Free Psychoactive Drugs and Classical Conditioning Essay Sample

Psychoactive drugs are drugs that contain chemical substances that cross the blood brain barrier. They have effect to the central nervous system as it alters the function of the brain. They result in changes, in mood, perception, behavior and cognition. Most of the psychoanalytic drugs are used for recreation with a sole purpose of alteration of a person consciousness, as a tool to make one study than usual, as a way of augmenting the mind or it can be used for therapeutic purposes as a form of medication. Psychoactive drugs lead to subjective changes in consciousness and mood leading to a feeling of pleasantness to the user. This makes many users to abuse the drug because of such pleasant feelings. Examples of depressant drugs include Barbiturates Glutethimide Methaqualone and Chloral Hydrate. Stimulants drugs include caffeine, cocaine and nicotine. Opiate and hallucigenic drugs include morpheridine, dipipanone and tobacco. Differentiate drugs include glucosaminesulfate and sulfa drugs. Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a way that is not prescribed or in the recommended way.  Drug addiction is a state where a person gets used to drugs in a way that the body cannot function properly without the drugs (Coon 94-96).

Classical conditioning is a learning process which happens through association that exists between an environmental stimulus and another stimulus that occurs naturally. Therefore, classical conditioning is a reflexive or automatic learning process whereby a stimulus acquires the capacity to trigger a response that was previously triggered by another stimulus. In order for classical conditioning to occur there must be unconditional stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response. Then, unconditional response occurs responding to the unconditional stimulus. Conditioned stimulus, which is previously, natural stimulus after it is associated with the unconditioned stimulus, then, triggers a conditioned response (Forsyth pp 94). Good example of classical conditioning is the ability a dog has to relate the sound of a bell which does not have any meaning to the dog previously with the presentation of food which has a lot of meaning for the dog. Therefore, a dog is able to learn from the association that exists between the bell and food which leads to salivation after the dog hears the bell because the connection is already made.

The intricate relationship between psychoactive drugs and classical conditioning delves into the nuanced mechanisms that govern human behavior. Classical conditioning, elucidated by Pavlov's groundbreaking experiments, unveils the subconscious processes through which stimuli become associated with specific responses. Beyond the salivation of dogs at the ring of a bell, classical conditioning extends its reach into various facets of human life, influencing emotional responses, preferences, and even phobias. In the realm of psychoactive drugs, the spectrum of substances and their diverse effects on the central nervous system adds a layer of complexity. Hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin-containing mushrooms, induce altered states of perception, expanding consciousness in ways that transcend the ordinary. These substances are distinct from depressants and stimulants, as they often lead to profound shifts in sensory experiences and self-awareness.

Moreover, the neurobiological underpinnings of drug addiction reveal intricate pathways in the brain. Chronic drug use can alter neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and decision-making, fostering a cycle of dependence. The concept of tolerance, where increasing amounts of a drug are needed to achieve the same effect, speaks to the adaptive nature of the human body and its capacity to adjust to external influences. Beyond classical conditioning, operant conditioning introduces another dimension to the understanding of behavior. The consequences of actions shape future behavior, as individuals learn through reinforcement or punishment. Applying this to the context of drug use, the cycle of reward and reinforcement plays a pivotal role in the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviors.

The socio-cultural aspects of drug use also warrant exploration. Cultural norms and societal attitudes towards psychoactive substances influence patterns of consumption and the perception of users. The stigmatization of drug addiction, for instance, may deter individuals from seeking help, perpetuating a cycle of secrecy and reluctance to address the issue.

In conclusion, the synthesis of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and the neurobiological aspects of psychoactive drugs provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human behavior. This multifaceted perspective is crucial for designing effective interventions and treatments that address not only the physiological aspects of addiction but also the behavioral and societal factors that contribute to its persistence.

 

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