Science of Drug, Addiction
What makes a drug psychoactive instead of just physical?
It affects the brain and changes perception, mood, or consciousness.
What do all stimulants have in common?
They increase alertness, energy, and heart rate (by boosting dopamine or norepinephrine.)
What do depressants do to brain activity overall?
They slow it down by increasing GABA’s calming effects.
What kind of experiences do hallucinogens cause?
Distorted perception, mood changes, and hallucinations.
What natural brain chemical do opiates imitate?
Endorphins (these are the bodies natural painkillers)
How can environment or learning make addiction stronger?
Through conditioning
Caffeine is an _____ agonist.
Adenosine
Why can barbiturates be deadly in large amounts?
They slow down and can stop breathing.
Why do MDMA users often feel very social and loving?
It floods the brain with serotonin and dopamine, increasing empathy and connection.
Why do opiates create a strong sense of calm or euphoria?
They release dopamine and reduce pain signals in the brain and spinal cord.
What’s the main difference between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics?
Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to the drug; pharmacodynamics is what the drug does to the body.
What are amphetamines usually prescribed for? (2 things)
ADHD and narcolepsy
Why are benzodiazepines preferred over barbiturates today?
They're safer (don't activate GABA directly)
What brain chemical does THC mimic?
Anandamide (“bliss molecule”)
Why is heroin more addictive than morphine?
It crosses into the brain faster creating a more intense high
Why do withdrawal symptoms often feel opposite to a drug’s effects?
Because the body is trying to rebalance itself after the drug’s influence stops.
How does cocaine make someone feel euphoric?
It traps dopamine in the synapse.
What short-term effects might alcohol have on thinking and memory?
It impairs attention, coordination and memory formation.
How can heavy marijuana use affect learning or motivation?
It alters hippocampus and prefrontal cortex activity, causing memory and focus issues.
What’s the goal of methadone treatment for opioid addiction?
To reduce cravings and withdrawal without causing a major high.
What’s the difference between tolerance and sensitization?
Tolerance means needing more for the same effect; sensitization means becoming more sensitive to it.
What’s a key difference between amphetamines and cocaine in how they work?
Amphetamines release dopamine and norepinephrine, while cocaine also blocks reuptake
What makes alcohol withdrawal especially dangerous compared to other drugs?
It can cause death
What are the psysical risks of hallucinogens?
Increased heart rate dehydration, and body temperature (which can lead to overheating, heart attack)
Why do opiate users lose interest in normal pleasures over time?
Dopamine receptors downregulate (there is less dopamine receptors) and natural rewards no longer feel enjoyable