HLTHPSYC 122 Psychoactive drugs and the brain

Psychoactive drugs affect _________ via a ______ pathway

pleasure centres, reward

Pleasure centres

Areas in the forebrain that receive input from the limbic system relating to mood and emotion

Intoxication

Significant changes in physiology, behaviour and/or mood after taking a substance

Substance use disorder

Chronic, relapsing condition characterised by significant adverse effects on functioning and health

Withdrawal

Unpleasant effects of reducing or stopping consumption of a drug after habitual use

Substance

Any psychoactive compound that when used could lead to health and social problems

Substance misuse

Use of a substance that could be harmful to the person using it, or to the people around them

Tolerance

Reduction in the effect of a drug as a result of repeated use; need to take more of a psychoactive drug to produce the same effect

Alter perceptions of internal and external worlds

Psychedelics

Increase arousal, speed up mental and physical activity

Stimulants

Reduce awareness of external stimuli and slow down bodily functions

Depressants

Suppress physical sensation (particularly pain) and response to stimulus

Opiates

Acid/LSD, Cannabis/marijuana, Ecstasy/MDMA, Ketamine, ‘magic mushrooms’

Psychedelics

Alcohol, Barbiturates/sedatives, Benzodiazepines/tranquilizers (e.g. valium, Rohypnol), GHB

Depressants

Amphetamine, Caffeine, Cocaine, Meth, Nicotine

Stimulants

Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Fentanyl, OxyContin/Oxycodone

Heroin

Cocaine affects the neurotransmitter _________. Main areas of the brain involved are the ________, _________, and Central Nucleus. The latter has a role in ________, _______, and __________.

Stimulants

dopamine, ventral tegmental area, inhibitory control, learning, memory

MDMA and LSD leads to increased levels of ________ which influences ________ and ________.

The active component of cannabis is ______ which affects the ____, __________, __________, and ___________.

Hallucinogens

serotonin, mood, perception

THC, CN, hippocampus, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex

Interact with _________ neurotransmitter system, which is associated with ______ reduction. In addition to the other main brain structures, opiates affect the _________.

Opiates

endorphin, thalamus

_________ is the most commonly used depressant. When it reaches the brain, _______ transmission is enhanced while _________ is suppressed.

Depressants

Alcohol, GABA, glutamate