Experience Psychology, 3rd edition Essays (608 words) - Free Essays

Experience Psychology, 3rd edition Essays (608 words) - Free Essays Experience Psychology, 3rd edition Chapter 4, States of Consciousness Vocabulary, Key Terms Barbiturates A barbiturate is a depressant drug that decreases the level of activity of the central nervous system. Barbiturates were originally prescribed as sleep aids. With increased usage, barbiturates can lead to impaired memory and decision making. Tranquilizers Tranquilizers are depressants that reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. Tranquilizers are usually prescribed to calm an anxious, nervous person. Opiates Opiates, consisting of opium, depress the central nervous system's activity. When opiates leave the brain, the synapses become under stimulated. For many hours after taking opiates, a person may feel euphoric and pain-free and have an increased desire for food and sex. Stimulants Stimulants work by increasing the level of activity in the central nervous system. The most widely used stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine. Caffeine Caffeine is the world's most widely used drug. Caffeinism refers to an overindulgence in caffeine. This condition brings about mood changes, anxiety, and sleep disruption. It usually occurs in people who drink five or more cups of coffee a day. Nicotine Nicotine is the main psychoactive ingredient in all forms of smoking and smokeless tobacco. Nicotine is highly addictive. It stimulates the brain's reward centers by raising their dopamine levels. The behavioral effects of nicotine include improving attention and alertness, reducing anger and anxiety, and providing pain relief. Amphetamines Amphetamines are also known as "uppers." People use them to boost energy, stay awake, or lose weight. They are often prescribed as diet pills. Amphetamines increase the release of dopamine, which enhances the user's activity level and causes pleasurable effects. Crystal meth is probably the most insidious illicit drug. It causes a strong euphoric feeling, especially the first time it is taken. Cocaine Cocaine comes from the coca plant. It is either snorted or injected in the form of crystals or powder. Cocaine enters the bloodstream quickly, producing a rush of euphoric feelings that lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes. Crack, a potent form of cocaine, is believed to be one of the most addictive substances knownmore so than heroine, barbiturates, and alcohol. MDMA (Ecstasy) MDMA has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. MDMA's street names include Ecstasy, X, XTC, hug, beans, and the love drug. MDMA has adverse effects on memory and cognitive processing. Hallucinogens Hallucinogens modify a person's perceptual experiences and produce visual images that are not real. Marijuana Marijuana comes from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. The active ingredient in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which does not affect a specific neurotransmitter. However, it does disrupt the membranes of neurons and affects the functioning of many neurotransmitters and hormones. The physical effects of marijuana include an increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, a reddening of the eyes, coughing, and dryness of the mouth. Psychological effects associated with marijuana include a mixture of excitatory, depressive, and mildly hallucinatory characteristics that make it difficult to classify this drug. Marijuana can impair attention and memory. When used in large amounts, it can alter sperm count and change hormonal cycles. Marijuana is the drug most widely used by high school students. Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) When using LSD, objects can appear to change their shape and to glow. Colors become like a kaleidoscope, and amazing images unfold. Time seems to slow down. LSD's effects on the body include dizziness, nausea, and tremors. LSD acts primarily on the neurotransmitter serotonin, but it can also affect dopamine.