ConsciousnessChapter 4

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique by which one can monitor and control involuntary activity of the body’s organs

Hypnosis

Hypnosis was defined by Hilgard as an altered state of consciousness

Suggestibility is an ability to be hypnotized

Meditation

Meditation is the use of a variety of techniques to produce a state of consciousness characterized by a sense of detachment

Meditation

Two types of meditation are mindfulness (emptying one’s mind) and concentration (concentrating on images or mantras)

Altering Consciousness

A drug is a chemical substance that alters biological or cognitive processes

Psychoactive drugs alter behaviour, thoughts, and emotions by affecting biochemical reactions in the nervous system

Addictive drug causes a compulsive physiological need and withdrawal symptoms

Altering Consciousness

Substance abuser overuses and relies on drugs to deal with stress and anxiety

Psychological dependence is a compelling desire to use a drug with an inability to inhibit that desire

Altering Consciousness

Withdrawal symptoms are physiological reactions that occur when an addictive drug is no longer administered

Tolerance means higher and higher doses of a drug are needed to produce the same effect

Sedative-Hypnotics

Alcohol depresses brain activity and decreases inhibitions

Alcohol-related problems are medical, social or psychological problems associated with alcohol use

Other sedative-hypnotics include barbiturates, tranquilizers, and opiates

Sedative-Hypnotics

Opiates include opium, morphine, heroin

Their medical uses include pain relief In the brain, opiates occupy endorphin

receptors

Sedative-Hypnotics

Opiates produce high tolerance and dependence in many of those who use them for pleasure

Few people given opiates for pain relief in hospitals become addicted

Stimulants

Psychostimulants are drugs that increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and elevate mood states

Amphetamines produce strong dependence

Cocaine also increases alertness, and rapidly creates positive feelings

StimulantsCoca-Cola (until the 1940’s or1960’s) Amphetamines SpeedCocaine Crack Myth-amphetamine

Stimulants

Nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco, and nicotine withdrawal is unpleasant

Nicotine does not have strong tolerance properties, but dependence on it is strong

Psychedelic Drugs

Psychedelics affect mood, thought, memory, judgment, and perception

LSD produces altered perception of visual and auditory stimuli, and changes in time and distance perceptions

Psychedelic Drugs

Marijuana is the dried leaves and flowering tops of the Cannabis Sativa plant

Marijuana affects judgment and coordination, but produces neither tolerance nor dependence

Self Consciousness

Self-Perception

Asomatognosia