Lecture 1 Flashcards
drug
administered substances that alters physiological functioning
recreational drug use
a drug used entirely to experience its effects
drug misuse
a drug that is not used as intended
drug
administered substance that alters physiological functioning
Recreational drug use
a drug used entirely to experience its effects
Drug misuse
a drug that is not used as intended
how are substances of abuse classified?
into different categories based on their chemical make-up and their pharmacodynamic effects
what are the different categories of substances of abuse? (with examples)
- CNS depressants (alcohol barbiturates, sedatives)
- CNS stimulants (Cocaine, Amphetamines, Caffeine, Nicotine)
- Opiates (Heroin, Oxycodone, Morphine, Methadone)
- cannabinoids (cannabis)
- Hallucinogens (LSD (Acid), Mescaline, Psilocybin (Mushrooms), MDMA)
- inhalants (Aerosol sprays, Glues, Paint Thinner, Gasoline)
how common is the use of addictive substances?
60% in the past month (in the US)
most common substances of abuse
alcohol, tobacco, marijuana
will everyone develop a problematic with drug use?
no
In Canada, ~__% of the population will meet criteria for substance use
disorder in their lifetime
22
is there certain types of people that are more likely to develop addiction?
no
what is addiction?
Chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by a compulsive desire to use a drug despite catastrophic consequences:
- Compulsive use in the face of consequences
- Involves a loss of control over use
- Craving
- Associated with decreased pleasure from the drug
what are some consequences of addiction?
- employment problems,
- loss of
interpersonal relationships, - neglecting household responsibilities,
- financial difficulties,
- medical or psychological problems
- and even
death
Currently, in Canada, __ people die daily from opioid overdose
20
in what way can we say that addiction is a brain disorder, and more specifically a chronic brain disease?
- Has a biological basis
- Disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body (like
diabetes affects the pancreas, addiction affects the brain) - Abnormalities in brain anatomy, function, and chemistry (pre-existing vulnerabilities)
- Like other chronic diseases, addiction is a lifelong disorder (cycles of relapse and remission)
addiction is not ___
- Not a choice
- Not a bad habit
- Not due to a weakness of character
- Not a lack of self-control or willpower
what can happen if people are not treated for addiction?
- addiction is progressive
- Addiction can disrupt all areas of one’s life
- The negative effects extend to the family
- Can even result in premature death
what are the phases of the addiction cycle?
- binge/intoxication (drug is being consumed)
- withdrawal/negative affect (Drug is ceased: “The Crash”)
- preoccupation/anticipation (drug-seeking behaviour)
which area of the brain is associated with the binge/intoxication phase?
basal ganglia
describe the binge/intoxication phase.
- Dopamine is released in rewarding
regions of the brain (basal ganglia), where the high = (in most part) the increase in dopamine - Dopamine release is natural and motivates us to repeat behaviors that help us survive as a species
- Drugs cause unnaturally large releases
of dopamine in the brain’s reward
center