Drug Withdrawal, Dependence & Sensitization

Flashcards covering key concepts related to drug withdrawal, dependence, and sensitization for exam preparation.

What is drug withdrawal?

The negative physical and/or psychological symptoms that occur when chronic drug use is abruptly stopped.

What is drug dependence?

A physiological state wherein drug discontinuation leads to an unpleasant drug-specific withdrawal syndrome.

How are drug withdrawal and dependence related?

Withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of dependence on a drug, making the person feel the need to continue taking it to avoid these symptoms.

What is behavioral tolerance?

Previous learned experience associated with a drug reduces the effect of the drug.

What are the primary mechanisms of drug tolerance?

Pharmacokinetic (metabolic), pharmacodynamic, and behavioral tolerance.

What triggers the sudden loss of tolerance in chronic users?

Taking the drug in an unusual or novel environment or circumstance.

What are some examples of withdrawal symptoms common across drugs?

Nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.

What is drug sensitization?

Increased responsiveness to a drug with repeated administration, sometimes referred to as 'reverse tolerance'.

How does a drug like heroin relate to overdose in terms of tolerance?

Chronic users may develop tolerance but risk overdose when their tolerance suddenly decreases.

What does the term 'Cross sensitization' refer to?

When the use of one drug produces sensitization in response to another drug.

Which drug classes exhibit both metabolic and behavioral tolerance?

Barbiturates, Alcohol, Morphine, Amphetamine, Cocaine.

What happens to neurotransmitter receptor levels when a drug acts as an agonist?

Receptor levels down-regulate.

Why are chronic heroin users at risk of overdose?

Because their tolerance can suddenly diminish, leading them to take a dose that would be fatal for a non-tolerant user.

What characterizes the timeline of drug withdrawal?

The time between cessation of drug use and onset of withdrawal symptoms varies widely depending on individual factors and drug type.

What is the relationship between drug withdrawal symptoms and drug-specific effects?

Withdrawal symptoms often oppose the effects of the drug.

What is a common physical symptom of heroin withdrawal?

Nausea.

What is a psychological symptom of drug withdrawal?

Anxiety.

What is 'pharmacokinetic' tolerance?

Tolerance that develops because the liver synthesizes more drug-metabolizing enzymes due to chronic exposure to a drug.

What causes pharmacodynamic tolerance?

Alterations in neurotransmitter receptor levels in response to a drug's agonistic or antagonistic effects.

What is 'classical conditioning' in the context of behavioral tolerance?

Changes in the initial effects of the drug due to conditioning experiences related to drug use.

What is an example of a drug that shows a low safety ratio?

Heroin.

Describe the relationship between tolerance and overdose risk.

Higher tolerance can lead to increased doses, which in combination with a sudden loss of tolerance can result in overdose.

What types of symptoms can occur during drug withdrawal?

Both physical and psychological symptoms are possible.

What are the timelines for withdrawal symptoms to set in?

They set in after a variable period of absence from the drug.

What is the significance of studying behavioral tolerance?

Understanding it helps explain why chronic users may respond differently to drugs over time.

How can drug sensitization manifest behaviorally?

Increased motor activity or stereotyped behaviors in response to the drug.

What influence do environmental factors have on drug tolerance?

Novel environments can lead to unexpected overdoses due to sudden decreases in tolerance.

What distinguishes drug dependence from addiction?

Dependence refers to the physiological need to avoid withdrawal, while addiction encompasses the psychological compulsive use of the substance.

What behavioral effects can occur from repeated administration of a stimulant?

Increased locomotor activity and stereotyped behaviors.

What should one consult their doctor about when it comes to drug withdrawal?

Potential withdrawal symptoms and how to manage them.

How do individual differences influence drug withdrawal symptoms?

They can affect the severity and type of symptoms experienced during withdrawal.

What role do chronic drugs play in altering body homeostasis?

They require the body to adjust, which can produce a complex response when the drug is removed.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in drug dependence?

Alterations in neurotransmitter systems can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

What factors affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms?

They depend on the type of drug, frequency, and extent of use.