PSYC 212: Exam 3: Substance Short- and Long-Term Effects

What are the short-term effects of tobacco?

(Paradoxical) mood effects: person reports feeling more relaxed, even though nicotine is arousing

What are the long-term effects of tobacco?

• Various types of cancer (e.g. oral, esophageal, lung) (80% of all lung cancer deaths are attributable to smoking)

• Other diseases (e.g. heart disease, emphysema)

• Fertility problems and birth defects

What are the short-term effects of stimulants?

Physiological arousal & positive mood (sometimes also confusion, dizziness, panic)

What are the long-term effects of stimulants?

• Sexual dysfunction

• Cardiovascular problems (e.g. irregular heartbeat)

• Possible onset of psychosis

  • Will not specifically lead to Schizophrenia

  • Can lead to Substance Induced Psychotic Disorder

• Social/occupational impairment

• Financial problems

• Criminal engagement/violence

What are the short-term effects of opiates?

• Euphoric disorientation

  • Followed by extreme dysphoria

  • Re-use only allows for the return of euphoria for a short time

What are the long-term effects of opiates?

• Reduced libido & fertility problems

• Chronic lethargy/loss of motivation → occupational impairment

• Financial problems

• Risk of HIV/AIDS (heroin users sharing needles), violence, suicide (dysphoric lows and chronic pain)

What are the short-term effects of sedatives?

Impaired judgement, slurred speech, poor coordination, disinhibition or sexual & aggressive impulses

What are the long-term effects of sedatives?

Rebound of anxiety that is worse than before

What are the short-term effects of cannabis?

• Mood changes

  • Often increases in positive mood, but can be increases in anxiety and/or paranoia

• Difficulties concentrating, following trains of thought

What are the long-term effects of cannabis?

Attentional deficits & problems in decision making

What are the short-term effects of hallucinogens?

• No withdrawal symptoms

• Causes vivid, surreal sensory-perceptual changes

  • Usually positive, but sometimes scary

• PCP & Ecstasy can be dangerous or deadly when used

  • Overdosing is easy

• Tends to be used more rarely

  • Partly because effects are minimized if used too close together

What are the long-term effects of hallucinogens?

• Sometimes causes persisting psychosis and/or flashbacks

  • Can lead to Substance Induced Psychotic Disorder

What are the short-term effects of alcohol?

The more the person drinks, the further they get down the list

1. Positive mood, lowered inhibitions

2. Slowed reactions, lethargy

3. Confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination

4. Stupor, loss of bodily control

5. Coma

6. Death

What are the long-term effects of alcohol?

• Consistent with possible symptoms

  • Interpersonal/occupational impairments

  • Legal trouble

  • Physical illness/injury

  • Mental illness

• Death

  • Among young men, due to injuries

  • Among older men, due to illness

    • Liver issues