Transcript Mind Altering Drugs

Mind-Altering
Drugs
An Introduction to Mind-Altering Drugs
Mind-altering drugs or hallucinogens as they
are often called affect the brain in such a way as
to alter perception or reality
Four common hallucinogens include
• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide),
• Psilocybin,
• Mescaline,
• Cannabis (marijuana & its active ingredient
THC).
Indole Ring Structure
 C8H7N
 Basic structure
present in almost all
hallucinogens
including:
• LSD
• Cylocybin
• Cylocin
• Mescaline (Lacks
the complete
ring.)
The indole structure
Mescaline – a partial
indole structure
A Neuron Synapse
Neurotransmitter
chemicals such
as serotonin
transmit electrical
impulses
LSD (Lysergic Acid Deithylamide)
Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
was discovered in 1938 by a
Swiss scientist named Albert
Hoffman.
Hoffman tested some on himself,
not knowing the limits of a safe
dosage
It was thought that the mindaltering properties of LSD could
be used with medicinal purposes
in the treatment of psychological
disorders
LSD (Lysergic Acid Deithylamide)
The discovery resulted from an
investigation of partially
synthetic amides of Lysergic
acid.
LSD was synthesized with the
intention of obtaining an
analeptic
Methergine developed as a
result of LSD research is used
to stop hemorrhages.
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
Chemical structure
LSD (Lysergic Acid Deithylamide)
 The chemical
structure of LSD
bears significant
similarities to
serotonin
 LSD is thought to
disrupt the way that
serotonin is used by
the brain
Immediate Effects of LSD
 Symptoms include restlessness,
dizziness, and alterations in
vision and audio perceptions and
hallucinations.
Time becomes meaningless, and
the feeling is often described as
flying.
The immediate effects usually last
about 12 hours
Longer Term Effects of LSD
Highly addictive
Long-term mental health problems
after using LSD are common
Bad trips can be triggered
Depression leading to suicide is a
long-term effect of using LSD, and
addiction
Users may re-experience early
memories, even pre-birth
memories.
MESCALINE (Peyote)
Mescaline is found in a small,
spineless cactus (known
botanically as Lophophora
williams ii) which grows in the
deserts of Mexico and the
American Southwest.
When the crown is sliced off and
dried, it forms a hard, brownish
disc known as a "button," which
is chewed for its hallucinogenic
properties.
MESCALINE (Peyote)
Peyote buttons were chewed
for religious purposes in
Mexico centuries before the
Conquistadors even knew
Mexico existed.
 Early tales of peyote rituals
among the Aztec and Toltec
Indians date ceremonial use
back some 3,000 years.
MESCALINE (Peyote)
Peyote was believed to be a godpowerful medicine, capable of
giving sight to the blind and
healing incurable diseases.
MESCALINE (Peyote)
Peyote contains more than
fifty psychoactive
ingredients
The most powerful of which
is mescaline (3,4,5trimethoxyphenethylamine
MESCALINE (Peyote)
The Spaniards quickly outlawed "peyotism,"
which they linked with cannibalism and
witchcraft, and enacted the first set of anti-drug
laws in the Western Hemisphere, all aimed at
wiping out Indian use of the plant.
During the American Civil War, peyote use began
spreading north from Mexico on a large scale.
And even though laws in 11 states eventually
sought to ban religious use of peyote, federal
courts have affirmed the right to sacramental use
by Native American members of the 250,000member church.
Still, challenges continue to be mounted,
strengthened by a 1990 ruling by the U.S.
Supreme Court, affirming the right of states to
control ritual peyote use
MESCALINE (Peyote)
The chemical
structure of
mescaline
contains three
ether groups
and a partial
indole ring
Effects of MESCALINE
(Peyote)
Mescaline triggers increased
heart rate, body temperature, and
blood pressure and dilation of
the pupils.
Normal coordination and reflexes
are reduced, and the skin may
feel dry and itchy.
Peak effects hit 2-3 hours after
ingestion, and run their course in
about 12 hours.
Effects of MESCALINE (Peyote)
Other effects can include
 Rapid changes in mood
 Feelings of empathy and
kinship
 Distortions in perception
 Exasperates conditions of
anxiety and depression
PSILOCYBIN
Certain types of naturally
occurring mushrooms contain
hallucinogenic chemicals known
as psilocybin and psilocin.
