PL1101E Unit 6 Notes Consciousness & Drugs

Hallucinogens Stimulate the experience of false perceptions

Drug
Mushrooms

Effect
Fly agaric mushrooms interacts with GABA and Glutamate A New World mushroom boosts Serotonin psychotic state Green peyote cactus influences Serotonin activity Decreases Glutamate and increases Dopamine. Produces psychotic state similar to schizophrenia Originally anaesthetic, unpleasant effects, makes you aggressive and violent, muscular tone too rigid or flexible, convulsions if a lot Contains cannabinoids most important is tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) interacts with receptors for endogenous cannabinoids which are natural substances that are similar in composition. Receptors are in parts of brain linked with pain, appetite, learning and movement hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia. Negative effect on memory Stimulates Dopamine activity which is usually associated with a potential for physical dependency. Young adults double their risk of schizophrenia. Excitation, vivid imagery, euphoria, distortion of sense of time, distance and speed. Sometimes depression and social withdrawal. Chemically similar to Serotonin and it interacts with Serotonin receptors.

Mescaline Phencyclidine (PCP)

Marijuana

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LCD)

Stimulants Increase the activity of the nervous system

They increase alertness and mobility but decrease reaction time.

Drug
Caffeine

Effect
Interferes with the inhibition normally produced by Adenosine. When its kept from doing its job, you get increased excitation and alertness. Produces dependency headaches and fatigue for addicts. Sometimes problems with heart rhythms. Crosses the placenta. Correlated with lower risk of Parkinsons, Alzheimers and other dementia. Mimics the actions of Acetylcholine increases heart rate and blood pressure, reduces fatigue, improves cognitive performance and causes muscular relaxation. Chewing tobacco takes longer to get to peak but is more sustained. High correlations with later drug and alcohol problems. Likely use by those with disorders. Similar effects. Both boost Dopamine in the brain direct effect on reward systems so very rapidly addictive. Moderate doses alertness, elevated mood, confidence and well-being. High doses similar to schizophrenia hallucinations and delusional fears repetitive movements like teeth grinding. Meth is likely to lead to psychosis. Dental decay meth mouth Cocaine Freud used to recommend until aware of addiction. Amphetamine used to be asthma treatment and by pilots to ward off fatigue and by housewives as diet aid. Used for attention problems like ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall still used by ADHD. At clinical doses, do not seem to produce dependence. Boost activity of Dopamine and Norepinephrine stay alert and concentrate. But they can affect sleep and appetite. Relative of amphetamine and mescaline that increases heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. Increases sociability by stimulating Serotonin and Oxytocin (romantic and personal bonding). Seems to have detrimental effects on neurons that release serotonin.

Nicotine

Cocaine Amphetamine

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Depressants Reduces the overall activity of the nervous system

They lead to reductions in alertness and anxiety. Major substances in this category boost activity of the inhibitory GABA.

Drug
Alcohol

Effect
Relaxation, slows down activity in the judgement area of the cortex, reducing behavioural inhibitions. Dilates blood vessels, warm flushed feeling, reduces anxiety. Higher doses aggression, risky behaviours, poor motor coordination Chronic alcoholism impacts frontal lobes and hippocampus cognitive and memory deficits. Increases inhibition produced by GABA. Powerful dependence. Legitimate medical uses anxiety reduction, control of seizures. Higher doses - euphoria

Benzodiazepines & Barbiturates

Opiates Reduces the overall activity of the nervous system

Poppy is the source of several natural psychoactive opiates such as Morphine and Heroin. They initiate the action of our nation opiates (Endorphins).

Drug
Opiates

Effect
Legitimate medical purposes Pain control, cough suppression and diarrhoea control. Low doses euphoria, pain relief, reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, sleep. Higher doses tremendous euphoria/rush. Even higher Depression on breathing Painkiller Oxycontin often abused.