Addiction
continued use of substances despite adverse consequences
Abuse
use for purposes of intoxication or beyond intended use
Withdrawal
symptoms occurring when substance no longer used
Tolerance
a gradual decrease in the action of a drug at a given dose in the blood
Alcohol
CNS depressant: mild sedation, coma, respiratory failure, death
Wernicke encephalopathy
a degenerative brain disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. Characterized by vision impairment, ataxia, hypotension, confusion, and coma
Korsakoff’s amnestic syndrome
a problem associated with alcoholism and is associated with impairment of understanding new information and retrieving memories
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
a memory disorder that results from a thiamine deficiency. Early symptoms can be reversed but if not, prognosis is poor
Disulfiram
a medication that is used as a deterrent from drinking as it produces episodes of severe nausea and vomiting if alcohol is injested.
Naltrexone
a medication used for treatment of alcohol and heroin abuse. reduces the craving for alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Stage 1
increased HR, temperature, and slightly elevated BP. Slight diaphoresis, impaired appetite, hand tremors
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Stage 2
high HR, BP, and temp. obvious diaphoresis, intermittent confusion, some visual and auditory hallucinations, painful anxiety and restlessness, tremors
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome - Stage 3
Very high HR, BP, and temp. marked diaphoresis, disorientation/confusion, disturbing visual and auditory hallucinations, agitation, panic states, uncontrollable tremors, convulsions are common
Cocaine class
CNS stimulant - increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
Cocaine effect
sudden burst of mental alertness and energy, feelings of self-confidence and being in control, sociability
Withdrawal of cocaine
Severe anxiety, restlessness, and agitation
long term use of cocaine
leads to depletion of norepinephrine leading to “crash” and sleeping 12 to 18 hours
Amphetamine
block reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine
Methamphetamine
release of excess dopamine, highly addictive, used in a binge and crash pattern
MDMA (ecstasy)
increased serotonin and excess dopamine release cause hallucinations, confusion, and sleep problems
possible malignant hyperthermia
Nicotine
stimulation nervous systems to increase alertness, concentration, attention, and appetite suppression
Nicotine withdrawal
mood changes, difficulty sleeping, h/a, increased appetitie
Nicotine replacement therapy
used for withdrawal. Can use transdermal patches, nicotine gum, nasal spray, and inhalers
Why do you withdrawal from nicotine earlier?
it has a shorter half life
Caffeine
stimulates cerebral cortex, increase mental acuity
Caffeine intoxication
nervousness, excitement, flushed face, diuresis, rambling flow of thought and speech, tachycardia
Caffeine withdrawal
h/a, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, craving
Cannabis (Marijuana)
binds with opioid receptors in the brain to block dopamine reuptake. Has a slow release because it is stored for weeks in fat tissue and int he brain
Cannabis (Marijuana) side effects
impaired ability to form memories, recall events, and shift attention from one thing to another
Hallucinogens effects
euphoria, altered body imagine, distorted visual and auditory perception, confusion
Hallucinogens severe reaction
paranoia, fear of losing one’s mind, depersonalization, delusions
Hallucinogens examples
Mushrooms, LSD, mescaline
Opioid examples
oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl, heroin
Opioid withdrawal syndrome
rebound hyperexcitability
Opioid reversal agent
Naloxone (Narcan)
maintenance for opioid treatment
methadone therapy
Inhalants
CNS depressants
Inhalants effects
euphoria, sedation, emotional lability, and=4`1impaired judgement
Inhalants intoxication
respiratory depression, stupor, and coma
Using inhalants puts users at risk for
sudden sniffing death
Steroids
cause increase irritability, aggression, euphoria, sexual arousal, mood swings
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
used as a deterrent by causing severe nausea and vomiting if alcohol is consumed
Naltrexone
helps to reduce cravings for alcohol and heroin
Methadone
satisfies the craving of opioids but does not give the high of heroin
Bupropion
an anti depressant shown to help people stop smoking
Clonidine
a blood pressure med used in detox that helps with opioid withdrawal, specifically bone pain