Psychology M.8 Flashcards
Drugs that affect our nervous system and alter our state of consciousness
Psychoactive drugs
Drugs affecting NTs and dopamine
-Through imitating NT (same shape) or blocking reuptake
-Through affecting brain’s reward/pleasure centers
Person needs more of the drug to experience the same effects
Tolerance
An overwhelming desire and compulsing behavior to get the drug
Addiction
The person’s nervous system needs the drug to prevent painful withdrawal symptoms
Physiological dependency
Painful psychological and physical symptoms when a drug-dependent person stops taking the drug
Withdrawal symptoms
Depress CNS functions
Depressants
Examples of depressants (ASA)
-Alcohol
-Sleeping pills
-Anti-anxiety drugs
Effects of depressants (CSMCTR)
-Calmer mood
-Slows movement
-Memory/concentration/thinking problems
-Decrease in REM sleep
Depressant withdrawal symptoms (RAR)
-Restlessness
-Anxiety/nervousness
-REM rebound
Increase CNS functions
Stimulants
Examples of stimulants (ACNC)
-Amphetamines
-Cocaine
-Nicotine
-Caffeine
Effects of stimulants (ARSE)
-Decrease in appetite
-Restlessness
-Decrease in sleep
-Increase in energy
Stimulant withdrawal symptoms
-Opposite of effects
-Serious depression (even suicidal after 48-72hrs)
Cocaine dependency
1.To avoid intense depression
2. Cocaine blocks reuptake of dopamine
-with long term use, dopamine receptors decrease
-decreasing sense of reward and pleasure