PSYCH 127A Chapter Notes - Chapter 11-4: Illegal Drug Trade, Oxycodone, Major Depressive Disorder
Document Summary
Cocaine - can lead to physical exhaustion and financial ruin when trying to support their habit. Use of amphetamines linked to increase in violent behavior. May be related increase in paranoia and hostility. Effects are confounded with other factors associated with buying, selling and using illegal drugs. Long-term exposure to amphetamines --> clinical depression. Opioids - synthetic versions fo opium used to reduce pain. Heroin - synthetic opiate derived from morphine. Originally marketed as an alternative to morphine when physicians believed erroneously that heroin is not addictive. Injection --> higher concentrations in brain tissue faster. Rush - brief intense feeling of pleasure. Positive emotional effects quickly replaced by long term negative changes in mood and emotion. Can induce nausea and vomiting in novice users, constrict pupils and disrupt coordination of the digestive system. Continued use decreases levels of sex hormones --> reduced sex drive and impaired fertility. Speedball - mix of cocaine and opiates to enhance subjective feelings.
