Lecture Notes on Alcohol, Caffeine, and Nicotine

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, as discussed in the lecture.

Alcohol

A family of molecules that contain an -OH group.

Fermentation

A metabolic process by which sugars are converted to alcohol or acid, occurring under anaerobic conditions.

Liver (in relation to alcohol)

Responsible for detoxifying the body of alcohol, metabolizing about 0.015% per hour.

Caffeine

A central nervous system stimulant that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

Stimulants

Substances that target the brain and spinal cord, increasing alertness, elevating mood, wakefulness, and motor activity.

Half-life of caffeine

About 5-6 hours, but can be increased to 15 hours with smoking.

Liver (in relation to caffeine)

Metabolizes caffeine, changing its structure before metabolites are excreted in urine via the kidneys.

Recommended caffeine intake

Up to 400 mg per day for adults, varying by individual tolerance and weight.

Nicotine

A central nervous system stimulant, in the same drug category as caffeine and ADHD medications.

Short-term effects of nicotine

Stimulates the reward center/pleasure center of the brain, increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Nicotine's effect on dopamine

Increases the release of dopamine from neurons, causing a temporary increase in pleasure.

Half-life of nicotine

Approximately 2 hours.

Damage to lungs

Major long-term effect of inhaling cigarette smoke.

Damage in the mouth (oral cancer)

Long-term effects of chewing tobacco.