UNIT 10 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Flashcards
What is a drug?
Any chemical other than food that is intended to affect the structure or function of the body
This definition encompasses a wide range of substances, including legal and illegal drugs.
Define psychoactive drug.
Acts on the nervous system and alters a person’s experience or consciousness
Examples include alcohol, caffeine, and illicit drugs.
What does intoxication refer to?
A state of being mentally affected (literally poisoned) by a substance
This state can impair judgment, coordination, and other cognitive functions.
What is addictive behaviour?
Any habit that becomes out of control resulting in negative health effects
This can include behaviors related to substance use or other compulsive activities.
How is addiction defined?
A chronic disease that disrupts the brain’s reward system, characterized by compulsive need and desire to consume
Addiction can lead to physical and psychological dependence on substances.
What is reinforcement in the context of addiction?
The process by which a behavior is strengthened or increased due to its positive outcomes
Reinforcement can make it more likely that the behavior will occur again.
Define compulsion or craving as a characteristic of addiction.
An overwhelming urge to engage in a behavior or consume a substance, often despite negative consequences
Cravings can be triggered by various cues, including environmental stimuli.
What does loss of control mean in addiction?
The inability to limit or manage one’s behavior or substance use despite a desire to do so
This can lead to continued use even when it is harmful.
What is meant by escalation in addiction?
The tendency for individuals to increase the amount or frequency of substance use or behavior over time
This often leads to a higher risk of negative outcomes.
What are negative consequences in the context of addiction?
Adverse effects resulting from addictive behaviors or substance use, impacting physical health, relationships, and overall well-being
Examples include health issues, financial problems, and social isolation.
What is substance use disorder?
A condition characterized by an individual’s inability to stop using a substance despite harmful consequences.
This includes addiction to drugs or alcohol.
What is gambling disorder?
A behavioral addiction involving the compulsive urge to gamble despite negative outcomes.
It can lead to severe financial and personal issues.
What is social media disorder?
A condition where individuals compulsively use social media platforms, negatively impacting their daily lives.
Symptoms may include neglecting responsibilities and relationships.
What is gaming disorder?
A pattern of excessive or compulsive gaming that interferes with daily life.
Recognized by symptoms such as withdrawal and loss of interest in other activities.
What is compulsive buying or shopping?
An addiction characterized by an uncontrollable urge to shop or buy items, often leading to financial problems.
This behavior is driven by emotional triggers rather than need.
What is work addiction?
A condition where an individual feels compelled to work excessively, often at the expense of personal relationships and health.
It can lead to burnout and stress-related health issues.
What is compulsive exercise?
An addiction to physical activity that leads to excessive exercise, often resulting in injury or health problems.
It is frequently driven by a desire for control or body image issues.
What is sex addiction?
A behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and actions that disrupt daily life.
This can include a range of behaviors from excessive pornography use to risky sexual practices.
What is the route of administration that involves breathing in medication?
Inhalation
Inhalation is often used for respiratory conditions.
What is the method of administering medication under the skin?
Subcutaneous injection
This method is commonly used for insulin and vaccines.
What is the term for taking medication by mouth?
Oral dosage
Oral dosage is one of the most common routes of administration.
What is the route of administration that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream?
Intravenous injection
This method allows for rapid delivery of medication.
What is the method of administering medication into a muscle?
Intramuscular injection
This route is often used for vaccines and hormones.
What is inhalation in the context of drug administration?
A method of delivering drugs through the respiratory system
What is injection in drug administration?
A method that involves delivering drugs directly into the body via a syringe
What does the concentration of a drug refer to?
The amount of drug present in a specific volume of fluid in the brain
What is snorting/snuffing?
A method of drug administration involving inhaling powdered drugs through the nose
What is ingestion in drug administration?
The process of taking drugs orally
What does time after drug administration refer to?
The duration since the drug was administered until its effects are observed
What is more likely to cause dependence when administering drugs?
Injecting or smoking drugs
This is due to factors such as strong stimulus-response pairing and quicker wear-off times.
Why do users who inject or smoke drugs take more frequent doses?
Because the effects wear off more quickly
This leads to a cycle of increased usage.
What are the risks associated with injecting drugs?
Increased transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV
This is due to shared needles and other unsafe practices.
What health issue can smoking drugs cause?
Damage to the air passages
This can lead to respiratory problems and other related health issues.
True or False: Smoking drugs is less likely to cause dependence compared to injecting them.
False
Both methods are likely to cause dependence, but injecting may have a stronger effect.
