SUBSTANCE ABUSE QUIZ

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Questions and Answers

What are some common symptoms of withdrawal from substances?

Heightened energy levels and improved cognitive function

Flu-like symptoms, tremors, chills, and rapid pulse (correct)

Increased appetite and euphoria

Deep relaxation and heightened self-confidence

Which of the following describes the physiological effects of barbiturates?

Motor impairment, drowsiness, and poor judgment (correct)

Intensified feelings of euphoria and heightened stamina

Increased anxiety, agitation, and heightened alertness

Reduced heart rate and improved memory

What long-term impact can the abuse of stimulants, such as amphetamines, have on users?

Development of tolerance leading to increased risk of depression and potential suicide (correct)

Permanent improvement in attention span and focus

Consistent enhancement of cognitive abilities without negative side effects

Total elimination of anxiety and stress

Which of the following barbiturates is known to be used for treating epilepsy?

Phenobarbital Signup and view all the answers

When using Ritalin, what is a potential consequence of quickly developing tolerance?

Increased dependency and severe psychological side effects Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is associated with dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and death?

Barbiturates Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for amphetamines as mentioned in discussions about their effects?

To assist soldiers in remaining alert during combat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a severe effect that can occur from high doses of stimulants like cocaine?

Severe anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoid delusions Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological effect is associated with the most severe form of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, known as Delirium Tremens?

Profuse perspiration Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Korsakoff’s psychosis?

Confabulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typical of Delirium Tremens?

Euphoria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common long-term impact of regular opiate use?

Dependence on external pain relief Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is indicated for someone dependent on heroin?

Methadone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following variables is a physiological effect of alcohol on the liver?

Cirrhosis Signup and view all the answers

Opiates like morphine are primarily used for which medical application?

Relief from pain Signup and view all the answers

What happens to testosterone levels in males with chronic alcohol consumption?

Decreased testosterone production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of substance dependence?

A compulsive need to use substances that disrupts daily life Signup and view all the answers

What is a common withdrawal symptom experienced by individuals with substance dependence?

Hallucinations or sensory distortions Signup and view all the answers

How do CNS depressants primarily affect the body?

Decrease vital signs and activate the parasympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Long-term use of stimulants can lead to which of the following impacts?

Increased risk of developing anxiety disorders Signup and view all the answers

What are barbiturates primarily used for, and what risk do they carry?

Act as a sedative; potential for respiratory depression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of substance abuse?

Relief of chronic pain Signup and view all the answers

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?

Caffeine Signup and view all the answers

What defines 'tolerance' in the context of substance use?

Increased requirement for higher doses to achieve the same effect Signup and view all the answers

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

Intoxication (15-17)
Tolerance development and heavy drinking
Blackouts (loss of awareness while functioning)
Tolerance break and intoxication with small amounts
Severe drinking with various difficulties
Abstinence, temporarily controlling drinking based on a crises, leading up to escalation of alcohol use and another crisis
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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