p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What is the main active chemical in cannabis?
Trans-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
p.1
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What is associated with an increased risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens?
Dopamine transporter (DAT) polymorphism.
p.3
Drug Use Prevalence and Trends in Europe
Which drugs are most commonly associated with harmful forms of use?
Heroin and other opioids, particularly in injecting forms.
p.2
Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
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.
p.3
Drug Use Prevalence and Trends in Europe
What is the most commonly used drug in Europe?
Cannabis, with a prevalence of use about five times that of other substances.
p.7
Neurotransmitters and Addiction
What happens to dopamine concentrations during withdrawal states?
They are reduced, likely associated with depression and irritability.
p.10
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
What is the purpose of Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
To provide support for individuals recovering from narcotic addiction.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
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.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
How does methadone help individuals discontinue heroin use?
It occupies the opioid receptor in the brain, stabilizing the individual.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
Which demographic misuses benzodiazepines more, young males or young females?
Young males misuse benzodiazepines more than young females.
p.2
Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
What occurs during the action stage of change?
Full recognition of a problem and implementing change through definitive actions.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is methadone used for?
Treatment of opiate withdrawal and dependence.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is Methadone maintenance?
Continuous treatment with Methadone, sometimes over a period of years.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What is Slamsex?
The injection of drugs used in Chemsex for a more intense high.
p.3
Drug Use Prevalence and Trends in Europe
How does drug use generally differ between genders?
Drug use is generally higher among males, especially for more intensive or regular patterns of use.
p.8
Smoking Cessation Treatments
What are some treatments for smoking cessation?
Nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline.
p.2
Psychological Interventions for Substance Misuse
How can simply asking questions about alcohol consumption serve as an intervention?
It can reduce the levels of alcohol consumption.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
How does the withdrawal from Methadone compare to heroin?
Withdrawal from Methadone is much slower than that from heroin.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
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).
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the psychiatric symptoms associated with cannabis use?
Euphoria, mood swings, flashbacks, acute psychosis, and exacerbation of schizophrenia with chronic use.
p.5
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What are common physical signs of nicotine withdrawal?
Nausea, vomiting, headaches, sweating, dizziness.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with cocaine use?
Euphoria, psychosis, impaired judgement.
p.10
Management of Opioid Misuse
How does Naltrexone affect opioid craving?
It decreases opioid craving.
p.7
Neurotransmitters and Addiction
What is the role of serotonin in addiction?
5-HT3 receptor activation increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
p.10
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
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.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What long-term effect can cocaine use lead to?
Rebound rhinitis, nosebleeds, and potentially a perforated nasal septum.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
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.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
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.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with hallucinogen use?
Synaesthesia, enhancement of colors, visual hallucinations, depersonalization, derealization, euphoria, psychosis.
p.10
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is Naloxone used for?
Management of opioid overdose.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What dual role does nicotine play in the body?
Nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant to the central nervous system.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is the primary function of Methadone in opiate addiction treatment?
It reduces cravings associated with opiate use and blocks the 'high' from opiates.
p.2
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
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.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are new psychoactive substances (NPS)?
New narcotic or psychotropic drugs not controlled by UN drug conventions that may pose public health threats.
p.6
Drug Withdrawal Timelines
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.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the physical signs of amphetamine intoxication?
Mydriasis, tachycardia or bradycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, decreased appetite, weight loss, confusion, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, seizures.
p.1
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What is the typical duration for mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
5 to 7 days after the last drink.
p.10
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is Naltrexone used for?
To aid abstinence in previously dependent people who have been drug-free for more than seven days.
p.10
Psychological Interventions for Substance Misuse
What type of therapy is included in psychological interventions for addiction?
Cognitive behavioural therapy.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
How quickly does nicotine affect the brain after inhalation?
Nicotine starts affecting the brain within seven seconds of inhalation.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
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.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
Should Clonidine be used routinely in opioid detoxification?
No, it should not be used routinely.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the physical signs of GHB intoxication?
Bradycardia, nausea, vomiting.
p.1
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What are the common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in most people?
Mild to moderate symptoms.
p.10
Management of Opioid Misuse
What effect does Naltrexone have on opioid users?
It prevents them from experiencing the euphoria associated with opioid use.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the risks associated with heroin use during pregnancy?
Increased risk of stillbirth and features of neonatal heroin withdrawal.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is the typical onset time for withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent individuals?
6-24 hours after the last dose.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
How does Buprenorphine's safety profile compare to Methadone?
Buprenorphine has a relatively good safety profile and rarely causes significant respiratory depression.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is the role of Dihydrocodeine in opioid detoxification?
