What is the main active chemical in cannabis?
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Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
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What is the main active chemical in cannabis?
Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
What is associated with an increased risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens?
Dopamine transporter (DAT) polymorphism.
Which drugs are most commonly associated with harmful forms of use?
Heroin and other opioids, particularly in injecting forms.
What characterizes the contemplation stage in addiction treatment?
The individual expresses a tentative belief that alcohol/substance use might be harmful, marked by ambivalence and skepticism.
What is the main treatment for stimulant misuse?
Psychological treatment.
What is the most commonly used drug in Europe?
Cannabis, with a prevalence of use about five times that of other substances.
What is the average duration of substance dependence without treatment?
334 years.
What happens to dopamine concentrations during withdrawal states?
They are reduced, likely associated with depression and irritability.
What is the purpose of Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
To provide support for individuals recovering from narcotic addiction.
What is a significant effect of nicotine on the cardiovascular system?
Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure while restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
How does methadone help individuals discontinue heroin use?
It occupies the opioid receptor in the brain, stabilizing the individual.
What is a common medical use for ketamine?
As an anesthetic.
Which demographic misuses benzodiazepines more, young males or young females?
Young males misuse benzodiazepines more than young females.
What occurs during the action stage of change?
Full recognition of a problem and implementing change through definitive actions.
What is methadone used for?
Treatment of opiate withdrawal and dependence.
What is Methadone maintenance?
Continuous treatment with Methadone, sometimes over a period of years.
What is Slamsex?
The injection of drugs used in Chemsex for a more intense high.
How does drug use generally differ between genders?
Drug use is generally higher among males, especially for more intensive or regular patterns of use.
What are some treatments for smoking cessation?
Nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline.
How can simply asking questions about alcohol consumption serve as an intervention?
It can reduce the levels of alcohol consumption.
How does the withdrawal from Methadone compare to heroin?
Withdrawal from Methadone is much slower than that from heroin.
What is Chemsex?
The use of drugs such as GHB, crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and mephedrone to enhance sexual activity, often associated with men who have sex with men (MSM).
What are the psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use?
Euphoria, mood swings, flashbacks, acute psychosis, and exacerbation of schizophrenia with chronic use.
What are common physical signs of nicotine withdrawal?
Nausea, vomiting, headaches, sweating, dizziness.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with cocaine use?
Euphoria, psychosis, impaired judgement.
How does Naltrexone affect opioid craving?
It decreases opioid craving.
What is the role of serotonin in addiction?
5-HT3 receptor activation increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
What is the main aim of needle and syringe programmes?
To reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses and other infections caused by sharing injecting equipment.
How long can most street drugs be detected in urine?
About 2-3 days.
What long-term effect can cocaine use lead to?
Rebound rhinitis, nosebleeds, and potentially a perforated nasal septum.
When should Lofexidine be considered for detoxification?
For individuals who prefer not to use Methadone or Buprenorphine or wish to detoxify within a short time period.
What are common physical signs of benzodiazepine intoxication?
Decreased concentration, impaired judgement & memory, slurred speech, drowsiness, nystagmus, confusion, ataxia, hypotonia, diminished reflexes, respiratory depression, seizures, coma.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with hallucinogen use?
Synaesthesia, enhancement of colors, visual hallucinations, depersonalization, derealization, euphoria, psychosis.
What is Naloxone used for?
Management of opioid overdose.
What dual role does nicotine play in the body?
Nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant to the central nervous system.
What is the primary function of Methadone in opiate addiction treatment?
It reduces cravings associated with opiate use and blocks the 'high' from opiates.
What does Al-Anon provide?
Support for families and friends of people dependent on alcohol, helping them recover from the effects of living with a problem drinker.
What are new psychoactive substances (NPS)?
New narcotic or psychotropic drugs not controlled by UN drug conventions that may pose public health threats.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines?
Withdrawal may begin within 1-4 days after last use, peaking in severity in the first two weeks, with some symptoms lasting for months.
What are the physical signs of amphetamine intoxication?
Mydriasis, tachycardia or bradycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, decreased appetite, weight loss, confusion, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, seizures.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with MDMA use?
Euphoria, psychosis.
What is the typical duration for mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
5 to 7 days after the last drink.
What is Naltrexone used for?
To aid abstinence in previously dependent people who have been drug-free for more than seven days.
What type of therapy is included in psychological interventions for addiction?
Cognitive behavioural therapy.
How quickly does nicotine affect the brain after inhalation?
Nicotine starts affecting the brain within seven seconds of inhalation.
What is a potential risk when initiating treatment with methadone?
Respiratory depression.
What is khat and where is it traditionally used?
An evergreen shrub whose leaves are chewed for stimulant properties, used in Eastern Africa and the Middle East.
Should Clonidine be used routinely in opioid detoxification?
No, it should not be used routinely.
What are the physical signs of GHB intoxication?
Bradycardia, nausea, vomiting.
What are the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in most people?
Mild to moderate symptoms.
What effect does Naltrexone have on opioid users?
It prevents them from experiencing the euphoria associated with opioid use.
What are the risks associated with heroin use during pregnancy?
Increased risk of stillbirth and features of neonatal heroin withdrawal.
What is the typical onset time for withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent individuals?
6-24 hours after the last dose.
