Week 8: Drugs and addiction

Question 1

Psychoactive drug

Answer 1

Chemicals that directly affect mental states, such as moods, alertness, and perception.

Question 2

Stigma

Answer 2

A negative association people/society makes with a specific group, behaviour or life circumstance.

Question 3

Drug effects

Answer 3

The physiological, psychological and social changes that occur when a drug is consumed.

Question 4

Limbic system

Answer 4

The region of the brain that is responsible for emotions and memory formation.

Question 5

Prefrontal cortex

Answer 5

The region of the brain that processes conscious perceptions, thoughts and behavioural decision making.

Question 6

Neuron

Answer 6

(Nerve cell) which carry electrical signals throughout the body including the brain.

Question 7

Synapse

Answer 7

The junction between two neurons where they meet.

Question 8

Neurotransmitter

Answer 8

A chemical that enables neurons to communicate with each other

Question 9

Dopamine

Answer 9

(Neurotransmitter) involed in feelings of pleasure and reward.

Question 10

Adrenaline

Answer 10

(Hormone+Neurotransmitter) involved in feelings of excitement and fear.

Question 11

Serotonin

Answer 11

(Neurotransmitter) involved in mood and physiological states –> hunger, tiredness

Question 12

Noradrenaline

Answer 12

(Neurotransmitter) involved in preparing the body for action

Question 13

Stimulants

Answer 13

Any drug which increases brain activity.

Question 14

Depressant

Answer 14

Any drug that decreases brain activity.

Question 15

Opiates

Answer 15

Drugs that directly affect pain neurons, reducing their activity.

Question 16

Hallucinogens

Answer 16

Drugs which alter mood, perception and thought.

Question 17

Protective factor

Answer 17

Things that decrease the likelihood of a negative event/outcome

Question 18

Risk factor

Answer 18

Things that increase the likelihood of a negative event or outcome, such as developing a drug addiction.

Question 19

Biopsychosocial model

Answer 19

An approach to any issue, such as addiction, which considers a combination of social environment, psychological and biological factors.