Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health Flashcards
The nervous system
Body’s control and communication system; consists of brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and nerves
Two main systems of nervous system
- Central NS: brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral NS: nerve fibres outside of CNS
Neurons
Functional unit of the brain capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals (neurotransmission)
Dendrites
Projections of a neuron that recieve signals from other neurons
Axon
Conducts electrical impulses away from cell body towards next cell (AP)
Myelin sheath
Layer of insulation around axon to increase rate of transmission along the axon
Synapse
Area that electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron
What cognitive abilities is the frontal lobe responsible for?
oPlanning
oGoal-directed behaviour
oDecision making
oComplex problem solving
oCognitive control (suppressing impulses that may lead to neg consequences)
Grey matter
Within cortex of brain (outermost region of cerebellum); contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses
White matter
Under cortex within cerebrum (larger upper art of brain); contains myelinated axons
How does brain matter change as we age?
The amount of grey matter in the brain decreases with age and the amount of white matter increases
Changes in the brain during early adulthood
- Increased synaptic pruning
- Increased myelination
- Improved connectivity btwn diff brain regions
Synaptic pruning
Process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission
What does improved connectivity btwn brain regions result in?
Larger and more widely distributed neural networks which is critical for a variety of higher levels functions such as learning new complex info, integrating new learning and applying it (ie. In an essay, debate, exam)
Substance use
Use of a psychoactive substance (a substance that affects brain function such as alcohol, caffeine or illicit drugs)
Substance misuse
Use of psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern or elevates the risk of reduced well-being and poor mental health
Examples of substance misuse
oRegular or excess use, or use when one should be in class, studying or working
oUse of medication for a purpose other than prescribed
oUsing a medication in a higher dose or frequency than prescribed
oBinge drinking or drinking
Substance use disorder
Clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (withdrawal and tolerance) aspects of addiction
Substance use disorder criteria
Using a substance despite…
- worsening physical health
- failure to meet responsibilities
- associated losses
- problems in relationships
Substance use disorder criteria
oWorsening physical health and/or mental health
oFailure to meet responsibilities
oAssociated losses
oProblems in relationships
Effects of substance use on the developing brain
- mental health concerns and disorders
- cognition
- attention
- learning
- motivation
Mental health concerns of substance use
- poor sleep
- anxiety
- depression
- psychosis
Psychosis
A condition that affects the way your brain processes information; causes you to lose touch with reality
Substance use: alcohol
Acts on the CNS and functions as a depressant (slows down neural processes and communication)
Causes disinhibition
Effects of disinhibition caused by alcohol
Disruptions in normal decision making, slowing of thinking and responding and trouble w mental coordination
Binge drinking
Consumption of an excess of alcohol; 5+ drinks for men, 4+ drinks for women
Negative outcomes of binge drinking
oRisk of physical harm
oBlackouts or forgetting what happened
oHangovers
oPoor academic performance
Blackout
Temporary condition that affects your memory and is characterized by a sense of lost time
Short term effects of alcohol
An initial drink can have a perking up effect which reduces anxiety and causes mild disinhibition, however after 1-2 drinks, alcohol will slow brain activity leading to slurred speech, unsteady balance, slowed physical and mental reaction time, confusion and poor judgement
How much alcohol can your liver metabolize per hour?
1 ounce
Biological and neurocognitive effects of alcohol
Affects the dopaminergic system and the Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) and glutamate systems
Dopaminergic system
Pathway in CNS involving dopamine
-controls voluntary movement
- reward system
- motivation
- working memory
- regulation of emotion
GABA and glutamate systems
Major neurotransmitters of the brain, inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control the brain’s overall level of excitation
What other effects is alcohol associated with?
Poor quality of sleep, nausea, irritated stomach, diarrhea, dehydration/increased urination and heart palpitations
Long-term effects of alcohol
oArrhythmias: condition where heart beats with irregular rhythm
oWeakened immune system
oDisease of liver, pancreas and stomach
oCancer
oAlcohol dementia
What is the most commonly abused substance?
Alcohol
What is the second most commonly abused substance among youth?
Cannabis
How does cannabis effect the body?
Acts on CNS and has variable effects depending on the ratio of active ingredients such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has hallucinogenic properties
What is the endocannabinoid system involved in?
- appetite
- pain
- immune system
- concentration
- well-being
Negative effects of cannabis
Mental health problems, decreased cognitive efficiency, memory, reaction time and motivation
Increased risk of physical disease such as cardiovascular disorders, COPD, and some cancer
Therapeutic benefits of CBD
- Counterbalancing the effects of THC
- alleviating pain, movement disorders, nausea
- calming effect
Stimulants
Act on receptors in the brain to either block the reuptake or stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, increasing their effect
What is the most common stimulant?
Caffeine
Positive effects of caffeine
Moderate doses of caffeine (ie. 1-2 regular size cups) can increase well-being, happiness, energy, alertness, sociability
What amount of caffeine is recommended for adolescents?
No more than 100mg of caffeine per day or one regular size cup of brewed coffee
What amount of caffeine is recommended for adults?
