Drugs & Consciousness

Unit 2Body and Mind

Bellringer

A drug is any substance that changes the chemical makeup of the brain.

Directions: Using the definition of drugs above, list each and every drug you can think of.

**Two tickets for the person who can accurately name the most drugs!

Today

We will examining what drugs do to our minds when our

consciousness is altered, and we will do it through watching cartoon

mice.

Also, you will get a chance to save Ms. Knight from herself.

Altered States of Consciousness

Any change in your mental state that is not considered unconscious.

EX: When you get a fever, sleeping

Psychoactive Drugs

Drugs that affect your mind by altering: - sensation and perception- Moods- Thinking- behavior

These drugs work because they affect neurotransmitters.

Psychoactive Drugs

Four main types of psychoactive drugs:

• Stimulants• Depressants• Narcotics• Hallucinogens

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/mouse/

Stimulants• Block neurotransmitters like serotonin

and dopamine • Lead to increased energy, panic and

anxiety.

Depressants• Reduces nervous system activity.• Decreases reactions in the brain. – Slowed reactions– Impaired speech– Drowsiness– Impairing memory

Alcohol, marijuana

Narcotics

• Given as painkillers for medical reasons, or used recreationally to create a sense of euphoria.

• Stimulate your endorphins, which naturally reduce pain.

morphine, heroin, codeine (cough syrup)

Hallucinogens

Trick the brain into seeing or hearing things that aren't actually there (hallucinating) These altered states of consciousness can lead to paranoia and anxiety.

LSD, ecstasy

Activity – Where do these drugs belong?

The Bigger Picture: YOU

Think of a time when you were really sore after working out,

Had a splitting headache after neglecting to drink water,

Or were extremely hungry after skipping lunch and breakfast.

Our bodies seek balance.

Addiction

Your nervous system will try to rebalance when your neurotransmitter levels are increased or decreased.

Without coffee, this might happen to Ms. Knight

Addiction

More and more of a drug is needed to achieve the original effect.

Withdrawals

The body’s attempt to rebalance.These cause negative reactions in the absence of drugs.

In some cases, can be extremely severe, and lead to death.

**Many people become addicted to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Mission: Help Ms. Knight1. Take out a sheet of paper2. Write a letter to Ms. Knight to convince her

to stop drinking so much coffee. For full credit, use the terms: drug, stimulant, neurotransmitters, dopamine, addiction, and withdrawal.

3. You must explain to me in detail how the process of caffeine addiction works in order to convince me.

4. USE A LETTER FORMAT!

Exit TicketCreative Writing Assignment:Write a poem, letter, or story about your mind in any state of consciousness that we have learned about so far.

Use at least 3 terms we have covered for full credit

EX: perception, sensation, depressant, hypnosis, etc.

Meditation

• meditation results in a relaxed yet fully alert state of consciousness.

Meditation

• Even though meditation is an activity centered in the mind, it results in the following physiological changes:

• Lower rate of metabolism • Reduced heart rate• Stress relief

Meditation