Psychoactive Drugs Chapter 4

Chemical substances that affect a person’s mental or emotional state. Psychoactive Drugs Chemical substances that affect a person’s mental or emotional state. Can affect mood, thought processes, perceptions and behavior

People use psychoactive drugs to; Change their alertness Alter their mental states Blunt awareness of life stresses Seek some type of inner truth

There are 2 types of psychoactive drugs; Illegal or illicit- Heroin, Methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana 2. Legal- Alcohol, tobacco and caffeine

About 1 in every 12 Americans uses an illicit drug. Illicit drugs Nearly ½ of all Americans admit to using an illicit drug at some point in their lives (marijuana being the #1 answer). About 1 in every 12 Americans uses an illicit drug.

Drug Abuse Maladaptive or dangerous use of a chemical substance If drug use impairs a person’s health or ability to function at home, school, or on the job, or if it is associated with dangerous behavior, the person has crossed the line between use and abuse.

Drug Dependence

Poly Abusers- People who abuse more than one drug. Drug Abuse Poly Abusers- People who abuse more than one drug.

Drug Dependence A severe drug-related problem characterized by impaired control over the use of a drug. People who become dependent on a drug feel compelled to use the drug or are powerless to stop using it, even when they know it’s ruining their lives.

About 1 in 10 adults develop a drug disorder sometime in their lives. Drug Dependence About 1 in 10 adults develop a drug disorder sometime in their lives. Physiological dependence- A state of physical dependence on a drug caused by repeated usage that changes body chemistry.

Drug Dependence Withdrawal Syndrome- Occurs when a person abruptly stops usage of a drug. Nausea (most common) Agitation Depression Anxiety Death (alcohol)

Drug Dependence Psychological dependence- A pattern of compulsive or habitual use of a drug to satisfy a psychological need. Used to lessen or eliminate anxiety or stress Some drugs like nicotine, alcohol and heroin can lead to both physiological and psychological dependence.

Depressants Drugs that reduce central nervous system activity, which slows down bodily processes like heart rate and respiration rate Induce feelings of relaxation Some produce a rush of pleasure In high doses, depressants can kill by stopping vital bodily functions (breathing)

Alcohol Alcohol is an intoxicant- a chemical substance that produces a state of drunkenness. In heavy doses, depressant effects on the central nervous system can induce a state of stupor, unconsciousness and even death

Alcohol Alcohol affects the brain, clouding judgment and impairing concentration and attention as well as the ability to weigh the consequences of behavior. People may do or say things that they wouldn’t normally say when they are intoxicated.

Calming or sedating drugs that are either used medically or abused. Barbiturates Calming or sedating drugs that are either used medically or abused. Can induce drowsiness, slur speech and impair motor skills. Overdoses can cause convulsions or even death. Withdraw carefully or death can occur.

Narcotics that are addictive due to their pain-relieving qualities, Opiates Narcotics that are addictive due to their pain-relieving qualities, Morphine, codeine, heroin (poppy plants) Have legitimate uses as painkillers 3 million Americans have used heroin the most widely used opiate

Stimulants Amphetamines- boost alertness and arousal in the brain and cause overall pleasure. Most common; “meth” and “speed”. More than 12 million people in America have tried meth. Meth usage can cause brain damage and…

Meth Mouth!

Stimulants Cocaine- A natural stimulant derived from the coca plant. Can be snorted, smoked, ingested, and injected. Smoking crack allows the drug to reach your brain the fastest. Withdrawal can be rough, with many people relapsing to feel the pleasure the drug gave them. Not listed as a controlled substance until 1970

Prolonged use can lead to; MDMA (Ecstasy) An amphetamine-like drug produced in underground laboratories that provides a euphoric effect. Prolonged use can lead to; cognitive deficits, memory problems, Learning/attention problems Wearing glow necklaces and dancing to terrible music

A mild, but highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco. Nicotine A mild, but highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco. Physiological dependence can begin in the first few weeks. Can lead to psychological dependence as a way of coping with stresses in life.

400,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and 4 million worldwide. Nicotine Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. and also worldwide. 400,000 deaths annually in the U.S. and 4 million worldwide. More people have quit smoking than are currently smoking.

Caffeine Found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, etc. Regular use leads to physiological dependence, but most people can maintain control. Not tied to health risks when used in moderation (except in pregnant women).

LSD (acid) and Marijuana are the most widely used. Hallucinogens Drugs that alter sensory perceptions, producing distortions or hallucinations in visual, auditory, or other sensory forms. LSD (acid) and Marijuana are the most widely used.

Produces vivid hallucinations. LSD Produces vivid hallucinations. Pupil dilation, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. “Bad trips” cause people to suffer intense anxiety, panic, psychotic episodes and/or delusions.