HPEX 352 Stimulants - Cocaine and Amphetamine

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to stimulants, specifically cocaine and amphetamines, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Schedule 1

Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, considered the most dangerous.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant derived from the coca plant, with a high potential for abuse and various forms of use such as cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine.

Amphetamines

Stimulants that include methamphetamine; initially used for medical purposes like treating asthma and ADHD but commonly associated with illicit use.

Coca

A bush that grows in the Andes, harvested for thousands of years to produce cocaine.

Psychological dependence

A condition where an individual relies on a substance to cope with emotional challenges, often resulting in cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Crack cocaine

A form of cocaine that is mixed with water and baking soda, allowing for vapors to be inhaled and creating a faster onset effect than powder cocaine.

Half-life

The time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body; cocaine has a half-life of about one hour.

Binge use

A pattern of drug use characterized by consuming a drug repeatedly and at increasingly high doses, often worsening psychological and physical health.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical and psychological effects experienced when reducing or discontinuing the use of a substance, such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Narcotics

Substances that can lead to addiction and dependence; include drugs like cocaine and opioids.

Local anesthetic

A substance used to block sensation in a specific area of the body, with cocaine being one of the earliest used.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

An event where the heart abruptly stops beating, often related to drug use affecting the heart's electrical system.

Acute toxicity

Immediate harmful effects of a drug, which can lead to severe health issues such as respiratory arrest.

Chronic toxicity

Long-term harmful effects resulting from repeated use of a drug, including psychological issues and physical health deterioration.

Dependence potential

The likelihood of developing an addiction or dependence on a substance due to its effects on the brain's reward system.