No more than 400 mg/day (4 regular cups)
Length of the effects of caffeine?
Half-life of caffeine is 5 hours so caffeinated drinks/food should not be consumed after 5 pm of you do not want to negatively impact sleep
The negative effects of caffeine
Anxiety
Jitteriness
Upset stomach
Restlessness
Nervousness
Inattention/distractibility
Irritable mood
Insomnia/sleep disruption Lower energy
Withdrawal symptoms of caffeine
Headache, HR increase, changes in blood pressure, shakiness and reduced cognitive function
Non-medical stimulants
Use of a stimulant without a prescription or use for reasons other than what the medication is intended
ie. amphetamines, modavigil, methylphenidate or other illicit drugs
Why do university students consume non-medical stimulants?
Improve academic performance and social life, to cope w stress and for recreation or down time
Is there is an advantage to consuming medical stimulants for university students?
Lack of evidence for an academic advantage for those without ADHD
Potential harms of non-medical stimulants
- cardiovascular events
- poorer wellbeing
- anxiety
- agitation
- poor concentration
- sleep problems
Overview of ketamine
- Used mainly as a general anesthesia for animals
- Recreational effects such as relaxation and happiness
- Hallucinations
Effects of ketamine
Reduces sensations in body which can lead to injury
Can cause you to lose ability to move and respond to environment as though their body and mind were separated (k-hole)
Overview of MDMA
Increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, distorted sensory and time and perception
Common names of MDMA
Ecstacy, molly
Effects of MDMA
A single use can cause unpleasant feelings and withdrawal including nausea, muscle cramping, blurred vision, faintness, chills and sweats and trouble concentrating
Overview of cocaine
Initial flood of dopamine which trains brain to want more bc after the high there is a crash w fatigue and low mood
Effects of cocaine
Disrupts dopamine circuits
Withdrawal symptoms such as depression, restlessness, disrupted sleep, slowed thinking, tired and increased appetite
What is binge drinking a risk factor for?
Accidents
Being more vulnerable to assault
Acting out in aggression
Poorer well-being
Relationship problems
Mental health problems
Binge drinking and academic performance
Lower academic engagement and lower grades
What is a potential benefit of CBD?
Treat nausea and vomiting in chemo patients, stimulate appetite in HIV patients
T or F: Cannabis is legal in some countries and prescribed for certain pain conditions, so it must
be safe to use.
F
T or F: Some people function completely normally or even better, when using cannabis
F
What is regular use of cannabis associated with?
Anxiety, depression and psychosis, lowering motivation and ambition, slowing brain processing speed and efficiency
Stimulant use and academic performance
Students who report stimulant medication misuse tend to have lower academic performance possibly bc that stimulant replaces healthier and more effective studying/learning strategies
Direct pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement
Interference w neurobiological and cognitive functioning; direct exposure to substance use on the brain
Indirect pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement
Through things such as reduction in exercise or quality of sleep, falling behind and missing classes, letting go of friendships and the associated demoralization
Which mental illnesses are often comorbid with substance abuse
ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
Bidirectionally of substance use and mental health
Substance use can precede the onset of a mental health problem and is considered a risk factor for developing a mental disorder
What is substance use during adolescence associated with?
- Substance use problems and other behavioural addiction
-Mental health symptoms
-Alcohol/drug use behaviours
-Lowered state of anxiety and distress
-Increased use of substances - Social behaviours such as regular exercise, developing positive social supports, engaging in hobbies and coping w mindfulness
Risk of developing psychosis and THC cannabis
The risk of developing psychosis increases with regular cannabis use
Age of first use and psychosis
Risk of developing psychosis may increase when cannabis use is initiated before age 16
How to reduce risk of substance use
-Minimize frequency of use
-Use modest amounts
-Educate yourself
-Be aware
-Plan ahead
How to reduce risk of cannabis
- Type of product
- Impairment
- Biological considerations
- Combination
- Method of intake
Reducing risk of cannabis- type of product
Low-strength products such as those with lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC can help reduce risks
Reducing risk of cannabis- impairment
Avoid activities in which cannabis causes impairment
Reducing risk of cannabis- biological considerations
Using cannabis later life will lower risk of cannabis-related health problems and pregnant women, people w family history of psychosis or substance use problems are more at risk
Reducing risk of cannabis- combination
Risky behaviours will only increase the health-harming effects of cannabis; for example, combining with alcohol
Reducing risk of cannabis- method of intake
The risk of developing health problems increases as frequency of cannabis use increases
Impairment
Decrease in your ability to function in your day-to-day life as a result of substance use
Most common impairments
oDifficulties coping with stress
oFinancial problems
oDeclining physical health
oDeclining mental health
oDifficulties with academic studies
oAvoids engagement
oLegal repercussions
oDifficulties with work
oDifficulties in relationships
oDifficulties with academic studies
Recreational drug use: MDMA
Lasting changes in serotonin leading to problems w reward processing, thinking and mood
Recreational drug use: cocaine
- cardiovascular problems
- very addictive
