Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Continued use of drug despite significant life disruption. Brain changes may persist after quitting, leading to strong cravings.
What are the severity levels of Substance Use Disorder?
Varies from mild to severe.
What are the indicators of diminished control in substance use?
Diminished control, diminished social control, hazardous use.
What psychological factors can influence drug use?
Lacking sense of purpose, significant stress, psychological disorders such as depression.
What biological influences are associated with drug use?
Genetic predispositions, variations in neurotransmitter systems.
What are common stimulants?
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine)
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
- Methcathinones
What effects do stimulants have?
Excite neural activity and speed up physiological and mental processes.
What are the adverse effects of repeated stimulant use?
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
What is the primary action of alcohol and other depressants?
Suppress central nervous system activity.
Approximately how many Americans are dependent on or abuse alcohol?
Approximately 16 million Americans.
What are examples of depressants?
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Inhalants
- Tranquilizers
What are the effects of alcohol?
- Feelings of euphoria
- Feelings of sedation
- Decreased reaction time
- Lowered alertness
- Loss of balance/coordination
- Reduced behavioral control
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Syndrome?
A range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
What are hallucinogens?
Drugs that distort perceptions and alter mood and thinking.
What are examples of hallucinogens?
- Marijuana
- LSD
- Mescaline
- PCP
- Ketamine
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
What is the effect of LSD on perception?
Can produce psychotic reactions, especially in psychologically unstable individuals.
What is the major issue with psychoactive drugs?
Some are highly addictive, leading to psychological and physical dependence.
What is the definition of drug abuse?
Controlled substances used in a manner inconsistent with legitimate medical use, leading to impairment.
What are the characteristics of addiction?
Compulsive drug craving and use, continued use despite adverse consequences.
What is withdrawal syndrome?
Negative symptoms when a drug is discontinued, ranging from mildly unpleasant to life-threatening.
What are opioids?
Drugs that suppress pain and mimic the brain’s endorphins.
What are examples of synthetic opioids?
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
What are common effects of nicotine?
Highly addictive, increases heart disease, stroke, and various cancers.
What is the relationship between addiction and the brain’s dopamine system?
Almost all euphoric drugs work through the dopamine system, which adapts to high levels from drug use.
What happens to dopamine receptors with long-term drug use?
The number of dopamine receptors in the brain’s reward system is reduced.
Fill in the blank: The DSM-5 outlines criteria for _______.
[Substance Use Disorder].
True or False: Hallucinogens have a high potential for abuse.
False.
What factors influence drug use?
- Urban environment
- Cultural attitudes
- Peer influences
- Social-cultural influences
What is the common property of tolerance?
Reduced effectiveness of a drug after repeated use.
