Ch. 5.14-16 - Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Opiates

What are opiates (narcotics)?

Drugs that reduce pain and induce extremely intense euphoria.

What are the main effects of opiates?

Intense euphoria and pain relief.

How do opiates act in the brain?

They stimulate endorphin receptors.

How quickly does tolerance to opiates develop?

Very quickly.

What is the dependence risk for opiates?

Very high.

What are examples of opiates?

Morphine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, oxycontin, codeine, opium.

What are endorphins?

Endogenous pain-relieving neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do opioids relieve pain?

They promote endorphin release or stimulate endorphin receptors.

What is naloxone?

A drug that blocks endorphin receptor sites to reverse opioid effects.

How does naloxone treat overdoses?

By preventing opioids from binding to endorphin receptors.

What contributes to the opioid and fentanyl crisis?

Other opioids are often laced with highly potent fentanyl.

What treatment is used for opioid dependence?

Methadone treatment.

What legal actions are related to the opioid crisis?

Ongoing class-action lawsuits against opioid manufacturers.

What are hallucinogens?

Drugs that produce perceptual distortions.

What experiences can hallucinogens produce?

Euphoria, fear, panic, and paranoia.

How do hallucinogens act in the brain?

They increase serotonin and block glutamate receptors.

How quickly does tolerance to hallucinogens develop?

Slowly.

What is the dependence risk for hallucinogens?

Low.

What are examples of hallucinogens?

LSD, ketamine, DMT, psilocybin, salvia divinorum.

What are stimulants?

Drugs that speed up the nervous system and enhance wakefulness and alertness.

What are the main effects of stimulants?

Euphoria, increased energy, and lowered inhibitions.

How do stimulants affect neurotransmitters?

They increase dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

How quickly does tolerance to stimulants develop?

Quickly.

What is the dependence risk for stimulants?

High.

What are examples of stimulants?

Cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy.

What physical deterioration can result from stimulant abuse?

Hygiene neglect and exposure to toxic drug cocktail ingredients like hydrochloric acid and farm fertilizer.

What cognitive deterioration can result from stimulant abuse?

Structural abnormalities in frontal lobe cells.

What cognitive difficulty do stimulant users show?

Problems ignoring irrelevant thoughts, demonstrated by the Stroop test.

methadone vs naloxone

methadone is used for long-term treatment of opioid use disorder and chronic pain, while naloxone is a rescue medication used to immediately reverse an opioid overdose