The following is the stuff that wasn’t in your notes but is information that is important to know
about drugs:
Drugs and Altered Consciousness
A.
Definition of Psychoactive Drugs- these are drugs that affect the brain and
change consciousness and other psychological processes.
1.
Most affect the brain by altering the interaction between
2.
Drugs must cross the blood-brain barrier, a feature of the blood vessels
3.
Agonists bind to the receptors and mimic effects of normal
4.
neurotransmitters and receptors
in the brain that prevents substances from entering the brain tissue
neurotransmitters
Antagonists bind to the receptors and prevent normal neurotransmitters
from binding
5.
B.
C.
D.
Other drugs work by increasing or decreasing release of specific
neurotransmitters
Psychopharmacology- This is the study of psychoactive drugs and their effects
on behavior and mental processes
Physical Dependence or Addiction- This is a physiological state in which drug
use is necessary to prevent a withdrawal symptom
Tolerance- this is a condition in which increasingly large drug doses are
necessary to achieve the same effect
E.
Psychological Dependence- This is a condition in which the person continues
drug use despite adverse effects, needs the drug for a sense of wellbeing, and is
preoccupied with obtaining the drug if it is no longer available.
F.
Learned Expectations Contribute to the Effects of Many Drugs
Activity: Professional Project Dare
You are part of a drug prevention team that is trying to foster a campaign to reduce illegal drug use in
adults, similar to the DARE program that police officers use when working with children. As a starting point, you
have decided to create targeted anti-drug campaigns for different groups, based on the risks of impairment of
performance inherent in their activities. For each type of specialized occupation or interest below, specify the illicit
or illegal drug that would most dangerously impair the user’s function and explain the likely effect of using the drug
on the individual’s preferred activity.
Preferred Activity/Profession
Bicycle messenger
Marathon runner
Artist
Stay-at-home mom
Sword Swallower
Teacher
Tightrope walker
Accountant
Most Dangerous Drug Substance and Predicted Risk