What changes occur in brain chemistry due to drug use?
Altered effects of neurotransmitters
Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected by drugs that increase pleasure?
Dopamine
Name three substances that affect dopamine levels.
- Nicotine
- Cocaine
- Alcohol
- Heroin
- Amphetamines
True or False: Cocaine enhances dopamine levels by facilitating its reuptake.
False
Fill in the blank: Cocaine blocks the removal of _______ from a synapse.
dopamine
What is the result of cocaine blocking dopamine reuptake?
Continuous stimulation of the receiving neurons
In the context of cocaine use, what happens to dopamine at the synapse?
Buildup of dopamine
What is the role of the transmitting neuron in normal dopamine reuptake?
Controls the amount of dopamine at a synapse
What are pharmacological properties?
Characteristics of a drug, such as its composition
Pharmacological properties determine how a drug interacts with biological systems.
Define dose-response function.
The relationship between the dose of a drug and the intensity of its effects
This concept helps understand how varying doses can lead to different effects.
What does the time-action function refer to?
The relationship between the time a drug is administered and the onset of its effects
It includes aspects such as lag time before effects are felt.
How does drug use history influence drug effects?
Prior experience with a drug, such as whether it is a first-time use
Previous use can affect tolerance and response to the drug.
What is the significance of the route of administration?
The method through which a drug is delivered, such as oral or injection
Different routes can alter the drug’s absorption and effect onset.
Name a physical factor that influences drug effects.
Weight
Body weight can affect the distribution and metabolism of drugs.
What psychological factor can influence drug effects?
The setting in which the drug is used
The environment can impact the user’s experience and perception of the drug’s effects.
What are CNS stimulants?
CNS stimulants speed up the activity of the nervous and/or muscular system
CNS stands for central nervous system.
Name three examples of CNS stimulants.
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Cocaine
Other examples include amphetamines, ecstasy, and Ritalin.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a CNS stimulant commonly found in coffee.
Caffeine
True or False: Ritalin is classified as a CNS stimulant.
True
List two illegal CNS stimulants.
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
These substances are often associated with recreational use.
What effect do CNS stimulants have on the muscular system?
They speed up the activity of the muscular system
This can lead to increased physical performance or agitation.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a stimulant often used to treat ADHD.
Ritalin
Name a stimulant that is also a common tobacco product.
Nicotine
What category do amphetamines fall under?
CNS stimulants
Amphetamines are often prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy.
What is the most popular psychoactive drug?
Caffeine
Caffeine is widely consumed in various forms like coffee, tea, cocoa, and energy drinks.
List three common sources of caffeine.
- Coffee
- Tea
- Energy drinks
Cocoa is also a common source of caffeine.
What are the effects of caffeine at low doses?
Relatively harmless mild stimulant effects
Low doses can enhance alertness and concentration.
What can excessive consumption of caffeine cause?
- Shaking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia
- Irregular heartbeat
These effects vary by individual tolerance and sensitivity.
What symptoms can caffeine withdrawal cause?
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
Withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration.
What type of drug is nicotine?
Stimulant drug
Found in cigarettes and e-cigs
What is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death?
Tobacco use
Includes smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption
Smoking is strongly associated with which two major health issues?
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Lung cancer
What do carcinogens in cigarette smoke damage?
DNA
Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer
What are some health complications caused by chronic smoking?
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Reproductive complications
If a person quits smoking before what age, can their health become close to that of a non-smoker?
Age 30
What happens within 20 minutes of quitting smoking?
- Stop polluting the air
- Blood pressure drops to normal
- Pulse rate drops to normal
- Temperature of hands and feet increases to normal
After how many hours does the carbon monoxide level in blood drop to normal after quitting smoking?
8 hours
What significant health benefit occurs 24 hours after quitting smoking?
The chance of heart attack decreases
What begins to happen to nerve endings 48 hours after quitting smoking?
Start regrowing
What improvements occur between 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting smoking?
- Circulation improves
- Walking becomes easier
- Lung function increases up to 30 percent
What decreases within 1 to 9 months of quitting smoking?
- Coughing
- Sinus congestion
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
What is the risk of heart disease death 1 year after quitting smoking compared to a smoker?
Half that of a smoker
What happens to stroke risk 5 years after quitting smoking?
Drops nearly to the risk for non-smokers
How much does lung cancer death risk drop 10 years after quitting smoking?
To 50 percent of that of a continuing smoker
What other types of cancer incidence decreases 10 years after quitting smoking?
