Study Guide for Exam 2: HTH100

Contact Information

• For inquiries, students can reach out to TAs:

  • Lila: powerseo@dukes.jmu.edu (8:00 AM)

  • Annika: Lyngdaas@dukes.jmu.edu (11:10 AM)

Short Answer Questions

• Identify short-term effects and examples for the following drugs:

  • Stimulants

  • Short-term effects: Increased energy, alertness, and focus.

  • Example: Cocaine use results in elevated mood and excitement.

  • Hallucinogens

  • Short-term effects: Altered sensory perception and cognition.

  • Example: LSD causing visual distortions and altered thought processes.

  • Cannabis

  • Short-term effects: Euphoria, altered time perception, relaxation.

  • Example: Smoking marijuana leading to immediate relaxation and light-heartedness.

  • Depressants

  • Short-term effects: Sedation, reduced anxiety, impaired coordination.

  • Example: Alcohol consumption leading to calmness and reduced inhibitions.

  • Opioids

  • Short-term effects: Pain relief, drowsiness, euphoria.

  • Example: Morphine use leading to pain relief and feelings of well-being.

  • Inhalants

  • Short-term effects: Euphoria, dizziness, hallucinations.

  • Example: Inhaling glue leading to a buzz and disorientation.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) and Effects

• BAC Levels and Corresponding Effects:

  • 0.30%+

  • Effects: Mood swings, aggression; staggered gait, impaired balance, slurred speech.

  • 0.01-0.05%

  • Effects: Emotional instability; exaggerated feelings and behavior, impaired reasoning, judgment, and visual tracking.

  • 0.15-0.30%

  • Effects: Respiratory arrest and potential death.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which neurotransmitter is primarily affected by opioid drugs?

   • B) Endorphins

2. A disease in which the liver is severely damaged by alcohol, other toxins, or infections is known as:

   • A) Cirrhosis

3. A person who needs increasing amounts of caffeine to feel alert is experiencing:

   • C) Tolerance

4. Which factor would result in the HIGHEST blood alcohol content?

   • C) Drinking carbonated alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach

5. The "100-proof" designation on alcohol means it contains:

   • B) 50% alcohol

6. Which of these is NOT a symptom of alcohol withdrawal?

   • B) Increased appetite

7. The fastest route of drug administration to the brain is:

   • C) Inhalation

8. Which statement about marijuana is accurate?

   • C) Long-term use may affect memory and learning.

9. A standard drink contains approximately how much pure alcohol?

   • A) 0.6 ounces

10. Which group has seen the largest increase in e-cigarette use?

    • C) Youth and young adults

11. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is characterized by:

    • C) Lifelong physical and cognitive impairments.

12. Which medication can reverse an opioid overdose?

    • B) Naloxone

13. The primary psychoactive ingredient in tobacco products is:

    • C) Nicotine

14. Cross-tolerance occurs when:

    • B) Tolerance to one drug creates tolerance to similar drugs.

15. Which is a protective factor against substance use disorders?

    • C) Strong social support system

True or False Questions

16. Physical dependence always indicates addiction. (False)

17. Typically, men metabolize alcohol at a faster rate than women. (True)

18. Drinking coffee or taking a cold shower can speed up the elimination of alcohol from your system. (False)

19. All hallucinogens are highly addictive and cause physical dependence. (False)

20. Secondhand smoke exposure has no significant health risks for non-smokers. (False)

21. Prescription opioids are less dangerous than illegal opioids because they are regulated. (False)

22. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more for men in about 2 hours. (True)

23. E-cigarettes are completely safe because they only produce water vapor. (False)

24. The liver can process alcohol faster if you've been drinking regularly for years. (False)

25. Mixing stimulants and depressants can cancel out their effects and make them safer. (False)

26. Addiction involves changes in brain structure and function. (True)

27. Most people who use prescription pain medications as directed will develop addiction. (False)

28. Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant. (True)

29. Withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening in severe cases. (True)

Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the relationship between tolerance, dependence, and addiction. How does each develop?

   • Tolerance refers to the body's reduced response to a drug after repeated use, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same effects. Dependence occurs when the body adapts to the drug's presence, causing withdrawal symptoms when it's not taken. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences, often driven by both tolerance and dependence.

2. Describe three specific ways that chronic alcohol use affects the brain. What are the long term effects of chronic misuse?

   • Chronic alcohol use can lead to:

   1. Shrinkage of brain regions involved in memory.

   2. Impairment of neurotransmitter systems, leading to mood disorders.

   3. Damage to white matter, affecting communication between brain regions.

   • Long-term effects include cognitive impairments, increased risk of mental health disorders, and potential brain damage.

3. What are some ways you can support someone with an alcohol addiction?

   • Encourage them to seek professional help, offer emotional support, engage in sober activities together, and educate yourself about addiction to better understand their struggles.

Scenario-Based Questions

Scenario 1:

• Sarah, 21, weighs 130 lbs and has 25% body fat. Her friend Mike, 21, weighs 180 lbs and has 15% body fat. They each drink 4 beers in 2 hours.

  • Who will likely have the higher BAC and why?

  • Sarah will likely have a higher BAC because, although she weighs less, her higher body fat percentage means she has a lower water content in her body, leading to a higher concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream.

  • Is either person legally safe to drive? Explain your reasoning.

  • It may be determined by their BAC readings after consuming alcohol, as even moderate levels can impair driving abilities.

  • What factors besides weight and body composition affect their BAC?

  • Factors include the rate of alcohol consumption, metabolism rates, the type of alcohol consumed, food intake, and individual tolerance levels.

Scenario 2:

• Emma wants to quit vaping after 2 years of daily use. She experiences irritability, difficulty concentrating, and strong cravings when she tries to stop.

  • What type of dependence is Emma experiencing? Explain.

  • Emma is experiencing psychological dependence, which includes emotional and mental aspects where she feels the urge to use nicotine for stress relief or pleasure.

  • List three evidence-based strategies that could help Emma quit.

  • 1. Behavioral therapy to address triggers and develop coping strategies.

  • 2. Nicotine replacement therapies to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

  • 3. Support groups for accountability and encouragement.

  • Why might Emma be at higher risk for starting traditional cigarettes?

  • Because the habits formed from vaping can transition easily to traditional cigarette use, and she may develop a craving for the more potent nicotine delivery system offered by cigarettes.

Additional Study Tips

• Reflect on your previous exam preparation:

  • Assess which methods aided your studying.

  • Consider ways to improve your study techniques.

• Review all class slides and notes multiple times, ensuring comprehension rather than rote memorization.

• Trust your instincts when answering questions, and maintain a positive mindset about your performance.

Answer Keys

Multiple Choice Answer Key

1. B 2. A 3. C 4. C 5. B 6. B 7. C 8. C 9. A 10. C 11. C 12. B 13. C 14. B 15. C

True/False Answer Key

1. False 2. True 3. False 4. False 5. False 6. False 7. True 8. False 9. False 10. False 11. True 12. False 13. True 14. True