Chapter 4 - Substance Use & Other States of Consciousness

Substance Use Disorders

A compulsive pattern of drug use despite negative consequences

Physiological Dependence

Involves changes in normal bodily functions and withdraw when no drug use

Psychological Dependence

Emotional need for a drug

Tolerance

When a person needs more and more drugs to reach an effect previously acheived at a lower dosage.

Withdraw

Negative symptoms experienced when drug use is discontinued.

Depressants

Drugs that suppress the central nervous system activity. An example is Alcohol.

Stimulants

Increase overall levels of neural activity

Opioids

Serve as analgesics (decrease pain) through their effects on the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system.

Hallucinogens

Cause changes in sensory and perceptual experiences. Can involve vivid hallucinations.

Hypnosis

An extreme focus on the self that involves suggested changes of behavior and experience. Individuals undergoing hypnosis are in control of their own behaviors

Meditation

The act of focusing on a single target such as breath or a repeated sound to increase awareness of the moment. Meditation involves relaxed, yet focused, awareness