4.4 Consciousness-Altering Drugs

Question 1

Depressants

Answer 1

• Reduce nervous sys activity → a sense of relaxation and reduced anxiety
• Inc GABA receptor activity
• Ex: Alcohol, Barbiturates and benzodiazepines

Question 2

Alcohol myopia

Answer 2

inability to recognize consequences of actions, creating a short-sighted view of the world

Question 3

Stimulants

Answer 3

• Inc in arousal in the nervous system

- Ex: Amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA)

Question 4

Amphetamines

Answer 4

• Inc dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin concentration at the synaptic cleft and dec their reuptake
• Physiological effects = inc in HR and BP
• Psychological effects = euphoria, hyper vigilance, anxiety, delusions of grandeur, and paranoia

Question 5

Cocaine

Answer 5

• Dec reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

- Has anesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties and will sometimes used in surgeries

Question 6

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Answer 6

• Hallucinogen combined with amphetamine
• Physiological effects = in HR, inc BP, blurry vision, sweating, nausea, and hyperthermia
• Psychological effects = euphoria, in alertness, overwhelming sense of well-being and connectedness

Question 7

Opiates

Answer 7

naturally occurring form of opium, includes morphine and codeine

Question 8

Opioids

Answer 8

semisynthetic derivatives of opium, includes heroin, oxycodone and hydrocodone.
- Cause a dec rxn to pain, euphoria and death by respiratory depression

Question 9

Heroin (diacetylmorphine)

Answer 9

was originally created as a sub for morphine but when injected it rapidly metabolizes heroin to morphine

Question 10

Hallucinogens

Answer 10

• EX: lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): peyote, mescaline, ketamine, and psilocybin-containing mushrooms
• Cause distortions of reality, enhancement of sensory experiences, and introspection
• Physiological effects = inc HR and BP, dilation of pupils, sweating, and in body temp

Question 11

THC

Answer 11

• Active chemical in Marijuana
• acts on cannabinoid receptors, glycine receptors, and opioid receptors
• inhibits GABA activity and indirectly inc dopamine activity
• Physiological effects = eye redness, dry mouth, fatigue, impairment of short-term memory, inc HR, in appetite, lowered BP
• Psychological effects = same as stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens

Question 12

Drug addiction

Answer 12

mediated by the mesolimbic pathway, which includes the nucleus accumbens (Nac), medial forebrain bundle (MFB), and ventral tegmental area (VTA)
- same pathway is involved in motivation and emotional response → pos reinforcement of substance use