Altering Consciousness with Drugs

Question 1

Psychoactive drugs (definition)

Answer 1

psychoactive drugs alter functioning in various ways such as emotional, cognitive, behavioural, physiological, etc,.

*favourable alterations drive recreational drug choice

Question 2

What factors influence drug effects?

Answer 2

-age
-mood
-body weight
-dose
-administration
-expectations (placebo & nocebo)
-tolerance (decrease effects over time)

Question 3

Commonly abused narcotics (opiates) & effects
(heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl)

Answer 3

heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl

why?: pain relief

effects: euphoria, anxiety reduction

side effects:
-motor function deficits (clumsiness)
-mental function deficits (↓attention/alertness)
-nausea
-lethargy

Question 4

Commonly abused sedatives & effects
(barbiturates & benzos)

Answer 4

barbiturates (depressants/downers), benzodiazepines

why?: sleep, anticonvulsant

effects: anxiety reduction, reduced inhibitions (relaxed/care-free)

side effects:
-similar to narcotics
-dejection (feeling low, come-down)

Question 5

Commonly abused stimulants & effects
(cocaine, amphetamines)

Answer 5

cocaine, amphetamines, etc,.

why?: hyperactivity (ADHD), narcolepsy

effects: alertness, energy, excitement

side effects:
-anxiety
-insomnia
-↑blood pressure & heart rate

Question 6

Commonly abused hallucinogens & effects
(LSD, mescaline, psilocybin)

Answer 6

LSD, mescaline, psilocybin

why?: no medical uses

effects: ↑sensory awareness, altered sense of time

side effects:
-jumbled thoughts
-impaired judgement
-pupil dilation

Question 7

Cannabis effects

Answer 7

THC, marijuana, hashish

why?: glaucoma, chemotherapy induced nausea

effects: mild euphoria, ↑sensory awareness

side effects:
-anxiety
-mental & motor functioning deficits
-bloodshot eyes

Question 8

Alcohol effects

Answer 8

ethyl alcohol substances (e.g., wine, beer, etc,.)

why?: no medical uses

effects: mild euphoria, ↓inhibitions

side effects:
-hangover
-mental & motor functioning deficits
-frequent urination

Question 9

ALDH2 gene mutation

Answer 9

*aka aldehyde 2 gene mutation

alcohol side effects:
-feel sick
-flushed cheeks (“asian glow”)

Question 10

Drug dependence (physical)

Answer 10

-withdrawal illness avoidance
-drug-related cues also yield symptoms

*highest physical dependence: narcotics & sedatives

Question 11

Drug dependence (psychological)

Answer 11

-intense craving satisfaction
-key factor: mesolimbic dopamine pathway dysregulation (pleasure-reward system)

*highest psychological dependence: stimulants