Read Drug Effects by Action and Dependence
For each drug question, identify the source or physiological action first, then distinguish repeated-use dependence from an acute effect.
Living-system questions are solved by matching a structure or organism to its function, process and stated condition.
Connect a drug to its effect
Cocaine is a coca-derived stimulant that interferes with dopamine reuptake; high doses can also produce hallucinations. Nicotine stimulates sympathetic activity, tending to increase heart rate and blood pressure. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens, and carbon monoxide lowers oxygen carried by haemoglobin.
Understand adolescent steroid risk
Anabolic steroid misuse can accelerate closure of long-bone growth centres during adolescence and limit final height. This is one reason performance-enhancing steroid use carries serious health risks.
Separate dependence from withdrawal
Repeated use can produce dependence. Abruptly stopping a regularly used substance may bring withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor, nausea or sweating; severe withdrawal may require medical supervision.
Match source before effect
Build the source first: Papaver somniferum gives opiates such as morphine and heroin; Erythroxylum coca gives cocaine; Cannabis sativa gives charas and marijuana; Claviceps purpurea is the ergot fungus. Then check action: nicotine is a stimulant that promotes adrenaline release, whereas opiates are depressants. A source-action table becomes much safer when you rule out a biological source before judging the pharmacology.
OlympIQ exam lens
- ✓Cocaine: coca alkaloid, stimulant, dopamine reuptake inhibition.
- ✓Nicotine tends to raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- ✓Anabolic steroids can prematurely close growth plates.
- ✓Dependence can lead to withdrawal after abrupt cessation.
The three OCR-damaged drug-table or missing-option questions are held for source repair and are not part of this material's linked set.
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