Module 3: Alcohol, Recreational Drugs, and Mental Health Flashcards
The Nervous System
The nervous system is the body’s control and communication system. It consists of the brain, spinal
cord, sensory organs, and all nerves within the body. It controls all bodily functions, both voluntary and
involuntary.
Central Nervous System
(CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS) contains all the nerve fibers outside of the CNS.
Neurons
the functional unit of the brain and are capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals. Neurons within the nervous system communicate via synaptic transmission, or neurotransmission
Myelin Sheath
Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds nerve cells. Myelin forms a sheath around the axon of the neuron, providing a layer of insulation and increasing the rate of transmission along the axon
Dendrites
projections of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons
Axon
the slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body and towards the next cell in the pathway. These electrical impulses are known as action potentials
Synapse
When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the axon, it enters the synapse (also called the neuronal junction).
It is in this area that the electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron.
Structure of the Brain
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
The Frontal Lobe
The most important brain area that undergoes major development in early adulthood
The frontal lobe is responsible for many “higher-level” cognitive abilities, such as:
* Planning
* Goal-directed behaviour
* Decision-making
* Complex problem-solving
* Cognitive control (i.e. suppressing impulses that may lead to negative consequences)
These abilities play an integral role in the ability to be successful at university and life beyond
Adolescent Risk Taking
Key Concern: Adolescents are more prone to risk-taking, which can lead to accidents and mortality. In Western cultures, accidents are the leading cause of death for people aged 10-24.
Positive Aspects: Risk-taking is not always bad—it’s essential for learning and exploration. There are individual differences; not all adolescents take risks, and some adults are risk-takers too.
Social Influence: Adolescents are more likely to take risks when with friends than alone.
ex. Driving risks
Data from car insurance and studies show young drivers under 21 face a 40% increased risk of fatal accidents with one passenger, with risk increasing exponentially with more passengers.
Policies in Canada & Australia restrict young drivers from carrying non-family passengers for a period after getting their license.
Some insurance companies offer lower premiums for young drivers who avoid carrying passengers.
Grey and White Matter
Grey Matter
Grey matter is mostly found within the cortex* of the brain. It contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses.
White Matter
White matter is mostly found under the cortex and within the cerebrum*. It contains myelinated axons.
Grey matter declines in adolescents while white matter increases
Brain Changes during Early Adulthood
Increased Synaptic Pruning
Synaptic pruning refers to the process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission.
Increased Myelination
Humans are born with little to no myelin in the CNS. Myelination occurs throughout childhood and into the period of accelerated growth seen during the late teens and early twenties.
Improved Connectivity
The improved connectivity between different brain regions results in larger and more widely distributed neural networks, which is critical for a variety of higher level functions such as learning new complex information, integrating new learning, and applying it (e.g. in an essay, debate, or examination)
Substance Use
the use of a psychoactive* substance. This can include substances such as caffeine, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs*
Psychoactive: A substance that affects brain function. Includes alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, or illicit drugs.
Illicit drugs: Highly addictive and illegal substances, such as cocaine, 3,4 Methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA), molly, or ecstasy
Substance Misuse
Substance misuse is 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.
Examples of substance misuse include:
* Regular or excess use, or use when one should be in class, studying, or working
* Use of medication for a purpose other than prescribed (e.g. using a friend’s ADHD medication)
* Using a medication in a higher dose or frequency than prescribed
* Binge drinking, or drinking a lot in a short period or at a single social event (i.e. 4+ drinks for females or 5+ drinks for males)
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder refers to clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impared control) and physiological (withdrawal* and tolerance*) aspects of an addiction. The more diagnostic criteria a person has the more severe the disorder is thought to be.
Disorder criteria include using a substance despite:
* Worsening physical health (e.g. feeling sick, low energy, sleep problems) and/or mental health
(e.g. anxiety and depressive symptoms, low interest, motivation, poor concentration)
* Failure to meet responsibilities (e.g. studying, attending class)
* Associated losses (e.g. academic failure, financial problems)
* Problems in relationships
Substance Use on Brain Development
Effects of Substance Use on Mental Health & Cognition
- Mental Health: Increases risk of anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and psychosis. Creates a cycle where mental health issues lead to more substance use.
- Cognition: Impairs brain efficiency, affecting thinking, perception, and emotions.
- Attention: Leads to reduced focus, more distractions, and increased errors. Stimulant medication does not improve concentration unless an attention deficit disorder is present.
- Learning: Regular cannabis and alcohol use correlate with poor academic performance and higher dropout rates.
- Motivation: Substance use, especially cannabis, is linked to low drive and “amotivational syndrome.”
