Unconsious Mind

1.) Explain how the use of substances alters a person’s state of consciousness, including depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Include in this explanation what happens to the neurotransmitters and body chemicals as well as how you might recognize if a person at work or in your family is in an altered state of consciousness due to the influence of drugs. The use of substances can alter the person’s state of consciousness in many ways. The depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens affect the level of consciousness in different ways due to their specific alterations in the level of brain chemistry in brain cells. When the substances taken breach the blood/brain barrier and reach the brain, they cause alteration in the normal levels and activities of neurotransmitters that include dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. Any alteration in the level and functioning of neurotransmitters can cause changes in the body chemistries that in turn can cause changes in the normal functioning of the body. Every neurotransmitter has roles to play in the control of level of consciousness. Alterations in the level of neurotransmitters can trigger temporary arousal or relaxation that affect the functioning of the body (Sheldon, n.d.). For instance, low levels of monoamines that include norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin can cause depression. Excessive levels of dopamine level, underactivity of glutamate, and abnormal levels of serotonin and amino acids for can cause psychomotor excitement.
Altered state of consciousness caused by drugs can be recognized through observation of the person’s behavior. For instance, by taking stimulants, the levels of monoamines will be increased causing temporary arousal or stimulation effects in the body functioning. The person under the effects of stimulants will manifest some signs of unusual sudden and temporary excitation and increase in energy level. The person under the effects of stimulants can be observed on

References: McLeod, S. (2009). Unconscious mind. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/unconscious-mind.html Sheldon, J. (n.d.). Motivations for drug use. Retrieved from http://www.fredonia.edu/athletics/health/davis/drug_book/chapter3.htm