Week Two - Lecture Flashcards
What factors influence the effect a drug has on someone:
Person:
- age
- gender
- individual health
- cognitions/expectations
Why is intravenous drug use considered more harmful than other routes of administration:
Range of risks in general with injection – vein care, BBV, heart valve infections
Risk of overdose
Risks associated with unknown substances in blood stream
Risk of dependency
How do drugs work?
- Pharmacokinetics - what the body does to the drug
- Pharmacodynamics - what the drug does to the body
How does the body absorb the drug:
- via the skin
- oral
- smoked
- IV
Define distribution of drugs:
- organs with high blood flow first
- fat, muscles, and skin later.
Define drug dependence/ neuroadaption:
After period of continual use can become dependent on a drug.
Define drug tolerance:
when dependant, less affected by drug/need more to feel effects.
Define drug withdrawal:
when physically dependant, cessation results in withdrawal.
Define Cross-dependence:
One substance can take place of another to continue physical dependence and avoid withdrawal.
Define agonist effect:
An increase of stimulation the action of a neurotransmitter.
Define antagonist effect:
decrease or inhibition of the action of a neurotransmitter.
Define dopamine:
Neurotransmitter related to reward/pleasure.
Define half life:
Time for drug in blood to reduce by 50%
Short half life/short action more likely to be abused (e.g. Cocaine and Nicotine)
Define metabolism and excretion:
mostly via urine, some through lungs or gut.
Define synapses
Brain - millions of pathways (nerves) similar to a mass of electrical wires
Communication using chemical messages (neurotransmitters)
Everything that we think, feel and do are the result of these chemical communications
What is the leading preventable cause of death and disability in Australia?
[] Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia.
[] High body mass was ranked second behind tobacco. Then came alcohol. This includes the burden due to road traffic injuries, from chronic liver disease and burden due to suicide and self-inflicted injuries. Predominantly males experienced the burden.
Define stimulants
Increase the body’s state of arousal
Accelerate central nervous system
Small doses: increase awareness and concentration, decrease fatigue and amplify positive moods
Larger doses: can cause excessive activity, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, delusions and hallucinations (drug-induced psychosis), convulsions, death
Define nicotine
Dopamine agonist – reinforcing
Glutamate agonist – stimulant
Short term effect, small half-life Highly addictive Pros and Cons Improves short-term memory Serious long term health effects of smoking
Define methamphetamine
Significantly alters levels of dopamine (extreme agonist) and norepinephrine
Common effects
Speeding up of bodily functions
Dry mouth, sweating, large pupils, headaches
Energetic & increased confidence
Awake & alert
Talkative, restless, excited, trouble sleeping
Panic attacks
Reduced appetite
Anxiety, hostility, aggression
Define depressants
Slow down brain and body
May cause initial high/euphoria
Impair coordination
Some appear to cause emotional depression
Small doses: relaxation, drowsiness and loss of inhibitions
Large doses: can cause loss of consciousness, respiratory inhibition, and even death
Particularly dangerous when drugs are combined
Classify alcohol
Immediate effects after a few drinks
happy, more relaxed, less concentration, slow reflexes, less inhibited
A few more
disinhibited, more confidence, less coordination, slurred speech, intense moods
A few more
confusion, blurred vision, poor muscle control
More still
nausea, vomiting, sleep
Even more
coma or death
Long term health effects of heavy drinking
Nervous system
Brain damage – effects on memory (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
Liver
Damaged by alcohol processing – (Cirrhosis, Liver Cancer)
Withdrawal related risks
Seizures and in worst case death
Other health effects
Heart, Muscles, Pancreas, Sexual organs, Skin, Stomach, Intestines etc…
Emotional/Psychological/Social
Classify cannabis
THC is the main active ingredient Binds to cannabinoid receptors Interferes with normal functioning of brain Cerebellum Affects coordination Hippocampus Affects memory Cerebral cortex Affects thinking
THC Common effects Feeling of intoxication Loss of coordination & concentration Increased appetite Reddened eyes Anxiety or panic Hallucinations Paranoia Confusion
Long term effects of heavy use
Health Risks
Bronchitis, lung cancer & respiratory disease
Lowered sperm count / irregular menstrual cycle
Brain function
Loss of concentration, memory & learning abilities
‘Amotivational syndrome’
Loss of interest in activities, loss of energy, boredom
Less sex drive
Severe psychotic behaviour (Drug induced psychosis)
Causal link not certain
Classify opioids
Opioid receptors – pain relief Endorphins Affects dopamine (reward effects) Pain relief – Physical and Psychological Overdose risk high Common effects Feelings of well-being or euphoria Pinpoint pupils Sedation Shallow breathing Nausea and vomiting
Long term effects of heavy use Health effects Constipation Weight loss / malnutrition Chronic heart / lung conditions Infertility in women Irregular periods Injecting risks Loss of sex drive Dependency
Classify inhalants
Immediate effects - depressant
All areas of the body affected
Can cause serious health effects to body including death
Psychological effects
Such as confusion
Hangovers and headaches can last for several days
Long term effects
Significant Long Term Health effects
Tremors, loss of sense of smell & hearing, problems with blood production, Irregular heart beat & damage to heart muscle, Liver & kidney damage
Effects on brain function
Forgetfulness/memory impairment, Inattention/reduced ability to think clearly & logically
Psychological effects
Irritability, hostility, feeling depressed or feeling persecuted
Classify ecstacy
MDMA affects serotonin 6-10 hr half life Ecstasy – 3 phases Coming up – Drug starting to take effect Nausea, increased body temp, heart rate increase, difficulty focusing or make sense of what you are seeing, confusion, or panic Plateau – Effects levelling off Heightened sensations, increased energy, confidence, talkativeness, feeling of warmth towards others Coming down – Effects wearing off Flat, depressed, exhausted
High doses Convulsions Vomiting Floating sensations Irrational or bizarre behaviour Hallucinations Long Term Effects Brain damage? – Serotonin Depression, anxiety, paranoia?
