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IDIS199 > Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health > Flashcards

Module 3: Alcohol, recreational drugs and mental health Flashcards

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1
Q

The nervous system

A

Body’s control and communication system; consists of brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and nerves

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2
Q

Two main systems of nervous system

A
  1. Central NS: brain and spinal cord
  2. Peripheral NS: nerve fibres outside of CNS
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3
Q

Neurons

A

Functional unit of the brain capable of generating and transmitting electrical signals (neurotransmission)

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4
Q

Dendrites

A

Projections of a neuron that recieve signals from other neurons

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5
Q

Axon

A

Conducts electrical impulses away from cell body towards next cell (AP)

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6
Q

Myelin sheath

A

Layer of insulation around axon to increase rate of transmission along the axon

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7
Q

Synapse

A

Area that electrical impulse is transferred from one neuron to the dendrites of a second neuron

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8
Q

What cognitive abilities is the frontal lobe responsible for?

A

oPlanning
oGoal-directed behaviour
oDecision making
oComplex problem solving
oCognitive control (suppressing impulses that may lead to neg consequences)

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9
Q

Grey matter

A

Within cortex of brain (outermost region of cerebellum); contains neuronal cell bodies and synapses

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10
Q

White matter

A

Under cortex within cerebrum (larger upper art of brain); contains myelinated axons

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11
Q

How does brain matter change as we age?

A

The amount of grey matter in the brain decreases with age and the amount of white matter increases

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12
Q

Changes in the brain during early adulthood

A
  1. Increased synaptic pruning
  2. Increased myelination
  3. Improved connectivity btwn diff brain regions
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13
Q

Synaptic pruning

A

Process where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmission

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14
Q

What does improved connectivity btwn brain regions result in?

A

Larger and more widely distributed neural networks which is critical for a variety of higher levels functions such as learning new complex info, integrating new learning and applying it (ie. In an essay, debate, exam)

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15
Q

Substance use

A

Use of a psychoactive substance (a substance that affects brain function such as alcohol, caffeine or illicit drugs)

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16
Q

Substance misuse

A

Use of psychoactive substance in a way that causes concern or elevates the risk of reduced well-being and poor mental health

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17
Q

Examples of substance misuse

A

oRegular or excess use, or use when one should be in class, studying or working
oUse of medication for a purpose other than prescribed
oUsing a medication in a higher dose or frequency than prescribed
oBinge drinking or drinking

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18
Q

Substance use disorder

A

Clinically significant abuse or dependency which includes psychological (impaired control) and physiological (withdrawal and tolerance) aspects of addiction

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19
Q

Substance use disorder criteria

A

Using a substance despite…
- worsening physical health
- failure to meet responsibilities
- associated losses
- problems in relationships

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20
Q

Substance use disorder criteria

A

oWorsening physical health and/or mental health
oFailure to meet responsibilities
oAssociated losses
oProblems in relationships

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21
Q

Effects of substance use on the developing brain

A
  • mental health concerns and disorders
  • cognition
  • attention
  • learning
  • motivation
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22
Q

Mental health concerns of substance use

A
  • poor sleep
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • psychosis
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23
Q

Psychosis

A

A condition that affects the way your brain processes information; causes you to lose touch with reality

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24
Q

Substance use: alcohol

A

Acts on the CNS and functions as a depressant (slows down neural processes and communication)
Causes disinhibition

