Drugs and Consciousness Based on the book by David. G. Myers and other sources

Faces of Meth project

Dependence and Addiction Psychoactive drugs – chemicals that change moods and perceptions. Tolerance – a diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug over time, requiring the user to use more and more of the drug to get the same effect Withdrawal – the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of a drug Addiction – compulsive drug craving and use. Physical and psychological dependence.

Ice “kube” Your log, signed sheet, and a paragraph are due on: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 TH Ask for an alternative by Monday if you will not do the Ice “kube”

Depressants Alcohol -diminishes judgment and inhibitions -The urges you would have when you are sober are ones you will most likely act upon when you are drunk Story -As blood alcohol level rises, moral judgment becomes less mature Story -Alcohol disrupts processing recent memories into long-term memory. REM sleep disruption.

Depressants Alcohol Girls and young women get addicted faster and suffer more damage (liver, lung, brain). Alcohol reduces self-awareness. People who feel bad about themselves or who feel bad about something are more likely to turn to alcohol. Story Over ½ sex offenders consumed alcohol before. Women who drank found sexually promiscuous guys more attractive than they would if sober.

Depressants Alcohol Lack of sleep has similar effect on the nervous system as alcohol. Combining alcohol and lack of sleep often is lethal. Alcoholism really does shrink the brain. College students consume more alcohol than their non-college peers. Sorority and fraternity members drink 3 times more than average college students. Alcohol consumption leads to feeling invincible.

Depressants Alcohol There is an observable placebo effect with alcohol expectations. Blaming alcohol, not themselves – convenient.

Depressants Barbiturates and Opiates Barbiturates – tranquilizers such as Ketamine. Opiates – opium and derivatives such as morphine, heroin. Story

Stimulants Meth and general info. All stimulants temporarily excite the nervous system – stay awake, lose weight, improve mood and athletic performance Coffee and caffeinated sodas have similar effects at a lower level. Aftermath includes irritability, insomnia, hypertension, disorientation, violent outbursts (especially with Meth).

Stimulants Cocaine Crack is a potent form of cocaine Cocaine addiction is fast – from euphoria to crash. The rush depletes natural “feel good hormones” (endorphins – dopamine, serotonin, norephinephrine). The crush includes agitation and depression. Addicted users experience emotional disturbances, suspiciousness and physical issues (heart, lungs, etc.)

Stimulants Ecstasy This is a “street name” for MDMA Feeling of connectedness with the people around you. Dehydration, overheating, permanently depressed mood Story

Hallucinogens LSD Created accidentally by a chemist in 1943 At trip can vary from euphoria to detachment to panic. All hallucinations are basically the same no matter what causes them (loss of oxygen, sensory deprivation, or drugs) Simple geometric forms, followed by displays of emotional experiences. At the peak people feel separated from their body which can be dangerous since they could do harm to themselves.

Hallucinogens Marijuana THC is the active ingredient Marijuana has a combination of various dugs, so it is hard to classify Marijuana impairs perception, reaction times (related to driving), impairs memory formation THC stays in the body for up to a month or more There are medical uses Story

Psychological and Social Influences Studies show: -Small towns have less drug use than big cities (not a lot of genetic predisposition) -People who feel their life is worthless, meaningless, directionless are more likely to abuse drugs (no job skills, no privilege) -When young adults leave home, drug use increases -When they marry and have children, it decreases -Marijuana use is not related to how rebellious people feel, but how dangerous they think the drug is

Psychological and Social Influences Studies show: -Heavy users of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine have often experienced significant stress in their lives. History of sexual, physical abuse or eating disorders, depression put people at risk of drug abuse study – monkeys separated -Cultural background to some extend determines the degree of drug abuse. Low among Amish, Orthodox Jews, Mormons. -Friends make a difference. Their values are adapted. Teens typically overestimate their friends. They are also more likely to stop if their peers stop using.

Psychological and Social Influences Studies show: -To prevent abuse and addiction, the following must be addressed: 1. education (long-term vs. short term goals) 2. boost peoples self-esteem, purpose in life 3. influence peers in positive ways