PSYC 1250 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Substantia Nigra, Mesolimbic Pathway, Cocaethylene
29 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Vta and substantia nigra project dopamine into mesolimbic system. Cocaine affects serotonin and norepinephrine in same way. People continue to take drug due to effect on serotonin. Hyperactivity due to stimulants is from norepinephrine. Anesthetic effects of cocaine become sensitized with chronic use. Cocaine can be used as an anesthetic in throat surgery or nasal tear duct surgery. Changing face of cocaine abuse in 5 years. 80s went from being (cid:3247)fashionable(cid:3248) to used by poorer people. Cocaethylene a biologically active metabolite formed from intake of cocaine and alcohol. Works like cocaine but with 5x longer half life than cocaine. Slows down ability to get rid of the drug. First step for all treatment options is detoxification and total abstinence. Option 1 inpatient treatment in a hospital facility. Option 3 shortened inpatient program followed by intensive outpatient treatment. 12 step program is the only solution to addiction, but is almost impossible to do. Requires person not to return to previous life.
