psych test 3 Flashcards
chapter 5-7
psychoactive drugs
chemicals that influence consciousness or behaviour by altering brains chemical message system
3 categories of psychoactive drugs
depressants, stimulants & psychedelics
what’s the major active ingredient in marijuana
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
drug tolerance
the body learns the drugs effects and becomes less effective over time which leads people to want higher doses to feel the same effect
withdrawal
physical dependence on the drug needs drugs to function more or less normally
psychological dependence
strong desire to use the drug again even after withdrawal symptoms fade
drug addiction
strong compulsion to use a substance even though doing so causes problems for the user (health, relationships, responsibilities)
what are Americans developing addictions to
pain killers, heroin & fentanyl
in what situations is addiction more common
coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, depression
what can help recovery
meditation, support from friends, family, is other members or social network also quit
depressants
psychoactive drugs that decrease activity in the nervous system
effects of high doses of depressants
decreases nervous system activity which impairs thinking, induce coma or stop breathing
what happens when you become physically dependent on depressants
exacerbate the problem the people took the drug to correct “rebound effect”
what’s the most common used depressant
alcohol
what’s happens when someone thinks they’re drinking alcohol but they aren’t
they truly feel intoxicated and act accordingly
long term effects of use of alcohol
cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease
alcohol poisoning
can shut down parts of brain that control breathing, heart rate & body temperature
low dose of alcohol
protects against heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes
stimulants
psychoactive drugs that affect consciousness by increasing arousal, making people feel alert, energetic, euphoric
most common stimulant
caffeine
what does drinking coffee reduce
chance of getting cancer, Parkinsons disease and type 2 diabetes
amphetamines
treat psychological disorders, ADHD and narcolepsy
most common treatment for ADHD
methylphenidate
effects of methamphetamine and cocaine
irritability, fatigue, insomnia, depression, risk for heart failure and stroke
chronic meth use
impairs social functioning, leading to social isolation, depression and aggressiveness
frequent cocaine use
emotional disturbances, muscle tics, paranoia, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure
psychedelics
changes contents of conscious awareness, distorting perceptions, changing moods and thoughts
hallucinogenes
creates mystical experiences, feelings of contentedness or unity with universe
why do people use hallucinogens
to trigger positive emotions of euphoria “good trip” but can trigger disturbing emotions of “bad trip”
hallucinations from LSD and psilocybin
can trigger a psychiatric condition resembling schizophrenia
MDMA
used in social settings such as clubs and raves, feelings of elation, empathy and closeness to others
risks of ecstasy
risk of heart failure, kidney failure and stroke
prolonged ecstasy
mood disturbances, impaired memory, difficulty sleeping and weakened immune system
effects of THC
relaxation, euphoria, heightened sensation of colour, smell, sound and taste
