Brainwaves and the effect of Drugs/ASCs Flashcards
What do brain wave levels indicate?
Changes in consciousness and alertness
What are the 4 common brain wave descriptions?
beta (highest frequency, lowest amplitude)
alpha (mid frequency, mid-high amplitude)
theta (mid frequency, high amplitude mixed w/ low amplitude)
Delta (lowest frequency, highest amplitude)
What are beta brainwaves?
Beta are fastest waves
associated with alertness and intensive mental activity during NWC
E.g- engaging in conversation, thinking deeply, electrician rewiring stuff, concentration
Beta waves are also present during states of tension, anxiety, threat, fear and when dreaming during a period of rapid eye movement sleep (Jovanov, 2011).
What are alpha brainwaves?
originate in visual cortex, rhythmic pattern
most strong when eyes are closed and will stop if a relaxed person is disturbed/open their eyes
frequent when were awake but are relaxed/internally focused
E.g- relaxing after completing mentally active task, thinking about it
What are theta brainwaves?
wave pattern is a medium frequency and some high-amplitude (large) waves mixed with some low-amplitude (small) waves
most commonly produced when drowsy, falling asleep or just before waking (little is produced in NWC in adults)
They may also be produced when awake and engaged in creative activities, during dream-like visual imagery, when excited and when deeply meditating (Jovanov, 2011; Tatum, 2014).
What are delta brainwaves?
most commonly associated with deep, dreamless sleep or unconsciousness.
begin in stage 3 of non-REM, stage 4 has mostly delta
predominant in waking states throughout infancy/early childhood, decreasing to less than 10% of waking time by about age 10 years (Tatum, 2014).
Delta waves have a pattern of low-frequency (slow) and high (large) amplitude. They are very slow and the slowest of all the brain waves.
variables that effect brainwaves when using drugs are…
the type of stimulant or depressant that is taken
the dose (amount) and potency (strength)
personal characteristics of the individual e.g. body weight, physiology, sex, age, health and wellbeing, prior use, personality, mood, expectations
method of administration e.g. oral, injection, inhalation, skin patch
when administered e.g. daytime or night time before sleep
whether other drugs are also taken
context e.g. alone or with others, social or medical situation.
what are ASC depressants?
drugs that decrease CNS and bodily activity, make you tired or relaxed/reduced brain activity
increase delta/alpha/theta waves, decrease beta waves
heroine morphine codeine Valium alcohol
what are ASC stimulants?
drugs that can increase activity in the CNS and alert/activate you (causing altered state)
increase beta waves, decrease the/alpha/delta waves
caffeine nicotine amphetamines cocaine ecstasy
