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Questions and Answers
What are some common symptoms of withdrawal from substances?
What are some common symptoms of withdrawal from substances?
Which of the following describes the physiological effects of barbiturates?
Which of the following describes the physiological effects of barbiturates?
What long-term impact can the abuse of stimulants, such as amphetamines, have on users?
What long-term impact can the abuse of stimulants, such as amphetamines, have on users?
Which of the following barbiturates is known to be used for treating epilepsy?
Which of the following barbiturates is known to be used for treating epilepsy?
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When using Ritalin, what is a potential consequence of quickly developing tolerance?
When using Ritalin, what is a potential consequence of quickly developing tolerance?
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Which substance is associated with dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and death?
Which substance is associated with dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and death?
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What is a common use for amphetamines as mentioned in discussions about their effects?
What is a common use for amphetamines as mentioned in discussions about their effects?
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Which of the following describes a severe effect that can occur from high doses of stimulants like cocaine?
Which of the following describes a severe effect that can occur from high doses of stimulants like cocaine?
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Which physiological effect is associated with the most severe form of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, known as Delirium Tremens?
Which physiological effect is associated with the most severe form of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, known as Delirium Tremens?
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What is a key characteristic of Korsakoff’s psychosis?
What is a key characteristic of Korsakoff’s psychosis?
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Which of the following symptoms is NOT typical of Delirium Tremens?
Which of the following symptoms is NOT typical of Delirium Tremens?
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What is a common long-term impact of regular opiate use?
What is a common long-term impact of regular opiate use?
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Which treatment is indicated for someone dependent on heroin?
Which treatment is indicated for someone dependent on heroin?
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Which of the following variables is a physiological effect of alcohol on the liver?
Which of the following variables is a physiological effect of alcohol on the liver?
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Opiates like morphine are primarily used for which medical application?
Opiates like morphine are primarily used for which medical application?
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What happens to testosterone levels in males with chronic alcohol consumption?
What happens to testosterone levels in males with chronic alcohol consumption?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of substance dependence?
Which of the following best describes the concept of substance dependence?
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What is a common withdrawal symptom experienced by individuals with substance dependence?
What is a common withdrawal symptom experienced by individuals with substance dependence?
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How do CNS depressants primarily affect the body?
How do CNS depressants primarily affect the body?
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Long-term use of stimulants can lead to which of the following impacts?
Long-term use of stimulants can lead to which of the following impacts?
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What are barbiturates primarily used for, and what risk do they carry?
What are barbiturates primarily used for, and what risk do they carry?
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Which of the following is NOT a common cause of substance abuse?
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of substance abuse?
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Gateway drugs are typically characterized by their potential to lead to the use of other illicit substances. Which of the following is NOT considered a gateway drug?
Gateway drugs are typically characterized by their potential to lead to the use of other illicit substances. Which of the following is NOT considered a gateway drug?
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What defines 'tolerance' in the context of substance use?
What defines 'tolerance' in the context of substance use?
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Study Notes
Substance Abuse (SA) - APA Definition
- Repeated, compulsive substance use despite problems or negative consequences (physical, social, financial, legal, occupational, psychological).
- Examples include missing school/work due to intoxication, or "sleeping it off."
- The amount used isn't as critical as the pattern of use disrupting daily life.
- Substance abuse occurs when a substance is used for an effect other than its intended purpose.
Addiction - Substance Dependence (SD)
- Addiction is defined as a dependence or a loss of control over substance use, dominating one's daily life.
- Addicts or substance dependents may experience anxiety, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, or any combination.
- Dependents often have low frustration tolerance and need immediate gratification to cope with anxiety.
Tolerance and Tolerance Break
- Tolerance: With regular use, the body adapts, requiring higher doses for similar effects.
- Tolerance Break: The body becomes sensitive to even small amounts of the substance. Symptoms occur when usage drops suddenly.
Causes of Substance Abuse
1. Experimental Use
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure
- Parental use
- Rebelliousness
- Boredom; seeking pleasure or excitement
- Reducing anxiety, fear, stress, depression or low self-esteem.
2. Gateway Drugs
- The "gateway drug theory" suggests an introduction to drug use with use of these 3 leading on to use of other illicit drugs.
- Tobacco (cigarettes), alcohol, and marijuana are considered gateway drugs
3. Genetic Predisposition (Hereditary)
- An inherited tendency towards substances like alcohol may include greater sensitivity and tolerance, making individuals more susceptible.
- Children of parents who use substances are more prone to using substances.
Categories of Substances
1. CNS Depressants (Downers)
- Decrease the activity of the central nervous system.
- Alcohol, opiates, and barbiturates are examples of depressants.
2. CNS Stimulants (Uppers)
- Increase the activity of the central nervous system.
- Examples include amphetamines, Ritalin (stimulates the cerebral cortex), cocaine, and nicotine.
