1. Unit 4: Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness
WHS AP Psychology
Unit 4: Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness
Essential Task 4-10:Identify the major psychoactive drug categories (depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens) and classify specific drugs, including their psychological and physiological effects.
Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B= Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184
Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

2. Perceptual Constancies
Sensation
Vision
The Eye
Theories
Hearing
The Ear
Other Senses
Smell
Taste
Pain
Gestalt Principles
Perceptual Constancies
Perception
Basic Principles
Visual Illusions
Depth Perception

3. Altered States of Consciousness
Stages/REM
Circadian Rhythm
Disorders
Hidden Observer
Actor
Sleep
Dreams
Hypnosis
Meditation
We are here
Waking Consciousness
Daydreaming and Fantasy
Altered States of Consciousness
Drug-Altered Consciousness
Substance Abuse
Stimulants
Depressants
Hallucinogens

4. OA ( )
Why do some people become regular users of conscious altering drugs? Tell me some influences that may make people more vulnerable to drug use.
In your opinion what are the symptoms or characteristics of addiction?

5. Addiction:
Compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences
Lack of control -- powerless to overcome addiction (delusions);
Shame ;
Effecting your life in profound ways (for you and those around you);
Dependence on the behavior of substance.

6. Substance Use and Abuse
Substance (drug) Use
Using a substance but it does not yet interfere with a person’s life
Substance (drug) Abuse
Pattern of drug use that diminishes one’s ability to fulfill responsibilities
May result in repeated use in dangerous situations
May lead to legal difficulties related to drug use

7. Substance Use and Abuse
Dependence
Compulsive use of a substance
Also known as addiction
Can be physical, psychological or both
Withdrawal
After addiction, physical discomfort when the substance is stopped
Tolerance
More substance is required to obtain the original effect

8. Dependence (4 of the following 7 symptoms)
Developing a tolerance
Experiencing withdrawal
Using substance for a longer period or in greater quantities than intended
Presence of a desire or repeated attempts to cut back on use
Spending a lot of time using/obtaining the substance
Reduction or cessation of usual activities
Continued use despite awareness of drug’s harmful effects

9. Dependence
Psychological addiction is a psychological need to use a drug, particularly for relieving mental stress and negative emotions.
Physical addiction is the need for a drug to alleviate physical pain. When the drug is discontinued, there are several withdrawal symptoms.
Emotional discomfort -- anxiety
Physical discomfort -- pain

10. Essential Task 4-10: Major psychoactive drug categories Depressants
Outline
Major psychoactive drug categories
Depressants
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Opiates
stimulants
Caffeine
Nicotine
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
Hallucinogens
LSD
Marijuana

11. Drugs and Consciousness
Psychoactive Drug: A chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood (effects consciousness).
I. Depressants
II. Opiates (Narcotics)
III. Stimulants
IV. Hallucinogens
OBJECTIVE 14| Define psychoactive drug.

12. I. Depressants
Depressant drugs (downers) reduce neural activity and slow body functions. They include:
Common depressants are
Alcohol
Barbiturates
Opiates
Depresses the
4th type Benzodiazepines

13. Alcohol
Although most often used in moderation, about 14 million Americans have problems with alcohol
Men are three times more likely to be problem drinkers

14. Alcohol Highly addictive Even moderate amounts can affect Perception
Motor processes
Memory
Judgment
Visual acuity
Depth perception
Cognitive functioning
Low dose has a stimulating effect – its used in festive settings… but too much will have opposite effect.
Reaction slows, loss of voluntary actions, if blood levels reaches .5 there is a risk of coma or death. Repertory depression.
YOU NEVER want to mix these with other drugs…

15. Alcohol Overall effect is to calm the nervous system
Sometimes perceived as a stimulant because it relaxes inhibitions
It must be never mixed with sleeping pills (Barbiturates) – both depresses the nervous system.
Combination might actually kill you

16. Barbiturates “Downers” Often Used to treat insomnia
Can interfere with sleep patterns and cause dependence
Effects are similar to alcohol
“Truth serum”

17. II. Opiates (Narcotics)
Drugs that depresses neural activity; pain reliever.
All Opiates are Depressants
Derived from the opium poppy
Includes opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin
Opiates resemble mimic endorphins (agonists), the body’s natural painkillers
Causes euphoria followed by clouded mental functioning
Brain stops producing natural endorphins
Withdrawal is extremely painful!
MIMIC agonists
Mimics endorphins -- brain will reduce the endorphin production so the withdrawal is PAINFUL. Dependence and high tolerance!

