Psychology2016

Consciousness 171

Table 4. 5 How Drugs Affect Consciousness

Drug Classification Common Name Main Effect Adverse Effects

Stimulants Stimulation, excitement

Amphetamines Methamphetamine,

speed, Ritalin, Dexedrine

Risk of addiction, stroke, fatal heart problems,

psychosis

Cocaine Cocaine, crack Risk of addiction, stroke, fatal heart problems,

psychosis

Nicotine Tobacco Addiction, cancer

Caffeine Coffee, tea, energy drinks Addiction, high blood pressure

Depressants Relaxation

Barbiturates (major tranquilizers) Nembutal, Seconal Addiction, brain damage, death

Benzodiazepines

(minor tranquilizers)

Valium, Xanax, Halcion,

Ativan, Rohypnol

Lower risk of overdose and addiction when taken

alone

Alcohol Beer, wine, spirits Alcoholism, health problems, depression, increased

risk of accidents, death

Opiates Opium, Morphine, heroin Euphoria Addiction, death

Hallucinogens LSD, PCP, MDMA

(Ecstasy), marijuana

Distorted consciousness,

altered perception

Possible permanent memory problems, bad “trips,”

suicide, overdose, and death

LSD

PCP

MDMA (Ecstasy)

marijuana

amphetamines

cocaine

nicotine

caffeine

physical dependence: user’s body needs a drug to function;

drug tolerance and withdrawal are warning signs/symptoms

psychological dependence: user believes drug is needed to function

stimulants

increase functioning

of nervous system barbiturates

major tranquilizers

benzodiazepines

minor tranquilizers—

Valium, Xanax,

Halcion, Ativan,

Librium, Rohypnol

alcohol

depressants

have sedative effect

opium

morphine

heroin

methadone

does not produce euphoria; used to treat heroin addiction

hallucinogens

manufactured

nonmanufactured

alter brain’s interpretation of sensations

Why do some people continue

to use or become addicted to

psychoactive drugs?

types

The Influence of Psychoactive Drugs

(drugs that alter thinking, perception, or memory)

opiates

euphoria-producing

and pain-relieving

drugs derived from

opium

Concept Map L.O. 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14

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Practice Quiz How much do you remember?

Pick the best answer.

1. As consequences to stopping drug use, headaches, nausea, shak-
   ing, and elevated blood pressure are all signs of
   a. withdrawal.
   b. overdose.

c. psychological dependency.

d. amphetamine toxicity.

2. What drug’s physical withdrawal symptoms include severe mood swings
   (crash), paranoia, extreme fatigue, and an inability to feel pleasure?
   a. heroin c. alcohol
   b. caffeine d. cocaine

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