Psychology 5.4 Notes Drugs and Consciousness Drugs can alter and distort people’s perceptions, change their moods, or cause them to see/hear unreal things Depressants This slows the activity of the nervous system

Alcohol – the most widely used drug in America. Small amounts have little effect, or may be relaxing. Large amounts result in intoxication Slurs people’s speech Blurs their vision Makes them clumsy Difficulty in concentration Affects their judgment Can bring feelings of elation that take away inhibitions Can’t focus on the consequences of their behavior

Intoxication is involved in over 50% of all fatal auto accidents in the U.S. Once people become addicted to alcohol due to heavy regular use, they may continue to drink to avoid withdrawal symptoms, like tension and trembling. Linked also with liver problems, heart problems,and cancer.

Narcotics These are addictive depressants that have been used to relieve pain and cause sleep. The opium poppy plant produces: Morphine – introduced in the Civil War, it deadens pain. Codeine – a cough suppressant Heroin – The “Hero” to cure addiction to morphine. It makes the users feel ‘heroic’ and gives users the feeling of pleasure.This powerful narcotic was first used in the West in the 1800’s. It causes drowsiness,stupor, impairs judgment and memory. It can also depress the respiratory system and cause death. Trying to stop using often results in deep depression. Needles shared by addicts causes HIV/AIDS. Withdrawal symptoms are tremors, cramps, chills, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea.

Stimulants Increases the activity of the nervous system Nicotine – one of the most common stimulants. It helps to release the hormone adrenaline, which causes the heart rate to increase it helps people feel more alert and attentive but does not help to perform complex tasks. Nicotine reduces the appetite and raises the rate at which the body changes food to energy. Evidence suggests that it is as addictive as heroin. People who quit may experience nervousness, insomnia, sweating, and cramps. Every year 400,000 Americans die from smoking related issues! Smokers are 12 – 20 times more likely to die from lung cancer. Carcinogens are found in cigarette smoke. It is linked to heart disease, chronic lung and respiratory diseases. Pregnant women run risks like having low birth weight babies, miscarriage, birth defects, and premature birth of babies. Second hand smoke is also a health hazard. It is responsible for the smoking bans that are becoming widespread in public places.

Amphetamines Known for helping people to stay awake and reduce appetite. Made from a colorless liquid made up of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. WWII soldiers first used “Speed” or “uppers”. It can produce feelings of pleasure, and is usually taken in the form of pills. People who inject it in the form of methedrine can stay awake for days. They usually crash and can fall into a deep sleep or depression. Suicide can also be the byproduct of ‘crashing’. High doses can cause: insomnia, restlessness, irritability and loss of appetite. Hallucinations can also be produced. Delusional behavior is associated with high usage – i.e you might think you can fly off a building! Paranoid behavior is also a byproduct.

Cocaine The Coca Plant is the source. It produces feelings of pleasure, reduces hunger, deadens pain and boosts self confidence. It can also cause death as it reduces the supply of oxygen to the brain while raising the heartbeat. Sigmund Freud initially used this drug to overcome depression, but soon became aware of its bad effects and addictive qualities. Crack is a very harmful form of cocaine. It is an impure form and puts extra strain on the heart, therefore is more deadly.

Hallucinogens These are drugs that produce hallucinations. Marijuana – Produced from the plant cannabis sativa, it produces feelings of relaxation and mild hallucinations. Hashish is a stronger form, from the sticky part of the plant. Impairs coordination and perception, memory and learning. Increases anxiety, confusion, heart rate and blood pressure. Affects consciousness by some becoming more aware of bodily senses like heartbeat. LSD – “Acid” is lysergic acid diethylamide. It is a hallucinogen and is much stronger than marijuana. Users may experience bizarre hallucinations and the feeling that one is achieving great wisdom, yet be unable to remember anything! The effects are not predictable, and can terrify the users! Flashbacks can happen for years from a single use of LSD, due to the long-term effect of this drug.

Treatments for Drug Abuse 1.Detoxification Used for people addicted to alcohol and narcotics 2. Maintenance Programs Used for people addicted to narcotics. People get controlled and less dangerous amounts of the drug. 3. Counseling Both individual and group methods are used 4. Support Groups Like Alcoholics Anonymous