substance use disorders Flashcards
Which class of drug are most likely to cause dependence, tolerance and withdrawal?
Depressants.
Where is alcohol mostly absorbed?
The small intestine.
Which neurotransmitters does alcohol affect?
increases GABA, lowers Glutamate (affecting cognitive abilities) and Serotonin (affecting cravings)
What is the most extreme withdrawal symptom?
Withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens - the DTs)
What are long-term effects of alcohol consumption?
Dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WK invovles confusion, loss of muscle coordination, unintelligible speech - possible lack of thiamine).
With what do we metabolise alcohol?
Alcohol dehydrogenase.
Which form of alcohol dehydrogenase is prevalent in children with FAS?
beta-3.
How many americans over 12 are current drinkers?
around half.
Who drinks the most?
Whites. Asians the least.
How many with severe alcohol dependence have spontaneous remission?
around 20%.
Those who tend not to develop slurred speech, staggering and other sedative effects of alcohol are…
more likely to abuse it.
What were barbituates designed for?
sleep.
Which are safer? Benzos or barbituates?
Benzos.
What happens if you take too much of a barbituate?
Your diaphragm can relax so much it collapses.
Who seeks help for barbituates and benzos?
White housewives.
Psychoactive drugs include…
caffeine, nictonie, cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA.
At low doses, amphetamines can induce feelings of…
elation and vigor and can reduce fatigue. But then you get a comedown.
What was hitler addicted to?
Amphetamines.
Narcoleptics and children with ADHD are prescribed what?
Amphetamines.
Does tolerance build quickly for amphetamines?
Yes.
What does withdrawal of amphetamines result in?
Apathy, prolonged sleep, irritability and depression.