CHAPTER 7 Drugs and Altered States of Consciousness

Types of Psychoactive Drugs Activity – From the given cases, try to predict what drug is being described. Activity – From the given cases, try to predict what drug is being described. 1. Marijuana5. Aspirin 1. Marijuana5. Aspirin 2. Alcohol6. Nicotine 2. Alcohol6. Nicotine 3. Cocaine7. LSD (acid) 3. Cocaine7. LSD (acid) 4. Heroine 8. Caffeine 4. Heroine 8. Caffeine

Psychoactive Drugs Psychoactive Drugs – chemical substances that alter perceptions and mood Psychoactive Drugs – chemical substances that alter perceptions and mood Tolerance – physiological change that produces a need for more of the same drug in order to achieve the same effect Tolerance – physiological change that produces a need for more of the same drug in order to achieve the same effect –Ex. It will take several alcoholic beverages for an alcoholic to experience the effects.

Physiological vs. Psychological Dependence Withdrawal – discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing drug use Withdrawal – discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing drug use Physiological – physical need for a drug, without the drug one may have withdrawal symptoms (Ex. pain) Physiological – physical need for a drug, without the drug one may have withdrawal symptoms (Ex. pain) Psychological – intense desire for the drug because they are convinced they need it in order to perform or feel a certain way. Psychological – intense desire for the drug because they are convinced they need it in order to perform or feel a certain way.

Types of Psychoactive Drugs Depressants – slows down central nervous system / calm neural activity Depressants – slows down central nervous system / calm neural activity –Examples  Alcohol  Barbiturates (tranquilizers/ pain killers)  Opiates (morphine, heroin) –Effects of drug use: slows down reaction time and judgment, slurs speech,

Depressants - Alcohol –Effects of Alcohol Use  Disrupts the processing of memories  Reduces self awareness  Could shrink the brain (pg. 299)  Girls can become addicted quicker than boys –A user’s expectations can affect their behavior  Many who believe they have consumed alcohol will act accordingly

Depressants - Barbiturates Barbiturates – aka tranquilizers Barbiturates – aka tranquilizers May be prescribed to reduce anxiety or to help you sleep May be prescribed to reduce anxiety or to help you sleep Very dangerous if taken with alcohol Very dangerous if taken with alcohol In large doses, barbiturates are lethal. In large doses, barbiturates are lethal.

Depressants - Opiates Examples – opium, morphine, heroin Examples – opium, morphine, heroin Very addictive, Quickly develop a tolerance and thus have the need for a larger dose. Very addictive, Quickly develop a tolerance and thus have the need for a larger dose. Withdrawal is painful (when taking opiates brain stops producing its natural opiate (endorphins) and then when one stops taking the drug pain is a result) Withdrawal is painful (when taking opiates brain stops producing its natural opiate (endorphins) and then when one stops taking the drug pain is a result)

Types of Psychoactive Drugs Stimulants – speed up central nervous system / excite neural activity Stimulants – speed up central nervous system / excite neural activity –Examples  Caffeine  Cocaine  Amphetamines  Nicotine  Ecstasy –Effects of drug use: disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, anxiety, heart problems, irritability, depression

Stimulants – Cocaine 5% of US High School Seniors report having tried cocaine during the past year. (CMS drug survey and 28105, upper class drugs, upper vs. lower classes, drugs and race. 5% of US High School Seniors report having tried cocaine during the past year. (CMS drug survey and 28105, upper class drugs, upper vs. lower classes, drugs and race. “Crack” – a potent form a cocaine that is smoked “Crack” – a potent form a cocaine that is smoked A rush of euphoria lasts for minutes and the rush depletes the brain’s neurotransmitters A rush of euphoria lasts for minutes and the rush depletes the brain’s neurotransmitters When the drugs effects wear off, the user is agitated and depressed. When the drugs effects wear off, the user is agitated and depressed.

Stimulants – Ecstasy Both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen Both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen Triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin Triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin Effects – dehydration, increased blood pressure, could lead to long term depression, could cause death Effects – dehydration, increased blood pressure, could lead to long term depression, could cause death

Types of Psychoactive Drugs Hallucinogens – drugs that change the perception of reality and evoke images in the absence of sensory input. Hallucinogens – drugs that change the perception of reality and evoke images in the absence of sensory input. –Examples  LSD  Marijuana (active ingredient is THC)  Mushrooms –Stays in the body for a month or more –Effects of drug use: affects memory, emotions vary

Hallucinogens – Marijuana Leaves and flowers from the hemp plant Leaves and flowers from the hemp plant THC is the active ingredient THC is the active ingredient User experiences an increase sensitivity to colors, sounds, tastes, smells User experiences an increase sensitivity to colors, sounds, tastes, smells The more marijuana is used, the user is at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia The more marijuana is used, the user is at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and even schizophrenia THC lingers in the body for a month or more after use THC lingers in the body for a month or more after use