Module 5.3 - Drugs Flashcards
drugs
external substances that are taken for a specific effect
agonist
a substance that enhances or mimics the activity of a neurotransmitter
antagonist
a substance that blocks or inhibits the activity of a neurotransmitter
do agonists produce “drug effects” or do antagonists?
Both agonists and antagonists can produce “drug effects”
list 4 ways that drugs affect the brain
1) altering the amount of the neurotransmitter being released into the synapse
2) preventing the reuptake (i.e., reabsorption back into the cell that released it)
3) blocking the receptor that the neurotransmiter would normally bind to
4) binding to the receptor in place of the neurotransmitter
dopamine
a neurotransmitter that is involved in responses to rewarding, pleasurable feelings
what is likely related to the ‘high’ associated with many drugs?
dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is likely related to the ‘high’ associated with many drugs
true or false: the environmental setting influences drug effects
True
ie., 3 glasses of wine at a part vs. at home
what are 3 long term effects of drug abuse?
1) tolerance
2) Physical Dependence
3) Psychological Dependence
Tolerance
when repeated use of a drug results in a need for a higher dose to get the intended effect
down regulation
receptors move further from the surface of the post synaptic cell. as a result theres fewer receptors available for the neurotransmitter and the stimulation goes back to the normal state like before you started messing with drugs
physical dependence
the need to take a drug to ward off unpleasant physical withdrawal symptoms
psychological dependence
occurs when addiction develops without any physical symptoms of withdrawal
what 3 factors cause dependence
Biological, Psychological and Social factors
stimulants
a category of drugs that speed up the nervous system, typically enhancing wakefulness and alertness
what drug blocks dopamine reuptake?
cocaine
what drug stimulates dopamine release?
methamphetamines
ecstasy (MDMA)
a club drug that is typically classified as a stimulant but also has hallucinogenic effects
what does ecstasy do?
stimulates the release of serotonin and also blocks its reuptake
hallucinogenic drugs
substances that produce perceptual distortions
what 2 drugs influence serotonin?
LSD and psilocybin (mushrooms)
what drug blocks glutamate receptors?
Ketamine
what is the primary psychoactive ingredient in ayahuasca
DMT (the “spirit drug”)
salvia divinorum
an herb that grows in central and south america that induces highly intense but short-lived hallucinations
dissociative experiences
a detachment between self and body (salvia divinorum leads to it)
Marijuana
a drug comprising the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant that produces a combination of hallucinogenic, stimulant and relaxing (narcotic) effects
what is the active ingredient in marijuana? what brain chemical does it mimic?
the active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and it mimics the brain chemical anadamide
what does THC affect
THC affects executive processes like attentional control and decision making
Opiates (narcotics)
drugs such as heroin and morphine that reduce pain and induce extremely intense feelings of euphoria
where do opiates bind
opiates bind to endorphin receptors in the nervous system; they reduce pain and produce pleasurable sensations
sedative drugs
drugs that depress or reduce activity of the central nervous system
barbiturates
were used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders; they could also impair brainstem functioning
benzodiazepines
include prescription drugs such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium
what increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
benzodiazepines
GABA
an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce feelings of anxiety or panic
True of False: Non-prescribed drugs are among the most commonly abused substances in north america
FALSE: prescription drugs are among the most commonly abused substances in north america
stimulants like _____ stimulate similar brain areas as cocaine (although the effects are slower and less intense)
ritalin
oxycontin
a pain reliever that slowly releases an opioid over the course of approximately 12 hours
alcohol
alcohol initially targets GABA receptors in the brain, and subsequently affects opiate and dopamine receptors
alcohol myopia
o When intoxicated, people often pay more attention to cues related to their desires and impulses (e.g., good-looking people) and less attention to cues related to inhibiting those desires (e.g., friends, condom machines)
