Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health Flashcards

1
Q

The nervous system

A

Body’s control and communication system; consists of brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and nerves

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2
Q

Two main systems of nervous system

A
  1. Central NS: brain and spinal cord
  2. Peripheral NS: nerve fibres outside of CNS
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3
Q

Neurons

A

Functional unit of the brain capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals (neurotransmission)

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4
Q

Dendrites

A

Projections of a neuron that recieve signals from other neurons

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5
Q

Axon

A

Conducts electrical impulses away from cell body towards next cell (AP)

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6
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Layer of insulation around axon to increase rate of transmission along the axon

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7
Q

Synapse

A

Area that electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron

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8
Q

What cognitive abilities is the frontal lobe responsible for?

A

oPlanning
oGoal-directed behaviour
oDecision making
oComplex problem solving
oCognitive control (suppressing impulses that may lead to neg consequences)

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9
Q

Grey matter

A

Within cortex of brain (outermost region of cerebellum); contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses

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10
Q

White matter

A

Under cortex within cerebrum (larger upper art of brain); contains myelinated axons

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11
Q

How does brain matter change as we age?

A

The amount of grey matter in the brain decreases with age and the amount of white matter increases

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12
Q

Changes in the brain during early adulthood

A
  1. Increased synaptic pruning
  2. Increased myelination
  3. Improved connectivity btwn diff brain regions
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13
Q

Synaptic pruning

A

Process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission

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14
Q

What does improved connectivity btwn brain regions result in?

A

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)

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15
Q

Substance use

A

Use of a psychoactive substance (a substance that affects brain function such as alcohol, caffeine or illicit drugs)

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16
Q

Substance misuse

A

Use of psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern or elevates the risk of reduced well-being and poor mental health

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17
Q

Examples of substance misuse

A

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

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18
Q

Substance use disorder

A

Clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (withdrawal and tolerance) aspects of addiction

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19
Q

Substance use disorder criteria

A

Using a substance despite…
- worsening physical health
- failure to meet responsibilities
- associated losses
- problems in relationships

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20
Q

Substance use disorder criteria

A

oWorsening physical health and/or mental health
oFailure to meet responsibilities
oAssociated losses
oProblems in relationships

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21
Q

Effects of substance use on the developing brain

A
  • mental health concerns and disorders
  • cognition
  • attention
  • learning
  • motivation
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22
Q

Mental health concerns of substance use

A
  • poor sleep
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • psychosis
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23
Q

Psychosis

A

A condition that affects the way your brain processes information; causes you to lose touch with reality

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24
Q

Substance use: alcohol

A

Acts on the CNS and functions as a depressant (slows down neural processes and communication)
Causes disinhibition

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25
Q

Effects of disinhibition caused by alcohol

A

Disruptions in normal decision making, slowing of thinking and responding and trouble w mental coordination

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26
Q

Binge drinking

A

Consumption of an excess of alcohol; 5+ drinks for men, 4+ drinks for women

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27
Q

Negative outcomes of binge drinking

A

oRisk of physical harm
oBlackouts or forgetting what happened
oHangovers
oPoor academic performance

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28
Q

Blackout

A

Temporary condition that affects your memory and is characterized by a sense of lost time

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29
Q

Short term effects of alcohol

A

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

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30
Q

How much alcohol can your liver metabolize per hour?

A

1 ounce

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31
Q

Biological and neurocognitive effects of alcohol

A

Affects the dopaminergic system and the Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) and glutamate systems

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32
Q

Dopaminergic system

A

Pathway in CNS involving dopamine
-controls voluntary movement
- reward system
- motivation
- working memory
- regulation of emotion

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33
Q

GABA and glutamate systems

A

Major neurotransmitters of the brain, inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control the brain’s overall level of excitation

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34
Q

What other effects is alcohol associated with?

A

Poor quality of sleep, nausea, irritated stomach, diarrhea, dehydration/increased urination and heart palpitations

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35
Q

Long-term effects of alcohol

A

oArrhythmias: condition where heart beats with irregular rhythm
oWeakened immune system
oDisease of liver, pancreas and stomach
oCancer
oAlcohol dementia

36
Q

What is the most commonly abused substance?

A

Alcohol

37
Q

What is the second most commonly abused substance among youth?

A

Cannabis

38
Q

How does cannabis effect the body?

A

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

39
Q

What is the endocannabinoid system involved in?

A
  • appetite
  • pain
  • immune system
  • concentration
  • well-being
40
Q

Negative effects of cannabis

A

Mental health problems, decreased cognitive efficiency, memory, reaction time and motivation
Increased risk of physical disease such as cardiovascular disorders, COPD, and some cancer

41
Q

Therapeutic benefits of CBD

A
  • Counterbalancing the effects of THC
  • alleviating pain, movement disorders, nausea
  • calming effect
42
Q

Stimulants

A

Act on receptors in the brain to either block the reuptake or stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, increasing their effect

43
Q

What is the most common stimulant?

