States of Consciousness: Psychoactive Drugs and Hypnosis

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the second half of the states of consciousness lecture, focusing on psychoactive drugs and hypnosis.

Hypnosis

A real phenomenon characterized by a hypnotherapist putting someone in an extremely relaxed and suggestible state.

Agonist

A substance that increases the effect of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A substance that decreases the effect of a neurotransmitter.

Blood-brain barrier

A selective permeability barrier that prevents certain substances from entering the brain from the bloodstream.

Depressant

A type of psychoactive drug that reduces activity in the nervous system.

Stimulant

A type of psychoactive drug that increases activity in the nervous system.

Dependence

A state in which an individual requires a drug to function normally, which can be physical or psychological.

Physical dependence

A physiological adaptation to a drug that requires continued use to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Psychological dependence

A condition where the drug-taking behavior becomes a compulsive habit to cope with life.

Polypharmacy

The simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a single patient.

Caffeine

A minor stimulant that can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue.

Nicotine

A stimulant that is highly addictive, leading to strong psychological dependence.

Opiate

Drugs that mimic the body's natural opioids and work on natural pain-gating mechanisms.

Botulinum toxin

An antagonist that prevents the release of acetylcholine, used in Botox.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical and psychological effects that occur when a person stops taking a drug.

Hallucinogens

Psychoactive substances that produce distortions in perception of time and space.

Marijuana

A psychoactive drug whose active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol, often leading to psychological dependence.

L-dopa

A precursor to dopamine used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Anesthetic

A substance that causes a reversible loss of sensation and consciousness.

Strychnine

A poison that acts as a stimulant, causing severe nervous system effects.