Transcript Marijuana
Intro Psych States of Consciousness: Drugs and Consciousness – Module 17 Apr 22-24, 2009 Classes #36-37 Drugs and Consciousness: Altering consciousness with drugs • In this final section on states of consciousness, we will discuss some of the chemicals that alter consciousness by inducing changes in perception, mood, or behavior – Because of their ability to alter psychological processes, these chemicals are referred to as psychoactive drugs Altering consciousness with drugs… • Psychoactive drugs are taken to achieve a state of consciousness the user considers to be positive, pleasant, even euphoric – No reasonable person would take a drug because he or she expected to have a negative or unpleasant experience • Unfortunately, this is sometimes the case Psychoactive Drugs • Any substance that alters: – Mood – Awareness of the external environment – Awareness of the internal environment • Examples: – Marijuana, LSD, cocaine, heroine, alcohol, nicotine, codeine, caffeine, etc. Factors that influence the effects of drugs • Dose-dependent effects – The amount of the drug influences its effect • Its intensity • The kind of effect it has on the person • Tolerance • Refers to the lessened effect the drug will produce with continued usage – Cross-tolerance • Can sometimes occur when one takes a certain drug that then produces a tolerance in another drug of that type – Example: alcohol can produce a tolerance for antianxiety drugs Factors that influence the effects of drugs • Interaction effects – The effects of some drugs can be drastically altered if they are taken in combination with other drugs – The combination is often greater than what one might think the sum of the two drugs would be • Individual differences – Chemical, personality, and experience differences will often cause the same dosage of a drug to produce much different effects depending on the individual who is taking it • Expectations – Psychological factor is often present as individuals sometimes produce the effect that they expect the drug will produce • People often get “drunk” on O’Douls • Saline solution often stops pain in those thinking they are receiving a pain killer Types of Psychoactive Drugs • Depressants – Reduce physiological arousal and help individuals to relax • Opiates – Have the effect of dulling or numbing the senses – Can produce a sleeplike state • Stimulants – Increase arousal – Produce states of arousal • Hallucinogens – Distort sensory experience Depressants • Alcohol • Barbituates • Benzodiazephines Alcohol • Alcohol is a depressant yet we often feel lively after a couple of drinks… – It gives this feeling by slowing down the brain centers that control judgments and inhibitions Celebrities and athletes have high rates of drinking problems… Curious Effects • Memory • Sex • Hangover Alcoholism • Refers to one’s dependence on alcohol that seriously interferes with one’s life • Most common and costly form of drug abuse in U.S. • Aproximately 7% of adults 18 and over (10M people) • Traditionally more common (about 2 to 1) among males but recent research suggests that women are closing this gap Detrimental Effects • Life span of average alcoholic is 12 years shorter than the norm • Alcoholism ranks as the third leading cause of death in U.S. • More than one-third suffer at least one coexisting mental disorder • Organic impairment such as brain shrinkage occurs in a high proportion of alcoholics • About 20% attempt suicide • About 10% are successful Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence • Use alcohol to boost self-confidence and to relax around others • Drink to forget their problems or to relieve stress • Often are the ones who want “one more” drink even when their friends have stopped drinking • After friends have left they drink with new friends…often close the bar…stay past last call • Get drunk without planning to • Have blackouts Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence • Lie about their drinking, try to hide it, sneak drinks at work or school • Drink in the morning to cure a hangover • May begin to have financial, work, or family problems • Complete loss of control Treatments • Rehab Centers – Treatment centers where the addict is supervised 24/7 – Supervised detoxification period to eliminate drugs from our bodies system • Alcoholics Anonymous – Self-help group – Little research because of members anonymity but indications are most don’t stick to it – Need to go to regular meetings for it to work – 90 meetings in first 90 days and then at least once per week after that • Antabuse – A type of aversion therapy where usually a pill is taken that will cause the patient to become sick whenever they drink alcohol Barbiturates • Barbiturates are powerful depressants that slow down the central nervous system – Classified as sedative/hypnotics • Once a very commonly used tranquilizer but because they are highly habit-forming their usage decreased – They have effects similar to alcohol – They depress sympathetic nervous system activity – They have been used to induce sleep and reduce anxiety • In large doses, can lead to impaired memory and judgment Benzodiazepines • Benzodiazepines (commonly referred to as benzos) are a more recent generation of tranquilizers – Some of the more common benzodiazepines are: ativan, librium, valium, and xanax – They are usually prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and sleep problems, they can also, be used to treat panic disorders and muscle spasms, and occasionally used in the treatment of epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal Short-Term Effects • • • • • Relaxation Drowsiness Dizziness Confusion Mood swings Common Long-term Effects • • • • • • Lethargy Irritability Nausea Loss of sexual interest Increased appetite Increased weight Opiates • Derived from opium these drugs depress CNS functioning • Include: opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin • Have the effect of dulling or numbing the senses… – Pupils constrict – Breathing slows – User becomes lethargic • For a few hours, such things as pain and anxiety are replaced by blissful pleasure But for bliss you pay the price… • Unfortunately, the bliss is eventually replaced by a gnawing craving for another fix • The need for progressively larger doses will lead to the physical anguish of withdrawal if use is discontinued – If the user has taken opiates regularly, the withdrawal symptoms may appear after only a few hours have passed since the last dose and peak after 2-3 days – The symptoms include aches, nausea, fever, trembling, convulsions, sweating and shivering. • For some…the ultimate price to pay is death by overdose But for bliss you pay the price… • The path to addiction is insidious… – When repeatedly flooded with these artificial opiates – the brain stops producing its own natural opiates (endorphins) – So, when the drug is withdrawn, the brain lacks the normal level of these painkilling neurotransmitters • The result is the raw agony of withdrawal Effects can be dangerous… • Immediately after taking the drug the user will experience a rush of euphoria • Feelings of hunger and pain are suppressed, along with sexual desire • There is always a danger of an overdose when the drug is bought on the street as it is very difficult to determine how strong the mixture is – A fatal respiratory failure may develop Stimulants • Increase arousal and cause states of euphoria that are generally referred to as highs • The two most powerful that are abused: – Amphetamines – Cocaine Amphetamines • SLANG TERMS – – – – – – – – uppers ups wake ups bennies dexies black beauties jollies speed • An amphetamine is a drug that is a stimulant to the central nervous system Amphetamines • Amphetamines are colorless and may be inhaled, injected, or swallowed… – These drugs may be used medically to treat depression, obesity, and other conditions • Amphetamines are also used non-medically to: – Avoid sleep – Improve athletic performance – Counter the effects of depressant drugs IMMEDIATE EFFECTS • • • • • • • • • Increased talkativeness Increased aggressiveness Increased breathing rate Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Reduced appetite Dilated pupils Visual hallucinations Auditory hallucinations EFFECTS OF LARGE DOSES • • • • • • • • • • Fever and sweating Dry mouth Headache Paleness Blurred vision Dizziness Irregular heartbeat Tremors Loss of coordination Collapse • Death may also occur due to burst blood vessels in the brain, heart failure, or very high fever LONG-TERM EFFECTS • Mental illness similar to paranoid schizophrenia… – Amphetamine Psychoses • Delusions like those seen in paranoid schizophrenia– the long-term effect of high doses cause an overproduction of dopamine • Malnutrition due to suppression of appetite • Increased susceptibility to illness due to poor diet, lack of sleep and unhealthy environment • Violence and aggression • Multiple drug users may use other drugs to counter unwanted side effects of amphetamines LONG-TERM EFFECTS • Infections resulting from IV injections • Blockage of blood vessels • Tolerance and dependence Methamphetamine • A.k.a. meth – A powerful stimulant drug, classified as a psychostimulant – One of today’s “drugs of choice” – Very popular – The alarming growth over the last 10 years and, in part, its popularity can be explained by the drug’s wide availability, ease of production, low cost, and highly addictive nature Why do people use meth? • Initially, methamphetamine decreases fatigue and appetite, heightens attention, and increases activity and respiration, creating feelings of high energy • Meth enables people to stay awake and be physically (also sexually) active for long periods How does meth work? • Methamphetamine releases large amounts of dopamine in the brain, causing feelings of pleasure and euphoria • Withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and an intense craving for more of the drug • In some cases, psychotic symptoms may persist for months or years following use How is meth used? • Injecting or smoking methamphetamine produces a short but intense and pleasurable “rush.” • When taken orally or by snorting, meth causes a less intense but much longer-lasting high that persists for several hours. Complications • “Meth mouth” includes rampant caries (cavities) due to the combined effects of meth’s acidic nature, its xerostomic (dry mouth) effect, and the tooth grinding and teeth clenching often observed in meth addicts • Added to these effects, methamphetamine use often makes its users crave high-calorie (i.e., sugar-laden) soft drinks WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS • Amphetamines are addictive – Because of this, when the user discontinues use or reduces the amount he/she uses, withdrawal symptoms may occur WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS • • • • • • • Severe exhaustion Deep sleep lasting from 24 to 48 hours Psychotic reaction Extreme hunger Deep depression Anxiety reactions Long but disturbed sleep Cocaine • Effects are similar to amphetamines but the rush is much more intense… – SLANG TERMS • Coke • Crack • Dust • Snow • Blow • Flakes • Bloke • Bernice • Dream Cocaine • Cocaine is an addictive substance which comes from coca leaves or is made synthetically – This drug acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system – Cocaine appears as a white powder substance which is inhaled, injected, freebased (smoked), or applied directly to the nasal membrane or gums – Cocaine gives the user a tremendous "rush“ – These chemicals trick the brain into feeling it has experienced pleasure PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS • Increased – Heart Rate – Breathing – Blood pressure • Nausea • Weight loss • Tremors • Insomnia • Rapid breathing • Twitching • Fever • Paleness PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS • • • • • • • • • Sexual problems (impotence) Dilated pupils Cold sweats Fatigue Constipation Headaches Blurred vision Seizures Nasal congestion PERSONALITY EFFECTS • • • • • • • • Lying Stealing Superior attitude Less ambition Argumentativeness/short temper Job problems Denial of responsibility Depression PERSONALITY EFFECTS • • • • • • • • Confusion Increased number of accidents Hallucinations Anxiety Paranoia Poor concentration Loss of interest in sex Flattened and dulled emotions Addiction • The effects of cocaine occur within the first few minutes, peak in 15-20 minutes and disappear in about 1 hour • The immediate effects are what make cocaine so addicting • The user is willing to endure the lows in order to experience the highs • Cocaine is highly addictive • Every use of the drug makes the addiction stronger Hallucinogens • Marijuana • LSD • PCP Marijuana • About 1 in 3 Americans has used marijuana at least once and approximately 10% of the population uses it on a regular basis • Next to tobacco and alcohol, marijuana is the most popular substance chosen by young people for regular use Marijuana • Triggers a mixture of effects that makes this drug difficult to classify… – Like alcohol it has a depressant effect… • It relaxes, disinhibits, impairs motor coordination – It is also a mild hallucinogen • It can slow the passage of time and amplify one’s sensitivity to colors, sounds, tastes, and smells Marijuana • Dried leaves of the cannabis plant • Usually smoked, but can be eaten in cookies, candy or brownies • Marijuana’s effects vary widely from person to person – Mood swings from “placid dreaminess to euphoric gaiety” – Negative mood swings are rare Marijuana • Effects cognition… – Users believe that things are more interesting, more profound, that they are more creative • Research has shown this is not the case – Increased distractibility – Decline in short term memory Marijuana • Very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream when smoked • Takes longer when eaten, but the effects last longer as well • Effects physical coordination and perceptual abilities – Not much different than alcohol when it comes to driving…probably should stay away from heavy equipment too… LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) • Causes a disruption of serotonin brain receptors and this leads to hallucinations • It comes in a variety of forms but is virtually always taken orally Effects • Onset – Generally 20-60 min. • Duration – Primary effects last 6-8 hrs. • Experience – Beginning is a sort of anticipation, then a slight energy surge, something is different feeling, lights may seem to have an extra twinkle, then effects get stronger – feelings of insight, confusion, paranoia, and quickly changes emotions (happiness to fear to joy to irritation, etc) Problems • Although a euphoric state is often achieved, LSD users must be prepared for a “bad trip”… – Recent experiences such as unsettling events during the day can blossom into more serious distress and trauma while tripping – A “bad trip” can produce vividly, terrifying images…so much so that its possible for someone to jump out of a window in order to get away from these images – Very important for these drug users to take precautions so that tragedies can be averted Problems • Post-hallucinogen perceptual disorder – At least 5% of LSD users experience LSD flashbacks… – Sudden, uncontrollable recurrences of perceptual distortions like those experienced on a “trip” – Person “freaks out” because they have no clue what is happening to them – May become chronically anxious because of this – Seems that the drug is stored somewhere in the body and later released • Using LSD can result in chromosomal damage Problems • Some people become psychologically dependent on LSD – Not usually physiologically addictive though PCP (Phencyclidine) • Commonly referred to as “angel dust” this substance is often sprinkled over dried parsley, oregano, or marijuana leaves, it can be smoked and effects noted within 2 to 5 minutes, then peaking at 15 to 30 minutes • Taken orally, in the pill form or mixed with food or beverages, PCP's effects are usually noted within 30 minutes and tend to peak at about 2 to 5 hours Angel Dust • Lower doses of PCP typically produce euphoria and decreased inhibition as may be seen with drunkenness • Mid-range doses cause body wide anesthetic with enhanced sensations and impaired perceptions which may result in panic reactions and violent defensive behaviors • Large doses may produce paranoia, auditory hallucinations, psychosis similar to schizophrenia • Massive doses, more commonly associated with ingesting the drug, may cause cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, muscle rigidity, acute renal failure, and death – Because of the analgesic properties of PCP, users who incur significant injuries may not feel any pain Near-Death Experiences…do we really have them??? • Gallup (1982) – Huge nationwide survey – 15% reported having a close brush with death – One-third of these (8 million people) reported having a mystical experience in connection with it Siegel (1977) • Many similarities between “near-death” experiences and typical hallucinogenic experiences – Visions of tunnels or funnels – Bright lights – Beings of light – Replay of old memories – Out-of-body sensations Near-Death Experiences • Often, oxygen deprivation is occurring during injuries to the brain – these are known to produce hallucinations • Since reports are always of a positive nature… • Interesting note: – Some researchers have interviewed people who have experienced both and say that these people deny their similarities – In addition, those in the near-death experience are permanently changed by the experience which is not the case with hallucinations – They usually become kinder, more spiritual people