Alcohol
- Created by: sadlergeorgia
- Created on: 03-06-15 19:31
View mindmap
- Alcohol
- Mode of action
- depresses brain activity by making GABA more effective
- decreases dopamine
- reduces effectiveness of inhibitory mechanisms that allow us to behave in a socially acceptable way
- slows down messages transmitted between neurons
- anaesthetises nerve endings at noradrenalin synapses which triggers the fight-flight mechanism (becomes less effective)
- dilates skin blood vessels
- blocks hormone that controls urination
- depresses brain activity by making GABA more effective
- Short term effects
- warm and flushed
- slurred speech
- slower reaction times
- relaxed and confident bevaviour
- vomiting
- slower heart rate
- as blood alcohol level falls, urination increases
- dehydration
- main cause of hangovers as brain loses up to 1/5 of weight
- dehydration
- affects co-ordination and motor skills
- Tolerance
- short term tolerance develops quickly
- individual feels sober before they actually are
- alcohol consumption stimulates body to produce an enzyme that breaks it down faster
- in a few weeks, a drinker will need to consume around 50% more alcohol to achieve the same effect
- behavioural tolerance is largely a result of practice
- individual becomes more used to the effects and acting less drunk
- short term tolerance develops quickly
- Physical Dependence
- lack of concern for amount of alcohol consumed
- alcoholics want to start drinking early in the day to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- first drink gets rid of symptoms and fuels psychological dependency
- need is constant
- Psychological Dependence
- exhibited by getting relief at finding a drink or avoiding dry situations
- getting alcohol is put above other activities
- welcomes 'alcoholic oblivion' as a coping strategy
- Withdrawal
- depends on level of use and addiction
- symptoms usually appear 8 - 12 hours after last drink
- symptoms can last up to 48 hours
- agitated
- uncontrollable shaking
- cramp
- nausea
- sweating
- irregular heartbeat
- vivid dreaming
- people with a heavy addiction experience delirium tremens - can happen whilst still drinking
- unless enough alcohol is consumed to depress brain activity, fight-flight mechanism starts operating at too high a level
- produces hallucinations, delusions, and tremors
- Mode of action
Comments
No comments have yet been made