Altering Consciousness through Drugs

Substance Abuse and Dependence substance abuse: repeated use of a substance even though it is causing or compounding problems substance dependence: loss of control over use of a substance behavioral and biological aspects associated with tolerance, withdrawal, or both tolerance: the body’s habituation to a drug; in order to feel the effect, increasingly higher doses must be used withdrawal: symptoms that result from sudden decrease in an addictive drug’s level of usage

Substance Abuse and Dependence Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal anxiety tremors restlessness rapid pulse high blood pressure Symptoms of psychological dependence on drugs: shakiness sweating Symptoms of physiological dependence: delirium tremens (DTs) - heavy sweating, restlessness, disorientation, frightening hallucinations (often crawling animals)

Causes of Substance Abuse and Dependence Substance abuse and dependence usually begins with experimental use in adolescence. (curiosity, peer pressure, parental use, rebelliousness, escape, excitement) Certain people have a genetic predisposition toward physiological dependence on certain substances like alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and nicotine. An inherited tendency toward alcoholism may involve greater sensitivity to alcohol and greater tolerance.

Depressants Depressants slow the activity of the central nervous system.

Alcohol Alcohol is the most used drug. Excessive drinking has been linked to lower productivity, loss of employment, decline in social status. Effects of alcohol vary with the amount and duration of use. Low doses may be stimulating because it dilates blood vessels and thus sugar travels more easily through the body. Higher doses have a sedative effect. It impairs cognitive functioning, slurs speech, and impairs coordination. It lowers inhibitions. http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol/a-short-history.html

Opiates Opiates are a group of narcotics. They are derived from the poppy plant. Opiates include morphine, heroin, codeine, Demerol The major effect of opiates is pain relief. Heroin can cause a euphoric “rush”. High doses cause drowsiness and stupor, alter time perception, and impair judgement. Regular use of opiates will cause the brain to stop producing naturally occurring neurotransmitters that relieve pain. Withdrawal symptoms may begin with flu-like symptoms and then tremors, cramps, chills, sweating, rapid pulse, high bp, insomnia, vomiting, and diarrhea

Barbiturates Barbiturates are depressants. May be used for medical reasons to treat anxiety, tension, pain, epilepsy, high bp, and insomnia There is a rapid psychological and physiological dependence. Effects: relaxation mild euphoria In high doses: drowsiness, motor impairment, slurred speech, irritability, and poor judgement Someone who is physiologically dependent and is withdrawn abruptly, may experience convulsions and die.

Stimulants Stimulants increase the activity of the central nervous system. Some help cognitive activity and help people control impulses.

Amphetamines People often use amphetamines to stay awake. In high doses, an euphoric rush is produced. People who have been on a prolonged high will crash, often falling into depression and sometimes committing suicide. Dependence develops quickly. High doses can cause restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and irritability.

Cocaine Effects of cocaine: Dangers: Overdose symptoms: euphoria reduces hunger lessons pain boosts self-confidence Dangers: sudden rise in bp (coronary arteries are restricted and heart rate elevates) may lead to death Overdose symptoms: restlessness, insomnia, tremors, headaches, nausea, convulsions, hallucinations, delusions

Nicotine Nicotine causes hormones to be released: adrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and endorphins. Adrenaline accelerates the heart rate and causes sugar to enter the blood. Acetylcholine enhances memory and attention. GABA and endorphins create a relaxing effect. It depresses the appetite and raises the metabolic rate. It creates physiological dependence.

Nicotine cont. Withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, drowsiness, loss of energy, headaches, irregular bowel movements, lightheadness, insomnia, dizziness, cramps, palpitations, tremors, and sweating. Dangers: impairs blood’s ability to carry oxygen causes shortness of breath cancer stiffens arteries reduced bone density (women)

Hallucinogens Hallucination: a sensation and/or perception in the absence of external stimuli

Marijuana Effects: Health risks: relaxation enhanced mood mild hallucinations Health risks: impaired perceptual-motor coordination impaired short-term memory

LSD and Other Hallucinogens LSD (synthetic) Users say it opens “new worlds.” It causes flashbacks that mimic the “trip” PCP was developed as an animal tranquilizer. High doses may impair coordination, cloud judgment, change one’s mood, and cause frightening hallucinations and delusions.

Prescription Drugs http://www.drugfreeworld.org/real-life-stories/prescription-drug-use.html