Module 3: Alcohol, Recreational Drugs, and Mental Health Flashcards
Parts of the nervous system
-central nervous system
-peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
-the central nervous consists of the brain and spinal cord
Peripheral nervous system
-peripheral nervous system contains all nerve fibers outside of the CNS
What are neurons
-functional unit of the brain and are capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals
Dendrites
-projections of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons
Axon
-slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the next cell in the pathway
Myelin sheath
-fatty substance that surrounds nerve cells
-forms a sheath around the axon of the neuron, providing a layer of insulation and increasing rate of transmission along the axon
Synapse
-when electrical impulse reaches the end of the axon, enters the synapse
-in this area it transfers from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron
Structure of the brain
-frontal lobe
-parietal lobe
-temporal lobe
-occipital lobe
Frontal lobe
-responsible for higher level cognitive functions and control of voluntary movement
Parietal lobe
-processes information about temperature, taste, touch, and movement
Temporal lobe
-processes memories, integrating them with sensations of taste, sound, sight, and touch
Occipital lobe
-primarily responsible for vision
What is the most important brain area that undergoes major development in early adulthood
-frontal lobe
What higher level cognitive abilities is the frontal lobe
-planning
-goal-directed behaviour
-decision-making
-complex problem-solving
-cognitive control
Grey matter
-mostly found within the cortex of the brain
-it contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses
White matter
-mostly found under the cortex and within the cerebrum
-contains myelinated axons
Brain development during early adulthood
-peaks in early to middle adulthood
-the amount of grey matter in the brain decreases, and the amount of white matter increases
Specific changes in the brain during adulthood
-increased synaptic pruning
-increased myelination
-improved connectivity
Increased synaptic pruning
-refers to process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency or neuronal transmission
Increased myelination
-humans are born with little to no myelin in the CNS
-occurs throughout childhood and into the period of accelerated growth seen during the late teens and early twenties
Improved connectivity
-critical for a variety of higher level functions such as learning new complex information, integrating new learning, and applying it
What is substance use
-refers to the use of a psychoactive substance
-can include caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs
What is substance misuse
-the use of a psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern and/or elevates the risk of reduced well being and poor mental health
What are examples of substance misuse
-regular or excessive use, or use when one should be in class, studying, or working
-use of medication for a purpose other than prescribed etc.
Substance use disorder
-refers to clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological and physiological aspects of addiction
Substance use disorder criteria
-worsening physical health and/or mental health
-failure to meet responsibilities
-associated losses
-problems in relationships
Mental health concerns and disorders
-substance use can contribute to the development and worsening of mental health problems including poor sleep, anxiety, depression and psychosis
Cognition and substance misuse
-associated with altered efficiency of brain functions
-how you think, perceive and feel
Attention and substance misuse
-associated with reduced sustained attention, distraction and errors
Learning and substance misuse
-regular cannabis use an alcohol misuse is associated with poorer university performance and higher dropout rates
Motivation and substance misuse
-low drive and low motivation
What is the most commonly abused substance
-alcohol
Binge drinking
-consumption of excess alcohol at one point in time
How many drinks is considered binge drinking
-4 or more for women
-5 or more for men
Negative outcomes of binge drinking
-risk of physical harm
-blackouts, or forgetting what happened
-hangovers
-poor academic performance
What percent of university students binge drink
-30%
What percent of university students blackout from drinking
-29%
What percent of students did something they regretted while drinking
-38%
What percent of students sustained a drinking-related injury
-18%
How many students had unprotected sex while drinking
-24%
How much can your liver metabolize each hour
-1 ounce of alcohol
-equivalent to 2/3 of a shot
Short term effects of alcohol
-slowed brain activity
-slurred speech
-unsteady balance
-slowed physical and mental reaction time
-confusion
-poor judgement
-poor sleep
-dehydration etc.
Long term effects of alcohol
-arrhythmias
-weakened immune system
-disease of the liver
-some forms of cancer
-alcoholic dementia
What is the second most abused substance among youth
-cannabis
The endocannabinoid system
-the body has natural cannabinoids that act on receptors all over the body to promote normal functioning
-this system is involved in appetite, pain, immune function, and well-being
Cannabis use and emerging adult brain
-regular use is associated with increased risk of worsening or new onset of mental health problems
-decreased cognitive efficiency, memory, reaction time, and motivation
Long term effects of regular cannabis use
-increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, chronic obstructive lung disease, some forms of cancer
What is CBD
-second most abundant cannabinoid in the plant after THC
What are the potential therapeutic effects of CBD
-counterbalancing effects of THC
-allieviating pain, movement disorders, nausea, and having a calming effect
What is a common stimulant of use by university students
-caffeine
Common reasons for caffeine use
-feel awake
-relieve drowsiness
-improve concentration
-reduce stress etc.
