Drug Dependence

Psychoactive drugs

Drugs that alter state of consciousness

Depressants

Psychoactive drugs that depress CNS function; decrease heart-rate, BP, processing speed

Hallucinogens

Psychoactive drugs that result in distorted perceptions and heightened sensations

Stimulants

Psychoactive drugs that excite CNS, increase heartrate, BP, and alertness

Opiates

Psychoactive drugs that depress CNS and reduce pain perception

Alcohol
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines

Three main categories of depressants

LSD
Psilocybin
PCP

Three examples of hallucinogens

Caffiene
Nicotine
Amphetamines
Coke

Four examples of stimulants

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Drug that is both a stimulant and hallucinogen (Damages serotonin-producing neurons)

Psilocybin

Active chemical in hallucinogenic mushrooms

Morphine
Heroin
Vicodin

Three examples of opiates

Anaglesic

Drug that reduces pain perception

Opioid

Synthetic opiate

Disinhibitor

Drug that slows brain activity; makes people act impulsively (alcohol)

Barbituates

Depressants that induce sleep/reduce anxiety; not prescribed much due to addictiveness (tranquilizers) (can cause death when mixed with alcohol)

Benzodiazepines

Depressant that is currently used to induce sleep/reduce anxiety

Insomnia

Short-acting benzodiazepines and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are used to treat ________________

Anxiety

Long-acting benzodiazepines are used to treat ____________

GABA

Depressants act on ______________ receptors

Endorphin

Opiates act on _________________ receptors

PTSD

Hallucinogens can be used to treat ________________

Oral

Slowest route of drug entry (through GI tract)

Inhalation

Fast route of drug entry (breathing it in)

Injection

Fastest route of drug entry (directly into blood vessel)

Transdermal

Gradual route of drug entry (through skin)

Intramuscular

Route of drug entry can be fast or slow (injection into muscles)

30 min

How long does oral drug entry take

10 sec

How long does inhalation drug entry take

More

Faster drug entry is ___________ addictive

Dopamine

When we experience pleasure our brain releases _____________

Ventral tegmental area

Where is dopamine produced

Amygdala
Nucleus accumbens
Prefrontal cortex
Hippocampus

Four main brain structures dopamine from ventral tegmental area travels to

Nucleus accumbens

Part of brain that controls motor functions

Hippocampus

Part of brain responsible for formation of memories

Serotoning

As dopamine levels increase ______________ levels decrease

Substance induced disorder

When a person is intoxicated, disorders they may experience (mood, anxiety, psychosis, insomnia)

Methadone

Opioid agonist; activates opiate receptors but more slowly; used to beat opiate addiction

Motivational interviewing

Method of beating addiction based on finding intrinsic motivation to change

Group meeting

AA, 12-step program to beat addiction

Acceptance
Surrender
Active involvement

Three phases of 12-step program