Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which function is associated with the endocannabinoid system in the context of memory?

  • Cognition (correct)
  • Appetite
  • Analgesia
  • Motor Coordination
  • CB1 receptors are primarily found in the periphery of the body.

    False (B)

    What fatty acid serves as the precursor for endocannabinoids?

    Arachidonic acid

    Anandamide is broken down by __________ in the postsynaptic neuron.

    <p>fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the endocannabinoid system with their primary functions:

    <p>CB1 = Central Nervous System CB2 = Immune System 2-AG = Presynaptic metabolism Anandamide = Postsynaptic metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does a decrease in D2 receptors have on pleasure from stimulants?

    <p>It increases pleasure from stimulants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Craving occurs when drug-cue associations invoke the A process.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of treatment uses another drug with a similar effect to replace an addictive drug?

    <p>Agonist treatments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ is desensitized to natural rewards but sensitized to drug cues.

    <p>prefrontal cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the pharmacotherapy treatment with its purpose:

    <p>Methadone = Replace heroin Varenicline = Prevent nicotine withdrawal Naloxone = Block heroin effects Disulfiram = Induce negative reaction to alcohol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which brain structure is primarily involved in habit formation?

    <p>Basal Ganglia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Antidrug vaccines work by increasing the amount of addictive drug that reaches the brain.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the amygdala in the context of addiction?

    <p>It is involved in the brain stress systems and contributes to negative mood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis?

    <p>Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cannabis has been cultivated for over 600 years.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the names of the two receptors identified for THC?

    <p>CB1 and CB2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The average person metabolizes approximately _____ mL of 100 proof alcohol in one hour.

    <p>10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following medical uses with their corresponding drugs:

    <p>Sativex = Analgesia Marinol = Appetite Stimulation Rimonabant = Appetite Suppression Diazepam = Prevent Withdrawal Seizures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where cannabis inhibits the release of neurotransmitters?

    <p>Retrograde message (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Binge drinking is defined as achieving a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.8 or above in one hour.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological system is most notably affected by chronic alcohol consumption, leading to increased glutamate receptors?

    <p>NMDA receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Alcohol is primarily metabolized by the enzyme _____ in the liver.

    <p>alcohol dehydrogenase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following drugs to their uses in alcohol treatment:

    <p>Disulfiram = Prevent Relapse Naltrexone = Prevent Withdrawal Seizures Diazepam = Treat Comorbid Conditions Topiramate = Prevent Relapse</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis?

    <p>Cannabidiol (CBD) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The opponent process theory suggests that the B process becomes more prominent with repeated exposure to a stimulus.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of pharmacotherapy in treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

    <p>Preventing relapse and managing withdrawal symptoms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of sleep is characterized by slow wave sleep?

    <p>Stage 3-4 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hypothalamus sends signals to the cortex to regulate sleep stages.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary neurotransmitter system targeted by most OTC sleep aids?

    <p>histamine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    REM deprivation causes __________.

    <p>REM rebound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the medication to its classification:

    <p>Zolpidem (Ambien) = Z drug Zaleplon (Sonata) = Z drug Ramelton (Rozerem) = Melatonin agonist Suvorexant (Belsomra) = Orexin receptor antagonist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common treatment for insomnia?

    <p>Scopolamine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Higher body temperature decreases the likelihood of REM sleep.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does a rise in body temperature have on sleep?

    <p>Wakes a person up</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

    <p>To induce seizures and reboot the brain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Tricyclic antidepressants were originally developed for treating depression.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What neurotrophic factor is commonly associated with depression?

    <p>Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High levels of __________ are negatively correlated with neuroplasticity in the brain.

    <p>cortisol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the types of antidepressants with their characteristics:

    <p>Tricyclics = Block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors = Inhibit the activity of MAO Electroconvulsive Therapy = Fast-acting and induces brain reboot Antidepressants = Normalize brain plasticity deficits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment option may result in memory loss as a side effect?

    <p>Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Increased dendritic branching can enhance the brain's neuroplasticity.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant side effect is associated with the use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

    <p>Dietary restrictions and potential cardiotoxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)?

    <p>Controlling the release of melatonin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The anterior hypothalamus is crucial for wakefulness.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name two neurotransmitters released by the locus coeruleus to control wakefulness.

    <p>Norepinephrine and acetylcholine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Caffeine acts as an __________ receptor antagonist.

