Unit 4: Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness WHS AP Psychology Unit 4: Sensation, Perception and States of Consciousness Essential Task 4-10:Identify the major psychoactive drug categories (depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens) and classify specific drugs, including their psychological and physiological effects. Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B=76 Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184 Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

Perceptual Constancies Sensation Vision The Eye Theories Hearing The Ear Other Senses Smell Taste Pain Gestalt Principles Perceptual Constancies Perception Basic Principles Visual Illusions Depth Perception

Altered States of Consciousness Stages/REM Circadian Rhythm Disorders Hidden Observer Actor Sleep Dreams Hypnosis Meditation We are here Waking Consciousness Daydreaming and Fantasy Altered States of Consciousness Drug-Altered Consciousness Substance Abuse Stimulants Depressants Hallucinogens

OA (208-210) Why do some people become regular users of conscious altering drugs? Tell me some influences that may make people more vulnerable to drug use. In your opinion what are the symptoms or characteristics of addiction?

Addiction: Compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences Lack of control -- powerless to overcome addiction (delusions); Shame ; Effecting your life in profound ways (for you and those around you); Dependence on the behavior of substance.

Substance Use and Abuse Substance (drug) Use Using a substance but it does not yet interfere with a person’s life Substance (drug) Abuse Pattern of drug use that diminishes one’s ability to fulfill responsibilities May result in repeated use in dangerous situations May lead to legal difficulties related to drug use

Substance Use and Abuse Dependence Compulsive use of a substance Also known as addiction Can be physical, psychological or both Withdrawal After addiction, physical discomfort when the substance is stopped Tolerance More substance is required to obtain the original effect

Dependence (4 of the following 7 symptoms) Developing a tolerance Experiencing withdrawal Using substance for a longer period or in greater quantities than intended Presence of a desire or repeated attempts to cut back on use Spending a lot of time using/obtaining the substance Reduction or cessation of usual activities Continued use despite awareness of drug’s harmful effects

Dependence Psychological addiction is a psychological need to use a drug, particularly for relieving mental stress and negative emotions. Physical addiction is the need for a drug to alleviate physical pain. When the drug is discontinued, there are several withdrawal symptoms. Emotional discomfort -- anxiety Physical discomfort -- pain

Essential Task 4-10: Major psychoactive drug categories Depressants Outline Major psychoactive drug categories Depressants Alcohol Barbiturates Opiates stimulants Caffeine Nicotine Cocaine Ecstasy Amphetamines Methamphetamines Hallucinogens LSD Marijuana

Drugs and Consciousness Psychoactive Drug: A chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood (effects consciousness). I. Depressants II. Opiates (Narcotics) III. Stimulants IV. Hallucinogens OBJECTIVE 14| Define psychoactive drug.

I. Depressants Depressant drugs (downers) reduce neural activity and slow body functions. They include: Common depressants are Alcohol Barbiturates Opiates Depresses the 4th type Benzodiazepines

Alcohol Although most often used in moderation, about 14 million Americans have problems with alcohol Men are three times more likely to be problem drinkers

Alcohol Highly addictive Even moderate amounts can affect Perception Motor processes Memory Judgment Visual acuity Depth perception Cognitive functioning Low dose has a stimulating effect – its used in festive settings… but too much will have opposite effect. Reaction slows, loss of voluntary actions, if blood levels reaches .5 there is a risk of coma or death. Repertory depression. YOU NEVER want to mix these with other drugs…

Alcohol Overall effect is to calm the nervous system Sometimes perceived as a stimulant because it relaxes inhibitions It must be never mixed with sleeping pills (Barbiturates) – both depresses the nervous system. Combination might actually kill you

Barbiturates “Downers” Often Used to treat insomnia Can interfere with sleep patterns and cause dependence Effects are similar to alcohol “Truth serum”

II. Opiates (Narcotics) Drugs that depresses neural activity; pain reliever. All Opiates are Depressants Derived from the opium poppy Includes opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin Opiates resemble mimic endorphins (agonists), the body’s natural painkillers Causes euphoria followed by clouded mental functioning Brain stops producing natural endorphins Withdrawal is extremely painful! MIMIC agonists Mimics endorphins -- brain will reduce the endorphin production so the withdrawal is PAINFUL. Dependence and high tolerance!

