Psych 321 Exam 2

Question 1

How to biological characteristics of the user impact the drug experience?

Answer 1

Metabolism, body composition, brain chemistry, genetic factors, pre-existing health conditions, and tolerance/sensitivity can change the effect of the drug

Question 2

What does research say about personality characteristics and the drug experience?

Answer 2

Sensation seeking, impulsivity, neuroticism, low self-esteem, and conscientiousness influence the likelihood of engaging in drugs

Question 3

How do drug expectancies impact the drug experience?

Answer 3

Placebo effects, psychological priming, behavioral activation, and risk-taking behavior are shaped by the expectancies placed before the drug is in the system

Question 4

Be able to distinguish between dispositional tolerance, acute tolerance, protracted tolerance, and behavioral tolerance. How does cell adaptation theory explain tolerance, and which of these types of tolerance is it most relevant to? Define reverse tolerance.

Answer 4

Dispositional: metabolize/eliminate drugs from the system

Acute Tolerance: reduced effects after repeated use

Protracted Tolerance: development of tolerance over long period of time

Behavioral Tolerance: compensation for impairing effects

Reverse Tolerance: sensitization, becomes more sensitive to drugs with repeated use

Cell adaptation theory suggest repeated exposure changes the functioning of the cells. Most relevant to protracted tolerance

Question 5

What are drug compensatory reactions? How do they explain tolerance? How does classical condition factor in to this?

Answer 5

Compensatory reactions are the natural responses to drugs. Tolerance occurs when those responses become lesser over time and use.

Classical conditioning shows when people associate certain contexts with drug use.

Question 6

Explain positive and negative reinforcement in relation to drug-taking behavior. How do self-administration studies illustrate the reinforcing properties of drugs?

Answer 6

Positive: behavior is strengthened, pleasurable effects from drugs

Negative: behavior is removed, drug alleviates negative feelings

Self administration show the voluntary behavior of drug consumption

Question 7

What would be the purpose of a drug discrimination study?

Answer 7

Investigate effects of a drug on behavior, shows actions in presence or absence of drugs

Question 8

What is the benefit of using placebo controls in drug research?

Answer 8

distinguishes the effects of the actual drug from other factors. Reduces bias and confounding variables

Question 9

Summarize the history of cocaine prominence. When and why was it celebrated and when and why was it demonized? Do the same for amphetamines.

Answer 9

Ancient South American cultures in 19th and 20th century. It was recreational among upper class. Demonized in early 20th century as addictive properties and negative health effects showed

Amphetamines used in mid 20th century, WWII, was used to increase soldiers’ alertness. Celebrated for stimulating effects. Demonized in late 20th century for negative health and potential for abuse

Question 10

Compare and contrast cocaine and amphetamines. In what ways are they similar and different?

Answer 10

Both: increase dopamine, high potential for abuse and addiction, dependence, recreationally illegal

Diff: chemical structure, duration, route of administration, cocaine had cardiovascular risks and amph. has psychological effects

Question 11

Compare and contrast powdered cocaine and crack cocaine in terms of use, effects, and public perceptions.

Answer 11

Powder: powder from the plant, snorted, injected, oral, parid and short-lived, associated with wealth

Crack: rock crystal, smoked with pipe, shorter-lived than powder, associated with poverty

Question 12

From what are “bath salts” derived? How are they similar to other stimulants?

Answer 12

Synthetic Cathinone from khat plant. similar to amphetamines and cocaine. release dopamine and serotonin, can be addictive

Question 13

Explain the mechanisms of action of stimulant drugs: what neurotransmitter(s) do they effect and how do they impact said neurotransmitter(s)?

Answer 13

Increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters. Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin

Question 14

Summarize the effects of stimulant drugs, at both moderate and high doses.

Answer 14

Moderate lead to increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. High doses give heightened agitation, anxiety, and paranoia, rapid heart rate, insomnia, excessive sweating

Question 15

What evidence is there for (a) tolerance and (b) physical dependence on cocaine or amphetamines?