3. Hallucinogens
- Produce hallucinations (sensations and perceptions without external stimulation).
- Examples are marijuana, LSD, PCP, and mescaline.
Depressants - Alcohol
Alcoholism Cycle
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Intoxication (15-17)
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Tolerance development and heavy drinking
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Blackouts (loss of awareness while functioning)
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Tolerance break and intoxication with small amounts
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Severe drinking with various difficulties
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Abstinence, temporarily controlling drinking based on a crises, leading up to escalation of alcohol use and another crisis
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Cycle repeats
Effects of Alcohol
- Low doses can be stimulating (euphoria, alleviating doubts)
- High doses have a depressant, sedative, or relaxing effect, deadening minor aches and pains.
- Alcohol impairs coordination, cognitive function, and speech.
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions, reducing moral assertion (e.g., unprotected sex) and the capacity to foresee consequences. Drinkers often blame the substance.
- Regular drinking leads to physiological dependence as a coping mechanism or excuse for failure.
Alcohol Effects on Various Systems
- Brain: Loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, memory loss and blackouts are possible.
- Heart: Increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, beating abnormally, and enlarged heart size.
- Stomach: Weight gain, vomiting from toxicity, risk of stomach issues and cancer
- Liver: Liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis, impaired liver function- inability to clot, and keep blood from toxins.
- Reproductive System: Heavy alcohol use can cause painful periods, heavy flows, PMS, irregular periods, and an increased risk for sexual assault and unsafe sex.
Alcohol Effects - CNS (Central Nervous System)
- Rebound: Blackouts, poor nutrition, neurotoxic effects, sedation and toxicity, coma, anesthesia, and potential death.
- Deficiencies: B-vitamin deficiencies (Thiamine and Niacin) leading to encephalopathy (confusion, lack of coordination), and Korsakoff's psychosis (inability to form new memories).
- Delirium Tremens (DT): Severe, life-threatening alcohol withdrawal (precipitated from acute injuries or illnesses)
Depressants - Opiates
- Opiates are narcotics derived from the opium poppy (a plant used for pain relief).
- Examples include morphine (pain relief), heroin (euphoria-high levels), codeine, and Demerol.
- High doses cause drowsiness, altered perception of time, impaired judgment.
- Regular use leads to a decrease in the brain producing endorphins, so withdrawal symptoms happen
- Withdrawal symptoms include flu-like symptoms (tremors, cramps, etc.)
Depressants - Barbiturates
- Barbiturates are calming and offer a mild euphoria.
- Regular use leads to physiological and psychological dependence.
- High doses cause drowsiness, motor impairment, slurred speech, and irritability; potentially leading to seizures and death
Stimulants - Amphetamines
- Amphetamines/Shabu increase alertness and cognition. They are used to stay alert, drive through the night to study, or curb hunger in dieters.
- High doses cause euphoria and hyperactivity for long periods but lead to depression ("crash") and suicidal ideation when the high ends
- High doses of Methamphetamine cause hyperactivity and wakefulness for weeks at a time, with a crashing depression when high ends
Stimulants - Ritalin
- Ritalin increases attention span and decreases disruptive behavior leading to academic gains.
- It calms hyperactive children, but it creates tolerance quickly and high doses cause side effects like nervousness, insomnia, appetite loss, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and irritability when self-medicating
Stimulants - Cocaine
- Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the coca plant (a "tea") that can be snorted or injected
- It causes euphoria, reduces hunger, and deadens pain. It can be snorted as powder or injected as a liquid
- It can cause a "crash" and can constrict blood vessels in the nose (a negative physical effect).
- Physical dangers: risk of stroke, increased blood pressure, reduced oxygen supply to the heart, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular collapse and sudden death.
- Overdoses result in nervousness, insomnia, tremors, headaches, nausea, convulsions, hallucinations, and delusions.
Stimulants - Nicotine
- Nicotine is a stimulant found in tobacco and cigarettes, accelerating heart rate and blood sugar.
- It appears to help with memory, attention, and performance of repetitive tasks.
- It eases anxiety, although nicotine is linked to dependence.
- Withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, drowsiness, loss of energy. headache,irregular bowel movements, lightheadedness, insomnia cramps, palpitations, tremors, sweating.
- Health dangers: lung cancer and heart disease. Secondhand smoke is dangerous.
Hallucinogens
- Hallucinogens produce hallucinations that are not based on stimulation by the environment; they originate from within.
- Marijuana, LSD, PCP, and Mescaline are examples.
- Marijuana is a plant product that is generally a relaxant and mood booster. Health effects include impaired coordination, short and long term memory problems, exaggerated senses , and hallucinations.
- LSD causes changes in thoughts, colors, and feelings; flashbacks are possible.
- PCP is an animal tranquilizer that produces delusions, hallucinations, increased heart rate , and coordination problems.
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