PSYC 1250 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Ebers Papyrus, Substance Abuse, Chemical Substance

• School: Northeastern University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1250
• Professor: Jackson Denise

Document Summary

Present-day drug scene in america gives many mixed messages and contradictory statements about drug use and abuse. 1. 2: two ways of looking at drugs and behavior. Method 1: examining biological, psychological, and sociological effects of consuming certain drugs: psychoactive drugs- substances that alter feelings, thoughts, perceptions of the world, and behavior by altering the functions of the brain. Illicit (heroin, cocaine, club drugs ) and licit (alcohol, nicotine) types. Biological factors- psychoactive drugs modify brain functions (while drug is in use and afterwards) Dependence & frequent use long-lasting changes in brain function. 1. 2. 1: a matter of definition individual and environment. Instrumental use- a drug is taken with a specific socially approved goal in mind: licit: taking aspirin to soothe back pain. Illicit: taking amphetamines w/out prescription to stay awake for a test. Recreational use- a drug is taken with the intent of experience the not socially-approved drug-inducing effects: licit: having a glass of wine before bed to relax.