EXAM #1 Flashcards
what is the most common substance that people abuse?
Alcohol is the most common substance
that people abuse, accounting for about
18% of all individuals who have experienced
or are experiencing addiction.
◦ Statistics Canada estimates that as of 2017
approximately ________________% of Canadians
(excluding those living in the territories) aged
12 and older drank heavily.
19.5%
____________% of Albertans have a problematic
relationship with alcohol, and the majority are
individuals between _________and _____yrs old.
19.4% of Albertans have a problematic
relationship with alcohol, and the majority are
individuals between 18 and 49 years old.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a diverse class of moderately strong
painkillers and include drugs such as oxycodone (sold
as OxyContin and Percocet), hydrocodone (sold as
Vicodin and Norco), morphine, and fentanyl.
________________ is by far the strongest of the opioids, up to
100 times stronger than morphine, and even small
amounts can cause overdoses and death.
Fentanyl
Who is especially vulnerable to addiction?
youth are especially vulnerable to
addiction because their brains have not yet
finished developing.
Can addiction develop at any age?
Addiction, whether to cannabis or any other
potentially addictive substance, can develop
at any age.
Individuals who consume cannabis daily have increased chances of what happening?
addiction!
What abuse is greater than ANY OTHER substance abuse?
Prescription abuse!
What are the species of cannabis plants?
Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa
Do we expereince withdrawal after EVERY use?
YES! Your “normal state” becomes increasingly lower as an addict continues using and becomes more dependant.
What does absorption mean?
All drugs are absorbed into your
bloodstream. The speed of absorption is
dependent on the method of
consumption.
________________ are a chemical messengers that are the
communication between neurons
neurotransmitters
______________is one of the key chemicals in the brain that plays a major role in rewards and pleasure
dopamine
What is an example of a neutransmitter?
dopamine
In the brain, how is dopamine involved?
- Motivation
▪ Perception
▪ Attention
▪ Movement
▪ Hormone Release Regulation
Without __________, we would be much less able to
experience joy, pleasure, and contentment.
Without dopamine, we would be much less able to
experience joy, pleasure, and contentment
A nerve cell is called a
neuron!
what is a neuron comprised of?
a dendrite, nucleus, soma,
axon, and axon terminals
where are the messages RECIEVED on the neuron?
thru the dendrites!
where are the messages trasmitted to be received by another neuron?
along the axon toward the axon terminals (buttons)
what is the cell body?
soma! It houses the nucleus!
the _____________determines the DNA (blueprints) of that particular neuron
nucleus
The axon is often covered with a _____________, which insulates the axon to protect and speed up the message
myelin sheath
What is an action potencial?
the electrical impulse, and if they ‘fire’, they become a message that is transmitted between neurons
Where do these transitions occur?
These transmissions occur in a synapse – the space between neurons.
Most of these communications between neurons are ___________ through the release and
reception of neurotransmitters
chemical!
Olds and Milner (Canadian scientists at McGill
University) discovered over 50 years ago that the
reward system can be manipulated to produce
pleasure and eurphoria
what prevents us from achieving permanent bliss?
the balancing mechanisms in our brains!
what is the reward systems purpose?
This system’s purpose is to reward us for
doing the things that keep us – and our
DNA – surviving (eating, having sex,
creating)
can we hijack the rewards system?
We can hijack this system through
substances (prescription or illicit) and
behaviours.
Intentions and outcomes vary, but in all
situations the brain learns and adapts
REWARD system!
is the tendency toward equilibrium and
maintaining a relatively stable internal state
Homeostasis
Drugs can either ______ neurotransmitter uptake or
_________them, depending on their shape - and this is
how they slow down or speed up neural activity
Drugs can either block neurotransmitter uptake or
mimic them, depending on their shape - and this is
how they slow down or speed up neural activity
how does the brain try to bring the body back to homeostasis?
The brain’s response then is to try to return itself to
a regulated and balanced state: by facilitating the
opposite state
The set point is the _____________
homeostatic state
Pleasant and unpleasant experiences
shift us away from the set point and that
the brain counteracts with an
oppisite process
Solomon and Corbit’s opponent process
theory describes
how the brain responds
to both the disruption to homeostasis and
its own adaptation and learning
urge to use a drug in order to relieve the
discomfort of withdrawal
craving
the experience of psychological and physical
effects following the last usage of the drug (detox)
withdrawal
needing more of the drug to produce the same
effects
tolerance
Tolerance, withdrawal, and craving are all consequences of
the b process
The bloodstream distributes the drug
throughout your body. It impacts neural
communication in organs and the brain
differently, depending on the drug type
distribution
The metabolised drugs exit your body via
your digestive system.
execretion
The drug is broken down for easier
elimination. Some of these restructured
molecules have affects on your body as
well.
metabolism
what are some effects of prolonged drug use?