III. Stimulants (Uppers) Substances that excite the central nervous system Blocks; neurological receptors that would sedate the nervous system. Includes drugs such as Caffeine Nicotine Cocaine Ecstasy Amphetamines Methamphetamines Blocsk = Antagonist Once again it causes tolerance, withdrawals, dependence/ psychological addiction

Caffeine The most used drug! (p.s. YOU ALL HAVE PROBLEMS!) Naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate Also added to soft drinks and pain medications Increases alertness In high doses, caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, and diarrhea #1 used drug in America! Some of you are on it right now!

Cocaine Blocks reabsorption (reuptake) of dopamine Produces increased alertness, motivation, and euphoria Crash leads to anxiety, depression, and strong cravings Crack – more potent version of cocaine –symptoms are intensified! Dopamine (pleasure), seretonin (mood), and norepinerphine (mood) whats going to happen when we lose our abilities to produce these?

Nicotine Found in tobacco Considered by many to be the most addictive stimulant in use today Affects levels of several neurotransmitters Depending on amount and time smoked, can have either sedative or stimulating effects Can lead to numerous withdrawal symptoms, including nervousness, headaches, and irritability Psychological dependence

Amphetamines Amphetamines stimulate neural activity, causing accelerated body functions and associated energy and mood changes, with devastating effects. National Pictures/ Topham/ The Image Works

Amphetamines Chemically similar to epinephrine, a hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system Increase alertness as well as feelings of well-being Can cause euphoria followed by a crash, including severe depression Leads to cycle of addiction

Amphetamines Methamphetamines = super stimulant Can cause irreversible change in mood Cause physical changes (skin, teeth, internal organs) Forms can include methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA) Ecstasy acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen Even short-term use of ecstasy may have long-term consequences Different types of amphetaines

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor Ecstasy Ecstasy or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a stimulant and mild hallucinogen. It produces a euphoric high and can damage serotonin-producing neurons, which results in a permanent deflation of mood and impairment of memory. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor Greg Smith/ AP Photos In the early days 60’s and 70’s scientists and therapists were using them. More open, loving, and affectionate to people. Increase in sensations tactile! Very very successful! Then people started using as recreational… 80’s gov made it illegal. Disrupts sleep, feeling depressed, loss in memory

Rave Culture Lights – sensory input Fuzzy clothes, pacifiers – tactile senses are heightened Very open and friendly people Currently there is a big push to use these for anxiety disorders – ptsd.

IV. Hallucinogens (psychedelics) Substances that distort visual and auditory perception LSD Produces hallucinations and delusions similar to a psychotic state Can result in psychosis, memory loss, paranoia, panic attacks, nightmares and aggression Ecstasy CAN fit in here… since increased amount of serotonin can cause hallucinations. Now the hallucinations you experience is subjective. Will you have a bad trip (oxygen deprivation) paranoia and see terrifying things or… will you have a spiritual one. Will your brain chemistry lead you to negative or positive experience.

Marijuana THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, produces symptoms such as Mild hallucinations Euphoria Enhanced sense of well-being Relaxation Distortion of time Some users may experience anxiety, paranoia, and it disrupts memory Medical Marijuana – Can be used for treatment (Cancer & Aids) Leaves, resin, stem, and flowers of the hemp plant is smoked. But it can be synthesized into fat so people can make food with it as well. Psychological dependence and physical dependence. Debated– medical marijuana

Why use psychoactive drugs? 1. Biological influences Genetic predisposing adopted children are more susceptible to drug use if their biological parents are users. 2. Psychological influences Lacking sense of purpose Significant stress Psychological disorders like depression Risk taking personality

Why use psychoactive drugs? 3. Sociocultural influences Readily available in the neighborhood Opportunities due to living situations Cultural attitude towards drugs Peer influences You will see far more drug users in diamond bar than lets say Pomona. Kids in affluent areas have the money. Bigger cities, liberal places in united states people are far more open for the use of recreational drugs. Who are you hanging out with?

Why use psychoactive drugs? 4. Biopsychosocial Influenced by genetics/emotional/social influences Combination of ALL the previous factors