KA: drug abuse and drug addiction MCAT

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Questions and Answers

What is the main effect of depressants on the body?

Lower body's basic functions (correct)

Enhance reaction time

Increase neural activity

Accelerate heart rate

How does alcohol affect the sympathetic nervous system?

It slows down neural processing (correct)

It speeds up neural processing

It has no effect on neural processing

It enhances reaction time

What impact does alcohol have on REM sleep?

It has no impact on REM sleep

It shortens REM sleep duration

It disrupts REM sleep (correct)

It enhances REM sleep

How does alcohol consumption affect memory and learning processes?

It has a negative impact on memory and learning processes Signup and view all the answers

What functions does alcohol slow down in the body?

Processing speed and neural activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for benzodiazepines?

Acting on GABA receptors to make neurons more resistant to excitation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes opiates from depressants?

They act on endorphin receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using barbiturates clinically?

To induce sleep or reduce anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Why is combining alcohol with barbiturates generally considered a bad idea?

It can lead to impaired judgement and reduced self-awareness Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes long-acting benzos from short-acting and intermediate-acting benzos in terms of clinical use?

They are usually prescribed for anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the effects of caffeine?

Caffeine intensifies neural activity and bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physiological effect of nicotine, as mentioned in the text?

Nicotine intensifies neural activity and arousal Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant similarity between caffeine and nicotine?

Both caffeine and nicotine are physiologically addictive Signup and view all the answers

In very high levels, what effect can nicotine have on muscles, as described in the text?

Nicotine causes muscle relaxation Signup and view all the answers

What impact do both caffeine and nicotine have on sleep, as discussed in the text?

Both caffeine and nicotine disrupt sleep patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is a common withdrawal symptom experienced by regular cocaine users?

Cardiac arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which substance causes the depletion of the brain's supply of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine?

Cocaine Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term effect of methamphetamine addiction on the brain?

Inability to maintain normal levels of dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes nicotine from caffeine in terms of withdrawal symptoms?

Anxiety and insomnia Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of regular amphetamine or methamphetamine use?

Convulsions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main effect of marijuana on memory and recall, as discussed in the text?

Disrupts memory formation and impairs short-term recall Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter system does LSD interfere with, leading to hallucinations?

Serotonin transmission Signup and view all the answers

In what way does ecstasy affect perception, similar to a hallucinogen?

Enhances visual perception Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the effects of ecstasy?

Increases dopamine and serotonin, leading to feelings of euphoria, and causes hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of THC, the main active chemical in marijuana, on sensory experiences?

Heightens sensitivity to colors, sounds, tastes, and smells Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term effect of ecstasy use on the body, as mentioned in the text?

Permanent damage to the neurons that produce serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect shared by marijuana and alcohol based on the text?

Both reduce inhibition and relax the central nervous system Signup and view all the answers

How does ecstasy straddle the line between stimulants and hallucinogens?

By increasing dopamine and serotonin like a stimulant, and causing hallucinations like a hallucinogen Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of frequent ecstasy use on serotonin production in the body?

Permanent reduction in serotonin production, leading to depressed mood Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological effects are commonly associated with ecstasy use?

High blood pressure, dehydration, overheating, and altered perceptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the body needs a higher dose of cocaine to reach the same high after repeated use in the same setting?

The brain recognizes external cues and pre-adjusts bodily functions before the drug enters the body Signup and view all the answers

If all the cues for taking cocaine are present, but the drug is not administered, what would likely be the immediate result?

The body experiences a crash due to the pre-adjustment of bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often overdose when taking drugs in a new location?

The body does not have time to pre-adjust to the drug Signup and view all the answers

What physiological response contributes to the increased risk of overdose when drugs are taken in a new location?

Decrease in heart rate and metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pre-adjustment of bodily functions have on the required dose of drugs when taken in a familiar setting?

It increases the required dose of drugs to reach the same high Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of homeostasis, as described in the text?

To maintain stability in the internal environment of the body Signup and view all the answers

How does the body demonstrate homeostasis when experiencing the effects of amphetamines?

By quickly trying to lower the heart rate and return to normal Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of ritualistic behaviors associated with drug use, as mentioned in the text?

Ritualistic behaviors trigger homeostatic responses in the body Signup and view all the answers

How does homeostasis manifest when a regular drug user exhibits specific ritualistic behaviors before drug intake?

The body anticipates and prepares for the effects of the drugs Signup and view all the answers

How does the brain demonstrate intelligence in relation to drug use, as mentioned in the text?

The brain recognizes patterns associated with drug intake Signup and view all the answers

Which route of drug entry is the fastest, as mentioned in the text?

Intravenous injection Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate time it takes for drugs to be absorbed through oral entry?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which drug administration method typically involves snorting or smoking?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the fast effect of inhalation as a drug entry route?

Immediate transfer to the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which drug entry route takes effect within seconds?

Intravenous injection Signup and view all the answers

Which route of drug entry would likely deliver drugs to the system very quickly?

Intramuscular Signup and view all the answers

Why are injected drugs more likely to have higher addictive potential than pills?

They bypass the digestive system and are absorbed more quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern related to using unsterilized paraphernalia for intravenous injection?

Increased likelihood of exposure to harmful bacteria or toxins Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drug delivery method is commonly used for administering vaccines, causing soreness in the arm?

Intramuscular Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common route of entry for an EpiPen administered during severe allergic reactions?

Intramuscular Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for producing dopamine when experiencing pleasure?

Ventral Tegmental Area Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) send dopamine when it is released in the reward circuit?

