Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards
Categories of psychoactive drugs (4)
Cannabis - THC
Depressants
Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Major processes that influence the intensity of psychoactive drugs? (3)
Concentration
Concentration @ site
Way body responds & adapts
Primary site of action of psychoactive drugs?
CNS
Action on CNS is determined by what psychopharm processes? (ADME+2A)
Absorption Administration Action of drug Distribution Metabolism Excretion
Doses of psychoactive drugs - 3 types.
Effective
Toxic
Lethal
Overdose would be an example of what type of dose…
Lethal
This type of administration is slow. Must pass through stomach and into LI
Ingestion (Oral)
Fast administration, to blood and directly to bran
Inhalation (Lungs)
This type of administration is slow release, no highs and lows
Mucous Membranes
Allows for an accurate controlled dose.
Injection (IM,IV,SQ)
T/F A drug must physically interact with a cell to produce a change in cell fnxn (change in body fnxn or behaviour)
TRUE
The cellular component is referred to as the drug…
Receptor
4 Ways psychoactive drugs affect neurotransmission: Fit Block Interfere Release
Fit into receptor sites (mimic natural chemical) H,LSD CAN
Block receptors & prevent message (PCP)
Interfere with re-uptake (COC)
Release in higher amounts than normal (MA)
The desired effect & unwanted responses
Main effect
Side Effect
These effects are felt while under influence
Short term effects
These effects are felt after drug has been metabolized & excreted
Long term effects
Metabolism breaks down drugs 3 ways
Fat soluble -> water soluble, cannot enter brain
Via liver
Bloodstream -> kidneys (filter)
Elimination is primarily through..
Urine
T/F Small amounts may be excreted via lungs, bile, saliva & breastmilk
TRUE
The length of time it takes body to eliminate half the amount of drug
Half Life
Enhancing of drug effect?
Synergism
Diminishing of drug effect?
Antagonism
Reinforcement happens 3 ways. (SPA)
Self-rewarding (high)
Pleasure drive biological force
Activation of pleasure circuits by drug
Reduced sensitivity by repeated exposure =
Tolerance - need more to get effect
This happens when the drug effect becomes more pronounced in smaller doses.
Reverse Tolerance
Reduced sensitivity to a drug due to acquired tolerance of another drug that produces similar effects
Cross tolerance
A state in which the use of drug is necessary for physiological or psychological well-being
Dependenc
Psychological dependence is characterized by (4)
Continued use to ‘function’
Intense wish to use
Compulsive use/anxiety if unavailable
Conditioned responses (Pavlov Dog)
Tissues adjust to presence of drug that when discontinued WD symptoms occure.
Physical Dependence
