Week 8: Drugs and addiction Flashcards
Psychoactive drug
Chemicals that directly affect mental states, such as moods, alertness, and perception.
Stigma
A negative association people/society makes with a specific group, behaviour or life circumstance.
Drug effects
The physiological, psychological and social changes that occur when a drug is consumed.
Limbic system
The region of the brain that is responsible for emotions and memory formation.
Prefrontal cortex
The region of the brain that processes conscious perceptions, thoughts and behavioural decision making.
Neuron
(Nerve cell) which carry electrical signals throughout the body including the brain.
Synapse
The junction between two neurons where they meet.
Neurotransmitter
A chemical that enables neurons to communicate with each other
Dopamine
(Neurotransmitter) involed in feelings of pleasure and reward.
Adrenaline
(Hormone+Neurotransmitter) involved in feelings of excitement and fear.
Serotonin
(Neurotransmitter) involved in mood and physiological states –> hunger, tiredness
Noradrenaline
(Neurotransmitter) involved in preparing the body for action
Stimulants
Any drug which increases brain activity.
Depressant
Any drug that decreases brain activity.
Opiates
Drugs that directly affect pain neurons, reducing their activity.
Hallucinogens
Drugs which alter mood, perception and thought.
Protective factor
Things that decrease the likelihood of a negative event/outcome
Risk factor
Things that increase the likelihood of a negative event or outcome, such as developing a drug addiction.
Biopsychosocial model
An approach to any issue, such as addiction, which considers a combination of social environment, psychological and biological factors.
