Alcohol, Cannabis & Nicotine: Drug Use Study Guide

What type of drug is alcohol classified as?

Sedative-Hypnotic

What is the alcohol found in beverages called?

Ethanol

Where is alcohol primarily absorbed in the body?

Stomach and Small intestine

What effect does eating food before drinking have on alcohol absorption?

Slows alcohol absorption

Where is alcohol primarily metabolized?

Liver

What does alcohol dehydrogenase convert ethanol into?

Acetaldehyde

What is acetaldehyde further broken down into?

Acetate

What cognitive functions can alcohol impair?

Judgment, reaction time, and motor coordination

What are some symptoms of alcohol overdose?

Vomiting, unconsciousness, and difficulty breathing

What is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter affected by alcohol?

GABA

What can continued drinking despite negative consequences indicate?

Alcohol use disorder

What is a risk of alcohol use during pregnancy?

Fetal alcohol syndrome

What is the main intoxicating cannabinoid in marijuana?

THC

How can marijuana products differ?

Potency, dose, and route of administration

How does inhaled cannabis compare to edibles in terms of effect speed?

Inhaled cannabis has a faster effect

What can happen if users take an additional dose of edibles prematurely?

They may experience delayed effects

What are two physical signs of marijuana intoxication?

Red eyes and dry mouth

What is THC's solubility characteristic?

Highly lipid-soluble

What does it mean if someone feels no longer high?

Not all impairments have ended

What does the body naturally produce that acts at cannabinoid receptors?

Endocannabinoids

What severe reactions can occur from marijuana use?

Panic, paranoia, and acute psychosis

What can frequent, heavy marijuana use contribute to?

Tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

What is cannabis use disorder?

A problematic pattern of use that interferes with life

What symptoms may cannabis withdrawal include?

Irritability, disturbed sleep, and reduced appetite

What does using a drug to relieve withdrawal symptoms illustrate?

Negative reinforcement

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation does not establish cause and effect

What are synthetic cannabinoids known for?

Acting more powerfully at receptors than THC

What is Epidiolex?

A purified CBD medication approved for certain seizure disorders

What syndrome may indicate recurrent severe vomiting from cannabis use?

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis syndrome

What type of drug is nicotine?

Psychoactive stimulant

What receptors does nicotine stimulate?

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

How is nicotine delivered through smoking and vaping?

Quickly through inhalation

What is nicotine metabolized into?

Cotinine

What is the approximate half-life of nicotine?

2 hours

What neurotransmitter is important in nicotine reinforcement?

Dopamine

What is desensitization in relation to nicotine?

Becoming less responsive to nicotine with repeated exposure

What are some nicotine replacement options?

Patches, gum, and pouches