Drugs
At your table…

Create a definition for “addiction”

Now…

List as many things as you can that one can be addicted to

There is still debate about whether or not non-drug
dependencies (Do they qualify under the “addiction as a
disease” model?)
American Psychiatric Association
2013

A person may be diagnosed with a substance use
disorder when drug use continues despite significant
life disruption. Resulting changes in brain circuits
may persist after quitting use of the substances
(leading to cravings).
From Myer’s Psychology for AP 2nd Edition
The severity of substance use disorder varies
MILD (2-3 Symptoms)
MODERATE (4-5 Symptoms)
Impaired Control
1. Uses more substances, or for longer,
than intended.
2. Tries unsuccessfully to regulate
substance use.
3. Spend much time gaining, using, or
recovering from substance use.
4. Craves the substance
Social Impairment
5. Use disrupts obligations at work,
school, or home.
6. Continues use despite social problems.
SEVERE (6+ Symptoms)
7. Use caused reduced social,
recreational, and work activities.
Risky Use
8. Continues use despite hazards.
9. Continues use despite worsening
physical or psychological problems.
Drug Action
10. Experiences tolerance (needing more
substance for the desired effect.
11. Experiences withdrawal when
attempting to end use.
Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that affect the brain at the synapse

Stimulate, inhibit, or mimic neurotransmitters

Three Types
 Depressants
 Stimulants
 Hallucinogens
Depressants



Drugs that calm neural activity and slow body functions
Alcohol
 Slows brain activity that controls judgment and
inhibitions
 The urges you would have sober are the ones you are
more likely to act upon if intoxicated.
Barbiturates
 Tranquilizers
that mimic alcohol
 Prescribed to help sleep and reduce anxiety

Opiates
 Opium
and its derivatives (morphine and heroin)
 For a short time, blissful pleasure replaces pain &
anxiety
Stimulants




Excite neural activity and arouse body functions
Use to stay awake, lose weight, boost mood, athletic
performance
Cocaine

Gives a “rush” of euphoria

Blocks reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin
Ecstasy

Major effect is to release serotonin “I love everyone”

Leads to dehydration

Long term use can damage serotonin production and lead to
permanently depressed mood
Hallucinogens



Distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the
absence of sensory input
LSD

An acid trip can lead to euphoria or detachment or panic

Begins with geometric shapes

Next phase can be meaningful images

At its peak , user can feel separated from their body leading
to panic and self-inflicted harm
Marijuana

Difficult to classify

Relaxes like alcohol

Mild hallucinogen
Research Time

Tomorrow we will meet in a computer lab

You will have ONE class period to research and create
a PPT to present the next day