Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards by Hannah Schenck

What are “psychoactive drugs”

any drugs that alter consciousness

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the 4 categories of psychoactive drugs?

stimulants
depressants
hallucinogens
opiates

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is main main effect of depressants?

to depress the CNS functions, ie level of arousal or stimulation in certain areas of our brain

*decreased respiration, decreased HR/BP, decreased processing speed

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines and Alcohol fall under what category of psychoactive drugs?

Depressants

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the main effect of stumulants?

to stimulate the CNS functions, ie level of arousal in certain parts of our brain

*increased respiration, increased HR/BP, increased alertness

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Caffeine, Cocaine, Amphetamines and Nicotine fall under what category of psychoactive drugs?

Stimulants

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

True or False: drinking coffee after consuming alcohol will sober you up

False - stimulants and depressants don’t work on the same neurochemical level

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are also referred to as “psychedelics?”

Hallucinogens

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the main effect of hallucinogens?

to cause individuals to experience distorted perceptions (ie auditory/visual hallucinations, heightened sensations, rapid mood swings, rapid energy changes)

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the distinction between opiates and opioids?

opiates is generally used to described natural varieties while opioids are synthetic versions

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is the main effect of opiates?

similar to depressants, although they work on a different neurochemical level; have an analgesic effect, highly addictive

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Specifically, how does alcohol affect sleep cycles?

it disrupts REM sleep, which interferes with the ability to form memories and new synapses

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is an outdated term for barbiturates?

tranquilizers

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are barbiturates commonly prescribed for?

to aid in sleep disturbances or increased anxiety

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Benzodiazepines, like most depressants, enhance the brain’s response to what neurotransmitter?

GABA

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

How does GABA function?

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that works by blocking impulses between cells; there is in increase in opening of Chloride channels, causing in influx of negative chloride ions (ie hyperpolarization_ which induces a calming/mellowing effect)

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What are the 3 types of benzos?

short acting
intermediate acting
long acting

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which types of benzos are prescribed as a sleep aid?

short acting & intermediate acting

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

Which type of benzos are prescribed for anxiety?

long acting

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What does the “acting” of a benzo refer to?

how quickly the drug binds to the brain and how quickly it is metabolized by the body

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is an example of a short acting benzo?

Alprazolam

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is an example of an intermediate acting benzo?

Lorazepam

How well did you know this?

Not at all

Perfectly

What is an example of a long acting benzo?

Clonazepam

Why are opiates used as an analgesic?

because they act at the body’s receptor sites for endorphins

What is a distinction between the functions/effects of depressant use vs opiate use?

depressants work at GABA receptors while opiates work at endorphin receptors

How does cocaine create the intense "high?"

it prevents the brain from re-uptaking dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine

Why do some people overdose on a drug when taking it in a new or different location?

your body doesn't have time to preadjust, and their body is not as prepared

What are the 3 main routes of drug entry?

1. oral 2. injection 3. inhalation

What is the slowest method of drug entry and why?

the oral route, because the ingested substance has to move through your GI tract in order to be absorbed by the bloodstream

Approximately how long does oral absorption of a drug take?

~ 30 minutes

Approximately how long does it take for inhaled (ie snorted/smoked) drugs to reach your brain?

~ 10 seconds

What is the most rapid method of drug entry?

Injection, occurs in a couple of seconds potential danger of introducing bacteria or other unexpected toxins

What are 2 less common methods of drug entry?

1. transdermal | 2. intramuscular

What is the process of transdermal drug entry?

drugs are absorbed through the skin via a patch | -drug must be potent and is absorbed over several hours

What is the process of intramuscular drug entry?

the drug is injected directly into the muscle tissue - can be quick, like an epi-pen - can be gradual

When you first experience pleasure, your brain releases what neurotransmitter and from where?

Dopamine is produced and released from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that is found in the midbrain

Where does the VTA send dopamine?

- amygdala - nucleus accumbens - prefrontal cortex - hippocampus

What is the "mesolimbic pathway?"

this is the reward circuit/pathway of the brain

What structures comprise the mesolimbic pathway?

- amygdala - nucleus accumbens - hippocampus

What is the relationship between dopamine and serotonin?

when 1 of them increases, the other will decrease

What are the main functions of serotonin?

serotonin regulates mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, sexual desire

Behaviorally, what does "tolerance" mean?

you get accustomed to a level of a drug and now need more of it to achieve the same effect

What is the physiological response of tolerance in the brain?

decreased receptor channel coupling - essentially, receptors that bind to the dopamine molecules shut down/close off, so that you no longer get the same "high"

What is "withdrawal?"

your body has come to rely on a drug and its effects, and when that is not available, the body will violently react

What are some Sx of withdrawal?

- depression - highly anxious - sweat/headaches - nausea/vomiting

What is the term for the effects of a substance after it has ENTERED the body?

"intoxication" | -both behavioral and psychological effects

What is the term for the after-effects of a substance once it has EXITED the body?

withdrawal

What is "psychosis?"

a loss of contact with reality

What is the indicator that an individual has a substance abuse disorder?

their use impairs an aspect of their life (ie home, work, school)

What is the initial period of separating the addict from their drug?

"detoxification" - flush the toxins from the body

What is the function of Methadone?

it is an opiate agonist - it activates the same receptors, but at a much slower pace; this dampens the high and reduces withdrawal Sx

How do medications replace the effects of Nicotine?

1. deliver low levels of Nictone OR 2. deliver chemicals that act on Nicotine receptors in the brain; the specific medication either prevents the release or the reuptake of Dopamine, which reduces cravings

How do medications replace the effects of alcohol?

block receptors involved in cravings

Recognizing problematic thought patterns/behaviors, anticipating problematic/triggering situations is indicative of what type of therapy?

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

What is "motivational interviewing?"

involves working with the patient to find intrinsic motivation to change - goal directed - involves few sessions, encourages patient to engage in additional therapies like larger group meetings

What are the 3 main categories of 12 step programs?

1. Acceptance 2. Surrender 3. Active involvement (meetings/activities)