PH 179 Lecture 2: Drug Abuse and Public Health Concerns

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on drug abuse and its implications on public health.

Drug Abuse

The harmful or excessive use of psychoactive substances, causing significant impairment in health, social, or occupational functioning.

Psychoactive Substances

Chemicals that affect the central nervous system, leading to changes in mood, perception, and behavior.

Ethanol

Commonly known as alcohol; a CNS depressant that can cause relaxation, euphoria, and impaired coordination.

Acute Toxicity

Immediate harmful effects that occur soon after the ingestion of a substance, like ethanol causing slurred speech and slowed reaction time.

Chronic Toxicity

Long-term adverse effects resulting from continuous exposure to a toxic substance, such as liver damage from prolonged alcohol consumption.

Acetaldehyde

A toxic metabolite of ethanol known to promote DNA mutation and tumorigenesis.

Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

A toxic substance used as a replacement for propylene glycol in various products; can cause severe health issues, including kidney failure.

Psilocybin

A compound found in magic mushrooms that can cause visual hallucinations and changes in perception.

Fentanyl

A powerful synthetic opioid that is 50-100x stronger than heroin, with a high potential for addiction and overdose.

Cannabis (Marijuana)

A plant containing THC and CBD that affects the brain and body, potentially leading to impaired memory and cognitive functions.