Psychomotor Stimulants & Opioids: Effects, Treatment, and Pharmacology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions related to psychomotor stimulants, opioids, their effects, treatments, and related pharmacology.

Psychomotor Stimulants

Substances that increase activity in the brain and body, often used recreationally.

Cortical/Prefrontal Cortex Activity

Long-term stimulant use can reduce activity in these brain areas, affecting impulse control and decision making.

Neurotoxicity

The potential of substances to cause damage to nerve tissue.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that can be induced by certain stimulant drugs.

Pharmacodynamic Tolerance

A decrease in the effects of a drug due to its repeated use, leading to a need for higher doses.

Monoamine Psychosis

Hallucinations produced by long-term stimulant use, mimicking schizophrenia.

Anhedonia

A lack of pleasure or interest in activities, often a symptom of withdrawal.

Compensatory Responses

Increased sleep and appetite that might occur after stimulant withdrawal.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Impairments in mental processes such as decision-making that can result from chronic stimulant use.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A treatment approach that helps patients change patterns of thinking or behavior.

Naltrexone

An opioid receptor antagonist used to reduce cravings for opioids.

Mu Opioid Receptor

The primary receptor type targeted by most opioid drugs, responsible for pain relief and euphoria.

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than heroin, leading to a high risk of overdose.

Meth mouth

Severe dental problems due to methamphetamine use.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical and psychological effects experienced when a dependent individual stops using a substance.

Chronic Methamphetamine Use

Long-term consumption leading to cognitive decline and structural brain changes.

Contingency Management

A behavioral treatment approach that rewards drug-free behavior.

Behavioral Interventions

Therapies focused on modifying unhealthy behaviors associated with substance use.

Heroin

A semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine that is highly addictive.

Opioid Overdose

Life-threatening state due to excessive opioid intake, resulting in respiratory depression.

Abstinence

The state of refraining from a substance.

Endorphins

Natural opioids produced by the body to reduce pain and induce feelings of pleasure.

Cognition

Mental processes such as perception, attention, and decision-making.

Dopamine System

The network of dopamine-producing neurons that are implicated in reward and pleasure.

Chlorpromazine

The first-generation antipsychotic medication introduced for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Involuntary, repetitive body movements that can occur after prolonged use of antipsychotic medications.

Typical Antipsychotics

Older class of antipsychotics primarily blocking dopamine D2 receptors.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Newer class of antipsychotics that target multiple neurotransmitter systems, less dopamine focused.

Dopamine Hypothesis

Theory that an overactivity of dopamine is involved in schizophrenia.

Glutamate Hypothesis

Theory that underactivity of glutamate neurotransmission contributes to schizophrenia.

Pharmacotherapeutic Approaches

Medications used to treat substance use disorders.

Withdrawal Precipitation

Causing immediate withdrawal symptoms through the use of antagonists like naltrexone.

Neurodevelopmental Hypothesis

Theory suggesting disruptions in brain development contribute to schizophrenia.

Euphoric Response

Intense feelings of happiness and pleasure resulting from drug use.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

A substance that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking agonist effects.

Overdose Potential

The risk of experiencing life-threatening symptoms due to excessive substance use.

Nausea and Vomiting

Common side effects induced by opioid use, related to activation of brain areas controlling emesis.

Dopaminergic System

Neural pathways where dopamine is the key neurotransmitter, affected by various drugs.

Clinical Trials

Research studies conducted to evaluate the effects and safety of medical treatments.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Impaired cognitive abilities often observed in chronic substance users.

Behavioral Approaches to Treatment

Therapies focused on modifying unhealthy behaviors associated with substance use.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Effects that occur when a person with alcohol dependency suddenly stops drinking.

Respiratory Depression

Slowed or stopped breathing that can result from opioid overdose.

Psychotic Disorders

Mental health disorders characterized by delusions and hallucinations.

Antipsychotic Medications

Drugs used to manage psychosis and schizophrenia symptoms.

Chronic Pain Management

Long-term strategies for treating persistent pain conditions.

Neurotransmitter Receptor Binding

Interaction between drugs and receptors in the brain impacting neurotransmitter effects.

Cognitive Performance

The ability to perform mental tasks, often diminished by substance use.