Body: liver and kidney failure.
Respiratory: lung cancer and asthma
cardiovascular: heart failure/disease and collapsed veins.
what are some effects of prolonged alcohol abuse?
Body: stroke, ulcers, high blood pressure
Cancers: liver and mouth cancer
what are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd models of addiction?
1: moral model of addication
2: disease model
3: psychoanalytic model
what is morality?
homer image!
Lack of discipline
Chooses against moderation
Not respectable
100% personal responsibility
why me?
Inherited biological disposition
Copious drug exposure
^ Particularly during adolescence
A catalyzing environment
what are epigenetics?
DNA’s GPS voice
does an addiction gene exsist?
NO!
what did the rat expereiment entail?
previous studies showed the rats
would consume until overdose – but
they were kept in isolation in Skinner
Boxes.
-> Alexander wanted to see if it was the
situation and environment causing the
drug abuse!
what was the rat park results?
their results showed that the drug
abuse was a response to isolation itself
what are Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACES?
-potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years)
-aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their
sense of safety, stability, and bonding
-linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood
-can also negatively impact education and job opportunities
what are the three main issues relating to aces?
abuse, neglect, household challenges
the broad range of personal, social, economic, and
environmental factors that determine individual and
population health
Determinants of Health
what are the main determinants of health?
-Income and social status
Employment and working
conditions
Education and literacy
Childhood experiences
Physical environments
Social supports and coping skills
Healthy behaviours
Access to health services
Biology and genetic endowment
Gender
Culture
Race / Racism
what are the 3 major appraoches to the social construction of addiction?
A Moral Failing
A Disease
A Consequence of Larger Social Problems
Appropriation
Eviction
Immigrants
What are these things and what do they have in common?
Dislocation from
homes, land,
language, &
culture
what is the dominant interpretation that society thinks of addiction?
Morality/Sin is the dominant interpretation
‘Accountability for Their Actions’
Free Will = Choose this Behaviour
examples of Appropriation = Anxiety:
Syringes
Spray Paint
Glue
Gasoline
why are symbols powerful?
drugs can represent alot for us as users but also for the public; heavily influenced by media.
Why are medical syringes a form of appropriation?
we get anxiety brcause we appropriate this symbol with drug use!
what are some responses to drug use?
Deviance
Filth
Revulsion
Corruption
Contagion
Violation of Established Boundaries
are drugs symbols of social transgression
YES!
what is the moral model of addiction?
The moral model of addiction is a perspective that views addiction as a result of moral failure or weakness, rather than a medical condition or a psychological issue.
how do we use drugs as tools?
to alter: Perception, Consciousness, Mood, & Personality
why do we do drugs?
-escapism
-image
-perfromance
-productivity
-pain
-improve mood
-relief
wnhat is Prescription Abuse?
the use of at least one of these medications
(sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, stimulants) without a prescription belonging to the respondent.
ALSO: Also includes any use for the feeling/experience rather than medical purpose
what abuse is greater than any other substance abuse?
prescription abuse!
Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more medical conditions or diseases occurring simultaneously in a person..What is the most common cormorbidity?
Anxiety and depression!
what are some side effects of antidepessants?
Suicidality
Sleep Disturbances
Memory & Cognitive Impairments
Sexual Dysfunction
what are Sedative-Hypnotics & Anxiolytics designed/prescribed to treat?:
Anxiety
Panic Disorder
Sleep Disturbances
Seizure Disorders
What Sedative-Hypnotics & Anxiolytics are most commonly used?
Benzodiazepines (‘Benzos’) Most Widely Used
What are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, similar to benzodiazepines, but they are much older and generally more dangerous. Barbiturates were once widely used for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, but due to their high potential for overdose, dependence, and severe side effects, they have largely been replaced by safer alternatives like benzodiazepines and other medications.
why do we misuse Non-Barbiturate Sedative-Hypnotics?
Mild Euphoria
Relief from Anxiety
‘Mind-Altering Effects’
Sleep Aid
Substitute for More Potent Drugs
Calm Cocaine
Increase Alcohol Effects
Combination (ex. carisoprodol &
trama
why do we need to be careful with benzos?
Benzodiazepines are a powerful class of medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. While effective, they carry significant risks, including dependence, withdrawal, and overdose, especially when used long-term or in combination with other depressants.
illness caused by medical treatment
Iatrogenic Epidemic
what is the botanical name for weed?
cannabis
what is the common name for weed?
marijuana
what are the compounds found in cannabis called?
