Pharmacology - Chapter 38 - Drug Abuse - Alcohol Flashcards
Alcohol - most commonly used and abused drug in the US. T/F?
True!
Alcohol abuse - defined as…
the continued use of alcohol despite the development of social, legal, or health problems.
Alcoholism - def
chronic disease involving a strong need to drink, the inability to stop drinking, the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance. It is progressive.
Alcohol is a CNS ____.
Depressant.
Alcohol - enhances ____.
GABA.
Alcohol and the brain - it is a ___ pathway.
Reward.
The reward pathway consists of a network of ___ found in the ___ of the brain. When activated by a positive experience, a group of neurons near the top of the brainstem, called the ___ ____ ____ release the neurotransmitter dopamine. This message is relayed to a structure called the __ ____ (part of the emotional limbic system) and to a related part of the ____ ___, resulting in a pleasurable sensation.
neurons/middle of the brain/ventral tegumental area/nucleus accumbens/prefrontal cortex.
Alcohol interacts with ___ found in the cell membranes.
Proteins.
The loss of coordination with alcohol intoxication may result from effects of alcohol on a portion of the brain called the ___.
cerebellum.
Alcohol-induced memory lapses may result from impairment of the ______.
Hippocampus.
Mesolimbic Dopamine System - the perception of ___ is thought to result from activity within this system.
Pleasure.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy - def
Confusion and abnormal movements, brought on by thiamine deficiency (vitamine B1) - it is also IRREVERSIBLE.
BAC - Above .40 = ___.
Medulla effects.
Alcohol - low levels may protect heart by raising HDL levels. T/F?
True!
Alcohol - Liver - causes ___ liver.
Fatty liver.