- Mouth
- Throat
- Larynx
- Esophagus
- Bladder
- Kidney
- Pancreas
What is the lung cancer risk 15 years after quitting smoking?
About 25 percent of that of continuing smokers
What risks become close to those for non-smokers 15 years after quitting smoking?
- Risks of heart disease
- Risks of death
What components do e-cigarettes typically use?
A mouthpiece, heating element, battery, and liquid
These components work together to vaporize the liquid for inhalation.
Are e-cigarettes known to be safer than traditional cigarettes?
Not yet known to be safer
Research is ongoing to determine the safety of e-cigarettes compared to traditional smoking.
What harmful substances may be present in e-cigarette vapor?
Harmful chemicals or unsafe levels of nicotine
Despite being marketed as safer alternatives, e-cigarettes can still pose health risks.
Can e-cigarettes assist in quitting smoking?
Yes, may help with quitting smoking
However, they may also perpetuate addiction to nicotine.
What is the WHO’s stance on e-cigarette use?
Does not recommend use until studies determine safety
The World Health Organization advises caution due to insufficient evidence on safety.
True or False: E-cigarettes are completely free of harmful substances.
False
E-cigarettes may still contain harmful chemicals despite being different from traditional cigarettes.
Fill in the blank: E-cigarettes may help with quitting smoking, but they may also _______.
perpetuate addiction
This indicates a potential negative aspect of using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool.
What chemical does nicotine stimulate the brain to release that alters mood?
Chemicals that affect mood
These chemicals include neurotransmitters like dopamine.
What physical effects do tars and toxins from smoking have on the body?
Irritate mucous membranes and dull taste buds
This can lead to decreased sensitivity to flavors.
How does nicotine affect blood vessels?
Constricts blood vessels, especially in skin
This can lead to reduced blood flow and skin health issues.
What is the impact of smoking on mucus production and lung health?
Increases mucus production and damages cilia in bronchial tubes
This allows harmful particles to reach delicate lung tissue.
What cardiovascular effects does nicotine have?
Accelerates heart rate and elevates blood pressure
This can increase the risk of heart disease.
What role does nicotine play in the adrenal glands?
Stimulates adrenal glands to release adrenaline
This causes changes in the functioning of the heart and other organs.
True or False: Nicotine increases hunger contractions.
False
Nicotine actually depresses hunger contractions.
How does nicotine affect urine production?
Inhibits production of urine in kidneys
This can lead to dehydration and other kidney-related issues.
What effect does nicotine have on blood sugar levels?
Causes liver to release glycogen, raising blood sugar level
This can impact insulin sensitivity and diabetes risk.
What type of stimulant is cocaine?
Potent CNS stimulant
CNS stands for central nervous system.
From which plant is cocaine derived?
Coca plant
The coca plant is primarily found in South America.
Name three physiological effects of cocaine use.
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased breathing rate
- Decreased appetite
What feelings may users experience when using cocaine?
- Euphoria
- Alertness
- Competency
- Power
- Invincibility
What brain pathway does cocaine activate?
The brain’s reward pathway (dopamine)
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.
How long do the effects of cocaine last?
Short lasting and ends abruptly
What are some consequences of repeated cocaine use?
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Impotence
What can an overdose of cocaine cause?
Death due to heart irregularities
What is ‘crack’ in relation to cocaine?
‘Crack’ is a less pure freebase form of cocaine
What is a common cause of death associated with cocaine use?
Heart irregularities
Cocaine can lead to severe complications such as arrhythmias.
What central nervous system effects are associated with repeated cocaine use?
Severe psychological problems, suppression of food, sex, and sleep desire
High dosages can exacerbate these issues.
What are potential neurological effects of cocaine use?
Strokes, seizures, and neurological damage
These effects are particularly concerning with high dosages.
How does cocaine affect the cardiovascular system?
Increases blood pressure, causes irregular heartbeat, damages heart tissue
Cocaine constricts blood vessels, contributing to these effects.
What respiratory issues can arise from freebasing cocaine?
Lung damage and overdose leading to respiratory arrest
Freebasing involves smoking cocaine, which can harm lung tissue.
In men, how does cocaine affect reproductive health?
Affects ability to maintain erections and ejaculate; causes sperm abnormalities
These effects can impact fertility.
In women, what reproductive issues may cocaine use cause?
May affect ability to carry pregnancy to term
Cocaine can lead to complications during pregnancy.
What damage can cocaine cause to the nose?
Damages mucous membrane
This is particularly relevant for users who snort cocaine.