Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

UNI SECOND YEAR COURES > HLTH 237 Ch. 1-4 > Flashcards

HLTH 237 Ch. 1-4 Flashcards

1
Q

What are psychoactive drugs?

A

Natural or synthesized substances that alter the central and autonomic nervous systems, affecting thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They can balance or disrupt biological functions and may be medical or non-medical, licit or illicit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is drug misuse, and what are its consequences?

A

Occasional improper or inappropriate use of drugs (social or prescription), leading to adverse effects like medical complications, behavioral alterations, social and legal problems, and potential addiction or dependence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) define addiction?

A
  • A treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex brain circuits, genetics, environment, and life experiences.
  • People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors compulsively despite harmful consequences.
  • Treatment and prevention are as effective as for other chronic diseases.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How was addiction conceptualized historically?

A
  • Focused on morality and workplace productivity.
  • Viewed addiction as a behavioral issue involving compulsive drug-seeking, loss of control, and lifestyle breakdown.
  • Abstinence was seen as the only solution.
  • Linked to physical withdrawal symptoms in the 1950s–60
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How did the WHO redefine addiction in 1964?

A

The WHO broadened the concept to “dependence,” recognizing both physical and psychological components of addiction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the criticisms of the ASAM definition of addiction?

A
  • Focuses narrowly on the medical aspects of addiction.
  • Does not include the holistic nature of addiction, which involves social, economic, and situational factors.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do social scientists view addiction beyond its medical aspects?

A
  • Stanton Peele: Addiction is not solely chemical but a social experience that creates dependency on particular states of mind and body.
  • Anthropologists and human geographers emphasize the cultural and contextual aspects of substance use (e.g., social settings and timing).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the conditions for addiction, according to Peele and Brodsky?

A
  • Readily available substances.
  • Severe stress (e.g., misery, danger, discomfort).
  • Alienation.
  • Emotional or vocational deprivation.
  • Lack of control over one’s life.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What did studies on U.S. soldiers in Vietnam reveal about addiction?

A
  • 75% of soldiers who used heroin in Vietnam reported addiction.
  • Only one-third continued use after returning to the U.S., and only 10% showed dependency.
  • Highlights the importance of social and environmental factors in addiction.
    *
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Why is addiction considered a bio-psycho-social phenomenon?

A
  • Addiction involves biological factors (brain circuits, genetics), psychological factors (stress, coping mechanisms), and social factors (environment, relationships).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the two main types of drug dependency?

A
  • Physical Dependency: The body adapts to the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms if use stops.
  • Psychological Dependency: The drug becomes central to thoughts and actions, often more significant than physical dependency.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Why aren’t eating disorders considered addictions?

A
  • Dopamine release from eating is insufficient for addiction-like reinforcement compared to drugs.
  • Tolerance and withdrawal are not consistently demonstrated.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What behaviors or conditions are often mistaken for addiction?

A
  • Behaviors without distinct biological or chemically induced changes (e.g., compulsive eating or gambling).
  • Conditions lacking evidence of tolerance, withdrawal, or nervous system changes caused by psychoactive substances.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How is gambling classified in addiction research?

A
  • DSM-V: Substance-related disorder.
  • WHO ICD-11: Impulse control disorder.
  • Gambling shares characteristics with addiction (e.g., impulsivity, decision-making deficits) but lacks a biological trigger or withdrawal effects
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the four main drug groups?

A
  1. Depressants: Reduce CNS activity (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines).
  2. Stimulants: Increase CNS activity, elevate mood, and increase alertness (e.g., caffeine, amphetamines).
  3. Hallucinogens: Disrupt perception, cognition, and mood (e.g., LSD, cannabis).
  4. Psychotherapeutic Agents: Treat mental health disorders (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics)a
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why is “sex addiction” not considered a true addiction?

A
  • Evidence-based research does not support “sex addiction” as a distinct addiction.
  • Classified as a compulsive or impulsive behavior rather than an addiction.
  • No chemical or biological basis as seen in substance addiction.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the effects and uses of depressants?

A
  • Effects: Reduction in CNS arousal and activity.
  • Uses: As anesthetics, sleep aids, anti-anxiety agents, and sedatives.
  • Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How do hallucinogens affect the brain?

A

Hallucinogens cause a generalized disruption in brain processes, altering perception, cognition, and mood. Cannabis is a hallucinogen but acts more like a depressant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the effects and common uses of stimulants?

A
  • Effects: Elevate mood, increase vigilance, and postpone fatigue.
  • Uses: Treat ADHD, suppress appetite, and relieve nasal congestion.
  • Examples: Cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are psychotherapeutic agents, and why are they less likely to be misused?

A
  • Definition: Drugs primarily used to treat mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
  • Misuse: Less likely because they aren’t rapidly acting and often cause unpleasant side effects.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Why is dopamine significant in drug use and addiction?

