Module 9: Drugs and Consciousness

Question 1

What is a psychoactive drug?

Answer 1

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods

Question 2

What is substance use disorder?

Answer 2

a disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk

Question 3

what is tolerance?

Answer 3

With repeated use, the desired effect requires larger doses

Question 4

What is addiction?

Answer 4

Compulsive craving of drugs or certain behaviors (such as gambling) despite known harmful consequences

Question 5

What is withdrawal?

Answer 5

Discomfort and distress that follow the discontinuation of an addictive drug or behavior

Question 6

What is depressants ?

Answer 6

Drugs such as alcohol, barbiturates (tranquilizers), and opiates that calm neural activity and slow body functions

Question 7

How does alcohol act?

Answer 7

• acts as a dis-inhibitor
• lows neural processing and acts as a potent sedative when paired with sleep deprivation

Question 8

what is alcohol use disorder?

Answer 8

Alcohol use is marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and a drive to continue problematic use

Question 9

what are barbiturates?

Answer 9

Depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment

Question 10

what are opiates?

Answer 10

• Constrict the pupils, slow breathing, and cause lethargy
• Depress neural activity
• codeine, morphine and heroin; addictive

Question 11

what are stimulants?

Answer 11

• caffeine and nicotine (examples)
• amphetamines: cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA), and methamphetamine
• Excite neural activity and speed up body functions
• Cause dilation of pupils, increased heart and breathing rates, rise in blood sugar, and drop in appetite

Question 12

what about nicotine?

Answer 12

• stimulating and highly addictive psychoactive drug in tobacco
• Signals the central nervous system to release a flood of neurotransmitters
• Diminishes appetite, boosts alertness and mental efficiency, calms anxiety, and reduces sensitivity to pain

Question 13

What is cocaine?

Answer 13

• produces a quick rush of euphoria
• Psychological effects depend on dosage and form consumed and the user’s expectations and personality

Question 14

what is methamphetamine?

Answer 14

• high addictive

Question 14

what is ecstasy (MDMA)?

Answer 14

• Synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen
• Produces euphoria but with short-term health risks and longer-term harm to mood and cognition

Question 15

What is hallucinogens?

Answer 15

• Distort perceptions
• Call up sensory images without any input from the senses

Question 16

What is marijuana?

Answer 16

• THC
• When smoked or eaten, produce increased sensitivity to colors, sounds, tastes, and smells
  
  • everything is heightened
• Lingers in the body
• Can relax, disinhibit, impair motor and perceptual skills, and diminish reaction time

Question 17

What is LSD?

Answer 17

• Lysergic acid diethylamide; also known as acid
• POWERFUL hallucinogenic drug

Question 18

What is medical purpose of marijuana?

Answer 18

Alleviates chronic pain and chemotherapy-related nausea