Positive effects of caffeine
-moderate doses (1-2 cups) can increase well-being, happiness, energy, alertness, and sociability
What is the recommended amount of caffeine
-adolescents should not consume more than 100 mg per day
-which is one regular size coffee
-adults should not have more than 400 mg which is 4 cups of coffee
Length of effects of caffeine
-about 5 hours
Negative effects of caffeine
-high doses are likely to produce symptoms of anxiety, jitteriness, and upset stomach
-can also cause insomnia, irritable mood, and lower energy
What are the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawl
-headache
-heart rate increase
-changes in blood pressure
-shakiness
-reduced cognitive function
What is a non-medical prescription drug
-generally defined as use without a prescription or use for reasons other than what medication is intended
Examples of non-medical use of stimulants
-amphetamines
-modavigil
-methylphenidate
Why do university students misuse stimulant medication
-improve academic performance and social life
-cope with stress
-for recreation or down-time
Potential harms of misusing stimulants
-cardiovascular events
-increased risk behaviours
-poorer well-being
-anxiety and agitation
-poor concentration
-sleep problems
Ketamine original use
-used for surgical anesthesia
Recreational effects of ketamine
-relaxation and happiness
-hallucinations
Common names of ketamine
-special K
-vitamin K
-donkey dust
Effects of ketamine
-reduces sensations which can lead to injury
-loss of ability to move and respond to environment
Recreational effects of MDMA
-feeling of increased energy
-pleasure
-emotional warmth
-distorted sensory and time perception
Common names of MDMA
-molly
-ecstacy
Effects of MDMA
-nausea
-muscle cramping
-faintness
-blurred vision
-chills and sweats
-irritable mood
-aggression
-depression
Recreational effects of cocaine
-feeling of pleasure and energy
-trains the brain to want more because of the high and crash after
Common names of cocaine
-crack
-blow
-coke
-rock
-snow
Effects of cocaine
-depression
-restlessness
-disrupted sleep
-slowed thinking
-feeling tired
-increased appetite
Risk factors related to binge drinking
-accidents
-bring more vulnerable to assault
-acting out in aggression
-poorer well-being
-relationship problems
-mental health problems
What is the only proven medical use of cannabis
-patients receiving chemotherapy to treat associated nausea and vomiting
-in HIV patients to stimulate appetite
-for the treatment of cancer or neuropathic pain
Use of cannabis during brain development
-may have particular negative impact on cognitive function
Disrupting natural endocannabinoids
-cannabis can alter brain activation patterns, which affects functions like memory and reduces efficiency of processes important for academic performance
-use of external cannabis disrupts natural function of endocannabinoid system and interferes with the natural fine-tuning and regulation of brain development and function
Lower academic performance with stimulant medication use
-stimulant use may replace healthier and more effective studying/learning strategies despite their perceived increase in alertness
Mental and physical health risks with stimulant medication use
-psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
-serious heart problems
-sudden death
What hormone does MDMA effect
-serotonin (5-HT)
What does serotonin (5-HT) effect
-problems with reward processing
-thinking problems
-mood problems
Cocaine effects
-cardiovascular problems
-very high dependence liability
Cocaine effects cardiovascular problems
-heart attacks
-intracerebral hemorrhages
-strokes and seizures
Cocaine effects very high dependence liability
-addiction
1st effect of substance use in early adulthood
-substance use problems and other behavioural addictions
2nd effect of substance use in early adulthood
-mental health symptoms
-anxiety
-intrusive thoughts
-sleep disturbances
-depression
3rd effect of substance use in early adulthood
-alcohol/drug use behaviours with expectation of relief
-compulsive eating
-gambling and gaming
4th effect of substance use in early adulthood
-temporary lowered state of anxiety and distress
5th effect of substance use in early adulthood
-increased use of substances to regulate distress
Frequency related to cannabis use
-risk of developing psychosis may increase when cannabis is used more frequently, especially on a daily or near daily use
Age at first use related to cannabis use
-risk of developing psychosis may increase when cannabis use is initiated before the age of 16
Family history related to cannabis use
-persons with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia who use cannabis are at greater risk of developing psychosis
How to reduce risk of substance use
-minimize frequency of use
-use modest amounts
-educate yourself
-be aware
-plan ahead
Minimize frequency of use
-minimize use during periods of critical brain development
Use modest amounts
-use wisely in modest amounts
-avoid binge drinking
Educate yourself
-educate yourself on exactly what you are using and the potential risks
Be aware
-know what you are using each time you use a substance
-are you confident that a substance has not been cut with a more dangerous substance
Plan ahead
-never use substances immediately before or during situations that require attention and alertness
Recommendations for reducing risk associated with cannabis use
-type of product
-impairment
-biological considerations
-combination
-method of intake
Type of product
-choosing low strength products
-avoid the use high potency THC cannabis as use lead to severe health problems such as seizures, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations and in rare cases death
Impairment
-cannabis use impairs the ability to drive a car or operate machinery so avoiding these activities after using cannabis, or while still under the effects, is one way to minimize risk
Biological considerations
-using cannabis later in life will lower the risk of cannabis-related health problems
-people with a personal or family history of psychosis or substance use problems
-pregnant women should not use cannabis at all
Combination
-combining risky behaviours will only increase health harming effects of cannabis use
-ex. cannabis and alcohol
Method of intake
-smoking cannabis, and practices such as inhaling deeply or holding the breath increase amount of toxins absorbed by the lungs
-injecting cannabis is associated with variable absorption and elimination rates
Negative characteristics related to impaired functioning because of substance misuse
-difficulties coping with stress/avoids engagement
-financial problems/legal repercussions
-declining physical health/difficulties with work
-declining mental health/difficulties in relationships
-difficulties with academic studies
What may be included in difficulties coping with stress/avoiding engagement
-extracurriculars
-life-fulfilling activities
-social events
What may be included in financial problems/legal repercussions
-criminal charges related to intoxication/possession
-fines/tickets
What may be included in declining physical health/difficulties at work
-problems with performance
-missing shifts
What may be included in declining mental health/difficulties in relationships
-social withdrawal
-increased arguments
What may be included in difficulties with academic studies
-low grades
-missing class
-trouble keeping up with assignments and readings