Nucleus Accumbens Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain deals with emotions and receives dopamine from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What does the nucleus accumbens control in response to dopamine from the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA)?

Body's motor functions Signup and view all the answers

Which brain area is primarily responsible for releasing dopamine in the reward circuit?

Ventral Tegmental Area Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling motor functions and encouraging repeated pleasurable behavior?

Nucleus accumbens Signup and view all the answers

Prolonged activation of the reward pathway can lead to decreased levels of which neurotransmitter, making it harder to feel satisfied and increasing the risk of addiction?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for forming memories and helps recall details of pleasurable experiences?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

How does prolonged activation of the reward pathway affect the levels of serotonin?

Decreases serotonin levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) in the brainstem?

Releasing dopamine in response to pleasurable stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism behind tolerance to a drug at the neuron level?

Shutting down some receptors to balance constant dopamine stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason behind users needing more of a drug to feel normal rather than euphoric?

Development of tolerance and dependence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of cocaine on the body's ability to produce dopamine?

Significantly alters brain chemistry, making it difficult for the body to produce dopamine on its own Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the reward system in the brain with respect to drug addiction?

To increase the risk of addiction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of withdrawal symptoms when users stop taking a drug?

Negative physical and emotional reactions due to absence of the drug Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter's decreased levels can make it harder to feel satisfied and increase the risk of addiction?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of drugs like cocaine on brain chemistry?

Significantly alters brain chemistry, making it difficult for the body to produce dopamine on its own Signup and view all the answers

What impact does emotional and physical dependence have on drug users?

Causing users to take more of the drug to feel normal rather than euphoric Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of methadone in opiate addiction treatment?

To reduce withdrawal symptoms and dampen the high Signup and view all the answers

How do medications for stimulant addiction, such as nicotine replacement therapy, work?

By blocking receptors involved in the rewarding effects of stimulants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addiction treatment?

To help people recognize problematic thought patterns and anticipate problematic situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of motivational interviewing in addiction treatment?

To help people find intrinsic motivation to change and engage in additional treatment programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, in addiction recovery?

To help people accept their addiction as a chronic-progressive disease and engage in active involvement in meetings and activities Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes methadone's role from alcoholics' medications in addiction treatment?

Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms, while alcoholics' medications block receptors involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol Signup and view all the answers

How does methadone function differently from medications for stimulant addiction, such as nicotine replacement therapy?

Methadone induces a high and intensifies cravings, while medications for stimulant addiction reduce withdrawal symptoms and dampen the high Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of behavioral treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and group meetings, in addiction recovery?

To help recovering addicts learn coping skills and find support Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes methadone's role from behavioral treatments in addiction recovery?

Methadone reduces withdrawal symptoms and dampens the high, while behavioral treatments help recovering addicts learn coping skills and find support Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the inability to consciously perceive things in one's visual field when attention is directed elsewhere within that field?

Inattentional blindness Signup and view all the answers

How can selective attention be best described based on the flashlight analogy provided in the text?

It illuminates a specific area of interest like a flashlight beam Signup and view all the answers

What are exogenous cues as mentioned in the text?

External stimuli that capture attention without the need for intention Signup and view all the answers

What effect does divided attention have when dealing with complex stimuli?

It cannot be split effectively when dealing with complex stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept illustrated by the example of counting the number of yellow stars and red X's appearing on the screen?

Selective attention Signup and view all the answers

Why do people usually switch between tasks when trying to focus on multiple things at once?

Because attention is a limited resource and cannot be split effectively Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to internal cues that require internalized knowledge and intention to follow?

Endogenous cues Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of selective attention mentioned in the text?

The cocktail party effect Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an exogenous cue as mentioned in the text?

A loud noise capturing attention without intention Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the inability to consciously perceive things in one's visual field when attention is directed elsewhere within that field?

In-attentional blindness Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily responsible for releasing dopamine in the reward circuit?

Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of methadone in opiate addiction treatment?

Blocking the effects of opiates Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter system does LSD interfere with, leading to hallucinations?

Serotonin system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism behind tolerance to a drug at the neuron level?

Downregulation of receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect shared by marijuana and alcohol based on the text?

Impaired memory and cognition Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of regular amphetamine or methamphetamine use?

Increased risk of psychosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of covert orienting?

To bring the spotlight of attention on an object or event without body or eye movement Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when damage to the brain causes a change or loss in the capacity of the spatial dimension of divided attention?

Neglect syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What type of attention is often described as a main function rather than a subfunction of attention?

Vigilance attention Signup and view all the answers

What type of task usually requires more attention than a practiced or skilled task?

A novel task Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is associated with the modulation of alerting attention?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of regular aging on alerting attention?

Deficits not often associated with schizophrenia Signup and view all the answers

Which activity attempts to detect a signal or target of interest in order to prime quick actions in response?

Vigilance attention Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) in the brainstem releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in response to pleasurable stimuli
The dopamine released travels to various parts of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus, through the mesolimbic pathway
The nucleus accumbens helps control motor functions and encourages repeated pleasurable behavior
The amygdala processes emotions and helps remember the context of pleasurable experiences
The hippocampus is responsible for forming memories and helps recall details of pleasurable experiences
The release of dopamine and activation of the reward pathway can lead to feelings of happiness or euphoria
Prolonged activation of the reward pathway can lead to decreased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satiation, making it harder to feel satisfied and increasing the risk of addiction.

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Description

Learn about the effects of depressants on consciousness and neural activity. Explore how these drugs lower basic body functions and affect perceptions and moods. Gain insights into the categories of psychoactive drugs and their impact on awareness.