Drugs and the Brain
What is the urge to use a substance called?
Cravings
A disease the effects both the body and our behavior
Addiction
What are the 3 stages called?
Acute, chronic, and crucial
Is there a cure for addiction?
Addiction is a chronic disease, meaning it has no cure.
What is the most common substance use disorder in the US?
Alcohol Use Disorder.
What chemical is the brain "flooded" with after using substances?
Dopamine
How does alcohol affect your heart?
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke.
List 3 characteristics of the acute stage
increase in tolerance, 1st blackout, sneaking and hiding, preoccupation, hurried use
Addiction is a primary disease, what does this mean?
Addiction has both behavioral and physical symptoms.
This "theory" discusses what addiction is "caused" by.
The bio-psycho-social model of addiction.
What 3 parts of the brain are primarily targeted by addictive substances?
1. The limbic system
2. Cerebral Cortex
3. Brain Stem
What are the 3 factors that effect a person's blood alcohol level?
Gender, weight, and time.
List 3 characteristics of the crucial stage
loss of control, excuses/alibis/blaming, family concerns, financial issues, aggression, persistent remorse, irrational resentments, periodic abstinence, loss of friends, 1st arrest, geographic changes, mood swings, using to get well
Addiction is a progressive disease, what does this mean?
Addiction will continue to get worse if left untreated.
These symptoms occur after acute withdrawal from drugs or alcohol and can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
What is the study of drugs on the brain called?
Neuropharmacology
What drug accounts for the most overdose deaths in the US?
Fentanyl.
List 3 characteristics of the chronic stage?
1st binge- blackouts extended, deterioration of values, not being able to concentrate, decreased tolerance, sense of impending doom, tremors/withdrawal, vague spiritual desires, depression/hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, self hatred, cirrhosis/heart issues/etc.
Name 5 behavioral symptoms of addiction.
dishonesty, stealing, loss of job, family issues, legal issues, violence
What famous writer got sober between 1988 and 1989?
Stephen King
A rare life-threatening brain disorder caused by alcohol misuse?
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (wet brain).
This seemingly innocent household spice can cause hallucinations if taken in high doses.
Nutmeg
What stage of addiction is unpredictable?
All of them
malnutrition, physical neglect, memory loss, inability to concentrate, cirrhosis, heart disease are all ____.
Physical symptoms of addiction.
What percent of addicts seek help for their addiction on their own?
11%