Drugs and Near Death Experiences AP Psych

Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs A chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood Work at the brain’s synapses by stimulating, inhibiting, or mimicking neurotransmitters Effects also influenced by expectations Addiction - Compulsive drug craving and use 10% of psychoactive drug users become addicted, chronic users

Tolerance and Withdrawal Tolerance – the diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug requiring the user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug’s effect. Neuroadaption – the brain adapts its chemistry to offset the drug Withdrawal – the discomfort and distress that follows discontinuing the use of an addictive drug (aches, nausea, distress)

Dependence Physical dependence – a physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued Psychological dependence – a psychological need to use a drug, such as to relieve negative emotions

Drug Categories Depressants – slow the activity of the nervous system and give people a sense of relaxation but can have negative effects Stimulants – increase the activity of the nervous system and speed up the heart and breathing rate. Stimulants include nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine Hallucinogens – drug that produces hallucinations, can cause relaxation or feelings of pleasure and sometimes feelings of panic. Mouse Party!

Depressants Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions Slow the activity in the CNS Alcohol Barbiturates Opiates

Alcohol Depressant Initial high, followed by relaxation and disinhibition The urges you would feel if you were sober are the ones you will more likely act upon if intoxicated BAC = blood alcohol content Depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions Expectations guide effects

Barbiturates and Opiates Depressants Barbiturates Tranquillizers Anti-anxiety drugs/sleep aids Opiates Derived from opium Morphine, Heroin Can cause the brain to stop naturally producing endorphins

Stimulants Drugs that easily excite neural activity and speed bodily functions Amphetamines Caffeine Nicotine Cocaine Methamphetamine Ecstasy

Cocaine Stimulant Rush of euphoria, confidence, energy Crack is more potent Rush of euphoria, confidence, energy Cardiovascular stress, paranoia, depressive crash Expectations – placebos show same results

Methamphetamine Stimulant Euphoria, alertness, energy Irritability, insomnia, high blood pressure, seizure Reduces baseline dopamine levels  permanent dopamine deficiency Horrors of Meth

Ecstasy (MDMA) Stimulant, mild hallucinogen Emotional elevation, disinhibition Dehydration, overheating Damage to serotonin producing neurons  permanently reduced mood

Hallucinogens Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input Marijuana LSD (acid)

Marijuana Depressant, mild hallucinogen Enhanced sensations, relief, distortion of time, relaxation Impaired learning and memory, lower inhibitions THC - major active ingredient in marijuana, triggers a variety of effects including mild hallucinations Effects depend on user’s expectations

LSD (Acid) Hallucinogen Hallucinations Unpredictable – high highs, low lows Can experience flashbacks later in life

Drug Use: Biopsychosocial Phenomenon Biological Psychological Social Cultural Genetic tendencies (alcoholism) Dopamine reward circuit Tolerance Lacking sense of purpose or direction Significant stress and urge to avoid Psychological disorders, such as depression Cultural ethnic group Belonging to a drug using culture group Peer pressure/influence Possible channels for drug prevention for young people… Education about drugs’ negative effects Efforts to boost self esteem and purpose in life Attempts to modify peer associations, or inoculate youth against peer pressure

Near Death Experiences An altered state of consciousness reported after a close brush with death; often similar to drug-induced hallucinations Replay of memories Out-of-body sensations Vivid visions of tunnels and bright lights 1/3 of people who have had a brush with death report having a near-death experience

Dualism vs. Monism Can the mind exist apart from the body? Dualism – the presumption that the mind and body are two distinct entities that interact. Monism – the presumption that mind and body are different aspects of the same thing.