Psychedelics/Hallucinogens

Overview:  Hallucinogens and other psychedelic like drugs have been used for many years.  Often these drugs occur naturally in nature and thus have been used by may groups since early written  history.  However, before the 1960's these drugs were usually consumed as part of worship services.   Since the 1960's these drugs have become popular for the qualities to heighten awareness and enhanced sensitivity.  This section will review a variety of psychedelic type compounds and their mechanisms of action.

Goals:  This section will help you identify various types of psychedelic type compounds, their use, and mechanisms of action. 

Objectives:

1.  To be able to differentiate between the different types of psychedelic drugs from a neurotransmitter mechanism of action.

2.  To provide some cultural context for the use of certain psychedelic compounds.

3.  To understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various psychedelic compounds.

KSA’s

3.            Describe the behavioral, psychological, physical health and social effects of psychoactive drugs including alcohol and tobacco on the consumer and significant others.

4.              Recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic a variety of medical and psychological disorders and the potential for medical and psychological disorders to co-exist with addiction and substance abuse.

5.         Be familiar with medical and pharmaceutical resources in the treatment of addictive diseases and other substance-related disorders.

102.      Describe warning signs, symptoms, and the course of substance use disorders.

Readings:  Julien, Edition 10, Chapter 19 (or Julien, Edition 11, Chapter

                   18) and Thompson, Chapter 5

Tasks:

1.  Review Chapter 5 if you are not familiar with neurotransmitters and how they work.

2.   Read Chapter 19 of Julien, Edition 10 (or Chapter 18 of Edition 11).  Make sure you understand the differences between the types of psychedelics based on the type of neurotransmitters they influence.

3.      Answer study questions 2, 3, 5, 6, 10 at the end of Chapter 19 of Julien, Edition 10 (or Chapter 18, Edition 11) and send the answers to your instructor.               

4.  Finally, describe how tolerance might work in some psychedelics. Submit this to your instructor along with your answers to the study questions.

Resources:

Use the NIDA website to get more information about various psychedelics.  Again, the website is enclosed below.

http://www.nida.nih.gov/NIDAHome1.html

Discussion  for Topic 6.