A

Dopamine stimulates brain nerves, creating sensations of power, energy, and euphoria. Most drugs of misuse increase dopamine activity, reinforcing addictive behavior.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are neurotransmitters, and where are they found?

A

Chemicals in the brain that relay, amplify, and modulate signals between neurons. They are found in the synaptic cleft.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How does THC interact with the brain?

A

THC binds with receptors in the brain, causing euphoria, time distortion, and mild hallucinogenic effects. It also increases dopamine release.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the role of endorphins in the brain?

A

Endorphins bind to opioid receptors, blocking pain and modulating dopamine transmission, which can lead to euphoria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How do GABA and glutamate function in the brain?

A
  • GABA: Inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms the brain and reduces anxiety.
  • Glutamate: Excitatory neurotransmitter linked to memory and learning. It balances GABA’s effects.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is serotonin’s role in mental health?

A

Known as the “happiness transmitter,” serotonin reduces depression, alleviates anxiety, and elevates mood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

How does norepinephrine influence the body?

A

Active in the fight-or-flight response.
High levels can cause anxiety and mania.
Inhibiting norepinephrine can alleviate depression.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is pharmacodynamics?

A

The study of what drugs do to the body, including their mechanisms of action, tolerance, and withdrawal effects.

24
Q

What are the different types of tolerance?

A
  • Dispositional:The liver processes drugs more efficiently.
    * Functional: Changes in receptors reduce drug sensitivity.
  • Cross-Tolerance:Tolerance to one drug leads to reduced sensitivity to another with similar effects.
  • Tachyphylaxis:Rapid development of tolerance.
25
Q

What is reverse tolerance (sensitization)?

A

A condition where less of a drug is needed to achieve the desired effect, often due to heightened sensitivity in the brain.

26
Q

What is withdrawal in the context of pharmacodynamics?

A

The physical or psychological symptoms that occur when drug use is abruptly stopped, often opposite to the drug’s effects.

27
Q

What is pharmacokinetics?

A

The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

28
Q

What are the main routes of drug administration?

A
  • Oral:Convenient but slow absorption.
  • Injection: Quick effect but high overdose risk.
  • Inhalation: Rapid onset but lung damage.
    * Transdermal: Convenient but limited recreational use.
  • Mucous Membrane: Quick but can cause tissue damage.
29
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of oral drug administration?

A
  • Advantages: Easy and convenient.
  • Disadvantages: Slow absorption, potential for stomach discomfort, and difficulty in calculating the absorbed dose.
30
Q

Why is injection a common route for drug administration, and what are the risks?

A

Benefits: Quick effect and accurate dosing.
Risks: Overdose, pain, and disease transmission from shared needles.

31
Q

What are the pros and cons of inhalation and transdermal drug administration?

A
  • Inhalation: Quick effect but can damage lungs.
  • Transdermal: Convenient but limited to certain drugs and uses.
32
Q

What are the global trends in alcohol use?

A
  • 1/3 of the world consumes alcohol, with use 10 times higher than illicit drugs.
  • Europe has the highest consumption rates, while North African and Middle Eastern countries have the lowest.
  • Alcohol-related premature deaths decreased globally from 1990 to 2017, except in the U.S. and Russia.
32
Q

How has global drug use changed between 1990 and 2016?

A

There has been an overall increase in drug use worldwide.

32
Q

What percentage of the global adult population uses psychoactive drugs, and how many use illegal drugs?

A
  • 50% of adults use psychoactive drugs regularly.
  • 5.5% used illegal drugs in the previous year.
33
Q

What are the key statistics for alcohol use in Canada?

A
  • 78% of Canadians aged 15+ consumed alcohol in the last year.
  • 21% of drinkers exceeded low-risk drinking guidelines.
33
Q

How has illicit drug use changed in Canada since the 1990s?

A
  • Increased from 1% of the population in the 1990s to 3% in 2017.
  • The greatest rise has been in opioid-related toxicity events and cocaine use.
33
Q

Why is cannabis significant in global drug use?

A

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug worldwide.

33
Q

What are the key statistics for tobacco use globally?

A
  • 1.1 billion people use tobacco, with 80% residing in developing countries.
  • Tobacco contributes the most to the global disease burden, causing 8 million deaths annually, including 1.2 million from secondhand smoke.
34
Q

How has tobacco use in Canada changed over time?

A
  • Cigarette use dropped from 50% in 1965 to 15% today.
  • E-cigarettes are used by 23% of youth (ages 15–19) and 29% of young adults (ages 20–24).
35
Q

What percentage of Canadians use prescription psychoactive drugs, and which group uses them more?

A
  • 22% of people aged 15+ use prescription psychoactive drugs.
  • Women use them more than men.
36
Q

What are the trends in cannabis use in Canada?

