Alcohol Impacts I
True or false: the lungs are one of the few organs that does not experience negative impacts from alcohol
False - alcohol can increase fluid in the lungs and can lead to chronic lung infections
True or false: Changes in brain from alcohol use can be reversed
True - over time changes to the brain from alcohol use, including impacts to the reward system and neurotransmitters, can be reversed
Which of the following substances (one or more) can lead to death by overdose:
a. opiates b. cocaine c. alcohol d. antidepressants e. meth d. psilocyn (mushrooms)
All except mushrooms
*Substance combinations such as methamphetamine and cocaine, alcohol and benzodiazepines, heroin and benzodiazepines, and others, can result in additive effects that compound the individual dangers of each drug
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes - Despite relatively widespread perceptions that would suggest otherwise, frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence, a distinct withdrawal syndrome, and addiction. About 14.2 million people, aged 12 or older, struggled with marijuana addiction in 2020. Chronic cannabis use is associated with physiological changes in the brain that may contribute to the continued use of marijuana. (American Addiction Center)
Alcohol withdrawal impacts what percentage of people with alcohol use disorder:
a. 10% b. 25% c. 50% d. 70%
It affects about 50% of people with alcohol use disorder who stop or significantly decrease their alcohol intake (Cleveland Clinic)
True or False: Alcohol can increase your chance of dying of heart disease or heart failure
True
What does it mean that alcohol is a "depressant"?
Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, leading to decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, poor coordination, and reduced alertness
Because meth and cocaine are "stimulants," they make a person feel "high" and "up" and are not associated with depression
False: Meth and cocaine can create chronic depression because of impacts on the brain's reward system and neurotransmitters
What precent of adults age 18 or older in the US regularly consume alcohol (at least 12 drinks in the lifetime And at least 12 drinks in the past year)?
a. 15.8 % b. 34.4% c. 42.5% d. 52.8% e. 64.1%
52.8% (SAMSHA)
Alcohol use disorder affects how many adults in the US (population 340 million)?
a. 5.6 million b. 10.2 million
c. 15.7 million d. 28.8 million
AUD is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S., affecting 28.8 million adults (Cleveland Clinic)
Name a liver injury that can occur due to alcohol consumption
Cirrhosis (scarring that leads to long term damages/impairment)
Fatty liver disease
Alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption, leading to liver cell damage and various health complications)
True or false: once alcohol enters the bloodstream, it enters ALL of your organs within minutes
True
True or false: the human body manufacturers chemicals naturally that target the same receptors as THC and CBD
True - Cannabinoids are the chemical components of cannabis. They work like messengers, interacting with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies and working on receptors that can help regulate mood, memory, appetite, and pain. The body can produce endocannabinoids.
What is a neurotransmitter in the brain’s reward system that influences feelings of reward and motivation, coordination, mood regulation, and cognitive function?
Dopamine
How long after stopping or significantly decreasing heavy, long-term alcohol use do withdrawal symptoms typically begin?
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours of stopping or significantly decreasing heavy, long-term alcohol use
*The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as: males 5 or more/day or 15/week, females - 4 or more/day or 8/week
Alcohol can cause the following issues with the pancreas:
a. pancreatitis b. inflammation c. leaking d. all of the above e. none of the above
d. all of the above
What are 3 potential risks of alcohol withdrawal?
How long can hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and mood disturbances from meth use will last after stopping use?
They can last years after usage, especially chronic/long-term use
What are 2 ways that marijuana can impact the ability to drive safely?
Slows reaction times, impairs judgment (e.g. how long it will take to stop), impairs coordination, shortened attention span
*can last up to 24 hour
Name 3 factors that impact the severity of alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol has what impacts on the reproductive system:
a. decreased sexual performance b. irregular menstrual cycles c. decreased sexual desire d. loss of pregnancy e. all of the above f. a and d
e - all of the above
True or false: Severe alcohol use can lead to alcohol hallucinosis
True - your brain becomes so irritated that you see, hear, or feel things that are not real
What substance 1) creates a feeling of quick, intense euphoria, 2) makes certain brain cells inoperative so the brain may fail to send life-saving messages to the heart and lungs, and 3) can result in death from irregular heart beat or seizure?
Cocaine
What does it mean if two substances have a "synergistic" reaction?
The substance combine to have an impact greater than adding their individual impacts (2+2=5) (e.g. drinking alcohol while on cold medicine will create greater impairment)
Which of the following is/are NOT a criteria for AUD:
a. Increased tolerance b. Withdrawal
c. Number of drinks consumed in a day or week
d. Craving e. Failure to fulfil work obligations
f. Number of days in a week drinking occurs
c. Number of drinks consumed in a day or week and
f. Number of days in a week drinking occurs are not criteria