Drugs & Addiction Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to drugs and addiction as discussed in the lecture.

Drug

Any substance that changes how your body or mind works.

Addiction

A chronic disease characterized by the inability to stop using a substance even if it is harmful.

Neurotransmitters

Brain chemicals that drugs affect by altering their function.

Agonists

Substances that mimic chemicals and activate receptors (e.g., heroin, marijuana).

Antagonists

Substances that block receptors (e.g., naloxone/Narcan).

Reuptake inhibitors

Substances that keep neurotransmitters in the brain longer (e.g., cocaine, SSRIs).

Long-term effects of drugs on the brain

Include reduced dopamine production and fewer receptors, leading to tolerance.

Prefrontal cortex

Brain area involved in decision-making and impulse control.

Amygdala

Brain region associated with stress and anxiety, particularly in withdrawal.

Chemotaxis

Movement toward or away from chemicals, utilized by cells such as bacteria and immune cells.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase energy, heart rate, and alertness (e.g., caffeine, cocaine).

Depressants

Drugs that slow the body down and induce relaxation and sleepiness (e.g., anti-anxiety meds).

Cannabis

Most used drug worldwide, with THC as the psychoactive component and CBD for medical benefits.

Methamphetamine

A very strong and highly addictive stimulant available in various forms including powder and crystal.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

A stimulant and hallucinogen that increases serotonin and dopamine levels, causing euphoria.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that change perception and reality (e.g., LSD, mescaline).

Opioids

Painkillers that can be natural (morphine), semi-synthetic (heroin), or synthetic (fentanyl).

Alcohol

A depressant that acts on the nervous system and the body processes at approximately one drink per hour.

BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

The percentage of alcohol in the blood used to determine impairment.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

Legal term for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

A condition caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leading to developmental issues.

Congeners

Chemical byproducts of fermentation that can worsen hangovers, found in darker alcohols.