...Introduction As Elizabeth Hartney argues ‘psychoactive’ is a term that is applied to drugs and substances that a change a personal mental state by affecting the way the brain and nervous system’s work. This can lead to intoxication which is often the main reason people choose to take psychoactive drugs. In some situations, however these drugs can be used to alter a person’s mental state in order to exploit them for example use of date rape drugs. Psychoactive drugs such as anti-depressants and drugs used to treat conditions such as ADHD are also psychoactive. Another author argues, “These are drugs since ancient times which were used for their psychological effects to stimulate or relax, to bring sleep or prevent it, to enhance ordinary perceptions or to produce hallucinations. They also include alcohol, tobacco and coffee.”(Atkinson, Richard & HIlgard, 1983). Another source describes psychoactive drugs as, “The term ‘drug’ refers to any chemical substance, aside from food, that, upon entering the body, alters the physical or chemical characteristics of the body and its functions. A drug that alters sensory perceptions, mood, thought processes, or behavior is known as a psychoactive drug.” Behavior according to psychology refers to any action for example eating, sneezing, gambling, learning a language. DEPRESSANTS In small quantities, it appears to increase people’s energy and make them feel lively and sociable. In reality alcohol is a central nervous system depressant...
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...Psychoactive Drugs And Their Effects Abstract This paper discusses three different psychoactive drugs, one from each classification, and their general psychological and physical effects. Cocaine, a stimulant, Cannabis, a hallucinogen and Oxycodone, a depressant will be covered. Positive, neutral and adverse effects will be discussed as well as long-term use and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis has a section regarding its medicinal use in society. Cocaine is a naturally derived central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and topical anesthetic that is extracted and refined from the Erythroxylum coca plant, which is grown primarily in the Andean region of South America. Coca leaf chewing has been around for thousands of years. The drug was first isolated in the 1850’s and had medicinal use through the late 19th century. Recreational use became a problem in the early 20th century and became illegal is the United States in 1914. The chemical name for cocaine is benzoylmethyl ecgonine; it is a bitter, white, odorless crystalline drug. Cocaine has multiple methods of ingestion; it can be insufflated, taken orally or intravenously. It can be smoked to some degree, but tends to burn rather than vaporize because of the high temperature required. Freebase cocaine vaporizes at smoking temperatures and creates a more intense high whilst using less product. Street terminology consists of coke, snow, nose candy, white, blow and soft, among others. Freebase is known as crack, rock and hard...
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...Creativity is one of the most difficult mental functions to study. While a concrete definition remains illusive, it has been established as a multifaceted phenomenon (Kitto, Lok & Rudowicz, 1994). One facet that is an important component of creative potential is divergent thinking (Vosburg, 1998), this is the ability to generate several alternative solutions to a problem. The mental processing involved occurs in such a way as to activate as many mental representations as possible, maintaining only a weak connection to the original stimulus (Molle, Marshall, Wolf, Fehm & Born, 1999). One of the more popular methods for assessing creative potential then, is through the administration of divergent thinking tests (Mumford, Marks, Connelly , Zaccaro & Johnson, 1998). In these tests people are requested to generate as many alternative answers as possible to a series of ill-defined, open-ended problems (Brown, 1989). The number of ideas used in answering the problem are counted, and can be taken as a performance measure of creative thinking. On the other side of the scale is convergent thinking. Here, very strong mental associations are maintained which upon activation come to a single conclusion that can only be either right or wrong , with a clear connection between the mental representation and the original stimulus (Molle et al., 1999). Thus, two opposite modes of thinking seem to exist, each serving a different function and each having tests that tap...
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...Over-prescribing of ADHD Medication to Children Lesley M. Thomas University of Houston- Clear Lake What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? According to the National Library of Medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is defined as, “a problem of not being able to focus, being overactive, not being able to control behavior, or a combination of these.” (www.nlm.nih.gov) For a diagnosis of this disorder, generally referred to simply as ADHD, these issues must be out of the normal range for a person’s age and development. Although the majority of diagnoses are given to children and adolescents, there are also a vast number of ADHD cases diagnosed for adults. The purpose of my research paper is to offer background on this disorder, discuss the psychopharmacology of its treatment options, and to discuss whether ADHD medication is over-prescribed to children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) states that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity has three different subtypes. Those subtypes are Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and a combination of the two. In order for the Predominantly Inattentive subtype to be used, at least six or more symptoms of inattention must be both present and persistent for at least six months. However, there must be fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. For usage of the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity subtype to be used, there must be a persistent presence of at least six...
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...Ketamine hydrochloride, known on the streets as Special K, is a powerful hallucinogen widely used as an animal tranquilizer by veterinarians. It was originally created for human anaesthetic, it is still used as a general anaesthetic for children, people with very poor health, and by vets. Effects from the drug are a lot like the effects of PCP. Users call the high they get from Special K "K Hole”. K Hole is described as visual distortions and users lose track of time, sense, and identity. While in the K Hole, people usually can’t move, they just stay seated or lying down during the experience. Because of these effects, it is used as a date-rape drug. Also, many people get serious injuries and disregard them because they don’t feel anything and don’t get the normal signs of pain. The high can last from a ½ hour to 2 hours. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that users can act high for an hour but the drug can still affect the body for up to 24 hours. Short term effects of the drug are dream-like states of hallucinations. Users say they feel like they are floating or are separated from their body. Effects also include impaired attention, learning ability, and memory. The K Hole large amounts of Ketamine creates is a lot like a “bad trip” people get from LDS. Users say they feel drunk, stoned, and tripping all at once. Long term use causes bad mental and physical problems like delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially...
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...Meditation Hypnosis and meditation are a less harmful form of altered consciousness and do not normally involve the use of any drugs to induce this state. In hypnosis, the practice is put in to a trance-like state where they become susceptible to suggestions. In this level of consciousness they actually appear to be asleep. This may be one reason why there is some controversy over whether or not hypnosis is a level of consciousness that is different normal waking consciousness. A more detailed analysis of the brainwave activity may prove useful in determining the true level of consciousness a person is at when they are hypnotized. Meditation is another form of trance-like consciousness that is a learned technique that allows you to relax your body and gain greater control over involuntary aspects of brain activity. As a person becomes more skilled in meditation thru practice, they will be able to achieve greater control over areas such as breathing, heartbeat and even blood pressure. There seems to be little if any danger to practicing this form of altered consciousness and in many cultures it is an everyday way of life and is to be practiced daily. Drug Use A more harmful way to obtain an altered state of consciousness is through the use of mind altering drugs. There are so many different types of drugs that can be used and many different levels of the drug as...
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...Marijuana is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in Canada and the United States. When smoked, marijuana typically results in a sense of mild euphoria and relaxation. The agent that is responsible for the majority of the psychoactive effects experienced after the use of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The mechanism of action of marijuana involves the binding of THC to specific receptors called cannabinoid receptors. When THC is released, it diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to cannabinoid receptors on the presynaptic neuron. This binding inhibits the release of excitatory neurons into the synaptic cleft; the overall effect is depression of the central nervous system. The mechanism of THC is unique in that it travels backwards to affect the presynaptic neuron; most neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and bind to receptors located on the postsynaptic neuron. Three endogenous ligands are...
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...Abstract This investigation explores both short and long term effects of psychedelic drugs on the brain, citing research from fifteen peer-reviewed sources. Within the paper are biological explanations of how psychedelics trigger various effects by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors. Following this are case studies in psilocybin mushrooms, salvinorum A, and dextromethorphan. Medical studies administering these psychoactive substances to participants illustrate classic hallucinogenic symptoms in the short term, as well as a heightened state of well-being in the long term. Given no pre-existing disorders and a controlled environment, one dosage of each drug generally made a positive impact in the subjects’ lives, even months later. Further research into the subject reveals the potential of psychedelic therapy in fields such as addiction rehabilitation, depression, and anxiety management. However, with these benefits comes a risk of temporary intense fear and substance addiction. Knowing this, patients should weigh the pros and cons before deciding to try any drug....
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...Colegio Americano Del Noreste Drugs Miss: Nancy Mario Fabrizio Curzio Aguirre Grade: 9° Group: “A” December 3, 2013 How do the drugs affect the brain? When drugs get into the bloodstream they are carried to all parts of the body and some reach the brain. The quicker the drug reaches the brain, the more intense the effects. The quickest way to get a drug into the brain - and also the most dangerous way of using any drug - is to inject it intravenously, or into the vein. Almost as quick is smoking a drug. followed by sniffing or snorting and then by mouth. Eating or drinking a drug is the slowest route, because the drug has to pass through the stomach first. Once in the brain drugs affect chemicals called neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that control the flow of information within the brain between the neurons or brain cells, forming a synapse. Neurotransmitters also alter people's moods and feelings. Different drugs can affect different neurotransmitters. How do the drugs affect the heart? Once drugs are taken and enter the bloodstream the heart pumps blood containing the drug to the brain where it will affect how people feel. Drugs can also have an affect on the heart directly and exacerbate heart disease. Heavy drinking of alcohol, for example, can weaken the heart's ability to pump blood and lead to heart failure although some studies have suggested that moderate consumption may be better for the heart than not drinking alcohol at all. Taking...
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... What or who is the targeted population? The targeted population is people suffering from mental illness and retardation. 3. How do you receive your funding? We receive most of our funding through grants and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, but we also deal with Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. 4. How do people pay for your services? Medicare or Medicaid 5. What services do you provide? The Potomac Highlands Guild provides counseling, therapy, and even residential housing for people with psychological, substance and other life problems in the most appropriate setting necessary to meet the needs of the client. 6. What services do you think should be added? Although there is an alcohol and drug rehabilitation service provided, there is room for expansion in that area. 7. What one service do you think has...
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...Effects of Marijuana Jesse Artis Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short. It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves. When most people smoke marijuana they empty out a cigar and use the leaf to roll the marijuana in. There are harmful chemicals in the cigar leaf that contains toxic chemicals. Marijuana does have a major effect on the brain. When a person smokes marijuana, THC is entered into the lungs and then passed into the bloodstream. Once its in the bloodstream the chemical is transferred to the brain and other organs in the body. People then experience the “high” feeling. Marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that in chronic users, marijuana has an impact on learning and memory and it can last for days or weeks after the effects of the drug wear off. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may not be functioning at his or her full potential. Marijuana increases heart rate by 20-100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. Other studies have shown marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. Marijuana smoke contains 50-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco...
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...medications”. Primarily the concern is high for those children in foster care, and who receive Medicaid, because they are in a system that has lost structure of the importance of the health and welfare of children and adolescence. Also because foster children are more likely to have more emotional and social issues, and need treatment to include psychiatric medication. Psychotropic medications are those that affect the nervous system and produce many changes in behavior or awareness. These medications can be given in the form of a tranquilizer, sedative or antidepressant. Changes should be made to prevent how children receive medications, to deter overdosing and complications from misdiagnosing the child’s illness. The effect that psychiatric drugs have on children can be sometimes upsetting. Psychiatric or psychotropic medications are used to help children with behavioral impairment. Changes should be made that will benefit children in situations as mentioned. Not only in foster care but any child that is prescribed psychiatric (psychotropic) medications. Implementing change that will assure children are prescribe the right mediations, and are given the medication according to their treatment plan, to ensure the safety of those affected by misdiagnosis. Ensuring that a treatment plan is established from thorough evaluations and all other procedures that are beneficial in favor of children affected by being over medicated or misdiagnosed. Implementing changes that will encourage early...
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...Insomnia, schizophrenia, and high blood pressure, doing drugs can lead to all of these. Drugs are very bad for you and your body, I don't think that a lot of people know the side effects of the drugs they are taking because they are so focused on the high. Three drugs that are very well known are marijuana, meth, and ecstacy, these all have effects on your body that not a lot of people know about or consider when taking these drugs. The more that people know about side effects, the more they will think about the drugs they are taking before they take them. The main drug that also the most popular is marijuana, it has a lot of different side effects that not a lot of people consider at all before taking the drug. Like cigarettes, marijuana...
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...Hallana Paula Barbosa Fundamentals of College Writing Dr. June E. Dunn E 103.10 Teenager’s behaviors The 1938 movie, Reefer Madness, suggests that teenagers who smoke marijuana are problematic to society. Since the early 1900s, drugs have been one of parents’ worst enemies. Marijuana changes a person both mentally and physically. According to reefermadness.org, the film was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of marijuana. The movie was revolving around the tragic events that happened when high school students tried marijuana. The curse of marijuana abuse is spreading across the United States of America like a disease and must be stopped. Parents are instructed to learn what they can about the evils of this addiction and warn their children against it. Dr. Carroll talks about the dangers for the horrified parents of the students at the school. He tells them that marijuana is more addictive than they imagine and that it could lead to violence and sexual misconduct. To illustrate his point, he tells the parents about a recent case they may have heard about, one which happened in their city, near their school. Three innocent young people are drawn in by the promise of a party. First Jimmy and Bill attend the party, followed by two exemplary students, and later, Jimmy’s sister and Bill’s girlfriend, Mary. Smoking the weed makes you laugh uncontrollably, dance wildly, and indulge in promiscuous sexual behaviors...
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...Overview Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very complex disorder and for many individuals suffering from ADHD, their daily struggle with this disorder can be very frustrating and debilitating at times. Throughout the years, it has been known that genetics has a strong link to the cause ADHD as well as the psychotropics being prescribed by Mental Health Professionals to assist in the management of ADHD. However, data supports in the past decade there has been an explosion with ADHD individuals, specifically children being treated by the pharmacological modality rather than the behavioral modification or family psychotherapy. The old analogy of take two pills and call your doctor in the morning is becoming the norm in today’s society. This Reflective Paper will provide a multi-systemic approach which addresses the following topics: (1) the genetic link to ADHD, (2) population trends of psychotropic use, (3) concerns for the safety and efficacy of children have risen due to the lack of studies. The Genetic Link to ADHD Several decades of study has shown Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be a neurobiological disorder. Research has shown other contributing causes of ADHD can be caused by environmental (home, school etc.), brain dysfunction and toxins found in food additives, yet strong supporting data can be found in genetic studies too. Researchers have concluded the...
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