    <p>adenosine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the sleep-related conditions with their descriptions:

    <p>Narcolepsy = Loss of orexin-producing neurons leading to excessive daytime sleepiness Fatal Familial Insomnia = Severe repression of sleep due to cell loss in the anterior hypothalamus Encephalitis Lethargica = Condition characterized by extreme lethargy and sleepiness Sleep Apnea = Disrupted sleep due to breathing difficulties during sleep</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs is a partial Mu agonist used for pain relief?

    <p>Buprenorphine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The release of histamine and orexin from the hypothalamus promotes sleep.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the lethal dose of caffeine for most individuals?

    <p>10 g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The activity of dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, and acetylcholine is suppressed by __________.

    <p>adenosine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does GABA play in the regulation of wakefulness?

    <p>It suppresses neuronal action (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Endocannabinoid Function

    Endocannabinoids regulate various bodily functions, including pain perception, sensory processing, motor skills, memory, cognition, appetite, and the immune system.

    Endocannabinoid Synthesis

    Endocannabinoids are made and released as needed, directly from fatty acids, rather than being stored.

    Endocannabinoid Receptors

    Endocannabinoids bind to specific receptors in the brain (CB1) and immune system (CB2).

    Endocannabinoid Inactivation

    The body breaks down endocannabinoids using enzymes (FAAH & MGL) after they complete their job as messengers.

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    Endocannabinoid Synaptic Transmission

    Endocannabinoids are released from postsynaptic neurons and travel across the synapse to bind to receptors on presynaptic neurons, influencing their signal transmission.

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    Incentive Salience

    The process where cues associated with a drug become highly motivating and trigger cravings, even in the absence of the drug itself.

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    B Process

    The physiological response to a drug that opposes the initial effects and is responsible for withdrawal symptoms.

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    Withdrawal/Negative Affect Stage

    This stage involves the activation of the limbic system and stress systems, leading to unpleasant feelings like anxiety, irritability, and depression.

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    Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage

    Characterized by intense craving and an inability to stop thinking about the drug, often accompanied by impaired executive function and decision-making.

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    Hypofrontality

    The decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex due to drug use, leading to impulsive behaviors and impaired decision-making.

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    Agonist Treatment

    Replacing the addictive drug with a similar substance that has milder effects, helping to manage withdrawal symptoms.

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    Antagonist Treatment

    Blocking the effects of the addictive drug by preventing it from binding to receptors.

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    Antidrug Vaccines

    Inducing the immune system to produce antibodies against the drug, reducing its effectiveness.

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    Retrograde Message

    A signal sent from a postsynaptic neuron back to a presynaptic neuron, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters. It acts as a 'brake' on signal transmission.

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    Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

    The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with marijuana use. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

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    Cannabidiol (CBD)

    A non-psychoactive compound in cannabis known for its potential therapeutic properties. It does not produce a 'high' and may have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects.

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    What are the two main receptors for THC?

    CB1 and CB2. CB1 is primarily found in the brain and is responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC. CB2 is mainly located in the immune system and plays a role in inflammation.

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    Anandamide

    An endogenous cannabinoid, produced naturally by the body, that acts as a neurotransmitter. It binds to the same receptors as THC.

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    Pharmacokinetics of THC

    The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates THC. It involves its half-life, depot binding, and metabolism into active and inactive metabolites.

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    Half-life of THC

    The time it takes for the concentration of THC in the blood to reduce by half, which is approximately 30 hours.

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    Depot Binding of THC

    THC binds to fat and other tissues, leading to its prolonged presence in the body, contributing to 'reverse tolerance.'

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    Medical Uses of THC

    THC has potential medical applications, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and treatment of certain conditions like cancer or AIDS.

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    Alcohol Absorption

    Alcohol readily diffuses through membranes and is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.

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    Alcohol Distribution

    Alcohol easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, reaching the brain quickly and contributing to its psychoactive effects.

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    Zero Order Metabolism of Alcohol

    The body metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, regardless of how much is consumed. This means the amount of alcohol metabolized per hour is constant.

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    Alcohol's Effects on Glutamate

    Alcohol suppresses NMDA receptor function, reducing glutamate release. Chronic alcohol consumption then increases NMDA receptors.

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    Alcohol's Effects on GABA

    Alcohol acts as a GABA agonist, increasing GABAergic activity. Chronic alcohol consumption decreases chloride ion influx, reducing GABAergic function.

