Exam 2 Study Guide: Alcohol, Cannabis & Nicotine

What type of drug is ethanol?

A sedative-hypnotic drug.

What are the main types of alcohol mentioned?

Beverage ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol.

What is the alcohol concentration range for beer?

3-7% alcohol.

What is the standard serving size of wine?

4 ounces.

What effects can be felt during the first half hour of alcohol consumption?

Pleasure, relaxation, talkativeness, and being outgoing.

How does food affect alcohol absorption?

Food slows absorption by delaying movement into the small intestine.

What percentage of ethanol is absorbed in the stomach?

About 20%.

What happens to alcohol distribution in the body after absorption?

Alcohol travels through the bloodstream and is distributed throughout the body.

What is equilibration in the context of alcohol distribution?

It means alcohol becomes more evenly distributed through the body.

What factors can influence alcohol concentration and effects?

Body size and composition.

What is the role of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in alcohol metabolism?

It converts ethanol into acetaldehyde.

What is the toxic intermediate in alcohol metabolism?

Acetaldehyde.

How long does it take to metabolize 1 ounce of liquor?

About an hour.

What is a risk of mixing alcohol with other sedating substances?

Effects may add together, increasing impairment.

What are some signs of alcohol overdose?

Vomiting, unconsciousness, trouble breathing, and suffocation risk.

Why are common myths about sobering up incorrect?

Coffee and cold showers do not speed liver metabolism; food does not remove absorbed alcohol.

What is the biphasic action of alcohol?

At lower doses, it activates nerve-cell activity; at higher doses, it suppresses activity.

How does alcohol affect GABA receptors?

It increases the inhibitory effect, contributing to sedation.

How does alcohol affect glutamate receptors?

It decreases excitatory activity, impairing new-memory formation and complex thinking.

What is the effect of drinking on an empty stomach?

It leads to faster absorption and a quicker increase in intoxication.

What is the primary organ responsible for alcohol metabolism?

The liver.

What happens to blood alcohol concentration after stopping drinking?

It may continue to rise as absorption can continue after the last drink.

What is the primary method of alcohol elimination?

Most is processed by the liver; only about 5% is eliminated unchanged.

What can repeated exposure to alcohol lead to?

Increased liver-enzyme activity and tolerance.

What is a common misconception about vomiting after drinking?

It does not reverse alcohol already in the bloodstream and can create choking risk.

What is the significance of fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy?

Alcohol reaches the fetus, and fetal tissues can reach high concentrations.

What are the potential effects of high alcohol exposure?

Impairment in judgment, motor coordination, reflexes, and even breathing.

How do NMDA receptors relate to alcohol?

Alcohol suppresses NMDA receptors, which decreases excitatory activity of glutamate and contributes to impaired memory formation.

What happens to dopamine levels during alcohol consumption?

Dopamine release rises as alcohol concentration increases and falls as it decreases, influencing the desire to continue drinking.

What is an alcohol-related blackout?

A period where a person is awake and may talk or move but fails to form lasting memories for events.

How does a blackout differ from loss of consciousness?

A blackout involves being awake but not forming memories, while loss of consciousness means the person is not awake and responsive.

What systems are particularly affected by chronic alcohol exposure?

The brain, liver, and digestive system are particularly affected, with cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving being negatively impacted.

What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence involves abnormal seeking and consumption of alcohol and a loss of control over drinking.

What factors can contribute to alcohol dependence?

Genetic influences and sufficient exposure over time can contribute to the risk of developing alcohol dependence.

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

A condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, characterized by hyperactivity, short attention span, and intellectual impairment.

How does alcohol affect adolescent brain development?

Alcohol exposure during adolescence can interfere with brain development and is linked to increased likelihood of later alcohol dependence.

What are the risks associated with alcohol and decision-making?

Alcohol impairs judgment and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of risky behaviors and making it harder to assess consent.

What are the standardized field sobriety tests mentioned?

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis.

What are the effects of inhaled versus edible cannabis?

Inhaled cannabis has a rapid onset of effects, while edibles have a delayed onset and can lead to stronger effects if redosed too soon.

What are some subjective effects of cannabis?

Reported effects include relaxation, elevated mood, intensified sensory experiences, and altered time perception.

What are signs of cannabis intoxication?

Signs include red eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, poor coordination, and increased appetite.

Can someone overdose on THC?

Severe acute reactions can occur, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations, but fatal cannabis poisoning is rare.

Why can THC effects last longer than the initial high?

THC is lipid-soluble, allowing it to persist in the body and affect cognitive and physical functions even after the high diminishes.

What cognitive functions can be negatively affected by chronic alcohol exposure?

Memory formation, abstract thinking, problem-solving, attention, concentration, and emotional perception.

What is the relationship between early drinking onset and alcohol dependence?

An earlier age of drinking onset is associated with a higher likelihood of developing alcohol dependence later in life.

What is the broader term for difficulties associated with prenatal alcohol exposure?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) encompasses a range of neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and learning difficulties.

What is the significance of neuroplasticity after alcohol cessation?

Some recovery of cognitive functions may occur due to neuroplasticity after stopping alcohol use, but lasting damage is still possible.

What factors shape the effects of cannabis products?

Effects are influenced by THC concentration, CBD-to-THC ratio, dose, route of administration, and individual differences.

What is the importance of understanding legal drinking limits?

Knowing legal drinking limits and consequences of violations is crucial for responsible alcohol consumption and safety.

What is the difference between subjective sobriety and full recovery?

Subjective sobriety does not equate to full recovery of attention, memory, coordination, judgment, or reaction time.

What are endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced compounds in the body that act at cannabinoid receptors.

How does THC interact with cannabinoid receptors?

