Substance Abuse disorder (Lecture 21) Flashcards
What describes problematic use of psychoactive substances?
- Uses that being to have a negative consequences on relationships/society
- Impaired driving,, binge consumption, harmful routes of administration
What describes a chronic dependence
Use that has become habitual and compulsive despite negative and social effects
What criteria is used to asess SUD diagnosis?
DSM-V criteria
How is Dopamine made?
L-tyrosine -> L-Dopa -> L-Dopamine
What is positive reinforcement?
Feels good while using the drug (the reward pathway is stimulated)
How does the reward pathways lead to positive reinforcement
Reward -> Increased intensity of effect -> Reinforcement of behaviour
How does phasic release of dopamine happen in reward pathway
Phasic release causes a short burst of DA to be released -> Increased euphoria, craving
How does compulsive use occur
Activation of the DA reward pathway becomes a compulsion, “have to get drug no matter what”
Acquired tolerance definition
Reduction in the response to a drug upon chronic administration
Cellular tolerance vs Metabolic tolerance
Cellular -> Needs more drug at the target due to less receptors on the surface of the cell (to not overactivate the cell)
Metabolic tolerance -> Certain drugs induces their own P450, aka gets better at breaking down drugs
Why won’t metabolic tolerance shift the dose-response curve?
Since there’s no change the actual receptors, the same amount of drug would give the same amount of response
What is an adulterant
Other substances found in the street drug, they maybe inert but they could also have active ones. Used to increase bulk of product
What is levamisole used as?
Animal dewormer, used as an immune modulator (no longer used)
What is xylazine used as
Animal tranquiliser for huge animals
What are some harm reduction measures?
- Drug purity checkers
- Provision of sterile equipment
- Alternatives to opioids
- Safe injection sites
