Altered States of Consciousness from Drug Use
Individuals typically experience an altered state of consciousness, which comes in the form of sleep. However, there are other people who make use of drugs and substances to alter their states of consciousness. These drugs are commonly referred to as psychoactive drugs. According to Stangor and Walinga (2014), these drugs can be categorized into depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids. Stimulants such as cocaine and nicotine block the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the CNS synapses, causing a heightened awareness that generates feelings of euphoria. Depressants like alcohol increase the production of GABA and lessen the production of acetylcholine, hence lowering awareness and generating feelings of relaxation. Subsequently, hallucinogens like marijuana contain similar compositions as epinephrine and serotonin and can alter reality perceptions, hence generating feelings of paranoia. Further, opioids like heroin and morphine mimic endorphins that serve as the natural pain reducers of the body. Hire our assignment writing services in case your assignment is devastating you.
Some of the psychoactive drugs have a high probability of creating tolerance, which then causes drug dependence, and this can lead to substance use disorder. Mental health professionals need to understand this in order to help clients deal with issues of addiction. Substance use disorder also commonly co-occurs with other mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hence, the a need to find the best solution to deal with the problem early enough.
Accordingly, I can use the information that I have learned to better understand how to help individuals who are dealing with addiction and help individuals avoid addiction in the first place.
Furthermore, I would like to learn more about the link between substance use disorder and other mental health disorders. According to Kendler et al. (2019), substance use can increase the progression of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, but might not cause such disorders. Familial risk is a major cause of psychosis, and substance use only increases such risks. This is backed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020), which claims that individuals with mental illnesses have a high probability of developing substance use disorder and vice versa is true.
References
Kendler, K. S., Ohlsson, H., Sundquist, J., & Sundquist, K. (2019). Prediction of onset of substance-induced psychotic disorder and its progression to schizophrenia in a Swedish national sample. American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(9), 711-719.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/references
Stangor, C.,& Walinga, J. (2014). Introduction to Psychology – 1st Canadian Edition. BCcampus Open Education. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychology/
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
For this Free-Choice Discussion on states of consciousness, you may choose which discussion thread to reply to based on what you would like to focus on. Your options are Sleep/Sleep Disorders/Dreams, Meditation, Hypnosis, or Altered States of Consciousness from Drug Use.
Altered States of Consciousness from Drug Use
In this discussion, you will be required to find an article on your topic and complete the following:
Elaborate about two facts/concepts you learned that were most interesting to you.
Explain why you think it is important for mental health professionals to understand this topic more.
How would you apply what you have learned about in your future career?
What would you like to learn more about? Find an article to further your learning and briefly share two key findings with your classmates.
Include APA in-text citations and a Reference.