2. Psychoactive Drugs
Drugs that affect the brain, changing
consciousness and other psychological
processes, are called psychoactive
drugs.
– 80-90% of adults in North America use some
kind of drug on a daily basis.
The study of psychoactive drugs is called
psychopharmacology.
3. Psychopharmacology
To affect the brain, a substance must
cross the blood-brain barrier.
Then the substance’s effect depends on a
number of factors:
– Which neurotransmitter is targeted?
– How does the drug affect the
neurotransmitter or its receptors?
– What psychological functions are performed
by the brain systems which use that
neurotransmitter.
4. Psychopharmacology
Agonist
molecules mimic
a
neurotransmitter
Antagonist
molecules just
block a receptor
site.
5. Dependence
Substance abuse may lead to psychological or
physical dependence.
– Psychological dependence: person continues use
despite adverse effects, needs the substance for a
sense of well-being, and becomes preoccupied.
– Physical dependence: physiological state in which
drug use is needed to prevent a withdrawal
syndrome.
Tolerance is when a larger dose is required to produce
a similar effect as before.
– Habit-forming: a person continues substance use
out of sheer habit.
13. Spiders on Drugs
A normal orb web On chloral hydrate
On benzadrine On caffeine
14. How do I know if I am abusing a
substance?
increased frequency of use
loss of control over frequency, duration and/or amount
of use
drinking or using when you don't intend to
substance use interferes with life activities (i.e. school,
relationships with family and friends)
increased spending money on substance of choice
personality changes noted by self and others
getting into risky/dangerous behaviors
other people express concern about your use/ your
behavior
grades dropping
missing classes and appointments
legal trouble (i.e., DUI)
15. DSM IV: Addiction
Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over longer period than
intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance
use
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance
(e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the
substance (e.g., chain smoking), or recover from its effects
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or
reduced because of substance abuse
Continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or
recurrent psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated
by use of the substance
Tolerance, as defined by either:
– need for read amounts of the substance in order to achieve intoxication or
desired effect; or
– markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
Withdrawal, as manifested by either:
– characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or
– the same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal
symptoms
16. When substance abuse becomes
severe …
loss of friends (except perhaps other substance abusers)
negative changes in appetite with possible weight loss
possible reduction or loss of libido … and/or only able to
perform when using
extreme mood swings, including anger and depression
obsessions about using or procuring substance when not
under the influence
lying about substance to use to friends and loved ones
loss of memory for times when under the influence
uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when not using
involvement in crime to support habit
loss of energy and general health
you are increasingly unable to believe your own denial and
excuses
17. How can psychological therapy
help?
help clarify your pattern of abuse
identify how your life has been affected
help create strategies to decrease your
use
identify related issues that may contribute
to your abuse
if necessary, referral to more intensive
treatment resource