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An altered state of consciousness paper
Yakima Bagby
Altered State of Consciousness:
How Drugs Alter Consciousness
An altered state of consciousness may be defined as a short-term change in the general configuration of one’s individual experience, such that one believing that their rational functioning is clearly altered from certain overall norms of their usual state of consciousness. (Revonsuo, A., Kallio, S., & Sikka, P. 2009) There are many ways that one’s consciousness can be altered and drug use is one of them.
Psychoactive drugs aides in altering the state of consciousness. Psychoactive drugs can be defined by: a chemical substance that passes through the blood and disturbs brain function, causing changes in awareness, attitude, consciousness, and behavior. (Revonsuo, A., Kallio, S., & Sikka, P. 2009) Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that is known to alter the state of consciousness. Marijuana enhances mental activity, memory and also alters pain perception. One who is under the influence may experience paranoia, sensory sensitivity and also delayed reaction that is not the norm for their usual conscious state.
MDMA: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) is drug that also alters one’s state of consciousness. MDMA releases serotonin and can bring about some individual effects when ingested. Persons who take Ecstasy typically want to feel like they are on "cloud 9." This state of consciousness often range from a rise in positive feelings and a reduction in negative feelings. Aldridge, D., & Fachner, J. ö. (2005) The person 's emotions are increased as well as becoming more outgoing and having a sensation of intimacy or connection with other people. Also, there is a decrease in self-awareness as well as their awareness and an increase in sensitivity.
An opiate is also a drug that alters consciousness. Examples of opiates include heroine, morphine, vicodin, and oxycodone. Opiates numb the senses and cause a false state of consciousness and satisfaction. Opiates also harmfully


References: Aldridge, D., & Fachner, J. ö. (2005). Chapter 7: Music and drug-induced altered states of consciousness. (pp. 82-96) Berridge, V. (2001). Altered states: Opium and tobacco compared. Social Research, 68(3), 655-675. Humphrey, N. (2001). Introduction: Altered states. Social Research, 68(3), 585-587. Revonsuo, A., Kallio, S., & Sikka, P. (2009). What is an altered state of consciousness? Philosophical Psychology, 22(2), 187-204. doi:10.1080/09515080902802850
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