1. Drugs and Near Death Experiences
AP Psych

2. Drugs

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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!

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

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

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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.