Chapter 4 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What motivates many people to use drugs recreationally?
To alter their state of consciousness—stimulants to stay awake, sedatives to calm nerves, or substances to experience new forms of consciousness and forget everyday troubles.
How do recreational drugs often affect the brain?
They interact with neurotransmitter systems and often hijack natural pleasure and reward systems.
What psychological processes are often hijacked by drugs?
Processes involved in eating, drinking, sex, learning, and memory.
What is drug dependence?
A state where a user experiences unpleasant physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when stopping a drug.
What does drug dependence often lead to?
Craving, continued use despite harm, and sometimes crime to afford the drug.
Do all drugs have the same risk of dependence?
No. Dependence liability varies. High for cocaine, heroin, nicotine; lower for alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines.
What is a shared effect of many addictive drugs, despite different mechanisms?
Promotion of dopamine release in certain brain regions.
Why is dopamine release considered important in addiction?
It may act as a final common pathway for the experience of “pleasure” and reinforce drug use.
How does alcohol affect the brain?
It dampens excitatory messages and promotes inhibition.
What are the stages of alcohol’s effects?
Relaxation and good humor → sleepiness → unconsciousness.
What are some risks of long-term alcohol use?
Liver and brain damage, addiction (1 in 10), fetal damage during pregnancy, and death (30,000+ yearly in Britain).
What is nicotine’s primary action in the brain?
It activates receptors for acetylcholine, enhancing alertness.
Why do smokers continue to smoke despite no pleasure?
To avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
What are the health risks of tobacco use?
Lung cancer, heart disease, and over 100,000 deaths annually in Britain.
How does cannabis act on the brain?
It mimics natural brain chemicals involved in muscle control and pain sensitivity.
What are the effects of cannabis?
Relaxation, altered perception, and dream-like states.
What are risks associated with cannabis use?
Panic attacks, lung disease, possible cancer risk, and potential link to schizophrenia in young people.
How addictive is cannabis?
About 1 in 10 users may become dependent.
What neurotransmitters are released by amphetamines?
Dopamine and serotonin.
What are the effects of amphetamines?
Arousal, pleasure, well-being, and hallucinations (especially Ecstasy).
What dangers are associated with amphetamines and ecstasy?
Overdose, long-term serotonin damage, mid-week depression, and risk of psychosis.
What natural system does heroin hijack?
The endorphin system, which controls pain.
What are the initial effects of heroin use?
Immediate pleasurable sensations.
Why is heroin so dangerous?
It is highly addictive, causes severe cravings, and suppresses breathing—even in modest overdoses.
