BPK 140 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Hallucinogen, Tachycardia, Alcohol Dependence
5 Nov 2017
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Document Summary
Most commonly used psychotropic drug in world. Contains more than 400 compounds and chemicals. Nicotine is main active ingredient (stimulates central nervous system, addictive) As it burns, a tobacco cigarette also produces tar and carbon monoxide: tar settles in bronchioles (increases cancer risk, damages cilia, mucus, carbon monoxide (reduces bloods oxygen-carrying capacity) Brain: stimulates nervous system, triggers release of tranquilizing morphine-like amino acids. Blood vessels: tells constrict, causing higher blood pressure. Brain: alters mood-regulating chemicals, stimulates cravings for more nicotine. Bronchi in bronchitis become inflamed and filled with mucus. Smoking affects capillaries ability to bring oxygen-carrying blood to alveoli. Destroys alveolar sacs which normally allow gas exchange. Acts on cannabinoid receptors in central nervous system: pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, sensory perception, coordination. When you consume alcohol, it raises your blood alcohol concentrations (bac: reaches bloodstream in approx. 15 minutes, reaches max level in about an hour: higher your bac, stronger the effects.