Psilocybin and Psilocin are found
in the liberty cap mushroom
(Psilocybe semilanceata (Magic
Mushroom)
Dried mushrooms contain about
0.4 % psilocybin and trace
amounts of psilocin.
PSILOCYBIN
Psilocybine and psilocine belong
to the tryptamine family and their
effect is similar to the natural
neurotransmitter serotonine,
which is also known as the
`happiness hormone'.
Psilocybine and psilocine are
known as alkaloids which means
they are nitrogenous substances
that appear in nature. .
PSILOCYBIN
PSILOCIN
Effects of Psilocybin and
Psilocin
 Within 30 minutes of taking small
amounts (about 1-2 grams) of
mushroom, there is nausea, sweating,
feeling hot and shaky, heart racing,
lightheadedness, or anxiety.
 A relaxed feeling and a sharpening of
senses sometimes follow this. With
larger amounts (2-14 grams) they may
experience time distortion, euphoria,
seeing brilliant colors, flashing lights
and even shapes and images.
Long Term Effects of
Psilocybin and Psilocin
 Long term effects unknown
 Danger of mushroom poisoning by
inability to distinguish from
poisonous varieties
 Poisoning occurs when there is
excessive vomiting, diarrhea,
headaches, chest pain, pounding and
racing heart, fear, anxiety, paranoia,
and seizures.
MARIJUANA (cannabis)
Marijuana is a drug made from the
stems, flowering tops, leaves and
seeds of the hemp plant (cannabis
sativa).
MARIJUANA (cannabis)
The active ingredient in
Marijuana is a compound called
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Structurally THC contains
multiple carbon rings, with
several methyl groups attached,
and –OH group on a benzene
ring, as well as a five carbon
chain.
The concentration of THC is the
determines the potency and
effects of the drug.
MARIJUANA (cannabis)
MARIJUANA (cannabis)
Generally marijuana has a THC
content of 1-3% with specialized
breeding making contents of
slightly higher possible.
Hashish, made from the resin of the
hemp plant is much more potent
with concentrations between 10 to
15%.
 The THC content of any of the
products of the hemp plant
depends greatly on the
environment in which the plant is
grown.
Effects of Cannabis/THC
Feelings of relaxation
Enhanced visual and auditory
perceptions
Confusion and emotional
distress
 Has been used to relieve pain
in some terminally ill patients
Relieves Pain
Long term effects
Lethagy and apathy
Lowering of fertility
Decreased mental capacity
Gateway drug
Potential for abuse
Illegal activities associated with
Marijuana
Long term use
1. Addictive properties are not
entirely known.
2. Some experte believe that
marijuana is less addictive than
alcohol or nicotine, both of which
are legal.
3. Risk of long term brain damage is
not entirely known
Impact of THC on the Brain
1. It is known that THC affects and
influences the activity of cells at
specific sites called cannabinoid
receptors on nerve cells in the brain.
2. Some areas of the brain have many
cannabinoid receptors; others have
few or none.
3. Many cannabinoid receptors are
found in the parts of the brain that
influence pleasure, memory, thought,
concentration, sensory and time
perception, and coordinated
movement.
Legalization of Marijuana
1. Marijuana is available medically
to many terminally ill patients as
well as for some other
conditions,
2. Legalization would allow police
to focus there efforts on more
important matters
3. also taxes on marijuana would
possibly generate large
amounts of revenue,
Legalization of Marijuana
1. Increased costs to society:
especially from cancer and
heart disease from smoking
2. Increased danger from people
driving under the influence,
3. Marijuana abuse would increase
4. Marijuana’s status as a gateway
drug would lead to increased
addiction to more dangerous
drugs such as cocaine,
methamphetamines, and heroin
“Can a thorough understanding of the use and
chemical composition of these drugs lead to the
discovery of new pharmaceutical tools for
psychiatric treatment or experimentation?”
“Hallucinogens must be classed as
a toxic. They induce unmistakable
intoxications. In a broad sense they
are narcotics.”
“In all things there is a poison, and
there is nothing without a poison. It
depends only upon the dose whether
something is poisonous or not.”
-- Paracelsus -16th Century