How long can cannabis be detected in the urine of chronic users?
Approximately 30 days.
How does Buprenorphine's safety profile compare to Methadone?
Buprenorphine has a relatively good safety profile and rarely causes significant respiratory depression.
What is the role of Dihydrocodeine in opioid detoxification?
It should not be used routinely in opioid detoxification.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with GHB use?
Euphoria followed by a depressed level of consciousness.
What percentage of people may develop delirium tremens during alcohol withdrawal?
Approximately 5%.
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse?
Dopamine.
What is associated with greater abuse potential in benzodiazepines?
Fast onset benzodiazepines.
What is the focus of the maintenance and relapse prevention stage?
Ensuring that the change in behavior is continued and preventing slips.
What happens if Methadone is overdosed?
It may cause fatal respiratory depression due to its full mu-opioid agonist activity.
What type of drug is Buprenorphine?
A mixed agonist-antagonist (partial opioid agonist).
What are anabolic steroids associated with in men?
Infertility, baldness, testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and gynaecomastia.
What is a significant risk associated with xylazine when mixed with fentanyl?
Higher risk of fatal drug poisoning and severe wounds, including necrosis.
What happens to conditioned tolerance when a drug is taken in a different context?
It will not protect the person against a high dose of the drug, increasing lethality.
What are some examples of depressants?
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, GHB, and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®).
What is tolerance in the context of drug use?
Decreased sensitivity to a drug due to repeated exposure, requiring larger amounts for effect.
What role does brief physician advice play in alcohol consumption?
It can act as an intervention and reduce levels of alcohol consumption.
Why is Methadone considered safe for pregnant women?
It appears to have no serious long-term side effects for both the mother and the unborn child.
What are some dangers associated with Chemsex?
Overdosing and increased risk of contracting STIs or HIV if protection is not used.
What are withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines?
Insomnia, diaphoresis, nausea, disorientation, hyperacusis, paraesthesia, sense of imbalance, increased sensitivity to light and sound, sweating, tinnitus, tremor, weight loss.
What is the first step in benzodiazepine detoxification?
Gradually reduce the dose of the benzodiazepine.
What does the determination (preparation) stage involve?
Preparing to make plans for change and experimenting with small changes.
What risk is associated with reduced tolerance after a period of abstinence?
Increased risk of overdose fatalities.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
A '12 Step Programme' dedicated to helping anyone suffering because of their drinking.
What is Lofexidine used for in opiate withdrawal?
To provide symptomatic relief, with less marked blood pressure reduction than Clonidine.
How long do withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opioids typically last?
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin 8-12 hours after last use and last an average of 4-10 days.
What are common physical signs of opioid intoxication?
Miosis, bradycardia, hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, heavy and rubbery extremities, slurred speech.
What are the physical signs of cocaine intoxication?
Mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, increased energy, increased self-esteem, decreased appetite, reduced need for sleep, weight loss, tremor, itching.
What is polydrug consumption?
The use of multiple drugs simultaneously, which is common among drug users but challenging to measure.
What is the first stage of change in addiction treatment?
Pre-contemplation: not ready to think about change seriously.
What is the significance of glutamate in the context of drug abuse?
It is the major excitatory neurotransmitter and regulates the reinforcing effects of drugs.
What type of therapy can assist with improving skills for those in recovery?
Occupational therapy.
What is mephedrone commonly referred to as?
'Meow meow' or 'bath salts'.
What medications should be offered as first-line treatment in opioid detoxification?
Methadone or Buprenorphine.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with nicotine withdrawal?
Anxiety, depression, irritability.
What are the physical signs of MDMA (ecstasy) intoxication?
Tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, jaw clenching, bruxism, disinhibition, increased sexual desire.
How does GABA affect drug-induced dopamine release?
GABAergic drugs decrease drug-induced dopamine release.
What additional services do needle and syringe programmes provide?
Access to drug treatment and other health and welfare services.
What are some examples of stimulants?
Amphetamines, mephedrone, caffeine, cocaine, khat, MDMA, nicotine.
What are some examples of hallucinogens?
LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine.
What is the withdrawal timeline for alcohol?
First signs may appear within several hours after the last drink, peaking in 24-72 hours, with delirium tremens developing 48-72 hours after stopping.
Which populations show increased levels of nicotine use?
The mentally ill, the homeless, and prisoners compared to the general population.
What is the purpose of social work input in addiction treatment?
To assist with employment opportunities and supported accommodation if needed.
What is a common use for Clonidine in opiate withdrawal?
To provide symptomatic relief from withdrawal symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension.
What are synthetic cannabinoids designed to mimic?
The effects of THC.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with anabolic steroid use?
Aggression, anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with amphetamines?
Euphoria, irritability, psychosis.
What are the physical signs of PCP intoxication?
Nystagmus, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, reduced response to pain, and increased sensitivity to sound.
What withdrawal symptoms are associated with opioids?
Craving, mydriasis, tachycardia, diarrhea, insomnia, diaphoresis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, piloerection, nausea, muscle and bone pain.
What are common physical signs of volatile substance use?
Tachycardia, flu-like symptoms, CNS damage, and headache.
What are common physical signs of hallucinogen use (e.g., LSD, mescaline, psilocybin)?
Mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, insomnia.