A

Caffeine

44
Q

Positive effects of caffeine

A

Moderate doses of caffeine (ie. 1-2 regular size cups) can increase well-being, happiness, energy, alertness, sociability

45
Q

What amount of caffeine is recommended for adolescents?

A

No more than 100mg of caffeine per day or one regular size cup of brewed coffee

46
Q

What amount of caffeine is recommended for adults?

A

No more than 400 mg/day (4 regular cups)

47
Q

Length of the effects of caffeine?

A

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

48
Q

The negative effects of caffeine

A

Anxiety
Jitteriness
Upset stomach
Restlessness
Nervousness
Inattention/distractibility
Irritable mood
Insomnia/sleep disruption Lower energy

49
Q

Withdrawal symptoms of caffeine

A

Headache, HR increase, changes in blood pressure, shakiness and reduced cognitive function

50
Q

Non-medical stimulants

A

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

51
Q

Why do university students consume non-medical stimulants?

A

Improve academic performance and social life, to cope w stress and for recreation or down time

52
Q

Is there is an advantage to consuming medical stimulants for university students?

A

Lack of evidence for an academic advantage for those without ADHD

53
Q

Potential harms of non-medical stimulants

A
  • cardiovascular events
  • poorer wellbeing
  • anxiety
  • agitation
  • poor concentration
  • sleep problems
54
Q

Overview of ketamine

A
  • Used mainly as a general anesthesia for animals
  • Recreational effects such as relaxation and happiness
  • Hallucinations
55
Q

Effects of ketamine

A

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)

56
Q

Overview of MDMA

A

Increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, distorted sensory and time and perception

57
Q

Common names of MDMA

A

Ecstacy, molly

58
Q

Effects of MDMA

A

A single use can cause unpleasant feelings and withdrawal including nausea, muscle cramping, blurred vision, faintness, chills and sweats and trouble concentrating

59
Q

Overview of cocaine

A

Initial flood of dopamine which trains brain to want more bc after the high there is a crash w fatigue and low mood

60
Q

Effects of cocaine

A

Disrupts dopamine circuits
Withdrawal symptoms such as depression, restlessness, disrupted sleep, slowed thinking, tired and increased appetite

61
Q

What is binge drinking a risk factor for?

A

Accidents
Being more vulnerable to assault
Acting out in aggression
Poorer well-being
Relationship problems
Mental health problems

62
Q

Binge drinking and academic performance

A

Lower academic engagement and lower grades

63
Q

What is a potential benefit of CBD?

A

Treat nausea and vomiting in chemo patients, stimulate appetite in HIV patients

64
Q

T or F: Cannabis is legal in some countries and prescribed for certain pain conditions, so it must
be safe to use.

A

F

65
Q

T or F: Some people function completely normally or even better, when using cannabis

A

F

66
Q

What is regular use of cannabis associated with?

A

Anxiety, depression and psychosis, lowering motivation and ambition, slowing brain processing speed and efficiency

67
Q

Stimulant use and academic performance

A

Students who report stimulant medication misuse tend to have lower academic performance possibly bc that stimulant replaces healthier and more effective studying/learning strategies

68
Q

Direct pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement

A

Interference w neurobiological and cognitive functioning; direct exposure to substance use on the brain

69
Q

Indirect pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement

A

Through things such as reduction in exercise or quality of sleep, falling behind and missing classes, letting go of friendships and the associated demoralization

70
Q

Which mental illnesses are often comorbid with substance abuse

A

ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

71
Q

Bidirectionally of substance use and mental health

A

Substance use can precede the onset of a mental health problem and is considered a risk factor for developing a mental disorder

72
Q

What is substance use during adolescence associated with?

A
  • 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
73
Q

Risk of developing psychosis and THC cannabis

A

The risk of developing psychosis increases with regular cannabis use

74
Q

Age of first use and psychosis

A

Risk of developing psychosis may increase when cannabis use is initiated before age 16

75
Q

How to reduce risk of substance use

A

-Minimize frequency of use
-Use modest amounts
-Educate yourself
-Be aware
-Plan ahead

76
Q

How to reduce risk of cannabis

A
  1. Type of product
  2. Impairment
  3. Biological considerations
  4. Combination
  5. Method of intake
77
Q

Reducing risk of cannabis- type of product

A

Low-strength products such as those with lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC can help reduce risks

78
Q

Reducing risk of cannabis- impairment

A

Avoid activities in which cannabis causes impairment

79
Q

Reducing risk of cannabis- biological considerations

A

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

80
Q

Reducing risk of cannabis- combination

A

Risky behaviours will only increase the health-harming effects of cannabis; for example, combining with alcohol

81
Q

Reducing risk of cannabis- method of intake

A

The risk of developing health problems increases as frequency of cannabis use increases

82
Q

Impairment

A

Decrease in your ability to function in your day-to-day life as a result of substance use

83
Q

Most common impairments

A

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

84
Q

Recreational drug use: MDMA

A

Lasting changes in serotonin leading to problems w reward processing, thinking and mood

85
Q

Recreational drug use: cocaine

A
  • cardiovascular problems
  • very addictive