Drugs & the Brain
Drugs change the brain's ______.
A) Structure
B) Function
C) Both
Both.
Drugs change the structure and function of the brain.
Everyone who uses drugs will become addicted.
True or False
False.
Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted.
Those suffering from addiction often have one or more medical issue that occur as well.
True or False
True.
What does does it mean to be a risk factor for addiction?
A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of becoming addicted.
What is a protective factor of addiction?
Something that reduces the likelihood of addiction or relapse.
Drugs of abuse target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with _________.
Dopamine.
Dopamine is artificially stimulated by the use of drugs.
Name 3 things that can influence whether or not a person becomes addicted.
Genetics
Age
Mental illness
Gender
Trauma
Peer pressure
Name 3 diseases or illnesses that can result from drug or alcohol use.
Hepatitis
Heart disease
Depression
HIV
Cirrhosis
Cancer
Stroke
COPD
Name two risk factors for addiction.
Peer pressure
Early use
Type of drug
Family history of addiction
Trauma (ACEs)
Doing poorly in school
Name at least 2 protective factors for addiction.
Minimal exposure to drugs
Supportive family and friends
Positive influences
Doing well in school
Strong bonds in school, work, community
Meaningful employment
Involvement in hobbies, clubs or activities
Addiction is described as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking AND use, despite harmful consequences.
True or False
True.
The four characteristics of addiction are chronic, primary, _______, and potentially fatal.
Progressive.
Addiction will worsen or grow unless the addicted person receives treatment.
Drug addiction:
A) Causes mental health issues
B) Develops because of pre-existing mental health issues
C) Does not affect mental health
D) A and B
D) A and B
Addiction can occur because of mental illness or can cause symptoms of mental illness, which can develop into a chronic condition.
If there is a family history of drug use, your risk for addiction is __________.
Increased.
Exposure to substance use, genetics, and permissiveness within the family increase the risk of addiction.
Being able to adapt to change and overcome stressful events is called ___________.
Resiliency
The part of the brain that enables us to make thoughtful decisions, assess situations, and keep our emotions under control, is completed during which stage of life?
A) Childhood (up to 12)
B) Adolescence (13 - 19)
C) Young Adulthood (20 - 25)
D) None of the above
Young Adulthood (20 - 25)
The brain doesn't fully develop until age 25.
The craving that an addicted person feels for substances can be as strong as ___________.
The need for food and water.
Drug cravings are stronger than cravings from starvation or dehydration.
Name 3 specific areas of the body that can be affected by drug use.
Throat
Lungs
Skin
Kidney
Bladder
Heart
Liver
Brain
Being bullied doesn't have any effect on whether a person becomes addicted.
True or False
False.
Being the victim of bullying is a risk factor for addiction.
A) Attitudes
B) Goals
C) Beliefs
D) All of the above
E) None of the above
D) All of the above.
Name two responses or functions, formed in the brain, affected by low levels of dopamine.
Motivation
Emotional responses
Ability to focus
Decision making
Impulsivity
Ability to experience pleasure
What four areas of our life are affected by addiction?
Physical
Emotional
Social
Spiritual
Using cocaine does not cause severe illness or condition.
True or False
False.
Cocaine use can cause stress on the heart, weakening it and can lead to stroke.
Risk factors can be offset by a sense of belonging.
True or False
True.
Feeling as if you belong to a group (family, community, etc.) mitigates the risk of becoming addicted.
What type of attitude protects you from relapse?
An attitude of gratitude.