Psychology of Addictions Final Exam
Study Guide
Categories of psychoactive substances - ANSWER-● Depressants: depress/slow down
the central nervous system
● Stimulants: stimulates/excites the central nervous system
● Hallucinogens: alter/distort perceptual functions
According to the text, the DEA definition of drug addiction - ANSWER-chronic, relapsing
brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite
harmful consequences
Gateway drugs/behaviors - ANSWER-
What is the relationship between dopamine and psychoactive substances? - ANSWER-
Psychoactive drugs trigger release of the dopamine in regions of the brain that , among
other important functions, produce the sensations associated with such pleasures as
eating and sex.
What happens when transporters are inhibited by psychoactive chemicals? - ANSWER-
Proteins called transporters, located on the surface of the sending neurons, latch onto
receptor-attached neurotransmitters and transport them back inside for use at a later
time, thereby shutting off the signal between neurons.
How does polydrug use complicate understanding the biology of drug use? - ANSWER-
· could affect the functionality of the transporter
What are the four possible neurological effects of mixing drugs? - ANSWER-· Additive:
similar action; effect cumulative
· Synergistic: similar action; greater than cumulative
· Potentiating: different actions; enhances the other
· Antagonistic: different actions; counteracts the other
The euphoria process produced by heroin - ANSWER-i. The rush: initial onset of
euphoria- release of Gaba
ii. The high: feeling of general well being
iii. The nod: described as being out of it
iv: Being straight: how addicts describe not being sick due to withdrawal
, Dangerous side effects of heroin - ANSWER-depresses the respiratory centers in brain,
thus an overdose can result in respiratory arrest and death from lack of oxygen to the
brain. HOT SHOT (Fatal dose)
Barbiturates vs Benzodiazepines; how are barbiturates classified? What are
benzodiazepines pharmacologically referred to as? - ANSWER--Barbiturates: known as
downers or barbs. Classified: Sedative (calming, relaxing, decrease activity) or
hypotonic (induce sleep). Classified by the speed metabolized in the liver and
eliminated by kidneys
-Benzodiazepines: safer than barbiturates. Referred to pharmacologically as sedative
hypnotics (tranquilizers)
The effects of alcohol (i.e., potential damage to the body) and its impact on GABA and
NMDA activities - ANSWER-Potentially dangerous drug: 2/3 of Americans consume
alcohol. it affects part of brain that controls inhibitions. It effects a number of
neurotransmitter and receptor systems and it can produce stimulating and depressing
affects
Ratio of adult Americans who consume alcohol and the genetic influence on the
development of alcoholism - ANSWER-Potentially dangerous drug: 2/3 of Americans
consume alcohol. it affects part of brain that controls inhibitions. It effects a number of
neurotransmitter and receptor systems and it can produce stimulating and depressing
affects
What are analogs and designer drugs - ANSWER-Chemical variation of other drugs;
synthetically produced
What are the most commonly used stimulants? - ANSWER-Nicotine, caffeine
How does cocaine affect transporter reuptake? - ANSWER-Cocaine blocks
neurotransmitter reabsorption by preventing reuptake transporters from performing their
usual function
---block the dopamine transporter (reuptake pump) that removes dopamine from the
synapse
How does crack differ from cocaine hydrochloride (powdered cocaine)? - ANSWER-The
brain compensates for excessive dopamine by decreasing the number of dopamine
receptors, and the remaining receptors become less sensitive, so increased doses of
becomes necessary to achieve the desired effect.
How does the brain compensate for excessive dopamine? - ANSWER-One way the
brain compensates is to reduce the number of dopamine receptors at the synapse. In
addition, sending neurons increase their number of dopamine transporters, more quickly
clearing dopamine from the synapse. These changes make the brain less responsive to
the drug, but they also decrease the brain's response to natural rewards.
Study Guide
Categories of psychoactive substances - ANSWER-● Depressants: depress/slow down
the central nervous system
● Stimulants: stimulates/excites the central nervous system
● Hallucinogens: alter/distort perceptual functions
According to the text, the DEA definition of drug addiction - ANSWER-chronic, relapsing
brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite
harmful consequences
Gateway drugs/behaviors - ANSWER-
What is the relationship between dopamine and psychoactive substances? - ANSWER-
Psychoactive drugs trigger release of the dopamine in regions of the brain that , among
other important functions, produce the sensations associated with such pleasures as
eating and sex.
What happens when transporters are inhibited by psychoactive chemicals? - ANSWER-
Proteins called transporters, located on the surface of the sending neurons, latch onto
receptor-attached neurotransmitters and transport them back inside for use at a later
time, thereby shutting off the signal between neurons.
How does polydrug use complicate understanding the biology of drug use? - ANSWER-
· could affect the functionality of the transporter
What are the four possible neurological effects of mixing drugs? - ANSWER-· Additive:
similar action; effect cumulative
· Synergistic: similar action; greater than cumulative
· Potentiating: different actions; enhances the other
· Antagonistic: different actions; counteracts the other
The euphoria process produced by heroin - ANSWER-i. The rush: initial onset of
euphoria- release of Gaba
ii. The high: feeling of general well being
iii. The nod: described as being out of it
iv: Being straight: how addicts describe not being sick due to withdrawal
, Dangerous side effects of heroin - ANSWER-depresses the respiratory centers in brain,
thus an overdose can result in respiratory arrest and death from lack of oxygen to the
brain. HOT SHOT (Fatal dose)
Barbiturates vs Benzodiazepines; how are barbiturates classified? What are
benzodiazepines pharmacologically referred to as? - ANSWER--Barbiturates: known as
downers or barbs. Classified: Sedative (calming, relaxing, decrease activity) or
hypotonic (induce sleep). Classified by the speed metabolized in the liver and
eliminated by kidneys
-Benzodiazepines: safer than barbiturates. Referred to pharmacologically as sedative
hypnotics (tranquilizers)
The effects of alcohol (i.e., potential damage to the body) and its impact on GABA and
NMDA activities - ANSWER-Potentially dangerous drug: 2/3 of Americans consume
alcohol. it affects part of brain that controls inhibitions. It effects a number of
neurotransmitter and receptor systems and it can produce stimulating and depressing
affects
Ratio of adult Americans who consume alcohol and the genetic influence on the
development of alcoholism - ANSWER-Potentially dangerous drug: 2/3 of Americans
consume alcohol. it affects part of brain that controls inhibitions. It effects a number of
neurotransmitter and receptor systems and it can produce stimulating and depressing
affects
What are analogs and designer drugs - ANSWER-Chemical variation of other drugs;
synthetically produced
What are the most commonly used stimulants? - ANSWER-Nicotine, caffeine
How does cocaine affect transporter reuptake? - ANSWER-Cocaine blocks
neurotransmitter reabsorption by preventing reuptake transporters from performing their
usual function
---block the dopamine transporter (reuptake pump) that removes dopamine from the
synapse
How does crack differ from cocaine hydrochloride (powdered cocaine)? - ANSWER-The
brain compensates for excessive dopamine by decreasing the number of dopamine
receptors, and the remaining receptors become less sensitive, so increased doses of
becomes necessary to achieve the desired effect.
How does the brain compensate for excessive dopamine? - ANSWER-One way the
brain compensates is to reduce the number of dopamine receptors at the synapse. In
addition, sending neurons increase their number of dopamine transporters, more quickly
clearing dopamine from the synapse. These changes make the brain less responsive to
the drug, but they also decrease the brain's response to natural rewards.
