Physical vs Psychological

Issues associated with addiction
1. Dependence: Absence of a drug may lead to: a. feeling of physical pain, intense cravings
(physical dependence) b. negative emotions
(psychological dependence) .
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a. Tolerance (physical) - diminishing effect with regular dose of the same drug
DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!?!?!?!?

B. Withdrawal
(psychological and physical): the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug.

Misconceptions about Addiction
Addiction is a craving for a chemical substance, despite its adverse consequences (physical & psychological).
1.
Addictive drugs quickly corrupt.
• False
• Truth: After taking drugs only (perhaps) 10% become addict.
2.
Addiction cannot be overcome voluntarily.
• False
• Truth: Will power is a must, but don’t mistake lack thereof as weakness.
3.
Addiction is different than other repetitive pleasureseeking behaviors.
• False
• Texting, online shopping, gambling, eating, etc. can all be addictive
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E. Major Classes of Drugs
Psychoactive Drug: A chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood (effects consciousness).
1. Depressants: slow down body functions.
2. Stimulants: arouse body functions.
3. Hallucinogens: distort perceptions or evoke sensation without sensory input.
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a. Alcohol
• Neurotransmitters
Involved
1) Yo GABA Gabba
• Function:
• helps induce relaxation and sleep.
• Drug Effects on
Behavior:
• Sluggishness

a. Alcohol
• Neurotransmitters
Involved
1) Glutamate
• Function:
• Involved in memory, learning, and perception.
Drug Effects on Behavior:
• Disrupts memory processing
(blackouts).
• Reduces self-awareness.
• 60% of all crimes
• over 70% of sexually related crimes.
• Slows down sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). I like to fight.

b. Opiates
• Heroin, morphine, and oxycodone.
• Neurotransmitters Involved
1) Endorphins
• Function:
• Natural Painkiller
• Drug Effects on Behavior:
• Sluggishness
• Lethargy
• body stops making its own endorphins
• Interferes with the brain’s ability to perceive pain.
Made from seeds of
Poppy Plant

b. Opiates
• Neurotransmitters Involved
• Function: Dopamine
• A ttention
• M otor movement
• P leasure/Relaxation
• Drug Effects on Behavior:
• Lethargy (Tiredness).
• Pleasurable feelings
Street Names
Big H, Blacktar, Brown Sugar,
Dope, Horse, Junk,
Mud, Skag, Smack

• Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.
a. Amphetamines & Meth (Speed) b. Cocaine c. Crack d. Caffeine e. Nicotine f.
Ecstasy

a. Amphetamines &
Methamphetamines
1) stimulate neural activity
2) Up to 8 hours of energy and euphoria
3) accelerated body functions
4) mood changes
5) meth has a stronger strength

b. Cocaine
Cocaine induces immediate euphoria followed by a crash.
Cocaine blocks reuptake of
1. dopamine ( attention emotion)
2. serotonin (arousal, sleep, mood)
3. norepinephrine (alertness, arousal). Remain in the synapse
Produces a crash c. Crack, another form, is smoked. Made from other items such as ammonia and baking soda
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• Caffeine is most commonly used to improve mental alertness.
• Controls arousal, attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning.

Cigarettes affecting the neurotransmitters:
1. serotonin (mood elevator)
2. Dopamine (relaxation)
3. Norepinephrine (alertness)
4. GABA (relaxation)

• Smoking cigarettes affects the neurotransmitters associated with anxiety and the state of wellness.
• Smokers have significantly higher rates of clinical anxiety compared to nonsmokers.
• This may be explained through tobacco's effect on GABA.

f. Ecstasy
• Ecstasy or
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) is a stimulant
AND mild hallucinogen.
• Produces a euphoric high
• Causes dehydration
• Leads to severe overheating
• Increased BP
• Sometimes, Death
• Can damage serotonin-producing neurons
• Results in a permanent deflation of mood
• Impairment of memory.
I love everyone here!!!!!!!
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• Called “Acid”
• Can cause PTSD and schizophrenia like symptoms.
• “bad trips”
• Not considered “addictive”

b. Marijuana
1) THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) a.
Difficult to classify (mild hallucinogen) b. Can amplify senses c.
Is it addictive?
d. Impaired learning and memory e. Increase for psychological disorders f.
Lung damage