HLTH 2501: substance abuse Flashcards
another word for substance abuse
clinical dependency
substance abuse
refers to the inappropriate or unnecessary (nonmedical) use of drugs or chemicals that impairs a person’s function
what do drugs interfere with in the brain?
the reward system, thus increasing the cravings and promoting tolerance
habit
means a practice, often involuntary, of using drugs or other substances at regular and frequent intervals; can be caffeine, smoking, drugs, etc.
dependence
includes both physiological and psychological cravings for the substance
physiologic dependence
means that the body has adapted to the presence of the drug or chemical so that discontinuing the drug results in withdrawal signs such as tremors or abdominal cramps
psychological dependence
refers to continuing desire to take the drug to be able to function
tolerance
implies that, because the body adapts to the substance, in time, the amount of substance taken must be increased to achieve the same effect
addiction
is the most serious form of substance abuse or the uncontrollable compulsion to use a substance, often with serious consequences
2 ways that abused substances can be classified
by mode of action and source
mode of action
refers to if the drug is a depressant, a necrotic, a stimulant, or a psychedelic
example of a depressant
is alcohol and this depresses the CNS
example of a narcotic
painkillers like OxyContin and these cause euphoria and drowsiness
example of a stimulant
coffee
classification by source
refers to if the drug is legally prescribed, medications shared with others, those acquired from other sources, or medications combined with other substances such as alcohol
example of psychoactive substances available without restrictions
sleep inducing bills, cough syrups, spray paints, glue, or nail-polish removers; these substances often provide a short high followed by depression and disorientation
“speed”
is amphetamines
“angel dust”
phencyclidine
what is the effect of methamphetamine?
it stimulates the body by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, but subsequently damages dopamine-producing neurons in the brain
“blow”
heroin
function of ketamine
as an emergency pain reliever or a veterinary anesthetic
“bath salts”
synthetic cathinones that are cheaper “safer” substitutes for meth and cocaine
dronabinol
is a cannabinoid available for the controlled treatment of nausea, vomiting, and wasting associated with cancer chemo or AIDS
other name for dronabinol
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
example of a cannabinoid
dronabinol
factors leading to substance abuse
genetics, family systems, homelessness, disease, the availability of drugs, stress, increased use of antianxiety medications, and increased acceptance of alcohol and weed
M and M parties
occur among young individuals when their parents medicine cabinets are raided and combined at the party
side effects of anabolic steroids
mood disorders, high BP, serious cardiac damage, liver cancer, and infertility
what are the date rape drugs?
flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or lorazepam
national drug early warning system
is used to detect signals of new and emerging drug trends through novel surveillance methods
depressants vs stimulants
depressants decrease the level of NCS function whereas stimulants increase CNS activity
general indications of substance abuse
change in behaviour, appearance (eyes), personality, daily living patterns, change in friends, and decreased performance and/or work; the person usually is angry, defensive or embarrassed when questioned
synergism
can result in overdose or stronger reactions due to a combination of drugs, often including alcohol
drug that induces sleep
barbiturates
function of nalaxone
can stimulate the respiratory drive which is depressed during an overdose
common withdrawal symptoms
irritability, tremors, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, high BP, psychotic episodes, and convulsions
alcohol consumption late in pregnancy
is more likely to cause cognitive and behavioural abnormalities than physical defects
smoking and pregnancy effects
decreases blood flow through the placenta, leading to an increased risk of stillbirths, babies w/ low birthweight, and increased irritability in the infant
cocaine and pregnancy
can cause the newborn to go through withdrawal and also can decrease the placental blood supply to the fetus, resulting in developmental defects or premature birth
effects of stimulants on the cardiovascular system
can cause irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure, leading to heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure at a younger age
infection and substance abuse
systemic infections like hep B and HIV are common in drug users who share needles
effects of hallucinogens on the brain
can cause a distorted interpretation of sensory input in the brain, with little or no control over the experience
examples of hallucinogens
lysergic acid diethylamide and PCP
physical effects of hallucinogens
increased BP, nausea, and tremors
effects of ecstasy (MDMA)
cause increase basal metabolism and body temperature and also is associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
another name for alcoholic liver disease
laennec cirrhosis
alcoholic liver disease
develops in those with chronic alcoholism and includes metabolic changes in the liver, leading to lipid accumulation in the cells, then inflammation and necrosis, and finally fibrosis or scar tissue formation
hepatotoxin
is alcohol and is a substance that causes metabolic changes in the liver
alcohol and nervous system damage
can cause nerve damage due to neurotoxicity and malnutrition; causes a combination of Wernicke syndrome and Korsakoff psychosis
Wernicke syndrome
is confusion, disorientation, and loss of motor coordination and is manifested by alcohol abuse
korsakoff psychosis
involves altered personality and amnesia due to alcohol abuse
methadone
is a synthetic opioid that prevents withdrawal symptoms, improves function, and lessens the crave for narcotics
disulfiram
is a deterrent to alcohol use, in which is causes unpleasant reactions like headache, vomiting, difficulty breathing and visual problems
what deficiencies are common in those with substance abuse?
protein and vitamin B