Binge Drinking Outcomes
Binge Drinking: Negative Outcomes
* Risk of physical harm (e.g. getting injured or being in an accident, being assaulted, or getting
into a fight)
* Blackouts, or forgetting what happened
* Hangovers*
* Poor academic performance
Note that while occasional binge drinking is considered a form of substance misuse, regular binge
drinking is considered a form of substance abuse
Substance Use in University: Alcohol
Binge Drinking
30% of students reported binge drinking. Researchers define binge drinking as four or more drinks for
females and five or more drinks for males at a single social outing.
Blackouts
29% of students reported a blackout from drinking. A blackout is a temporary condition that affects
your memory. It is characterized by a sense of lost time.
Regret
38% of students reported doing something they regretted while drinking.
Injury
18% of students reported sustaining a drinking-related injury.
Unprotected Sex
24% of students reported having unprotected sex while drinking.
Effects of Alcohol
Short-Term Effects
Initial Effects: Reduced anxiety, mild disinhibition
After 1-2 Drinks:
Slowed brain activity → slurred speech, unsteady balance
Slowed reaction time, confusion, poor judgment
Neurotransmitter Impact: Affects dopamine, GABA, and glutamate systems
Excessive Consumption:
Hangover → stupor → coma → alcohol poisoning
Poor sleep quality, nausea, diarrhea, dehydration, heart palpitations
Long-Term Effects
Brain Effects: Shrinkage of memory/reasoning areas, alcoholic dementia
Health Risks:
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Weakened immune system → increased infections
Liver, pancreas, and stomach disease
Certain cancers
Substance Use: Cannabis
Overview
2nd most commonly abused substance among youth
Derived from: Cannabis sativa plant
Contains: 700+ chemicals, 100+ cannabinoids*
Effects on the CNS
Psychoactive drug: Alters brain function
Key Compounds:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) → Hallucinogenic effects
CBD (Cannabidiol) → Modulates effects, less psychoactive
Variable Impact: Effects depend on THC/CBD ratio
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
- Your body naturally produces endogenous cannabinoids
- ECS regulates appetite, pain, immunity, concentration, and well-being
Impact of Exogenous Cannabis
- THC & CBD disrupt the normal ECS balance
- Can interfere with brain development and overall functioning
- May affect cognition, mood, and immune response
Cannabis and the Emerging Adult Brain
Risks of Regular Cannabis Use (High THC:CBD Ratio)
Mental Health: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, psychosis
Cognitive Impact: Reduced memory, reaction time, motivation
Physical Health:
Higher risk of cardiovascular disease & lung disease
Possible link to some cancers
Greater impact when used in adolescence or with other substances
CBD: Potential Benefits
Counteracts THC’s negative effects
May help with:
Pain & movement disorders
Nausea relief (chemo-related)
Increased appetite (HIV patients)
Some chronic/neuropathic pain relief
Caffeine Effects and Guidelines
Positive Effects (Moderate Use)
- Boosts well-being, energy, alertness, sociability
- Enhances happiness and mental performance
Recommended Daily Limits
- Adolescents: ≤100 mg/day (≈1 cup of brewed coffee)
- Adults: ≤400 mg/day (≈4 cups of brewed coffee)
Duration of Effects
- Half-life: ~5 hours
- Avoid after 5 PM to prevent sleep disruption
Risks of Caffeine
Risks of High Doses
Anxiety, jitteriness, upset stomach
Restlessness, nervousness, irritability
Inattention, distractibility
Insomnia, sleep disruption
Lower energy (paradoxical effect)
Caffeine Tolerance & Withdrawal
Tolerance develops with regular use
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Headache, shakiness
Heart rate & blood pressure changes
Reduced cognitive function
Non Medical Prescription Stimulant Use
Definition
Use without a prescription or for unintended reasons
Commonly misused stimulants: Amphetamines, Modavigil, Methylphenidate
Reasons for Misuse in University Students
Attempt to boost academic performance (no proven benefit for non-ADHD users)
Social & recreational use
Coping with stress
Lack of Academic Advantage
No evidence supports cognitive benefits for students without ADHD
Potential Harms
Cardiovascular risks (e.g., heart issues)
Increased risk-taking behavior
Anxiety, agitation, poor well-being
Reduced concentration & sleep problems
Ketamine
Overview
Originally used for surgical anesthesia
Now primarily used in veterinary medicine
Recreational use causes relaxation, euphoria, dream-like states
Can lead to hallucinations & altered perception of time
Common Street Names
Special K, Vitamin K, Donkey Dust
Risks & Effects
General anesthetic → Numbness, reduced sensation → Risk of injury
Dissociative effects: Feeling separated from body & mind
High doses may cause a “K-hole” → Inability to move or respond (frightening experience)
Impossible to visually detect adulteration with other substances
⚠️ Ketamine misuse poses serious physical & psychological risks
MDMA
Overview
Synthetic drug with stimulant & hallucinogenic properties
Increases energy, pleasure, emotional warmth