It should not be used routinely in opioid detoxification.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with GHB use?
Euphoria followed by a depressed level of consciousness.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is associated with greater abuse potential in benzodiazepines?
Fast onset benzodiazepines.
p.2
Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
What is the focus of the maintenance and relapse prevention stage?
Ensuring that the change in behavior is continued and preventing slips.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What happens if Methadone is overdosed?
It may cause fatal respiratory depression due to its full mu-opioid agonist activity.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What type of drug is Buprenorphine?
A mixed agonist-antagonist (partial opioid agonist).
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are anabolic steroids associated with in men?
Infertility, baldness, testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and gynaecomastia.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What is a significant risk associated with xylazine when mixed with fentanyl?
Higher risk of fatal drug poisoning and severe wounds, including necrosis.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
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.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are some examples of depressants?
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, GHB, and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®).
p.7
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is tolerance in the context of drug use?
Decreased sensitivity to a drug due to repeated exposure, requiring larger amounts for effect.
p.2
Psychological Interventions for Substance Misuse
What role does brief physician advice play in alcohol consumption?
It can act as an intervention and reduce levels of alcohol consumption.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
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.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are some dangers associated with Chemsex?
Overdosing and increased risk of contracting STIs or HIV if protection is not used.
p.5
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
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.
p.8
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is the first step in benzodiazepine detoxification?
Gradually reduce the dose of the benzodiazepine.
p.2
Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
What does the determination (preparation) stage involve?
Preparing to make plans for change and experimenting with small changes.
p.7
Management of Opioid Misuse
What risk is associated with reduced tolerance after a period of abstinence?
Increased risk of overdose fatalities.
p.2
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
What is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?
A '12 Step Programme' dedicated to helping anyone suffering because of their drinking.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is Lofexidine used for in opiate withdrawal?
To provide symptomatic relief, with less marked blood pressure reduction than Clonidine.
p.6
Drug Withdrawal Timelines
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.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are common physical signs of opioid intoxication?
Miosis, bradycardia, hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, heavy and rubbery extremities, slurred speech.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
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.
p.3
Drug Use Prevalence and Trends in Europe
What is polydrug consumption?
The use of multiple drugs simultaneously, which is common among drug users but challenging to measure.
p.2
Stages of Change in Addiction Treatment
What is the first stage of change in addiction treatment?
Pre-contemplation: not ready to think about change seriously.
p.7
Neurotransmitters and Addiction
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.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What is mephedrone commonly referred to as?
'Meow meow' or 'bath salts'.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What medications should be offered as first-line treatment in opioid detoxification?
Methadone or Buprenorphine.
p.5
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with nicotine withdrawal?
Anxiety, depression, irritability.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the physical signs of MDMA (ecstasy) intoxication?
Tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, jaw clenching, bruxism, disinhibition, increased sexual desire.
p.7
Neurotransmitters and Addiction
How does GABA affect drug-induced dopamine release?
GABAergic drugs decrease drug-induced dopamine release.
p.10
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
What additional services do needle and syringe programmes provide?
Access to drug treatment and other health and welfare services.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are some examples of stimulants?
Amphetamines, mephedrone, caffeine, cocaine, khat, MDMA, nicotine.
p.4
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are some examples of hallucinogens?
LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine.
p.6
Drug Withdrawal Timelines
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.
p.3
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
Which populations show increased levels of nicotine use?
The mentally ill, the homeless, and prisoners compared to the general population.
p.2
Social Support Systems for Addiction Recovery
What is the purpose of social work input in addiction treatment?
To assist with employment opportunities and supported accommodation if needed.
p.9
Management of Opioid Misuse
What is a common use for Clonidine in opiate withdrawal?
To provide symptomatic relief from withdrawal symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with anabolic steroid use?
Aggression, anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What psychiatric symptoms are associated with amphetamines?
Euphoria, irritability, psychosis.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are the physical signs of PCP intoxication?
Nystagmus, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, reduced response to pain, and increased sensitivity to sound.
p.5
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
What withdrawal symptoms are associated with opioids?
Craving, mydriasis, tachycardia, diarrhea, insomnia, diaphoresis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, piloerection, nausea, muscle and bone pain.
p.6
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are common physical signs of volatile substance use?
Tachycardia, flu-like symptoms, CNS damage, and headache.
p.5
Categories of Drugs of Abuse
What are common physical signs of hallucinogen use (e.g., LSD, mescaline, psilocybin)?
Mydriasis, tachycardia, hypertension, diaphoresis, insomnia.
