Do you know where the expression “Cold Turkey” came from?
Those in withdrawal from drugs may experience cold flashes accompanied by goosebumps.
Now you know!
Play the Tape through - Fashion
Drugs
Happiness is an inside job
Cold Turkey?
Study identifies dopamine subtype is linked to cravings for methamphetamine →
In a study published this month in the Journal of Neuroscience, scientists reported on a new receptor target that
distinguishes those actively addicted to methamphetamine from non-addicted controls. The images of a variant of a dopamine receptor present a new target for possible drugs to reduce cravings for meth.
The study, discussed here, used a chemical probe that specifically bound to D3 (dopamine subtype 3) receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known to be involved in the reward system. Using a PET scanner to examine the brains of active addicts allowed scientists to see where the chemical probe was most concentrated. Because the number of receptors has increased in addicts, and because dopamine is associated with cravings, the idea is to block the D3 subtype and switch off cravings.
This could be a key development because it gives a biological mechanism underlying the almost irresistible cravings that meth addicts endure. It is those cravings which drive them to seek out more of the drug, even when they know it is harming them. Until now, the neurological basis for these feelings was unknown, although some type of dopamine involvement was suspected.
The study doesn’t clear up all the mysteries, nor will it necessarily lead to a “cure.” However, it is a step along the path. With a target to shoot for, pharmaceutical companies can now investigate possible drugs to counteract the activity at the D3 receptor. It is likely that other behavioral cues will also remain important and treatment that addresses life issues will still be needed, even if a drug therapy eventually emerges.
The research is also thought to apply to other stimulant style drugs, like cocaine. It is probably not a window into cravings for narcotics however. Morphine and derivatives are marked by significant physical addictions and while cravings are associated with all forms of addiction, opiates probably have a different mechanism.
February 12th - Word of the Day - Slow
slow
[sloh]
adjective, -er, -est, adverb, -er, -est, verb
adjective
1. moving or proceeding with little or less than usual speed or velocity: a slow train.
2. characterized by lack of speed: a slow pace.
3. taking or requiring a comparatively long time for completion: a slow meal; a slow trip.
4. requiring or taking a long time for growing, changing, or occurring; gradual: a plant of slow growth.
6. dull of perception or understanding; mentally dull: a slow child.
7. not prompt, readily disposed, or in haste (usually followed by to or an infinitive): slow to anger; slow to take offense.
8. burning or heating with little speed or intensity, as a fire or an oven.
9. slack; not busy: The market was slow today.
10. having some quality that retards speed or causes movement, progress, work, etc., to be accomplished at less than the usual or expected rate of speed: a slow, careful worker; a slow road.
11. running at less than the proper rate of speed or registering less than the proper time, as a clock.
12. passing heavily or dragging, as time: It’s been a slow afternoon.
13. not progressive; behind the times: a slow town.
14. dull, humdrum, uninteresting, or tedious: What a slow party!
15. Photography . requiring long exposure, as by having a small lens diameter or low film sensitivity: a slow lens or film.
16. (of the surface of a race track) sticky from a fairly recent rain and in the process of drying out.
adverb
17. in a slow manner; slowly: Drive slow.
17. in a slow manner; slowly: Drive slow.
verb (used with object)
18. to make slow or slower (often followed by up or down ).
18. to make slow or slower (often followed by up or down ).
19. to retard; reduce the advancement or progress of: His illness slowed him at school.
verb (used without object)
20. to become slow or slower; slacken in speed (often followed by up or down ).
20. to become slow or slower; slacken in speed (often followed by up or down ).
February 9th - Word of the Day - Deprive
de·prive
[dih-prahyv]
verb (used with object), -prived, -priv·ing.
1. to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons): to deprive a man of life; to deprive a baby of candy.
1. to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons): to deprive a man of life; to deprive a baby of candy.
2. to remove from ecclesiastical office.
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January 31st - Word of the Day - Moralize
mor·al·ize
[mawr-uh-lahyz, mor-]
verb (used without object)
1. to reflect on or express opinions about something in terms of right and wrong, especially in a self-righteous or tiresome way.
1. to reflect on or express opinions about something in terms of right and wrong, especially in a self-righteous or tiresome way.
Truth be Told…
Don’t Use Drugs!
It only takes one line to turn you into a Dick!