Pharmacological Treatment

Use of medications to alleviate symptoms or treat disorders.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Disturbance in the normal levels of neurotransmitters associated with mental disorders.

Community Reinforcement Approach

A therapeutic strategy that enhances abstinence through reinforcement and skills training.

Self-Administration of Drugs

When individuals take drugs voluntarily, affecting their dependence.

Dysphoria

A state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction, often felt during withdrawal.

Behavioral Reinforcement

Encouragement for drug-free behavior through rewards.

Substance Use Disorder

A condition characterized by an inability to stop using a substance despite negative consequences.

Pain Relievers

Medications designed to alleviate pain; may include opioids.

Tolerability of Medications

The degree to which side effects of a drug can be tolerated by patients.

Histological Examination

Study of tissues at a microscopic level, often used in research.

Serotonin Modulation

Adjustment of serotonin activity, potentially influencing mood and anxiety.

Long-term Cravings

Enduring desire for substances following cessation, impacting recovery.

Sleep Disturbances

Problems with sleeping, commonly reported during substance withdrawal.

Withdrawal Timing

The specific timing of onset and duration of withdrawal symptoms after substance cessation.

Neurotransmitter Systems

Networks of neurons that communicate using specific neurotransmitters to relay signals.

Opioid Resistance

Reduced effectiveness of opioids due to tolerance following extensive use.

Synthetic Opioids

Lab-created pain relievers, often leading to increased overdose risks.

Long-term Effects of Opioids

Chronic use can lead to significant health issues, including addiction and cognitive changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

Therapeutic techniques aimed at changing cognitive patterns and behaviors.

First-pass Metabolism

The process by which the body metabolizes a drug before it reaches systemic circulation.

Opioid Receptor Mechanism

How opioids interact with receptors in the brain to produce effects.

Performance Anxiety

Nervousness impacting performance, more common in patients taking antipsychotic medication.

Dopamine System Stabilizer

Medications that modulate dopamine activity to balance effects.

Overdose Risk Factors

Circumstances or behaviors that increase the likelihood of drug overdose.

Severe Side Effects

Adverse reactions to medications that can significantly impair a patient's well-being.

Environmental Triggers

External factors that may prompt substance use behaviors.

Cognitive Decline

Deterioration in cognitive function, often associated with chronic substance use.

Substance Cessation

The process of stopping the use of a substance.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate support provided to individuals in acute distress or crisis.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Impaired functioning of mitochondria, potentially implicated in neurodegeneration.

Resilience in Recovery

Ability to withstand challenges during the recovery process from substance use.

Narcotic Analgesic

A term used for medications that relieve pain and can have sedative effects.

Opioid Crisis

A public health emergency surrounding the widespread misuse of opioids.

Neural Connectivity

The interconnections between neurons that influence brain function.

Relapse Prevention

Strategies designed to help individuals avoid returning to substance use after treatment.

Psychotropic Substances

Drugs that affect mood, perception, and cognitive function.

Opioid Regulation

Laws and guidelines governing the use and distribution of opioid medications.

Antiemetic Effects

The ability of certain substances or medications to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Utilitarian Benefits of Addictive Substances

The practical advantages that may lead individuals to misuse drugs despite risks.

Withdrawal Management

The process of safely assisting individuals through withdrawal symptoms.

Dependence Development

The process by which regular use of a substance leads to physical and psychological reliance.

Neurotransmitter Modulation

Altering the synthesis, release, or breakdown of neurotransmitters.

Structural Brain Changes

Physical alterations to brain structure often seen in chronic substance users.

Drug Craving

Intense desire for a drug, often occurring in withdrawal.

Synthetic Analogues

Artificially created drugs that resemble natural substances.

Social Reinforcers

Non-material rewards such as praise or encouragement that support abstinent behavior.

Endogenous Opioids

Naturally occurring substances in the body that bind to opioid receptors.

Cognitive Decline from Substance Use

A decrease in cognitive functioning often seen in chronic users.

Harmful Effects of Stimulants

Negative health outcomes resulting from the long-term use of stimulants.

Withdrawal Timeline

The expected duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms after stopping a drug.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Lack of essential nutrients, often seen in chronic substance users.