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Drugs and altered consciousness Psychoactive drugs: drugs that affect the brain and change consciousness How do they work? drugs change the way our neurotransmitters work neurotransmitter: chemicals that neurons use to communicate with each other Agonists: bind to receptor sites and mimic neurotransmitters Antagonists: bind to receptor sites and prevent neurotransmitters from binding Increasing or decreasing release of neurotransmitters Categories of drugs: 1. Depressants- reduce the activity of the central nervous system Barbiturates o Relaxation, mild euphoria, loss of muscle coordination o Sleeping pills o Memory and judgment impaired o High potential for physical and psychological addiction Opiates o Depress neural activity, lessen pain and anxiety o Analgesic - painkiller o High potential for physical and psychological addiction Alcohol- most widely used and abused recreational drug in America o Memory problems, poor coordination, suppress breathing, reduces selfawareness, permanent brain and liver damage o High potential for physical and psychological addiction 2. Stimulants –increase behavioral and mental activity Cocaine o Causes self-confidence, euphoria, optimism o Crack is purified, fast-acting, and potent cocaine o High potential for physical and psychological addiction MDMA (Ecstasy) o Visual hallucinations, hyperactivity, fatigue, poor concentration o Long term effects include permanent brain damage and panic disorder o Low potential for physical and psychological dependence Amphetamines o Causes speeded-up body functions and mood and energy changes o Methamphetamines – crystal-like solid chunks o High potential for physical and psychological dependence Nicotine o Elevated moods, improved memory, increase in attention o Major risk for cancer and heart disease o Strong psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms Caffeine o Reduces drowsiness improves problem-solving ability, induces anxiety, causes tremors o A moderate potential exists for physical and psychological dependence 3. Psychedelics (hallucinogens) – cause loss of contact with reality LSD (acid) o Short term memory loss, paranoia, flashbacks, panic attacks o Low potential for physical and psychological dependence PCP (angel dust) o Euphoria, hallucinations, violent tendencies, masking of pain o High potential for physical and psychological dependence Marijuana o Euphoria, relaxation, time distortion o Active ingredient is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) o Originates from hemp plant o Low potential for physical and moderate potential for psychological dependence