Consciousness Altering Drugs Flashcards
Which consciousness altering drugs are stimulants?
caffeine, cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, nicotine
What does caffeine do to the NS?
increases activity of CNS, mimics sympathetic NS response
How does caffeine affect sleepiness?
antagonizes adenosine (sleepiness) receptors
Addiction
compulsive behavior that repeatedly engages reward pathway
Dependence
absence of drug causes withdrawal symptoms
Tolerance
heavy users need more of a drug for the same effect
What do amphetamines do?
increase energy, alertness, concentration and focus
appetite reduction
What does MDMA do?
increase energy and focus
decrease appetite
promotes empathy and pleasure
promotes serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine release
What does Cocaine do?
blocks serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine re uptake causing build up in the brain
What do depressants do?
reduce CNS activity
lower heart rate and blood pressure
What types of drugs are depressants?
alcohol, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, opioids, endorphins
What neurotransmitter does alcohol affect and how?
enhances action of GABA receptors, makes the brain act as if there is more GABA intake
What neurotransmitter does Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines affect and how?
increase GABA receptor activity
What are Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines used to treat?
anxiety and insomnia
Effects of Opioids
causes sedation, sleepiness, respiration depression
pain relief
