HLTH 237 Chp. 10-11 Flashcards
What is the primary effect of stimulants on the central and autonomic nervous systems?
They increase activity in these systems, resulting in euphoria, excitement, increased concentration, and reduced fatigue.
Which plant is cocaine derived from, and where is it primarily grown?
The coca plant, primarily grown in the South American Andes mountains.
What are some common side effects of high doses of stimulants?
Irritability, violent behavior, convulsions, and in rare cases, death.
List Seven examples of stimulants mentioned in Chapter 10.
Cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine, caffeine, khat, bath salts, betel.
What neurotransmitter does cocaine affect by inhibiting its reuptake?
Dopamine
What are the two main forms of cocaine, and how are they typically administered?
Powder cocaine (snorted, injected, or rubbed into gums) and crack cocaine (smoked).
What are some long-term effects of chronic cocaine use?
Memory loss, nasal tissue damage, lung damage, weight loss, renal failure, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke and aneurysm.
Why do powder cocaine and crack cocaine have different societal perceptions?
Societal perceptions differ due to demographic and socioeconomic differences in usage patterns, despite being chemically identical.
What neurotransmitters do amphetamines chemically resemble?
Norepinephrine and dopamine.
What were amphetamines originally used for during World War II?
To combat fatigue and maintain alertness in soldiers.
What are some withdrawal symptoms associated with amphetamine use?
Depression, disrupted REM sleep, fatigue, irritability, hunger, and violence.
Why is methamphetamine often referred to as the “poor man’s cocaine”?
It is cheap and can be made with locally available chemicals.
What is “meth mouth,” and what causes it?
Severe tooth decay caused by dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, and the acidic nature of methamphetamine
What populations are more likely to use crystal meth?
Street youth, gay and bisexual youth, and men who have sex with men.
What is the primary neurotransmitter released in large amounts when using methamphetamine?
Dopamine
What mental health condition is methylphenidate primarily used to treat?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
How does methylphenidate improve ADHD symptoms?
By preventing dopamine reuptake, increasing dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft and improving cognitive control.
What are some common side effects of methylphenidate use?
Loss of appetite, nervousness, cardiac arrhythmias, tics, and increased blood pressure.
Is there evidence that methylphenidate improves academic performance in people without ADHD?
No, studies show improved performance only in individuals with ADHD.
What are anorexiants prescribed for?
Short-term weight reduction and clinical obesity management.
What is Fen-Phen, and why was it discontinued?
A combination of fenfluramine and phentermine linked to cardiovascular problems.
How do decongestants like pseudoephedrine relieve nasal congestion?
By constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Why was the availability of decongestants restricted after 2000?
Due to their potential use in methamphetamine production and associated health risks.
Where is khat traditionally used, and what are its primary effects?
Yemen and East Africa, where it reduces fatigue, suppresses hunger, and boosts concentration.
How is khat typically consumed?
Chewed, brewed into tea, or smoked.
When was khat criminalized in Canada?
In 1997
What are bath salts, and what plant are they chemically related to?
They are synthetic stimulants chemically similar to the active substance in khat.
What neurotransmitter does bath salt use increase?
Dopamine
List some psychological effects of bath salts.
Paranoia, psychosis, aggression, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts.
What is betel, and where is it most commonly used?
A mild stimulant commonly used in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
What are the primary ingredients in betel quid?
Betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco or spices.
What is a major long-term health risk of betel use?
Oral Cancer
What makes nicotine unique compared to other stimulants?
It stimulates the brain initially but then depresses nervous system activity.
What are some long-term health risks of nicotine use?
Lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, COPD, and cognitive decline.
Which neurotransmitters are involved in nicotine dependence?
Dopamine, GABA, opioid receptors, and cannabinoid receptors.
What is third-hand smoke?
Pollutants from smoke that settle on surfaces and later get re-emitted.
What makes caffeine the world’s most commonly used psychoactive drug?
80% of Canadians and millions globally consume it regularly through coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
How does caffeine mimic amphetamines in the body?
By stimulating the nervous system to increase alertness, energy, and heart rate.
What are symptoms of caffeine withdrawal?
Headaches, irritability, and drowsiness.
What are some long-term risks of excessive caffeine use?
Ulcers, anxiety, depression, bone loss, and fetal arrhythmias.
What is the primary effect of hallucinogens on perception?
They cause a disconnect between the physical world and how it is perceived, altering sensory experiences.
