Select two substances from the following and describe at least two common pharmacological and physiological effect of each.
• Opioids
• Stimulants
• Cannabinoids
• Hallucinogens
• Another DSM Substance Use Disorder of your choice
a. Substance one description pharmacological effect (100-150 words):
b. Substance one description physiological effect (100-150 words):
c. Substance two description pharmacological effect (100-150 words):
d. Substance two description physiological effect (100-150 words):
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a. Substance one: Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief, pleasure, and a feeling of euphoria. The pharmacological effect of opioids is primarily their ability to bind to and activate opioid receptors, which are found in various regions of the brain and spinal cord. This activation leads to a decrease in the perception of pain, as well as a sense of sedation and relaxation. Opioids also have an effect on the reward pathway in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and reinforcement. These drugs also have a depressant effect on the central nervous system, causing respiratory depression, constipation, and decreased blood pressure.
b. Substance one: Opioids
The physiological effects of opioids include reducing pain sensitivity and inducing analgesia. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters involved in the perception of pain. This leads to a reduction in pain signals reaching the brain. Opioids also cause respiratory depression by reducing the sensitivity of the respiratory centers in the brainstem. This can result in shallow or slow breathing, which can be dangerous in high doses. Additionally, opioids can cause constipation by reducing gut motility and increasing water absorption in the intestines. They also have a sedative effect, causing drowsiness, decreased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure.
c. Substance two: Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body. The pharmacological effect of cannabinoids is mainly mediated through their activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in immune cells. Cannabinoids produce psychoactive effects by binding to CB1 receptors, leading to a feeling of relaxation, euphoria, and altered perception of time and space. They also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through their interaction with CB2 receptors.
d. Substance two: Cannabinoids
Physiological effects of cannabinoids include increased heart rate, relaxation, and stimulation of appetite. Cannabinoids activate CB1 receptors in the brain, resulting in an increase in heart rate. The relaxation effect of cannabinoids is due to their interaction with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in anxiety and muscle tension. Cannabinoids also stimulate appetite by increasing the release of hunger-inducing hormones and activating the brain's reward and pleasure centers. This is commonly known as the "munchies" effect. Additionally, cannabinoids can affect memory, coordination, and motor skills, which can impair cognitive and physical performance.