Transcript Drugs and Consciousness

Drugs and Consciousness
Based on the book by David. G.
Myers and other sources
Faces of Meth project
Dependence and Addiction
• Psychoactive drugs – chemicals that change
moods and perceptions.
• Tolerance – a diminishing effect with regular use
of the same dose of a drug over time, requiring
the user to use more and more of the drug to get
the same effect
• Withdrawal – the discomfort and distress that
follow discontinuing the use of a drug
• Addiction – compulsive drug craving and use.
Physical and psychological dependence.
Ice “kube”
Your log, signed sheet, and a paragraph are due on:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH
Ask for an alternative by Monday if you will not
do the Ice “kube”
Depressants
Alcohol
- diminishes judgment and inhibitions
- The urges you would have when you are sober
are ones you will most likely act upon when
you are drunk Story
- As blood alcohol level rises, moral judgment
becomes less mature Story
- Alcohol disrupts processing recent memories
into long-term memory. REM sleep
disruption.
Depressants
Alcohol
• Girls and young women get addicted faster
and suffer more damage (liver, lung, brain).
• Alcohol reduces self-awareness. People who
feel bad about themselves or who feel bad
about something are more likely to turn to
alcohol. Story
• Over ½ sex offenders consumed alcohol
before.
• Women who drank found sexually
promiscuous guys more attractive than they
would if sober.
Depressants
Alcohol
• Lack of sleep has similar effect on the nervous
system as alcohol. Combining alcohol and lack
of sleep often is lethal.
• Alcoholism really does shrink the brain.
• College students consume more alcohol than
their non-college peers. Sorority and fraternity
members drink 3 times more than average
college students.
• Alcohol consumption leads to feeling invincible.
Depressants
Alcohol
• There is an observable placebo effect with
alcohol expectations. Blaming alcohol, not
themselves – convenient.
Depressants
Barbiturates and Opiates
• Barbiturates – tranquilizers such as Ketamine.
• Opiates – opium and derivatives such as
morphine, heroin. Story
Stimulants
Meth and general info.
• All stimulants temporarily excite the nervous
system – stay awake, lose weight, improve
mood and athletic performance
• Coffee and caffeinated sodas have similar
effects at a lower level.
• Aftermath includes irritability, insomnia,
hypertension, disorientation, violent outbursts
(especially with Meth).
Stimulants
Cocaine
• Crack is a potent form of cocaine
• Cocaine addiction is fast – from euphoria to
crash.
• The rush depletes natural “feel good hormones”
(endorphins – dopamine, serotonin,
norephinephrine). The crush includes agitation
and depression.
• Addicted users experience emotional
disturbances, suspiciousness and physical issues
(heart, lungs, etc.)
Stimulants
Ecstasy
• This is a “street name” for MDMA
• Feeling of connectedness with the people
around you.
• Dehydration, overheating, permanently
depressed mood Story
Hallucinogens
LSD
• Created accidentally by a chemist in 1943
• At trip can vary from euphoria to detachment to
panic.
• All hallucinations are basically the same no
matter what causes them (loss of oxygen, sensory
deprivation, or drugs)
• Simple geometric forms, followed by displays of
emotional experiences. At the peak people feel
separated from their body which can be
dangerous since they could do harm to
themselves.
Hallucinogens
Marijuana
• THC is the active ingredient
• Marijuana has a combination of various dugs,
so it is hard to classify
• Marijuana impairs perception, reaction times
(related to driving), impairs memory
formation
• THC stays in the body for up to a month or
more
• There are medical uses Story
Psychological and Social Influences
Studies show:
- Small towns have less drug use than big cities
(not a lot of genetic predisposition)
- People who feel their life is worthless,
meaningless, directionless are more likely to
abuse drugs (no job skills, no privilege)
- When young adults leave home, drug use
increases
- When they marry and have children, it decreases
- Marijuana use is not related to how rebellious
people feel, but how dangerous they think the
drug is
Psychological and Social Influences
Studies show:
- Heavy users of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine have
often experienced significant stress in their lives.
History of sexual, physical abuse or eating
disorders, depression put people at risk of drug
abuse study – monkeys separated
- Cultural background to some extend determines
the degree of drug abuse. Low among Amish,
Orthodox Jews, Mormons.
- Friends make a difference. Their values are
adapted. Teens typically overestimate their
friends. They are also more likely to stop if their
peers stop using.
Psychological and Social Influences
Studies show:
- To prevent abuse and addiction, the following
must be addressed:
1. education (long-term vs. short term goals)
2. boost peoples self-esteem, purpose in life
3. influence peers in positive ways