1. Drugs and Consciousness Understanding different types of drugs, how they alter consciousness, and lead to addiction.

2. Psychoactive Drugs Chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods. Psychoactive drug use leads to a buildup in tolerance, as well as physical and psychological dependencies. Not all psychoactive drugs are illegal. Like…

4. Some misconceptions about addiction Addictive drugs quickly corrupt everyone. Addictions require therapy to overcome. You can become addicted to any pleasure seeking behavior.

5. Use a drug (caffeine, to stay awake) → Tolerance (no longer have same effects from 1 cup of coffee) → drug abuse (drinking 3 Red Bulls before noon) → dependence (cannot stay awake without the Red Bulls) = ADDICTION

6. Withdrawal A substance specific disorder when an addict stops using a substance Can cause mood swings, physical pain Intensity depends on the person and the substance

7. Chemically - how do drugs affect us?

8. How drugs “get in” Drugs interact with the brain (and “get in”) in 3 ways: 1. imitating neurotransmitters and preventing them from working normally. “Fools brain” into thinking it’s real »example: heroin and marijuana 2. telling brain to constantly release a neurotransmitter – usually dopamine »example: cocaine and meth

9. How drugs “get in” (cont’d) 3 rd way – blocks neurotransmitter from connecting to a neuron – Example: curare, botulin causes paralysis by blocking ACH

10. The normal neural exchange

11. Drugs and neurons

12. 4 Classifications of Drugs 1.Depressants 2.Stimulants 3.Hallucinogens 4.Opiates

13. Depressants Calm neural activity and slow body functions. Alcohol, barbituates, opiates

15. Stimulants Speeds up heart beat, breathing, etc. Reduces fatigue temporarily. Elevates mood Caffeine, Amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, nicotine.

16. Crystal Meth Excess of dopamine = feelings of euphoria Chemicals used in making it eat at bone tissue (including teeth), and destroy neurons in the frontal cortex

17. Meth Mouth

18. Hallucinogens Distort perceptions and provide false sensory images = hallucinations. LSD, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms

19. Opiates Relieve pain and produce feelings of euphoria Include opium, morphine, codeine, heroine, methadone Come from poppy seed If abused produces most serious withdrawal symptoms

20. Heroin addiction

21. Heroin Addiction MOST difficult withdrawal Body organs will shut down Addicts need to be in detox – use methadone