PSYC 370 Chapter Notes -Libido, Disulfiram, Cold Turkey
31 Jan 2014
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Basic principles of drug action. Drug addiction and the brain"s reward circuits. Pharmacology: scientific study of drugs. Psychoactive drug: drug that acts on the nervous system, and influence subjective experience and behaviour. Once drugs are digested partially by stomach fluids. Absorbed into bloodstream via the small intestine. Some drugs are absorbed through the stomach wall (e. g. , alcohol) and therefore have quicker effects. Drug moves directly to the brain. Subcutaneous injection: into fatty tissue beneath the skin. Intramuscular injection: into large muscles. Intravenous injection: directly into veins at points where they are close to the skin. Preferred by drug addicts. Effects cannot be undone once. Fast administration has taken place. Inhalation: drug is absorbed into the bloodstream via capillaries. Difficult to control dose. Lung damage with chronic use. Mucous membrane absorption: drugs can be administered through the mucous membranes in the nose (e. g. , snorting), mouth, and rectum. Damage to tissues with chronic use.
