CHAPTER FOUR: CONSCIOUSNESS

A collection of 55 flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to consciousness, sleep, drug dependency, and the effects of psychoactive substances.

Consciousness

The subjective state of being aware of oneself, one's thoughts, and/or the environment.

Biological Rhythm

The internal cycle of biological activity.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock that regulates regular bodily rhythms over a 24-hour cycle.

Sleep Cycle

Patterns of shifting through different sleep stages over the course of the night.

REM Sleep

Sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement and wild brain activity, where dreams occur.

NREM Sleep

Stages of sleep that do not involve rapid eye movement.

Sleep Paralysis

A condition during REM sleep where the brain blocks messages from the motor cortex, causing the body to be unable to move.

Sleep Spindles

Short bursts of brain activity that occur during Stage 2 of NREM sleep.

Delta Waves

Low-frequency, high-amplitude brain waves associated with deep sleep (Stage 3 NREM).

Alpha Waves

Low-frequency brain waves associated with a relaxed, awake state.

Sleep Loss Effects

Diminished attention, poor memory consolidation, increased risk of depression, and other physical issues.

Dependence

The state in which the body becomes physically or psychologically reliant on a substance.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect of a drug after repeated use.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The discomfort and distress experienced when stopping an addictive substance.

Psychoactive Drug

A chemical substance that alters brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, or consciousness.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

Opioids

Highly addictive drugs that reduce pain and produce euphoria by acting on the brain's natural pain reducers.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that cause hallucinations or altered states of perception.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness but can disrupt sleep and lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine

A highly addictive substance that affects brain function and triggers the release of neurotransmitters.

Methamphetamine

A powerful stimulant that leads to accelerated body functions and significant mood changes.

MDMA (Ecstasy)

A synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen that can cause euphoria and enhance social connectedness.

LSD

A powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters perceptions and cognitive processes.

Depressive Effects of Sleep Loss

Increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and impaired immune response.

Biological Clock

The internal mechanism that regulates physiological processes on a 24-hour cycle.

Drowsiness

A state of feeling sleepy or lethargic.

Sensory Deprivation

A state in which sensory input is reduced or eliminated, often affecting consciousness.

Hypnosis

A state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility often used for therapeutic purposes.

Meditation

A practice that involves focusing the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

Dreams

A sequence of images, emotions, and thoughts occurring during sleep.

Negative Dream Content

Dreams often featuring negative events or failures.

Coping Mechanisms

Strategies a person employs to manage stress or emotional discomfort.

Psychological Dependence

A condition in which an individual feels the need for a drug to function normally in daily life.

Substance Use Disorders

Conditions characterized by an individual's inability to control their use of a substance despite adverse consequences.

Addiction

A chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Risk of Addiction

Increased likelihood of developing a dependence on substances due to genetic or environmental factors.

Behavioral Indicators of Addiction

Repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit, increased tolerance, and continued use despite negative impacts.

Cultural Influences on Drug Use

Social norms and acceptance that can affect an individual's likelihood to use substances.

Genetic Predispositions

Inherited traits that may increase vulnerability to substance use disorders.

Comfort from Substance Use

Relief sought through drugs used as a means to cope with life's challenges.

Environmental Influence on Drug Use

External factors such as peer pressure and socioeconomic status that contribute to substance use.

Psychological Disorders

Mental health issues that can increase the risk of substance use, such as depression.

Mind-Altering Substances

Drugs that significantly change perception, mood, or consciousness.

Sleep Deprivation Risks

Potential for serious health problems due to a lack of adequate sleep, including mental and physical health issues.

Altered States of Consciousness

Conditions where mental awareness is significantly different from the normal waking state.

Effects of Altering Consciousness

Changes in mood, perception, and cognitive functioning due to psychoactive substances.