)
Sedation
Hallucinations
Dissociation from reality
Slowed breathing & increased BP
What are (5) functional / subjective effects of CNS depressants (e.g. benzodiazepines, barbiturates) ?
Euphoria
Drowsiness
Confusion / memory loss
Slowed breathing
Lowered BP
What are the functional / subjective effects of cannabinoids?
Euphoria
Relaxation / sedation
Increased HR & appetite
What are the 5 environmental factors of drug abuse?
Chaotic home & abuse
Parental use & attitudes
Peer influences
Community attitudes
Low academic achievement
What are the biological / genetic factors of drug abuse?
Genetics
Gender
Mental disorders
What are the 7 drug categories?
- CNS depressants
- CNS stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Dissociative anaesthetics
- Narcotic analgesics
- Cannabinoids
- Inhalants
What are the 5 categories in the spectrum of drug use?
Non-use
Beneficial use - use that can have positive health, social / spiritual effects (eg. Taking prescribed medication / ceremonial or religious use of tobacco)
Lower-risk use - has minimal impact to an individual, their close ones & others (eg. Drinking according to guidelines)
Higher-risk use - has harmful impact to an individual, their close ones & others (eg. Using illegal drugs, binge drinking)
Addiction - substance use disorder - medical condition affecting the brain involving compulsive & continuous use despite negative impacts
What are the 4 stages of drug use?
- Experimental - early stages, peers, choice
- Recreational - non-addictive,
- Dependent - addicts, disrupted lifestyle
- Abstinent (post-use)
What are 3 common CNS stimulants?
- Cocaine (hydrochloride)
- Amphetamines (speed)
- MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
What are CNS stimulants structurally very similar to?
Monoamine molecules
MDMA is currently in clinical trials with which conditions?
PTSD
Alcoholism
What are the functional / subjective effects of narcotic analgesics?
Euphoria
Pain relief
Sedation
Slowed breathing & HR
What are the functional / subjective effects of CNS stimulants?
Stimulation / hyperactivity
Euphoria
Agitation / paranoia
Increased HR & BP
Give 4 examples of narcotic analgesics
Opium
Heroin
Fentanyl
OxyContin
What are 3 examples of inhalants?
Nitrous oxide
Amyl nitrite
Lighter gas / household aerosols
What are 5 examples of hallucinogenic drugs?
LSD
Mescaline (from peyote & San Pedro cacti)
DMT (from ayahuasca, synthetic)
Psilocybin
MDMA
What are examples of dissociative anaesthetics?
ketamine
PCP
What are examples of CNS stimulants?
Cocaine
Amphetamine / methamphetamine
Nicotine
MDMA