Alters sensory & time perception
Affects serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain
Common Street Names
Ecstasy, Molly
Risks & Side Effects
Street MDMA may be laced with dangerous substances (e.g., fentanyl)
Even small amounts of fentanyl can be lethal
Short-Term Effects
Nausea, muscle cramps, blurred vision
Faintness, chills, sweats, trouble concentrating
Long-Term Effects
Irritability, aggression, depression, anxiety
Sleep, memory, and attention problems
Decreased appetite and pleasure
⚠️ MDMA use carries serious health risks, including contamination with lethal substances
Cocaine
Overview
Highly addictive stimulant derived from the coca plant
Increases dopamine levels, causing a short-lived pleasure & energy rush
Followed by a crash → Fatigue, irritability, low mood
Common Street Names
Crack, Blow, Coke, Rock, Snow
Risks & Long-Term Effects
Disrupts dopamine circuits → Harder to enjoy normal activities
Tolerance builds → Need higher doses for the same effect
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Depression, restlessness, fatigue
Slowed thinking, disrupted sleep, increased appetite
Serious Dangers
Frequent use or mixing with other drugs can cause sudden cardiac death (heart stops)
⚠️ Cocaine use is highly addictive and life-threatening
Binge Drinking Misconceptions
Prevalence
A sizeable minority of students engage in binge drinking
Common misconception: More students drink heavily than actually do
Negative Outcomes
Increased risk of accidents & injuries
Greater vulnerability to assault
Higher likelihood of aggression & reckless behavior
Poorer mental health & well-being
Strained relationships
Academic Consequences
Lower academic engagement
Reduced focus & motivation
Lower grades & performance
Cannabis Misconceptions
Medical Use (Limited Evidence)
CBD & Anxiety/Depression: Insufficient human research to confirm benefits
THC-CBD Combination: Limited medical use for:
Chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting
Appetite stimulation in HIV patients
Chronic or neuropathic pain relief
Legal ≠ Harmless
Legality does not mean safety (e.g., cigarettes are legal but cause cancer)
Cannabis has known health risks
Risks of Regular Cannabis Use (THC-Predominant)
Increased risk of anxiety, depression, psychosis
Lowered motivation & ambition
Slower brain processing speed & efficiency
Misconceptions of Cannabis on Normal Functions
Reality Check
Like alcohol, cannabis impairs everyday tasks
Negatively affects:
Reaction time & object tracking
Working memory & attention
Decision-making abilities
Evidence Debunking the Myth
1️⃣ Use During Brain Development
Adolescence & early adulthood are critical periods for brain growth
Cannabis use at this stage can lead to lasting cognitive impairments
2️⃣ Disrupting Natural Endocannabinoids
Cannabis alters brain activation patterns → Memory & cognitive efficiency decline
External cannabis interferes with the endocannabinoid system, disrupting brain function & development
Misconception: Stimulants Improve Academic Performance
Reality Check
No evidence that stimulant medications enhance intelligence, GPA, memory, or learning
Using stimulants without ADHD diagnosis can have harmful effects
Risks of Misuse
Addictive potential
Significant cardiovascular risks (e.g., increased heart rate, risk of cardiac events)
Not meant for off-label use without a clear medical indication
Misconception of Stimulant Medication and Academics
Reality Check
Stimulants increase alertness & energy, but do NOT improve intelligence, memory, or learning
Intended for ADHD treatment, where they help manage attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
Research Findings on Misuse
1️⃣ Lower Academic Performance
Users feel like their performance improves, but research shows the opposite
Misuse is linked to lower grades—may replace effective learning strategies
2️⃣ Mental & Physical Health Risks
Increased risk of psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia)
Serious cardiovascular dangers: heart attacks, sudden death
Substance Use Negatively Affecting Academic Outcomes
1️⃣ Direct Pathways: Impact on the Brain
Neurobiological interference → Exposure to toxins affects brain function
Cognitive impairment → Reduced memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
2️⃣ Indirect Pathways: Lifestyle & Behavioral Changes
Less cardiovascular exercise → Decreased energy and brain health
Poor sleep quality → Impaired concentration and learning ability
Falling behind in classes → Lower academic engagement and performance
Loss of positive friendships → Reduced motivation and support system
Demoralization → Increased stress and mental health struggles
Risks of MDMA and Cocaine Use
MDMA: Lasting Brain Changes
Affects serotonin (5-HT), which is crucial for:
Mood regulation → Increased risk of depression & anxiety
Thinking ability → Cognitive impairments
Reward processing → Increased risk of addiction & motivation issues
Cocaine: Serious Cardiovascular & Addiction Risks
High dependence potential → Extremely addictive, making it hard to stop
Severe cardiovascular dangers, including:
Heart attacks
Brain bleeds (intracerebral hemorrhages)
Strokes & seizures
