Altered States of Consciousness (Psychoactive Drugs) 3/3 Flashcards
Psychoactive drugs
Mind-altering drugs that effect one or all of these: Mood, perception, and/or behavior.
How do they work?
By blocking or enhancing messenger neurons.
Agonist drugs
Increase the effect of neurotransmitters (Opiates, LSD).
Antagonist drugs
Block the effects of neurotransmitters (Botox, antihistamines (allergy pills), curare).
Addict
Someone who no longer controls how much or how often they take a drug (addictions).
Tolerance
When someone may need more of a drug to feel the same effects. Can be built up from constant use (When one shot used to give you the effect, it now takes four).
Physiologically addictive
Body craves it when it’s not there (head hurting from no caffeine) and goes through withdrawals.
Psychologically addictive
The mind needs it to focus and constantly wants it.
Withdrawals
Suffering when an addict stops taking drugs (shaking, pain, can’t stop thinking about the drugs).
Some methods of ingestion
Injection, smoking, inhaling, ect. Injection is the fastest because it goes straight into your bloodstream.
Marijuana
An intoxicant. Its addictive ingredient is THC from a cannabis plant. Can be smoked. Is a gateway drug.
Mild hallucinogen.
Effects: Enhanced sensation, relief of pain, distortion of time, relaxation.
Negative side effects: Damages lungs, impaired learning and memory, increased risk of later psychological disorders.
Gateway drug
Used as a starter, leading to other stronger drugs (marijuana, alcohol).
Stimulants
Increase energy and alertness. Cocaine, caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine (cigarettes).
Nicotine
Is a nerve poison.
Stimulant.
Effects: Arousal and relaxation, sense of well-being
Negative side effects: Heart disease, cancer
Crack cocaine
Cocaine is expensive so they made crack, which are rocks you melt and smell the fumes of. Much stronger and works faster so both rich and poor people go back quicker for more.
Stimulant.
Effects: Rush of euphoria, confidence, energy
Negative side effects: Cardiovascular stress, suspiciousness, depressive crash
Methamphetamine (Meth)
Has acid put into it. You can melt and smell the fumes or inject it. It’s cheep.
Stimulant.
Effects: Euphoria, alertness, energy
Negative side effects: Irritability, insomnia, hypertension, seizures
Pervitin
Made of meth and cocaine. Used to keep soldiers awake for longer in war like the Nazis. American GI’s were given drugs like cigarettes to increase awake time too though.
Stimulant.
Hallucinogens (Psychedelic drugs)
Cause hallucinations of sight and sound (certain mushrooms and cacti, LSD, ecstasy, etc).
LSD
Can be hidden on stickers so that when young buyers put it on their tongue the paper dissolves they get the hit.
Hallucinogen.
Effects: Visual “trip”
Negative side effects: Risk of panic
Ecstasy
Both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. Aka MDMA
Effects: Emotional elevation, disinhibition
Negative side effects: Dehydration, overheating, depressed mood, impaired cognitive and immune functioning
Depressants
Lower inhibitions (sense and good judgment) and cause permanent damage to developing brains in younger people. Tranquilizers, sleeping pills, alcohol, ect.
Alcohol
4% of the world is alcoholic, and women are more likely to be addicted than men. The younger you start the more likely you are to be an alcoholic and have later psychological problems.
Depressant.
Effects: Initial high, followed by relaxation and disinhibition
Negative side effects: Depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions
Opiates
They reduce pain (analgesic) and create a pleasurable state of mind (euphoria). They stop the brain from producing natural endorphins (painkillers) so withdrawals cause extreme pain. Heroine, morphine, codeine (cough medicine, etc).
Analgesic
Drugs that reduce pain. Can be an effect of opiates.
