1. 1 Psychopharmacology The systematic study of the effects of drugs on behavior, cognitive processing, and emotions. These drugs are called psychoactive or psychotropic drugs – drugs that change behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes by changing the normal activity of the nervous system

2. 2 Derivation of the Term Psychopharmacology Psyche – mind Pharmaka – drugs and medicine (pharmakus) Logos - study

3. 3 Factors Influencing the Effects of Drugs Factors related to the drug itself –1.the chemical structure –2.the dosage – how much was taken –3.how frequently the drug is taken –4.how long since last taken

4. 4 Factors Influencing the Effects of Drugs Factors not related to the drug –1.mind set of person taking the drug –2.the setting where the drug was taken –3.the person’s unique biomedical make up

5. 5 Good drugs and Bad Drugs? Drugs are chemicals, they are neither good nor bad. Whether viewed as good or bad depends upon –1.how much is taken –2.why it is taken –3.the context in which is taken

6. 6 History of Drug Use Use of naturally occurring psychoactive drugs has existed as long as human history The use of mushrooms, opium, cannabis, morning glory seeds, alcohol, coca leaves, and even toads have been used for thousands of years

7. 7 Other Species Use of Drugs Apes, horses, and horses prefer water with alcohol over plain water Some birds prefer fermented berries over fresh Bees prefer the intoxicating nectar of certain flowers Llamas chew coca leaves Reindeer have been known to seek hallucinogenic mushrooms Some ants maintain groups of beetles that secrete intoxicating substances

8. 8 Drugs in the 19 th Century Major change in the use of drugs – isolation or distillation of the active chemical that caused behavioral changes 1805 – morphine isolated from opium – used to treat periods of “insanity” 1857- cocaine isolated from coca leaves – used to treat depression

9. 9 Recreational and Social Use of Drugs Most likely existed before recorded history 19 th century saw the use of therapeutic drugs becoming used for recreation Jacque-Joseph Moreau a French psychiatrist, wrote about the medicinal and social use of hashish in 1845 Drugs were widely used and their use was acceptable

10. 10 Recreational and Social Use of Drugs Recreational use of drugs began to be seen as bad and immoral –Addictive properties became known –More powerful drugs isolated –Larger quantities became available Latter part of the 19 th century laws prohibiting drug use and penalties for use began to be written – not very successful

11. 11 1950’s Psychopharmacology said to have begun in the 1950’s with the widespread use of chlorpromazine or Thorazine Thorazine used as a pre-anesthesia in France to calm people. Tested on people with schizophrenia Promazine – an antihistamine used in surgery also found to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia Dramatic increase in the testing of other drugs to treat mental illness and development of new drugs

12. 12 Illegal Drugs Making certain drugs illegal or controlled substances, only to be used by MD’s, has done little to curtail the use of these drugs. May have prevented a major increase in the use of drugs. –Many people see no reason to stop –Drug abuse is wrong, but I am not abusing drugs

13. 13 What is Drug Abuse? The self administration of any drug in a manner that deviates from approved medical or societal pattern within a culture. Problem – What is considered a “deviation”? Problem – people may not recognize or admit when they meet the criteria of drug abuse

14. 14 Effects of the “War on Drugs” Use of narcotics has remained fairly constant since 1975 – use of pharmacological narcotics has dramatically increased Use of cocaine has fallen, but number of frequent users hasn’t For young adults major decline in use of cigarettes, hallucinogens, and cannabis. Alcohol use constant – binge drinking has increased

15. 15 Side Effects of the “War on Drugs” Development of new more powerful drugs that can be shipped in smaller amounts Increase in more hazardous ways of taking drugs Issue of decreasing drug abuse a very complex problem that requires more than just attempting to stop the flow of drugs

16. 16 Purpose of This Course Education about the chemicals we call drugs: –What are drugs? –What are their intended effects and side effects? –How do they work? –When can they be beneficial? Harmful? Remember, just being legal does not make a drug a “good” drug –Nicotine and alcohol