Drugs and Behavior Exam 1

A drug is best to find as?

Any substance that changes, mental state or bodily function

A toxin is different from a drug because?

A toxin causes bodily harm

A drug that binds to a receptor and blocks/inhibits the neurotransmitter’s normal action is?

Antagonist

The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released is called?

synapse

The part of the neuron that receives chemical messages from the neighboring neurons is called?

Dendrites

The electrical impulse that travels down the axon is called?

Action potential

what describes how well a drug does what it’s supposed to do?

Efficacy

which route of administration is generally the SLOWEST way for a drug to enter the body?

ingestion

What is the brains ability to rewire itself in response to an experience called?

plasticity

True or False: everyone with a brain has the potential to become addicted

True

which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the brains pleasure/reward circuit and addiction?

dopamine

alcohol increases the activity of ______ and decreases the activity of ______?

GABA; glutamate

what is the amount of drinks defined as binge drinking for men and women in one occasion?

5+ for men; 4+ for women

is there a known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy?

NO

which type of alcoholic typically starts drinking young, drinks more severely, and has a low tolerance for harm avoidance/novelty seeking?

type 2

caffeine works mainly by?

blocking/antagonizing adenosine recepetors

Is fatal caffeine overdose common?

No

which two DSM-5 related concepts is characterized by a pattern of repeated substance use, causing significant impairment, and needing more of a drug for the same effect and or experiencing physical symptoms when stopping?

tolerance and withdrawal

Myelin sheath

Fatty layer that insulates the axon

Dendrites

Branch like extensions with receptors that detect incoming signals

cell body

Where information from thousands of other neurons is collected and integrated

synapse

The gap where neurotransmitters pass from one neuron to the next

Axon

Long, narrow structure that carries the impulse towards the terminal buttons

GABA

Mean inhibitory neurotransmitter; Alcohol/benzodiazepines are antagonist

dopamine

Linked to pleasure, movement, and addiction; Too much = agitation/addiction risk

endorphins

Involved in pain, relief, and positive; Opiates are agonist; naloxone is an antagonist