How do most hallucinogens affect the brain?
They act primarily on the serotonin system.
What are the common routes of administration for hallucinogens?
Oral, inhalation, injection, and transdermal application.
Name the five main categories of hallucinogens covered in Chapter 11.
LSD-like hallucinogens, mescaline-like substances, dissociative anesthetics, novel psychoactive substances, and cannabis.
What is synesthesia, and how does it relate to hallucinogen use?
Synesthesia is when one sensory experience is blended with another, such as seeing sounds or smelling colors.
What are some psychological effects of hallucinogen use?
Separation from self and reality, vivid recall of past events, and altered perceptions of colors, distance, and shapes.
What is Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)?
Flashbacks or recurrences of hallucinations days or weeks after the drug’s effects have worn off.
Do hallucinogens typically cause physical dependence or withdrawal?
No, except for cannabis, which can cause both.
What does LSD stand for, and from what is it derived?
Lysergic acid diethylamide, derived from fungus that grows on rye and other grains.
How does LSD affect the brain’s neurotransmitters?
It strongly affects serotonin receptors.
How long do the effects of LSD typically last?
8–12 hours.
What practice involving small, sub-perceptual doses of LSD has gained popularity?
Microdosing to enhance creativity and mood.
Which hallucinogen is commonly found in magic mushrooms?
Psilocybin
What historical use does psilocybin have?
Used in religious ceremonies by Indigenous communities in Mexico.
Why is psilocybin considered relatively safe compared to other hallucinogens?
It is the least likely substance to cause drug poisoning and has negligible misuse potential.
Which hallucinogen is often brewed into tea and known as ayahuasca?
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).
What is the primary natural source of mescaline?
The peyote cactus found in Mexico and South America.
What distinguishes mescaline from LSD in terms of potency?
Mescaline is less potent than LSD but stronger than cannabis.
What historical and cultural significance does mescaline have?
It is used in religious ceremonies by Indigenous communities in North and South America.
What neurotransmitter does mescaline primarily affect?
Norepinephrine
What is MDMA derived from?
It is a semi-synthetic drug derived from sassafras and nutmeg oil.
What brain region does MDMA decrease activity in?
The amygdala, which is associated with fear and emotional processing.
What are common short-term effects of MDMA use?
Feelings of warmth, emotional closeness, increased energy, and reduced anxiety.
What neurotransmitter is depleted after MDMA use, often causing mood disturbances?
Serotonin
What mental health condition has MDMA shown promise in treating?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What distinguishes dissociative anesthetics from other hallucinogens?
They cause a sense of detachment from surroundings, body, or reality.
What is the primary recreational dissociative anesthetic?
Phencyclidine (PCP).
Why was PCP discontinued for medical use in humans?
It caused severe side effects as it wore off, including toxic psychosis.
What are common effects of PCP use?
Stimulant effects, analgesia, hallucinations, and unpredictable behavior.
What is ketamine primarily used for in Canada?
As a veterinary tranquilizer, although it is also used recreationally and for treating depression and pain disorders
What is a “k-hole”?
A state of intense dissociation and hallucination caused by high doses of ketamine.
What are novel psychoactive substances (NPS)?
Synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of illegal substances.
What is one major public health concern with NPS?
Their chemical compositions often change to circumvent legal regulations, making effects unpredictable.
What is a common example of an NPS?
Synthetic cannabis (e.g., Spice or K2).
Which part of the cannabis plant contains the highest concentration of psychoactive substances?
The leaves of the plant.
Which neurotransmitter is most affected by cannabis use?
Anandamide, which interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and gut.
What are the two most well-known cannabinoids?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Which cannabinoid is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
What are some of the cognitive effects of cannabis use?
Impaired memory, problem-solving difficulties, emotional flatness, and learning deficits.
What are the physical risks associated with smoking cannabis?
Lung damage, increased cancer risk, and impaired immune function.
What are the potential reproductive effects of chronic cannabis use?
Decreased sperm count, inhibited ovulation, and reduced fertility.
How does cannabis exposure during pregnancy affect a child?
It can lead to developmental and cognitive impairments.
What are some psychological risks of repeated hallucinogen use?
Paranoia, anxiety, memory deficits, and persistent perception distortions.
Which population is at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia with cannabis use?
Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia.
What is the primary concern with mixing hallucinogens with other substances?
Unpredictable effects and increased risk of psychosis, physical harm, or overdose.
