Psy 230 Lecture Notes - Cannabis and Addiction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cannabis, addiction, and their physiological effects as discussed in the lecture.

Cannabis

Resembles chemicals in our brain and can increase creativity by affecting dopamine levels.

Withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms that occur when quitting marijuana include decreased appetite, irritability, anxiety, nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and weird dreams.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in motivation and the brain's reward system.

Naloxone

A medication that can reverse opioid overdose by displacing opioids from their receptor sites.

Placebo effect

A phenomenon where taking a substance that is believed to have medicinal properties leads to real improvements in symptoms, as the brain tricks the body.

Short-term memory loss

A common withdrawal symptom experienced after chronic marijuana use.

Anandamide

A naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain that cannabis mimics.

Normal dopamine levels

Can be disrupted by opioid use, making normal pleasurable activities feel less enjoyable.

Motivation

A psychological process influenced by dopamine that drives behavior and actions.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between neurons and are critical for various brain functions.