tutorial 2: psychoactive drugs and the brain

Question 1

main structures in reward pathways

Answer 1

ventral tegmental area -> nucleus accumbens –> caudate nucleus –> prefrontal cortex

Question 2

substance abuse

Answer 2

the non-medical use fo a psychoactive drug to produce a pleasurable effect and/or to alter state of consciousness

Question 3

intoxication

Answer 3

alteration in brain function due to drug use

Question 4

withdrawal

Answer 4

unpleasant effects of reducing or stopping consumption of a drug after habitual use
- often has the opposite effect of intoxication

Question 5

tolerance

Answer 5

reduction in effect of a drug due to repeated use –> need to take more to get same effect. the physiological component of dependence or addiction

Question 6

dependence

Answer 6

mind and/or body becomes adjusted to dependent on a drug
- physical: further use driven by withdrawal avoidance
- psychological: further use driven by intense cravings

Question 7

addiction

Answer 7

chronic relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.

Question 8

main categories of psychoactive drugs

Answer 8

stimulants
psychedelics
opiates
depressants

Question 9

stimulants

Answer 9

increased activity of CNS; increase arousal, speeding up mental and PA
- meth
- coccaine
- nicotine
- caffience

Question 10

hallucinogen/psychedelics

Answer 10

dramatically altered perception, mood, thought. hallucinations
- LSD
- schrooms
- DMT
- Marijuana

Question 11

opiates

Answer 11

suppress physical sensation and response ot stimulation; pain relief, sleep inducing
- morphine
- fentanyl
- heroine

Question 12

depressants

Answer 12

decreases CNS activity; reduce awareness of external stimuli and slow down body functions
- marijuana
- alchohol
- GHB