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors, potentially disrupting the action of natural endocannabinoids and affecting neurotransmitter release.

Which brain region is impaired by THC and is involved in memory formation?

The hippocampus.

What effects does THC have on the cerebellum?

THC can impair coordination, timing, and motor performance.

What role does the prefrontal cortex play that is affected by THC?

The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making, working memory, and impulse control.

What cardiovascular effect does THC have?

THC can increase heart rate.

What respiratory risks are associated with inhaling cannabis smoke?

Inhaling cannabis smoke exposes the lungs to toxins, carcinogens, and irritants.

What syndrome can develop with long-term frequent cannabis use?

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

What are some long-term outcomes of chronic cannabis misuse?

Concerns include memory and focus issues, IQ changes, increased risk of chronic psychotic disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.

Why is adolescence a critical period for cannabis use?

Adolescence is important for cognitive development, and early cannabis use raises concerns about its impact on learning and behavior.

What is the difference between correlation and causation in cannabis research?

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, but does not prove that one causes the other.

What does residual impairment refer to in cannabis use?

Residual impairment can occur up to 17 hours after last use, indicating reduced performance without proving permanent impairment.

What does cannabis use disorder involve?

A problematic pattern of use, difficulty controlling use, and meaningful problems in daily life.

What is tolerance in the context of cannabis use?

Tolerance means needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect.

What are common withdrawal symptoms from cannabis?

Irritability, sleep difficulties, reduced appetite, anxiety, restlessness, low mood, and unsettling dreams.

What are learned cues in relation to cannabis use?

Learned cues are environmental or social triggers that can prompt cravings for cannabis.

How do synthetic cannabinoids differ from natural cannabis?

Synthetic cannabinoids can vary in chemical composition and potency, potentially leading to more severe effects.

What medical conditions may cannabinoids help with?

Conditions include pain, appetite issues, seizures, and muscle spasticity, depending on specific circumstances.

What is Epidiolex?

Epidiolex is a purified cannabidiol (CBD) approved for specific seizure disorders.

What was significant about the Charlotte Figi case?

It reported improvement in childhood seizures after CBD-rich cannabis, prompting increased medical cannabis research.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.

What effect does cannabis have on intraocular pressure?

Cannabis can temporarily lower pressure inside the eye, but the effect lasts only a few hours.

What is spasticity and how does it relate to multiple sclerosis?

Spasticity involves muscle stiffness or spasms that can interfere with daily functioning and movement.

What is Sativex?

Sativex is a THC-CBD mouth spray approved for multiple sclerosis in some countries, but not in the United States.

What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)?

CHS is a condition caused by long-term, frequent cannabis use that results in repeated severe vomiting.

What is the difference between decriminalization and legalization?

Decriminalization reduces or removes criminal penalties for specified conduct, while legalization permits specified activities under regulated rules.

What are some public health concerns related to cannabis policy?

Concerns include youth exposure, accidental poisoning, and impaired driving.

What is a common misconception about cannabis being natural?

The misconception is that natural origin establishes safety, potency, or predictable effects.

What is nicotine?

Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid in the tobacco plant that acts as a psychoactive stimulant.

What are some products that deliver nicotine?

Products include cigarettes, cigars, vapes, hookah, nicotine pouches, dip, snus, gum, and patches.

What are the acute effects of nicotine?

Nicotine increases sympathetic activity, raising heart rate and blood pressure, and may cause nausea and dizziness in first-time users.

How does inhaled nicotine reach the bloodstream?

Inhaled nicotine reaches the bloodstream rapidly, depending on the device and user technique.

What is the half-life of nicotine?

The approximate half-life of nicotine is two hours, meaning it takes that long for the concentration to decrease by half.

How does nicotine affect neural communication?

Nicotine mimics acetylcholine, binding to nicotinic receptors, and alters neurotransmitter release, affecting cognition and memory.

Why is nicotine considered addictive?

Rapid delivery of nicotine creates a near-immediate reward association, reinforcing the behavior.

What is tolerance in relation to nicotine?

Tolerance refers to diminished effects with repeated exposure, often leading to increased use.

What are common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal?

Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, cravings, and sleep disruption, peaking within the first several days.

What health effects are associated with nicotine use?

Health effects include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and possible long-term deficits in memory and learning.

What is the misconception regarding nicotine and cancer?

The misconception is that nicotine is the main reason cigarettes cause cancer, while it's actually the toxic products of burning tobacco.

How does vaping differ from smoking in terms of exposure?

Vaping does not burn tobacco, potentially involving less exposure to combustion toxins, but the aerosol is not harmless.

What is the role of dopamine in nicotine addiction?

Dopamine signals contribute strongly to reinforcement, teaching the brain to predict nicotine from environmental cues.

What is receptor desensitization in nicotine tolerance?

Receptor desensitization occurs when some receptors become less responsive due to repeated nicotine exposure.

What is the relationship between nicotine and cravings?

Cued cravings can persist long after withdrawal, triggered by familiar cues associated with nicotine use.

What is the effect of nicotine on serotonin release?

Nicotine increases serotonin release, which may reduce negative feelings.

What is the significance of product type in nicotine delivery?

Different products deliver nicotine at varying speeds and patterns, affecting health outcomes.

What is the impact of cannabis legalization on public health?

Legalization does not guarantee specific outcomes; effects depend on the rules governing cannabis use.

What are the implications of cannabis misconceptions on user behavior?

Misconceptions can lead to unsafe dosing practices and misunderstanding of cannabis effects.

What is the role of acetylcholine in nicotine's effects?

Acetylcholine is involved in cognition and memory, and nicotine's action on its receptors alters these processes.

What are some toxic substances found in vaping aerosol?

Fine toxic particles, heavy metals, formaldehyde, benzene, and diacetyl.