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    Alcohol's Effects on Opioids

    Alcohol induces opioid release, which in turn stimulates dopamine release. Endogenous opioid release contributes to alcohol's pain-relieving and sedative effects.

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    EEG Rhythms in Sleep

    As you progress through sleep stages 1-4, brain wave patterns become increasingly rhythmic and synchronized, reflecting a decrease in overall brain activity.

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    Slow Wave Sleep

    Stages 3 and 4 of sleep are characterized by slow brain waves (delta waves), indicating a state of deep sleep, essential for physical restoration and cognitive function.

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    REM Sleep and Body Temperature

    REM sleep is associated with an increase in body temperature, while REM deprivation leads to a rebound effect, causing increased REM sleep later on.

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    Insomnia Types

    Insomnia can affect different aspects of sleep, including sleep onset (difficulty falling asleep), maintenance (difficulty staying asleep), and termination (waking up too early).

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    OTC Sleep Aids

    Many over-the-counter sleep aids are antihistamines, which have sedative effects and can help promote sleep.

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    Z Drugs for Insomnia

    Z drugs like Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and Eszopiclone are prescription sleep medications that enhance GABAergic activity and promote sleep.

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    Suvorexant (Belsomra)

    Suvorexant is a novel sleep medication that works by blocking orexin receptors, which are involved in regulating sleep and wakefulness.

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    Scopolamine: Anticholinergic Effects

    Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug that blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to a range of effects, including sedation, amnesia, and even hallucinations at higher doses.

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    What determines wakefulness?

    The level of wakefulness is determined by the relative activity of excitatory and inhibitory chemicals in the brain.

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    Reticular Formation

    A network of neurons in the brainstem that releases glutamate into the forebrain, promoting wakefulness.

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    Basal Forebrain

    A brain region that releases acetylcholine into the forebrain, contributing to wakefulness.

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    Locus Coeruleus

    A brain area that releases norepinephrine into the forebrain, promoting wakefulness.

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    Hypothalamus & Wakefulness

    The hypothalamus, particularly the posterior region, plays a crucial role in wakefulness. Damage to this area can lead to excessive sleepiness.

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    Hypothalamus & Sleep

    The anterior hypothalamus is important for sleep. Damage to this area can disrupt sleep patterns.

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    Orexin Neurons

    Neurons in the hypothalamus that release orexin, a neurotransmitter essential for wakefulness. Loss of orexin-producing neurons leads to narcolepsy.

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    Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

    The brain's internal clock, located in the hypothalamus. It controls the release of melatonin by the pineal gland, regulating sleep-wake cycles.

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    Caffeine: Mechanism

    Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.

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    Caffeine: Effects on the Body

    Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. It constricts blood vessels, which may help alleviate headaches.

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    MDD Symptoms

    Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by prolonged sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, impaired sleep and concentration, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), and physical pain. These symptoms must significantly impair daily functioning.

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    Cortisol's Role in Depression

    High cortisol levels in depression have negative effects on brain cells, impacting neuronal plasticity. The dexamethasone suppression test measures cortisol response to stress.

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    BDNF and Depression

    Depression is linked to low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the blood. BDNF is crucial for brain cell growth and survival.

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    Structural Changes in Depression?

    Depression is associated with changes in brain structures like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. There is decreased dendritic branching (connections between neurons) and reduced neurogenesis (new brain cell birth).

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    ECT: Shocking the Brain

    Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) induces seizures by applying electricity to the brain. It's a fast-acting treatment for severe depression.

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    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    Tricyclics, like imipramine (Tofranil), block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synapse.

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    MAOIs: Inhibiting Brain Enzymes

    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the enzyme MAO, which breaks down neurotransmitters. They are effective but require dietary restrictions.

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    Antidepressant Normalization

    Antidepressant treatment aims to normalize brain function by increasing BDNF levels, promoting dendritic branching, and improving neurogenesis, ultimately enhancing plasticity.

