Psyc 3507 Alcohol, Drugs & Behavior
Terms and Concepts Chapter 11
The following are major concepts you need to be familiar with from Chapter 11. Remember you need to
familiar with any relationships between terms and concepts as you will be expected to apply your
knowledge on exams. Be sure to ask questions if there is something that you don’t understand.
Be familiar with psychological states associated with long term/heavy cocaine use.
Be familiar with psychological states associated with heavy/or a single very high doses of amphetamine.
Be familiar with biphasic effects associated with the “caine” reaction.
What is the mechanism of action associated with cocaine’s local anesthetic effects?
What is the mechanism of action associated with cocaine’s rewarding effects?
Be familiar with cocaine’s effects on CNS vs. PNS.
With regard to their mechanism(s) of action for their reinforcing effects, how are the mechanisms of action
for amphetamine different from cocaine?
Why do “Meth” users generally prefer methamphetamine over amphetamine?
What is the relationship between cocaine usage and the subsequent letdown?
Be familiar with different routes of cocaine administration and the impact on onset of rush, peak blood
levels and duration of effect.
Why is smoking crack “safer” than freebasing? (from a personal safety, not toxicological standpoint)
Why are the psychostimulants often referred to as sympathomimetics? (You need to know more than they
stimulate sympathetic nervous system; be familiar with the specifics)
What are the major components of cocaine sensitization?
What effect does the vasoconstrictive properties of cocaine have on absorption of cocaine? And ultimately
the effect produced?
Be familiar with cocaine’s effects on the heart.
Why are amphetamines effective in treating ADHD?
Be familiar with sequence of subjective effects noted after cocaine administration.
Be familiar with cocaine withdrawal symptoms and when (including sequence) they might occur.
What are some of the medical uses for amphetamines today?
