Module 3: Alcohol, Recreational Drugs, and Mental Health Flashcards
What is the most important brain area that undergoes major development in early adulthood?
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobe is responsible for many higher-level cognitive abilities such as…
Planning
Goal directed behaviour
Decision making
Problem solving
Cognitive control (suppressing impulses)
When the brain is developing ____ matter decreases and _____ matter increases
grey; white
Why is it not a negative thinking that grey matter decreases during brain development
Represents synaptic pruning which is vital to healthy brain development
What are 3 important neurodevelopmental processes occurring in the brain during adolescence?
- Myelination
- Axonal growth
- Synaptic pruning
Substance use falls within a spectrum of:
use, misuse, and abuse
Substance USE refers to:
The use of a psychoactive substance (caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, etc.)
Substance MISUSE refers to:
The use of a psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern and/or elevates the risk of reduced well-being
Examples of substance misuse:
- regular or excess use when one should be in class, studying, etc.
- higher doses
- binge drinking
Substance use disorder or substance ABUSE refers to:
Clinically significant abuse or dependency
What is the bidirectional relationship between mental health and substance use
Substance abuse can contribute to the development and worsening of mental health problems
Mental health problems can increase the likelihood of substance use
How does substance use affect cognition, attention, and learning?
Cognition
- Altered efficiency of brain functions
Attention
- Reduced attention
Learning
- Poorer university performance
Evidence from WHO College Mental Health Survey indicates that most substance misuse disorders arise _____ starting university
after
Occasional binge drinking is considered to be a form of substance _____ and regular binge drinking is considered to be a form of substance ______
misuse; abuse
What are some short-term effects of alcohol?
Anxiety reduction
Slower brain activity
Poor judgement
Hangover
Poor quality sleep
What are some long-term effects of alcohol?
Cancer
Weakened immune system
Liver disease
Endocannabinoid system
Involved in appetite, pain, immune system, concentration, etc.
Anandamide
A cannabinoid secreted naturally by our body
THC and CBD and other cannabinoids can connect to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system which can ______ the system
disrupt
What two substances are both CNS depressants?
Alcohol and cannabis
Regular cannabis use is associated with:
Lower motivation
Slower brain processing speed and efficiency
Anxiety
Depression
Psychosis
Long-term toxic changes in brain function associated with MDMA
Changes in serotonin which affects mood, thinking, and reward processing
Long-term toxic changes in brain function associated with cocaine
Cardiovascular problems
Addiction
What are indirect pathways of substance use?
What are some ways in which substance use can indirectly affect academic performance?
Sleep disturbance
Unhealthy eating habits
Not exercising
Lack of routine
What are direct pathways of substance use?
What are some ways in which substance use can directly affect academic performance?
Cognitive deficits
Increase in mental health problems
Mental illnesses that are often comorbid with substance abuse:
ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia
Use of a psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern, reduces well-being, and increases the risk of a mental health problem
Substance use disorder
Use of a psychoactive substance or medication in a way other than prescribed
Substance misuse
Use of a substance characterized by psychological and physiological aspects
Substance use
What are some physical changes in the brain that can occur due to substance use?
Brain shrinkage
Impairment in ability to process information
Substance use can affect the amygdala which means
Oversensitivity to stress
Feeling unsafe
Substance use can affect the frontal lobe which means
Cannot regulate properly
Cannot control impulses to drink or take drugs
Substance use can affect the limbic system which means
Brain stops producing as much dopamine, inability to experience pleasure
Substance use kills white cells in the brain which…
impair connection and communication between other cells
Can a person return to normal brain function via abstinence?
YES
What are 3 factors that increase the risk of developing schizophrenia from cannabis use?
Increased frequency of use
Younger age of first use
Family history of schizophrenia
Some of the most significant warning signs that substance use has become a problem relates to impairment in functioning such as:
Difficulty coping with stress
Avoiding engagement
Financial problems
Legal repercussions
Declining physical health
Difficulties with work
Declining mental health
Difficulties in relationships
Difficulties with academics
