CADC exam prep Ch 1 Addiction Counselor's Desk Reference 10pages

Opiates ✔✔A category of psychoactive drugs that are chemically similar to morphine and have strong pain-relieving properties. - Opiates cross into blood-brain barrier to produce a rush/feelings of euphoria. - Significant respiratory complications, death, cardiac depression. - Physical dependence develops dramatically as soon as regular use begins (sometimes even when its administered clinically appropriate). Withdrawal symptoms include: restlessness, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and gooseflesh. Subcutaneous ✔✔Injection of medication in a liquid form underneath the skin into the subcutaneous tissue GABA ✔✔inhibitory neurotransmitter slows or calms things down. Heroin (Opiate) ✔✔- Naturally occurring substance extracted from seedpod of various poppy plants. - 1898 - commercially marketed as new pain remedy - 1914 - designated as controlled substance under the Harrison Narcotic Act - Schedule 1 drug. - Route of administration: smoked, snorted, or IV. Greatest intensity and most rapid onset of euphoria (7-8 sec) from IV. Peak effects felt by 10-15 min. - Crosses the blood-brain barrier, converts to morphine, and rapidly binds to opioid receptors in brain.