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    Study Notes

    Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis

    • Endocannabinoids: Lipid-soluble molecules made and released on demand
    • Functions: Analgesia, sensory processing, motor coordination, memory, cognition, appetite, immune system regulation
    • Synthesis: From arachidonic acid (a fatty acid)
    • Receptors: CB1 (central nervous system, including basal ganglia, cerebellum, hippocampus, cortex, and spinal cord), and CB2 (peripheral, primarily immune system)
    • Inactivation: Uptake by endocannabinoid membrane transporter; broken down by FAAH (anandamide) or MGL (2-AG)
    • Synaptic Transmission: Diffuse across synapse, bind to presynaptic receptors, inhibit neurotransmitter release (retrograde signaling)

    Cannabis

    • Sources: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica (hemp)
    • History: Native to Asia, cultivated for ~6,000 years, historically used in American colonies
    • Active Compounds: ~400 compounds, including psychoactive (e.g., Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), identified in 1964) and non-psychoactive (e.g., Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN))

    Timeline

    • 1964: THC identified as an active component of marijuana.
    • 1988: CB1 receptor identified.
    • 1991: CB2 receptor identified.
    • 1992: Anandamide and 2-AG (endogenous THC) identified.

    Pharmacokinetics of THC

    • Half-life: ~30 hours.
    • Depot binding: Causes “reverse tolerance”.
    • Metabolism: Liver enzymes metabolize THC into active (11-hydroxy-THC) and inactive (carboxy-THC) metabolites; carboxy-THC detectable in urine tests.

    Medical Uses of THC

    • Analgesia: Suppresses pain transmission in the spinal cord, often effective for inflammatory pain (acts on CB2 receptors). e.g. Sativex = THC + CBD
    • Appetite stimulation: Marinol (used for cancer/AIDS)

    Alcohol

    • Pharmacokinetics: Easily absorbed through all membranes, quickly enters the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier.

    • Metabolism: ~15% by gastric alcohol dehydrogenase (liver); women have less activity than men, average person metabolizes ~10 mL of 100 proof alcohol / hr

    • Excretion: ~5% through lungs.

    • Pharmacodynamics:

      • Glutamate: Suppresses NMDA receptor function, reduces glutamate release (chronic use increases NMDA receptors).
      • GABA: GABA agonist (chronic use decreases chloride influx).
      • Opioids: Induces opioid release, inducing dopamine release.
      • Cannabinoids: Stimulates anandamide production.

    Alcohol Tolerance

    • Acute: Occurs with single exposure.
    • Metabolic: Alcohol dehydrogenase increases in the liver.
    • Pharmacodynamic: NMDA receptors increase (glutamate), and chloride influx decreases (GABA).
    • Behavioral: Includes alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD).

    Goals of AUD Pharmacotherapy

    • Prevent/Treat Withdrawal Seizures: Long-acting benzodiazepines (Diazepam), anticonvulsants (Lamotrigine, Topiramate).
    • Prevent Relapse: Disulfiram (Antabuse), calcium carbimide (Temposil), naltrexone (ReVia, Trexan).
    • Treat Comorbid Conditions: e.g., major depression, PTSD (difficult to treat).

    Binge Drinking

    • Definition: Drinking resulting in a BAC of 0.8 or above in 2 hours (not very high).
    • Effects: Increased inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, HPA axis activity; decreased trophic support, neurogenesis, white matter reduction.

    Addiction (Opponent Process Theory)

    • Opponent Process Theory: Explains that repeated exposure to a stimulus (A process), produces an opposing response (B process) that increases in intensity and duration with repetition.
    • Addiction Application: Tolerance is the adaptation of the A process, withdrawal is the increased B process, and the drug becomes less rewarding over time.

    Addiction (Brain Disease Model)

    • Stages and Underlying Circuitry:
      • Binge/Intoxication: Basal ganglia (striatum), reward pathway.
      • Withdrawal: Limbic system (amygdala), stress system (HPA axis).
      • Preoccupation/Anticipation: Prefrontal cortex, stress system, insula, basal ganglia.
    • Incentive Salience: Drug-cue associations lead to dopamine release in response to cues, not the drug itself, and strengthen cravings.

    Pharmacotherapy of Addiction

    • Agonist: Replace addictive drug with a similar-effect drug, e.g., methadone for heroin.
    • Partial Agonist: Prevents withdrawal and cravings, e.g., varenicline (Chantix) for nicotine.
    • Antagonist: Blocks effects of addictive drug, e.g., naloxone for opioids.
    • Aversive: Induces negative reaction when addictive drug is taken, e.g., disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol.
    • Antidrug Vaccines: Injects synthetic molecules that trigger an immune response against the drug.

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    Description

    Explore the intricate relationship between the endocannabinoid system and cannabis. This quiz covers endocannabinoids' functions, their synthesis, receptors involved, and the historical context of cannabis cultivation. Test your knowledge of cannabis compounds and their effects on the human body.

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