CADC1 exam Flashcards
(398 cards)
Where in the brain is the reward pathway located?
limbic system, this pathway includes the nucleus accumbens which is targeted by drugs of abuse
Endorphins
proteins in the body that motivate behavior by producing feelings of wellbeing in various situations
GABA
An inhibitory NT;
Drugs that cause pinpoint pupils
opioids, depressants like codeine, fentanyl, morphine, heroin, methadone; and antipsychotics
Short-term psychological effects of alcohol
distortions of vision, impairment of coordination, impaired judgment, altered emotions and perceptions
Long-term psychological effects of alcohol
Depression, memory loss, pseudo-dementia, loss of libido
Short-term psychological effects of stimulants
euphoria, insomnia, irritability, confusion, anxiety, paranoia
Long-term psychological effects of stimulants
hallucinations, formication (bug crawling feeling), depression, loss of appetite, stimulant-psychosis, paranoia
Short-term psychological effects of psychedelics
incoherent speech, tactile sensory impairment, insomnia, confusion
Long-term psychological effects of psychedelics
depression, paranoia, confusion, flashbacks, catatonic syndrome, pseudo-schizophrenia
Dependence
Occurs when a person persists in taking a substance to satisfy a feeling, mitigate psychiatric illness symptoms, avoid difficult feelings, or to meet emotional needs; Continued use despite increasingly negative consequences
Psychological dependence
Occurs when a person persists in taking a substance to satisfy a feeling, mitigate psychiatric illness symptoms, avoid difficult feelings, or to meet emotional needs; Continued use despite increasingly negative consequences
Physiological dependence
Occurs when one uses to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Acute withdrawal
lasts 2-7 days; characterized by the strongest symptoms
Post-acute withdrawal
may last for weeks or months
Drugs that require detoxification
depressants: alcohol, opiates, benzo’s
The most common drug interaction in overdoses
A sedative + another sedative because they depress the central nervous system
The liver breakdowns how many grams of pure alcohol per hour (for a 150 lb person)?
7 grams/hr
Effects of excessive alcohol consumption over time
liver cirrhosis, ruptured esophagus, impotence, stomach ulcers and inflammation, possible damage to every organ system, respiratory depression.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- 6-8 hrs- tremors, agitation, anxiety, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, headache, insomnia, craving
- 24 hrs-6 days - disordered perceptions, hallucinations, delusions
- 7-48 hrs - possible seizures, delirium tremens
- 3-5 days- DT, global confusion, hallucinations, autonimic hyperactivity (only 5-6% of patients progress to this stage)
Alcohol acts on which NT’s
GABA (enhances inhibitory function)
Treatments for alcohol use disorder
- appropriate benzo’s to titrate symptom severity;
- monitor fluids, electrolytes, vital signs;
- detoxification in a hospital setting (usually lasts no longer than 5 days);
- meds that minimize tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure
Antabuse (Disulfiram) is used to treat…
A medication that causes patients to stop using alcohol because if they take this med and drink, they become sick; can be used with methadone
CNS depressants
Alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, antipsychotics, tranquilizers