Lecture Notes - Chapter 5 Part 3: Drugs and Psychoactive Substances

Vocabulary flashcards covering stimulants, sedatives, alcohol, hallucinogens, marijuana, and smoking facts based on Chapter 5 Part 3 lecture notes.

Cocaine

A central nervous system stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant, used as a local anesthetic, which is highly addictive and was an ingredient in Coca-Cola from 1886 to 1906.

Anhedonia

The inability to feel pleasure, which is commonly experienced after cocaine withdrawal.

Caffeine

The most frequently used psychoactive drug in North America, found in colas, chocolate, coffee, and tea; it increases alertness and suppresses fatigue, but can cause tremors, sweating, talkativeness, and tinnitus.

Caffeinism

Physiological dependence on caffeine, characterized by symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, chills, racing heart, and elevated body temperature.

Nicotine

A natural, addictive stimulant found mainly in tobacco and a known carcinogen responsible for 97% of lung cancer deaths in men and 74% in women.

Barbiturates

Sedative drugs that depress brain activity; two specific types mentioned are Seconal and Amytal.

Tranquilizers

Sedative drugs that lower anxiety and reduce tension; three specific types are Valium, Xanax, and Librium.

Rohypnol

A drug related to Valium that lowers inhibitions, produces relaxation or intoxication, and in larger doses can induce short-term amnesia and sleep; known as a date rape drug because it is odourless and tasteless.

Drug Interaction

A situation where one drug increases the effect of another drug.

Ethyl Alcohol

The intoxicating element in fermented and distilled liquors; it is a depressant (not a stimulant) that lowers inhibitions.

Binge Drinking

The consumption of five or more drinks in a short time, which is a serious sign of alcohol abuse.

Detoxification

The tightly controlled withdrawal of a person from alcohol occurring in a medical setting, which is often necessary before long-term treatment begins.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

A free, worldwide self-help organization of recovering alcoholics that has existed for over 70 years, includes a spiritual component, and emphasizes admitting powerlessness over alcohol usage and wanting to recover.

Hallucinogen

A substance that alters or distorts sensory perceptions; examples include LSD, Mescaline (Peyote), and Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms).

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)

A hallucinogen that can produce hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.

PCP (Angel Dust)

A substance that initially can have hallucinogenic effects, functions as an anesthetic, and exhibits both stimulant and depressant effects.

Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana; Pot)

Leaves and flowers of the hemp plant containing the active chemical THC, causing relaxation, time distortion, and perceptual distortions; it is psychologically, but NOT physiologically, addictive.

Hashish

Resinous material scraped from the leaves of the hemp plant that contains a higher concentration of THC than marijuana.

Health Risks of Using Marijuana

Health risks including precancerous changes in lung cells, immune system suppression, a higher rate of miscarriages caused by THC, lower activity levels in the cerebellum, and possible damage to memory centres in the brain.

Canadian Smoking Statistics

Statistics showing that 1 in 6 deaths in Canada is caused by smoking; in 1995, smoking caused 34,728 deaths resulting in 500,345 years of potential life loss; and in 1992, tobacco cost the Canadian economy 9.6 billion dollars.

Fried et al. Carleton University Study

A 10-year study that tracked about 77 people and found heavy marijuana users (at least 5 joints/week) had significant IQ score declines compared to nonsmokers, whereas light smokers and heavy users who quit showed no intellectual deficits.

Claimed Medical Benefits of Marijuana

Reported claims that smoking marijuana can relieve excruciating pain experienced by glaucoma patients and help increase appetite in individuals suffering from AIDS.