PSYCH101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Binge Drinking, Barbiturate, Neuron

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Richard Ennis

Document Summary

Psychoactive drugs alters perceptions and moods. Drug"s overall effect depends on both its biological effects and the psychology of the user"s expectations. Tolerance, dependence, and addiction tolerance diminishing effect w/ regular se of the same dose of a drug; req"s user to take larger and larger doses before experiencing the drug"s effect. Neuroadaptation user"s chemistry adapts to offset the drug effect; this leads to tolerance addiction compulsive drug craving and use, despite adverse consequences. Withdrawal discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug. Physical dependence physiological need for drug; unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependence psych"cal need to use a drug (i. e. relieve negative emotions) Depressants reduce neural activity and slow body functions; e. g. alcohol, barbiturates, opiates. Alcohol: not a stimulant; low doses of alcohol can enliven ppl but they do it by acting as a disinhibitor.