18. III. Stimulants
(Uppers) Substances that excite the central nervous system
Blocks; neurological receptors that would sedate the nervous system.
Includes drugs such as
Caffeine
Nicotine
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
Blocsk = Antagonist
Once again it causes tolerance, withdrawals, dependence/ psychological addiction

19. Caffeine The most used drug! (p.s. YOU ALL HAVE PROBLEMS!)
Naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate
Also added to soft drinks and pain medications
Increases alertness
In high doses, caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, and diarrhea
#1 used drug in America! Some of you are on it right now!

20. Cocaine Blocks reabsorption (reuptake) of dopamine
Produces increased alertness, motivation, and euphoria
Crash leads to anxiety, depression, and strong cravings
Crack – more potent version of cocaine –symptoms are intensified!
Dopamine (pleasure), seretonin (mood), and norepinerphine (mood) whats going to happen when we lose our abilities to produce these?

21. Nicotine Found in tobacco
Considered by many to be the most addictive stimulant in use today
Affects levels of several neurotransmitters
Depending on amount and time smoked, can have either sedative or stimulating effects
Can lead to numerous withdrawal symptoms, including nervousness, headaches, and irritability
Psychological dependence

22. Amphetamines
Amphetamines stimulate neural activity, causing accelerated body functions and associated energy and mood changes, with devastating effects.
National Pictures/ Topham/ The Image Works

23. Amphetamines
Chemically similar to epinephrine, a hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system
Increase alertness as well as feelings of well-being
Can cause euphoria followed by a crash, including severe depression
Leads to cycle of addiction

24. Amphetamines Methamphetamines = super stimulant
Can cause irreversible change in mood
Cause physical changes (skin, teeth, internal organs)
Forms can include methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen
Even short-term use of ecstasy may have long-term consequences
Different types of amphetaines

26. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Ecstasy
Ecstasy or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a stimulant and mild hallucinogen. It produces a euphoric high and can damage serotonin-producing neurons, which results in a permanent deflation of mood and impairment of memory.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Greg Smith/ AP Photos
In the early days 60’s and 70’s scientists and therapists were using them.
More open, loving, and affectionate to people. Increase in sensations tactile!
Very very successful! Then people started using as recreational… 80’s gov made it illegal.
Disrupts sleep, feeling depressed, loss in memory

27. Rave Culture Lights – sensory input
Fuzzy clothes, pacifiers – tactile senses are heightened
Very open and friendly people
Currently there is a big push to use these for anxiety disorders – ptsd.

28. IV. Hallucinogens
(psychedelics) Substances that distort visual and auditory perception
LSD
Produces hallucinations and delusions similar to a psychotic state
Can result in psychosis, memory loss, paranoia, panic attacks, nightmares and aggression
Ecstasy CAN fit in here… since increased amount of serotonin can cause hallucinations.
Now the hallucinations you experience is subjective. Will you have a bad trip (oxygen deprivation) paranoia and see terrifying things or… will you have a spiritual one.
Will your brain chemistry lead you to negative or positive experience.

29. Marijuana
THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, produces symptoms such as
Mild hallucinations
Euphoria
Enhanced sense of well-being
Relaxation
Distortion of time
Some users may experience anxiety, paranoia, and it disrupts memory
Medical Marijuana – Can be used for treatment (Cancer & Aids)
Leaves, resin, stem, and flowers of the hemp plant is smoked. But it can be synthesized into fat so people can make food with it as well.
Psychological dependence and physical dependence.
Debated– medical marijuana

30. Why use psychoactive drugs?
1. Biological influences
Genetic predisposing
adopted children are more susceptible to drug use if their biological parents are users.
2. Psychological influences
Lacking sense of purpose
Significant stress
Psychological disorders like depression
Risk taking personality

31. Why use psychoactive drugs?
3. Sociocultural influences
Readily available in the neighborhood
Opportunities due to living situations
Cultural attitude towards drugs
Peer influences
You will see far more drug users in diamond bar than lets say Pomona. Kids in affluent areas have the money.
Bigger cities, liberal places in united states people are far more open for the use of recreational drugs.
Who are you hanging out with?

32. Why use psychoactive drugs?
4. Biopsychosocial
Influenced by genetics/emotional/social influences
Combination of ALL the previous factors