Drugs & The Brain Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of recreational drug use?
To alter the state of consciousness
What system in the brain do many drugs hijack?
Natural brain systems related to pleasure and reward
What can lead to drug dependence and addiction?
Repeated use of recreational drugs
What are withdrawal symptoms?
Unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms when interrupting drug use
What is the dependence liability of cocaine?
High risk
What neurotransmitter is commonly released by drugs like heroin and cocaine?
Dopamine
What is the effect of alcohol on neurotransmitter systems?
Dampens excitatory messages and promotes inhibition
What percentage of regular drinkers may become dependent alcoholics?
About one in ten
What damage can long-term alcohol use cause?
Damage to the liver and brain
What is nicotine?
The active ingredient in all tobacco products
How does nicotine affect the brain?
Activates natural alerting mechanisms
What is a common consequence of long-term tobacco use?
Lung cancer and other lung diseases
What is cannabis often used for in a medical context?
Pain control and muscle regulation
What percentage of the population under 30 in Britain has used cannabis?
Nearly half
What are the potential risks of cannabis use?
Panic attacks, lung diseases, and possible schizophrenia
What neurotransmitters do amphetamines affect?
Dopamine and serotonin
What are the dangers of ecstasy use?
Prolonged reduction of serotonin cells and overdose risk
What is heroin derived from?
Morphine
What system in the brain does heroin hijack?
Endorphin system
What is a significant risk of heroin overdose?
Suppression of breathing reflexes
What is cocaine classified as?
A powerful psychostimulant
What is the risk associated with the smoked form of cocaine, known as ‘crack’?
Violence and aggressive behavior
Fill in the blank: The drug that can cause a dream-like state and is considered a powerful psychostimulant is _______.
Amphetamines
True or False: There is evidence that cannabis can trigger schizophrenia in susceptible individuals.
True
