Substance Misuse & Dependency Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the biological effects, measurement, metabolism, and societal/health impacts of alcohol misuse and dependency.

Ethanol

A psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties produced by fermenting the naturally occurring sugars in grains, fruits, or vegetables using yeast or bacteria.

Alcohol driving limit

The illegal blood alcohol concentration threshold for driving, which is set at more than $80\,mg$ in $100\,mL$ of blood.

Alcohol unit

A measurement equal to $10\,mL$ ($8\,g$) of pure alcohol, based on an alcohol density of $0.8\,g/mL$.

Recommended weekly alcohol limit

The guideline that adults should consume no more than $14$ units per week, spread over three or more days with several alcohol-free days.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

A neurotransmitter whose effect is increased by alcohol to enhance sedation.

Glutamate

A neurotransmitter whose effect is reduced by alcohol to help enhance sedation.

Vasodilation

The expansion of blood vessels caused by alcohol that results in flushing and a feeling of initial warmth, though it leads to a drop in body temperature and a headache.

Vasopressin

An anti-diuretic hormone produced in the pituitary gland that is inhibited by alcohol, leading to diuresis.

Diuresis

A condition caused by alcohol's inhibition of vasopressin that results in frequent urination.

REM phase sleep

The most restorative phase of sleep which is specifically reduced by the consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol metabolism rate

The speed at which alcohol is eliminated from the body, occurring at a rate of $7\,g/hour$ or one unit per hour.

Harmful drinking

A pattern of alcohol consumption that causes health problems (such as acute pancreatitis) and psychological problems (such as depression).

Alcohol dependency

A condition characterized by craving, tolerance, preoccupation with alcohol, and continued drinking despite harmful consequences.

Liver diseases (Alcohol-related)

Conditions including steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis that increase in risk after $10$ or more years of regular drinking ($>14$ units/week).

Pharmacological withdrawal treatments

Medications used for management of withdrawals including Thiamine, Acamprosate, and Chlordiazepoxide/Diazepam.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

A range of conditions caused by prenatal exposure of the foetus to alcohol, which passes through the placenta.

Physical markers of FASD

Specific indicators including low birth weight, small head circumference, small eye openings, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum.