assistance needed with psychology

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology Learning Unit 7: Handout

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Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs Method of Ingestion

Medical Use

Desired Effect Short- term Side Effect

Tolerance Risk of Physical

Dependence

Risk of Psychological Dependence

Fatal Overdose Potential

Health Risks

Narcotics (opiates) Morphine, Heroin

Injected, smoked, oral

Pain Relief Euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, pain relief

Lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, impaired coordination, impaired mental functioning, constipation

Rapid High High High Infectious diseases, accidents, immune depression

Sedatives Barbiturates Benzodiazepines

Oral, injected Sleeping pills, anticonvulsant

Euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, reduced inhibitions

Lethargy, drowsiness, severely impaired coordination, impaired mental functioning, emotional swings, dejection

Rapid High High High Accidents

Stimulants Amphetamines Cocaine

Oral, sniffed, injected, freebased, smoked

Treatment of hyperactivity and narcolepsy, local anesthetic (cocaine only)

Elation, excitement, increased alertness, increased energy, reduced fatigue

Increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased talkativeness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, reduced appetite, increased sweating and urination, anxiety, paranoia, increased aggressiveness, panic

Rapid Moderate High Moderate to High

Sleep problems, malnutrition, nasal damage, hypertension, respiratory disease, stroke, liver disease, heart attack

Hallucinogens LSD Mescaline Psilocybin

Oral None Increased sensory awareness, euphoria, altered perceptions, hallucinations, insightful experiences

Dilated pupils, nausea, emotional swings, paranoia, jumbled thought processes, impaired judgment, anxiety, panic reaction

Gradual None Very Low Very Low Accidents, acute pain

Cannabis Marijuana Hashish THC

Smoked, Oral Treatment of glaucoma and chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting; other uses under study

Mild euphoria, relaxation, altered perceptions, enhanced awareness

Elevated heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, reduced short-term memory, sluggish motor coordination, sluggish mental functioning, anxiety

Gradual None Low to Moderate

Very Low Accidents, lung cancer, respiratory disease, pulmonary disease, increased vulnerability to psychosis

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology Learning Unit 7: Handout

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Alcohol Drinking None Euphoria, relaxation, anxiety reduction, reduced inhibitions

Severely impaired coordination, impaired mental functioning, increased urination, emotional swings, depression, quarrelsomeness, hangover

Gradual Moderate Moderate Low to High

Accidents, liver disease, malnutrition, brain damage, neurological disorders, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, ulcers, cancer, birth defects

© Debra Vos and Indian Hills Community College