PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6.1-6.3: Codeine, Lorazepam, Benzodiazepine
Document Summary
Chemicals that affect awareness, behaviour, sensation, perception, mood. Substances (coffee, cigarettes, alcohol etc) alter our state of consciousness. Addiction: regular ingestion may develop maladaptive patterns of behaviour and changes in body"s physical responses. Psychologically and physically compelled to keep taking drug, rely on it excessively and chronically. Tolerance: need larger and larger doses to keep feeling desired effect. Effects: anxiety, nausea, vomiting, impaired reflexes/motor functioning, amnesia, convulsions, coma, death. Slows brain areas that control judgment, inhibition, behaviour (speech, motor functioning, emotional expression) Contains ethyl alcohol, chemical quickly absorbed into blood through stomach lining and intestine. Binds to various neurons and reduces gaba"s influence in neuron firing. First slows down brain areas that control judgement and inhibition and with more it slows areas in cns. As drinking continues, motor responses and reaction times decline. Alcohol concentration reaches 0. 06% of blood volume = relaxation, comfort. Binge drinking: consumption of 5 or more drinks in row.
