AP Psychology: Unit 5 Topic 2

Psychoactive Drug Use

consciousness

our awareness of ourselves and our environment

psychoactive drug

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood (effects consciousness)

tolerance

more substance is required to obtain the original effect

withdrawal

after addiction, physical discomfort when the substance is stopped

physical/physiological dependence

the need for a drug to alleviate physical pain

psychological dependence

a psychological need to use a drug, particularly for relieving mental stress and negative emotions

addiction

compulsive craving of drugs or certain behaviors despite known adverse consequences

depressants

reduce neural activity and slow body functions

barbiturates

sleeping pills prescribed to treat insomnia

opiates

• a class of drug that resemble endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers (blocks pain signals)

• highly addictive

• causes euphoria followed by clouded mental functioning

stimulants

substances that excite the central nervous system

amphetamine

• agonists (imitates epinephrine which activates the sympathetic nervous system)

• increased alertness and feelings of well-being

• causes euphoria followed by a crash; severe depression

methamphetamine

highly concentrated dose of amphetemines

ecstasy (MDMA)

• both a stimulant and mild hallucinogen

• produces a euphoric high and can damage serotonin-producing neurons

• results in a permanent deflation of mood and impairment of memory

hallucinogens

substances that distort visual and auditory perception

LSD

• produces hallucinations and delusions similar to a psychotic state

• can result in psychosis, memory loss, paranoia, panic attacks, nightmares, and aggression

THC

• the active ingredient in marijuana

• produces symptoms such as mild hallucinations, euphoria, enhanced sense of well-being, relaxation, distortion of time

nonconscious

all the processes people are not consciously aware of; automatic functions

preconscious

stores information not currently being used; can be recalled easily

subconscious

normally unaware of this information/activities not requiring full atention

unconscious

stores memories we are unaware of; only retrieved with difficulty

alcohol

• depressant

• highly addictive

• antagonist

• calms the nervous system

• impairs coordination, judgement, memory, and cognitive functioning

• sometimes perceived as a stimulant because it relaxes inhibitions

dependence

compulsive use of a substance: addiction. Can be physical, psychological, or both.

caffeine

• antagonist

• increases alertness

• can lead to anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, diarrhea

nicotine

• most addictive stimulant in use today

• affects levels of several neurotransmitters

• can have either sedative or stimulating effects

  • withdrawal symptoms: nervousness, headaches, irritability

cocaine

• blocks reabsorbtion of dopamine

• agonists (imitates dopamine)

• produces increased alertness, motivation, and euphoria

• crash leads to anxiety, depression, and strong cravings

marijuana

• contains THC

  • users may experience anxiety and paranoia

substance use

using a substance but it does not interfere with a person’s life

substance abuse

• pattern of drug use that diminishes one’s ability to fulfill responsibilities

• may result in repeated use in dangerous situations

  • may lead to legal difficulties related to drug use