Answer 15

Tolerance: higher doses for desired effect, individuals report increasing dosage to maintain desired effects

Physical: anecdotal reports from individuals of fatigue, depression, and cravings

Question 16

How is it that stimulant drugs are an effective treatment for ADHD? What are the risks involved in using stimulants to treat ADHD?

Answer 16

Increase the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine and norpinephrine). The increase creates better attention span, reduced impulsivity, controlled hyperactivity.

Risks: abuse/dependance, cardiovascular effects, psychiatric side effects, growth suppression, sleep disturbances

Question 17

Summarize the changing attitudes toward tobacco over the centuries.

Answer 17

Used for cerimonial/medicinal, seen as a novelty, became more recreational, endorsed for medicinal qualities, 20th century shows negative health effects, became less socially acceptable

Question 18

Compare cigarette smoking to cigar or pipe smoking in terms of pharmacology and effects.

Answer 18

Pharm.: Cigarettes have finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper. Cigars have whole tobacco leaves. Pipes have a blend of whole leaves

Effects: cigarettes deliver nicotine rapidly to the blood stream. cigars have the same health risks but are not inhaled deeply - lower risk. Pipes have similar risks but is also not inhaled as deeply.

Question 19

Amongst which demographic groups are the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products most common? Why is smoking during adolescence so risky? Summarize current trends in the use of e-cigarettes.

Answer 19

Most common among adolescents/young adults, low-income, mental health issues, and certain ethnic/racial minorities.

Smoking in adolescence is risky because nicotine affects brain development, lung cancer, heart disease

e-cigs increased in popularity in adolescents and young adults. sometimes used by those who have never tried cigarettes. They have a variety of flavors. Are currently being debated for regulatory efforts on the vape market

Question 20

What is the primary neurotransmitter that nicotine influences? How does it affect said neurotransmitter?

Answer 20

Acetylcholine - involved in learning, memory, attention, and arousal. Increases pleasure or reward, adding to its addictive property

Question 21

To what extent do people develop tolerance to and physical dependence on nicotine?

Answer 21

Regular users find they need to smoke more cigarettes or use more nicotine products for the desired effect. Physical dependence withdrawal symptoms are irritability, anxiety, cravings

Question 22

What are the acute effects of nicotine? How do these vary depending on the dosage?

Answer 22

stimulant effects, increased heart rate, constriction of blood vessels, appetite suppression, respiratory effects, dizziness. higher doses give more pronounced effects

Question 23

What are the long-term health risks associated with smoking cigarettes? Which components of cigarette smoke are associated with which health effects?

Answer 23

Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, reproductive issues. Nicotine, Tar, Carbon Monoxide

Question 24

In what ways can formal treatment help people quit smoking? To what extent is formal treatment necessary to successfully quit?

Answer 24

Counseling and Therapy, Medication, Accountability, Education. The extent of needed treatment varies among individuals, relies on motivation and commitment

Question 25

What are methylxanthines?

Answer 25

Caffeine, theophylline, theobromine

found naturally in plants, CNS stimulants

Question 26

In which countries is coffee consumption most prevalent? In what countries is tea the dominant source of caffeine consumption?

Answer 26

Coffee: European Countries

Tea: Asian Countries

Question 27

Describe the mechanism of action of caffeine and it’s absorption and distribution.

Answer 27

Blocks the action of adenosine (promotes relaxation and sleep). Typically absorbed into bloodstream after ingestion. Metabolized in the liver.

Question 28

What is known about tolerance to caffeine? How do we know that caffeine produces physical dependence?

Answer 28

Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating

Question 29

Describe the acute effects of caffeine.

Answer 29

Increased alertness, enhanced cognitive function, elevated mood, increased heart rate/ blood pressure, diuresis

Question 30

In what ways does caffeine interact with nicotine and alcohol? What are the risks of combining caffeine and alcohol?

Answer 30

Caffeine can mask sedative effects of alcohol. increases risk of heart palpitations. Both have diuretic effects which can lead to dehydration.

Question 31

What are the risks associated with higher levels caffeine consumption? What medical or psychiatric conditions can be exacerbated by caffeine?

Answer 31

Increased heart rate/blood pressure. insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, dependence/withdrawal.

Anxiety, bipolar, insomnia, cardiovascular