Science of Substances Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering drug classifications, brain anatomy, neurotransmitters, and physiological effects as detailed in the lecture transcript.

Dependence

Physical or psychological addiction.

Tolerance

The body adapting to a substance, which reduces its effects.

Withdrawal

Unpleasant side effects experienced when one stops taking a substance.

Synergy

The combined effect of two substances that is greater than the sum of each alone.

Relapse

When a person restarts taking a substance after successfully stopping.

Cerebrum

A major part of the brain involved in various functions including visual cortex and motor function.

Cerebellum

Part of the brain responsible for motor functions, coordination of movement, balance, equilibrium, and posture.

Brain Stem

The posterior part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and contains respiratory centers.

Broca's Area

The functional area of the cerebral cortex responsible for the muscles of speech.

Wernicke's Area

The functional area used for written and spoken language comprehension.

GABA ($\text{Gamma amino butyric acid}$)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS whose activation prevents nerve cells from reaching action potential and increases dopamine release.

BAC ($\text{Blood Alcohol Concentration}$)

A measurement of alcohol in the blood; in Switzerland, the legal driving limit is $0.05\%$, while $0.40\%$ can lead to anaesthesia and higher levels to death.

Opiates

Substances like morphine, heroin, and codeine derived from the sap of the opium poppy that bind to opioid receptors and mimic endorphins.

Opioids

Synthetic molecules such as oxycodone, methadone, and fentanyl that act on opioid receptors and are often significantly more potent than natural opiates.

Upregulation

The increase in opioid receptors to achieve 'normal' levels of stimulation during addiction.

Downregulation

The decrease of endorphin neurotransmitters to achieve 'normal' levels of stimulation during addiction.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, increasing heart rate and dilating pupils.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, constricting pupils and decreasing heart rate.

Noradrenaline

A neurotransmitter that acts at adrenergic receptors in target tissues; its effects are mimicked by amphetamines.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward responses in the brain.

Amphetamines

Stimulants that mimic noradrenaline and dopamine and upregulate their production through positive feedback.

Caffeine

A legal, unregulated drug that reduces GABA activity and increases dopamine activity; its toxic dose is approximately $10\,g$.

Nicotine

A highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco that stimulates both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems at acetylcholine receptors.

Cocaine

A stimulant that inhibits the re-uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, and blocks sodium ion channels to act as a local anaesthetic.

$\Delta\text{FosB}$ ($\text{Delta FosB}$)

A protein whose overexpression is associated with compulsive reward-seeking behavior in cocaine addiction.

Serotonin $5\text{-HT}_2$ Receptors

Excitatory receptors widespread in the brain associated with mood, memory, cognition, and appetite regulation.

LSD ($\text{Lysergic Acid Diethylamide}$)

A hallucinogen synthesized from lysergic acid (produced by the Ergot fungus) that alters perception of sights, sounds, and time.

MDMA ($3,4\text{-methylenedioxymethamphetamine}$)

Also known as ecstasy; it acts as both a hallucinogen and stimulant by stimulating the release and inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline.

THC ($\text{Tetrahydrocannabinol}$)

The main psychoactive molecule in cannabis that increases dopamine release and upregulates $5\text{-HT}_2$ receptors.

CBD ($\text{Cannabinol}$)

An active ingredient in cannabis that increases activity at opioid receptors, producing a depressant effect.

Recovery Position

The specific physical position to place an unconscious person in while waiting for an ambulance to ensure they do not choke on vomit.