Cannabinoids
what are the species of plant involved with weed?
Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa
Does CBD have the same psychoactive effects as THC?
No! They do not have the same effects as each other!
Give two examples of at least 113 of cannabinoids.
Cannabidiol (CBD) + Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
what is hemp?
Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species
Hemp has low concentrations of ________ but high __________
Hemp has low concentrations of ___THC_______ but high ____CBD.________
is a cannabis concentrate product made from the resin glands of the cannabis plant
Hashish (more commonly called “hash”)
what is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis?
THC
What is Anandamide?
-> Neurotransmitter.
* Endogenous cannabinoid
* Sanskrit for “bliss”
* Cannabinoid receptors cb1 and cb2
What is THC’s chemcial structure similar to?
THC’s chemical structure is similar to the brain chemcial Anandamide. Similarity in structure allows drugs to be recognized by the body and to alter normal brain communication.
what are some ways that weed affects the brain?
-panic/paranoia
-slowed reaction time.
-antinasea effects
-impaired coordination
-impaired memory
-increased appetite
-altered thinking/judgement/sensation
-euphoria
-altered pain sensativeity
what is the most used illicit drug?
cannabis
what are the characteristics of ingesting cannabis?
digestive system -> bloodstream -> brain
Much less THC enters bloodstream compared to smoking
Effects start in 30-60 minutes
Delay in feeling effects can result in over-consumption
Effects last several hours
what are the two ways for cannabis consumption?
Inhaled and Ingested
what are the characteristics of inhaling cannabis?
lungs -> bloodstream -> brain
Effects start in a few minutes
Effects last 1-3 hours
what are some expereinces you can feel when on weed?
-Anxiety, Fear, Distrust, Panic
-Acute Psychosis
-Physical Effects: (Breathing passages relax and become enlarged; Blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look bloodshot; Increase in blood pressure.)
-Heart Rate Increase
what are some long term effects of weed consumption?
Lung and Respiratory:
Cough
Airways
Bronchitis
Susceptibility to Lung Infections
Cancer?
Tar & Chemicals
Other:
Nonseminomatous Testicular Cancer
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome
Executive Functions: Learning, Memory, Impulse Control
Cognitive Abilities, IQ, Mental Health
what does Regular use refer to?
Regular use refers to weekly or more frequent cannabis use over a period of months to years
More weed consumed over time =
more cognitive impairment!
what is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive impairment in weed users?
Cannabis use beginning prior to the age of 16 or 17 is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive
impairment
Regular cannabis use is related to alterations in the brain’s________________
natural reward pathways
Regular cannabis use is at least twice as common among individuals with _____________
mental disorders:
schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD)
Why is cannabis known as a drug relating to the fallacy of safety?
The phrase “fallacy of safety” in relation to cannabis often refers to the misconception that cannabis is entirely safe or risk-free simply because it is a natural substance or is becoming legalized in various jurisdictions.
What can cannabis do to mental health?
increase risk for:
-depression
-suicidality
-anxiety
-psychosis
-schizophrenia
-PTSD
what is a withdrawal syndrome?
is the onset of specific negative symptoms, which can be
physical, emotional, and behavioural, that occur after one stops using a drug.
(puking after not being able to inject heroin).
Symptoms gradually lessen over time
-> Quickly reversed by engaging in use of the drug.
what are some cannabis withdrawl symptoms?
-irratabilty
-anger
-agressivness
-insomnia
-decrease in appetite
-depression
-craving for marijuna
What is a gateway drug?
A gateway drug is a term used to describe substances that are believed to lead users to try more dangerous or addictive drugs.
What is the gateway effect?
Gateway Effect: use of (any) drug in adolescence primes brain for addiction
“In humans, CBD exhibits no effects
indicative of any abuse or dependence
potential…. To date, there is no evidence of
public health related problems associated
with the use of pure CBD.”
CBD does not get you high! THC does.
what is the difference between marijuna and hemp?
Hemp:
-regulated levels of THC that will not produce an intoxication effect.
Marijuana:
-Unregulated levels of THC that CAN produce an intoxication effect.
CBD has many benefits: what are some of them?
-pain management
-cancer management
-appetite control
-insomnia
-inflammation
-anxiety and PMS
what is the moral model of addiction?
The moral model of addiction is a framework that views addiction as a moral failing or a result of weak willpower or poor character.
what happens to the b process after repeated exposure to a drug?
gets larger with repeated exposure.