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25
Effects of disinhibition caused by alcohol
Disruptions in normal decision making, slowing of thinking and responding and trouble w mental coordination
26
Binge drinking
Consumption of an excess of alcohol; 5+ drinks for men, 4+ drinks for women
27
Negative outcomes of binge drinking
oRisk of physical harm oBlackouts or forgetting what happened oHangovers oPoor academic performance
28
Blackout
Temporary condition that affects your memory and is characterized by a sense of lost time
29
Short term effects of alcohol
An initial drink can have a perking up effect which reduces anxiety and causes mild disinhibition, however after 1-2 drinks, alcohol will slow brain activity leading to slurred speech, unsteady balance, slowed physical and mental reaction time, confusion and poor judgement
30
How much alcohol can your liver metabolize per hour?
1 ounce
31
Biological and neurocognitive effects of alcohol
Affects the dopaminergic system and the Gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) and glutamate systems
32
Dopaminergic system
Pathway in CNS involving dopamine -controls voluntary movement - reward system - motivation - working memory - regulation of emotion
33
GABA and glutamate systems
Major neurotransmitters of the brain, inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate work together to control the brain’s overall level of excitation
34
What other effects is alcohol associated with?
Poor quality of sleep, nausea, irritated stomach, diarrhea, dehydration/increased urination and heart palpitations
35
Long-term effects of alcohol
oArrhythmias: condition where heart beats with irregular rhythm oWeakened immune system oDisease of liver, pancreas and stomach oCancer oAlcohol dementia
36
What is the most commonly abused substance?
Alcohol
37
What is the second most commonly abused substance among youth?
Cannabis
38
How does cannabis effect the body?
Acts on CNS and has variable effects depending on the ratio of active ingredients such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has hallucinogenic properties
39
What is the endocannabinoid system involved in?
- appetite - pain - immune system - concentration - well-being
40
Negative effects of cannabis
Mental health problems, decreased cognitive efficiency, memory, reaction time and motivation Increased risk of physical disease such as cardiovascular disorders, COPD, and some cancer
41
Therapeutic benefits of CBD
- Counterbalancing the effects of THC - alleviating pain, movement disorders, nausea - calming effect
42
Stimulants
Act on receptors in the brain to either block the reuptake or stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, increasing their effect
43
What is the most common stimulant?
Caffeine
44
Positive effects of caffeine
Moderate doses of caffeine (ie. 1-2 regular size cups) can increase well-being, happiness, energy, alertness, sociability
45
What amount of caffeine is recommended for adolescents?
No more than 100mg of caffeine per day or one regular size cup of brewed coffee
46
What amount of caffeine is recommended for adults?
No more than 400 mg/day (4 regular cups)
47
Length of the effects of caffeine?
Half-life of caffeine is 5 hours so caffeinated drinks/food should not be consumed after 5 pm of you do not want to negatively impact sleep
48
The negative effects of caffeine
Anxiety Jitteriness Upset stomach Restlessness Nervousness Inattention/distractibility Irritable mood Insomnia/sleep disruption Lower energy
49
Withdrawal symptoms of caffeine
Headache, HR increase, changes in blood pressure, shakiness and reduced cognitive function
50
Non-medical stimulants
Use of a stimulant without a prescription or use for reasons other than what the medication is intended ie. amphetamines, modavigil, methylphenidate or other illicit drugs
51
Why do university students consume non-medical stimulants?
Improve academic performance and social life, to cope w stress and for recreation or down time
52
Is there is an advantage to consuming medical stimulants for university students?
Lack of evidence for an academic advantage for those without ADHD
53
Potential harms of non-medical stimulants
- cardiovascular events - poorer wellbeing - anxiety - agitation - poor concentration - sleep problems
54
Overview of ketamine
- Used mainly as a general anesthesia for animals - Recreational effects such as relaxation and happiness - Hallucinations
55
Effects of ketamine
Reduces sensations in body which can lead to injury Can cause you to lose ability to move and respond to environment as though their body and mind were separated (k-hole)
56
Overview of MDMA
Increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, distorted sensory and time and perception
57
Common names of MDMA
Ecstacy, molly
58
Effects of MDMA
A single use can cause unpleasant feelings and withdrawal including nausea, muscle cramping, blurred vision, faintness, chills and sweats and trouble concentrating
59
Overview of cocaine
Initial flood of dopamine which trains brain to want more bc after the high there is a crash w fatigue and low mood
60
Effects of cocaine
Disrupts dopamine circuits Withdrawal symptoms such as depression, restlessness, disrupted sleep, slowed thinking, tired and increased appetite
61
What is binge drinking a risk factor for?
Accidents Being more vulnerable to assault Acting out in aggression Poorer well-being Relationship problems Mental health problems
62
Binge drinking and academic performance
Lower academic engagement and lower grades
63
What is a potential benefit of CBD?
Treat nausea and vomiting in chemo patients, stimulate appetite in HIV patients
64
T or F: Cannabis is legal in some countries and prescribed for certain pain conditions, so it must be safe to use.
F
65
T or F: Some people function completely normally or even better, when using cannabis
F
66
What is regular use of cannabis associated with?
Anxiety, depression and psychosis, lowering motivation and ambition, slowing brain processing speed and efficiency
67
Stimulant use and academic performance
Students who report stimulant medication misuse tend to have lower academic performance possibly bc that stimulant replaces healthier and more effective studying/learning strategies
68
Direct pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement
Interference w neurobiological and cognitive functioning; direct exposure to substance use on the brain
69
Indirect pathway of the impact of substance use on academic achievement
Through things such as reduction in exercise or quality of sleep, falling behind and missing classes, letting go of friendships and the associated demoralization
70
Which mental illnesses are often comorbid with substance abuse
ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
71
Bidirectionally of substance use and mental health
Substance use can precede the onset of a mental health problem and is considered a risk factor for developing a mental disorder
72
What is substance use during adolescence associated with?
- Substance use problems and other behavioural addiction -Mental health symptoms -Alcohol/drug use behaviours -Lowered state of anxiety and distress -Increased use of substances - Social behaviours such as regular exercise, developing positive social supports, engaging in hobbies and coping w mindfulness
73
Risk of developing psychosis and THC cannabis
The risk of developing psychosis increases with regular cannabis use
74
Age of first use and psychosis
Risk of developing psychosis may increase when cannabis use is initiated before age 16
75
How to reduce risk of substance use
-Minimize frequency of use -Use modest amounts -Educate yourself -Be aware -Plan ahead
76
How to reduce risk of cannabis
1. Type of product 2. Impairment 3. Biological considerations 4. Combination 5. Method of intake
77
Reducing risk of cannabis- type of product
Low-strength products such as those with lower THC content or a higher ratio of CBD to THC can help reduce risks
78
Reducing risk of cannabis- impairment
Avoid activities in which cannabis causes impairment
79
Reducing risk of cannabis- biological considerations
Using cannabis later life will lower risk of cannabis-related health problems and pregnant women, people w family history of psychosis or substance use problems are more at risk
80
Reducing risk of cannabis- combination
Risky behaviours will only increase the health-harming effects of cannabis; for example, combining with alcohol
81
Reducing risk of cannabis- method of intake
The risk of developing health problems increases as frequency of cannabis use increases
82
Impairment
Decrease in your ability to function in your day-to-day life as a result of substance use
83
Most common impairments
oDifficulties coping with stress oFinancial problems oDeclining physical health oDeclining mental health oDifficulties with academic studies oAvoids engagement oLegal repercussions oDifficulties with work oDifficulties in relationships oDifficulties with academic studies
84
Recreational drug use: MDMA
Lasting changes in serotonin leading to problems w reward processing, thinking and mood
85
Recreational drug use: cocaine
- cardiovascular problems - very addictive

IDIS199 (7 decks)

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