What drug has the individual in this case been using?

Within the field of biopsychology many researchers dedicate themselves to the task studying the brain and the multitude of neurochemicals, brain structures, hemispheres, and communication pathways among different brain regions. Their work contributes to our evolving understanding of the role the brain plays in behavior, cognition, and emotions.

For this weeks discussion we will employ our analytical skills to evaluate four case studies. Through our evaluation of the case studies, we will apply our knowledge of the nervous system, brain structures, and events that can disrupt healthy functioning.

Your Task
Part 1: Case Reviews: Review the four case studies provided below. Answer four of the presented questions following each case study. You will need your answers for your main post and your peer follow-ups.

Part 2: Main Post: In order to create a focused community of learning this week we will conduct an analyses exchange. This will be achieved as follows:

According to the first letter of your last name, you have been assigned a case study to analyze and address for your main post this week. Once youve identified your assigned case study, carefully compose your responses to four of the assigned questions.

Last Name Ending in

Maine Post Study

Peer Follow-Up Studies (pick 2)

A-F

Study 1: Bill

Studies 2, 3, 4

G-L

Study 2: Jill

Studies 1, 3, 4

M-R

Study 3: Jarrod

Studies 1, 2, 4

S-Z

Study 4: John

Studies 1, 2, 3

Part 3: Peer follow-up: Respond to two of your classmates postings, selecting two who were assigned a different case study from your own. Provide constructive, thoughtful feedback designed to build an engaging dialog. To achieve this, comment on your classmates post AND share your answers to an assigned question not addressed in your classmates main post. This will contribute to a broader analysis of the case study.

Study 1: Bill (Drugs for good gone wrong)

Your roommate Bill has had chronic pain issues since he broke his jaw in a mountain biking accident about a year ago. You know that he finished his prescription pain killers four months ago, but youre concerned hes been taking something else. Quite frequently you find Bill passed out in his room, and when he is awake, he doesnt seem to care about much. He stopped volunteering at the animal shelter and says his pain is way better than it was a few months ago. Today you find on the bathroom sink a syringe and your landlord sends an email to say Bill did not pay his share of this months rent. What drug is Bill on?

Questions: Answer question 6. Choose at least 3 additional questions to discuss.

1. What drug has the individual in this case been using? What led you to believe this?

2. What are the subjective effects of the drug (i.e., what would a person taking this drug report feeling after using the drug)?

3. What receptors, transporters, or neurotransmitters could be involved? How does the drug affect these receptors, transporters, or neurotransmitters?

4. Provide at least one relevant website concerning the drug in question.

5. Is this drug addictive? What are the consequences of continued use of this drug?

6. Putting yourself in the role of a professional counselor or biological psychologist, what advice do you have for concerned family or friends of someone using this drug?

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Mini Cases in Psychoactive Drugs and Their Effects on the Brain by Darlene Mitrano. Case copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Originally published September 2, 2011.
Study 2: Jill (Let the smoke clear)
It has been a long day and you are glad it is Friday. Earlier you called and made plans with your friend, Jill, to order delivery from your favorite sandwich shop and to start a movie marathon around 6PM. When you arrive at Jills condo you smell a distinctive odor in the hall. You knock and she opens the door. A smoky cloud lingers in the kitchen. Jill has invited her cousin Shelly over and they seem to have been smoking something. Their eyes are red, they seem extremely relaxed, and there are food and candy wrappers all over the place. Jill says that she totally forgot you were coming over, but you should stay and hang out anyway. What have Jill and Shelly been smoking?