A
  • Recreational use rose from 5.5% in 1985 to 15% in 2014.
  • Lifetime use is 41.5%.
  • Legalization in 2019 increased use by only 2% (from 14.8% to 16.8%).
36
Q

What are the major economic costs of psychoactive drug use?

A

Costs include healthcare expenses, law enforcement efforts, lost productivity, and the burden on individuals and society.

37
Q

What are the alcohol use trends among Canadian students in grades 7–12?

A

44% consumed alcohol at least once in the past year.
Regular use is less common but increases with age.

37
Q

How prevalent is e-cigarette use among Canadian students?

A

20% of students in grades 7–12 have used e-cigarettes.
Has gone up since time of writing

38
Q

Which drug contributes the most to the global disease burden?

A

Tobacco, with 8 million annual deaths and widespread health consequences.

38
Q

Has cannabis legalization increased its use in Canada?

A

No significant increase; use rose only 2% after legalization.

39
Q

How does substance use vary by region globally?

A
  • Europe: Highest alcohol use.
  • North America: Highest opioid and amphetamine use.
  • Middle East and North Africa: Lowest alcohol use.
39
Q

How have alcohol-related deaths changed globally?

A

Premature deaths from alcohol use have decreased worldwide except in the U.S. and Russia

40
Q

hat are the key principles of the moral model of addiction?

A
  • Drug use is considered unacceptable, wrong, or sinful.
  • Addiction results from personal choice and moral failings.
  • Individuals are solely responsible for their behavior and can decide not to use substances.
41
Q

How does the moral model contribute to stigma around addiction?

A
  • Labels people with addiction as having deep character flaws.
  • Promotes blame and shame, making it easier to reject or ignore those struggling with substance use.
42
Q

How does the language of the moral model affect perceptions of drug users?

A

Negative language reinforces societal rejection and dehumanizes people with addiction, making them easier to discard or blame.

42
Q

What were the outcomes of the War on Drugs?

A
  • No significant reduction in illicit or licit drug use.
  • Increased incarceration rates, especially among minorities.
  • Focused on punishment rather than treatment or harm reduction.
42
Q

How does the moral model view personal responsibility in addiction?

A

It asserts that people with addiction can choose to stop using drugs and that their behavior reflects a lack of willpower or character.

43
Q

What does the moral model fail to recognize about addiction?

A

It ignores the complex biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction, such as brain chemistry, trauma, and socioeconomic influences.

43
Q

What were the key components of the War on Drugs in the U.S.?

A
  • Began in the 1970s under Nixon and intensified in the 1980s with Reagan.
  • Involved military enforcement, mandatory minimum sentences, and the death penalty for drug “kingpins.”
  • Led to mass incarceration, particularly targeting marginalized racial and socioeconomic groups.
44
Q

How was the War on Drugs implemented outside the U.S.?

A
  • Canada: Less pronounced but included attempts at mandatory minimums, later struck down by courts.
  • The Philippines: Duterte’s administration allowed military and paramilitary groups to kill suspected drug dealers and users, resulting in over 22,000 deaths.
  • Vietnam, Cambodia, and China: Forced work camps for drug users.
45
Q

How prevalent is the death penalty for drug offenses worldwide?

A

By 2020, 66% of countries with the death penalty had laws applying it to drug-related offenses.

46
Q

What are the major criticisms of the moral model?

A
  • Overemphasizes personal choice, ignoring external factors like environment and genetics.
  • Fails to support empirical evidence of addiction as a bio-psycho-social phenomenon.
  • Stigmatizes individuals, reducing access to compassionate treatment.
47
Q

How do alternative models challenge the moral model of addiction?

A
  • Medical Model:Addiction is a chronic disease requiring treatment.
  • Social Models: Emphasize the role of environmental, economic, and social factors in addiction.
  • * Holistic Models:Incorporate biological, psychological, and social elements for a comprehensive understanding.
47
Q

Why does the moral model label addiction as a moral failing?

A

It views addiction as a result of weak character, lack of willpower, and poor moral choices, rather than a condition influenced by complex factors.

48
Q

According to the moral model, what is the “solution” to addiction?

A

Addiction is solved through personal willpower, determination, and removal from temptation, without the need for medical or social interventions.

49
Q

How does alcohol present inconsistencies in the moral model?

A

In Western countries, alcohol is legal and socially accepted, complicating the moral stance that all drug use is inherently wrong.

50
Q

What backlash has harm reduction faced due to the moral model?

A

The moral model opposes harm reduction efforts like safe injection sites and needle exchange programs, framing them as enabling drug use rather than addressing its causes.

51
Q

Why does the moral model oppose social reforms to address addiction?

A

The model relies on individual accountability and rejects systemic solutions, such as addressing poverty, inequality, or access to healthcare, as irrelevant to addiction.

UNI SECOND YEAR COURES (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions