Alcohol Effects on Motor Functioning and Health

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Questions and Answers

What effect does a .08 blood alcohol content have on motor functioning?

Significant impairment that interferes with driving ability. (correct)

Improvement in motor functioning.

No effect on motor functioning.

Minor impairment in motor functioning.

How does chronic alcohol abuse affect vitamin absorption?

It has no effect on vitamin absorption.

It enhances vitamin absorption.

It impairs digestion and absorption of vitamins. (correct)

It only affects fat-soluble vitamins.

What is a potential consequence of a deficiency of B-complex vitamins in older individuals who chronically abuse alcohol?

Enhanced memory retention.

Increased physical strength.

Improved cognitive function.

Amnestic syndrome. (correct)

What disease is caused by prolonged alcohol use along with reduced protein intake?

Cirrhosis of the liver. Signup and view all the answers

What is foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) primarily caused by?

Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What can extended exposure to secondhand smoke lead to in nonsmokers?

Greater risk for cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary addictive component of tobacco?

Nicotine. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential birth outcomes for babies born to women exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy?

Increased likelihood of birth defects. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence for children of smokers compared to their peers?

Increased chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary active compound found in marijuana?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following short-term effects is NOT associated with marijuana use?

Increased energy levels. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does marijuana have on cognitive functions according to scientific evidence?

It can interfere with a wide range of cognitive functions. Signup and view all the answers

How can dosage regulation be problematic for marijuana users?

Effects may take up to half an hour to appear. Signup and view all the answers

What is hashish compared to marijuana?

It is produced by drying the resin of cannabis plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT listed as a short-term effect of marijuana?

Increased cognitive function. Signup and view all the answers

What change has been observed regarding the potency of marijuana over the years?

Marijuana is more potent now than it was two decades ago. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect experienced by the user after 4 to 6 hours of opiate use?

Great self-confidence Signup and view all the answers

What typically begins within 8 hours of heroin withdrawal?

Muscle pain and sweating Signup and view all the answers

How do amphetamines primarily produce their effects in the brain?

Increasing norepinephrine release Signup and view all the answers

What physiological response is NOT associated with stimulant use?

Increased muscle repair Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cocaine is true?

Cocaine increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

What side effect is commonly associated with high doses of amphetamines?

Euphoria and increased energy Signup and view all the answers

During amphetamine usage, what happens to the user's appetite?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential health risk associated with intravenous drug use?

Exposure to infectious agents Signup and view all the answers

What are entactogens primarily associated with?

Euphoric and empathogenic effects Signup and view all the answers

Which adverse effects can be attributed to Ecstasy use?

Muscle tension and jaw clenching Signup and view all the answers

What is PCP primarily known for?

Causing severe paranoia and violence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily affected by PCP?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of chronic PCP use?

Neuropsychological deficits Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a psychological factor influencing substance use?

Genetic predisposition Signup and view all the answers

What developmental process is typically the first stage in substance use?

Positive attitude Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the incentive-sensitization theory?

Dopamine becomes sensitive to drugs and related cues. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary physical effects of cocaine on the body?

Vasoconstriction causing blood vessels to narrow Signup and view all the answers

How can LSD primarily affect a person's sense of time?

It may make time seem to go more slowly Signup and view all the answers

What severe psychological effect may occur as a result of taking LSD?

Flashbacks of psychedelic experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the active ingredient in ecstasy, which became illegal in 1985?

MDMA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hallucinogens is derived from the peyote cactus?

Mescaline Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of using LSD related to mood?

Sharp mood swings and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of cocaine use related to stroke risk?

Elevated risk for stroke Signup and view all the answers

What unique effect can occur to users experiencing intense anxiety after taking LSD?

Full-blown panic attacks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alcohol Use and Its Effects

Low doses of alcohol (0.04 BAC) may cause slight motor impairment, whereas high doses (0.08 BAC) lead to significant impairment affecting driving ability.
Prolonged alcohol consumption negatively impacts nearly all body tissues, risking severe health consequences.
Alcohol can directly cause malnutrition by hindering food digestion and vitamin absorption.
Chronic alcohol abuse in older adults can result in B-complex vitamin deficiencies, leading to amnestic syndrome characterized by significant memory loss and confabulation.
Heavy drinking contributes to liver cirrhosis, where liver cells accumulate fat and protein, and is linked with heart failure, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, stroke, and capillary hemorrhages.
Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading cause of intellectual developmental disorders in children, leading to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) with various physical and developmental anomalies.

Nicotine and Tobacco Smoke

Nicotine, the addicting component of tobacco, poses significant health risks through both direct smoking and secondhand exposure.
Secondhand smoke contains higher concentrations of harmful substances like ammonia and tar, causing lung damage and increasing risks for lung cancer and cardiovascular disease in nonsmokers.
Babies exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy are at higher risk for premature birth, low birth weight, and defects.
Children of smokers experience more frequent respiratory issues, including asthma and bronchitis, and are at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Marijuana Use and Effects

Marijuana, derived from Cannabis sativa, is consumed in various forms, including smoking and edibles, with hashish being a more potent version.
Users report feelings of relaxation and sociability, but high doses can lead to anxiety, impaired memory, and hallucinations, similar to those caused by LSD.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary active chemical; today's marijuana contains higher THC levels than in previous decades.
Short-term effects include bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite, and altered blood pressure; a severe letdown follows the initial high.

Opiates and Withdrawal

Opiates, including heroin, activate the body's opioid receptors, leading to powerful effects and high potential for addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms appear within 8 hours after the last use and include muscle pain, irritability, gastrointestinal distress, and insomnia, lasting around 72 hours before gradually subsiding.
Sharing needles during opiate use carries risks for diseases like HIV.

Stimulants

Stimulants enhance alertness and motor activity; caffeine is the most widely used legal stimulant.
Amphetamines, developed in the early 20th century, were utilized during WWII to combat fatigue; however, they carry risks of addiction and adverse cardiovascular effects.
Cocaine, a natural stimulant, narrows blood vessels and increases the likelihood of overdose, leading to serious health issues including strokes.

Hallucinogens

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), discovered in 1938, causes recognized hallucinations and mood swings, with potential for panic attacks.
Flashbacks can occur after LSD effects fade, especially during stress.
Other hallucinogens, like mescaline and psilocybin, stimulate serotonin receptors and have cultural significance in various religions.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Ecstasy became illegal in 1985 and is a combination of hallucinogen and stimulant effects, enhancing mood, emotional intimacy, and self-confidence while causing adverse physical reactions.
Users report stronger effects, particularly women, including anxiety, muscle tension, and confusion.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

PCP, known as "angel dust," causes serious psychological reactions such as paranoia and, in severe cases, coma or death; chronic use is linked to neuropsychological deficits.

Etiology of Substance Use Disorders

Developmental process includes a progression from positive attitude, through experimentation and regular use, to dependence.
Genetic factors involve various genes related to alcohol metabolism and neural function.
The dopamine system plays a critical role in developing addiction, influenced by psychological factors like mood alteration and personality traits.
Sociocultural influences are shaped by peers, family, media, and cultural norms regarding substance use.

Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Effective treatment often requires inpatient hospitalization for detoxification, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

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Description

This quiz explores the impact of alcohol consumption on motor functioning and overall health. It delves into how varying blood alcohol content levels influence bodily functions and the nutritional deficiencies linked to prolonged alcohol use, particularly in older adults. Test your knowledge about the dangers and physiological effects of alcohol.