copyright © 2001 by harcourt, inc. all rights reserved. consciousness and drugs

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Consciousness and DrugsConsciousness and Drugs

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Drugs and Consciousness

• Psychoactive Drug– a chemical substance that alters perceptions and

alters mood, and sometimes alters behavior

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical dependence• Tolerance

– diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug

• Withdrawal– discomfort and distress

that follow discontinued use of a psychoactive drug

After repeatedexposure, moredrug is needed to produce same effect

Drug dose

Drug effect

Response tofirst exposure

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Types of drugs

– Based on their effects (in the CNS)

– Quiz:• barbiturates, nicotine, heroin, Ecstasy,

methylphenidate, oxycontin, diet pills, “magic mushroom,” solvents, Xanax

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Depressants

• Reduce neural activity and slow body functions– Alcohol

• Bar study (video)

– Barbiturates– Opiates

• opium and its derivatives (morphine and heroin)

• depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular Similarity of Opiates & Molecular Similarity of Opiates & EndorphinsEndorphins

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

OpiatesOpiates

Molecular Molecular Similarity of Similarity of Opiates & Opiates & MethadoneMethadone

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stimulants

• Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions

• caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

The physiological effects of nicotine

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Cocaine Euphoria and Crash

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hallucinogens

– drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images (in the absence of sensory input)

Copyright © 2001 by Harcourt, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hallucinogens

• LSD – lysergic acid diethylamide (acid)

• Shrooms• PCP• THC

– active ingredient in marijuana– triggers a variety of effects, including mild

hallucinations