PSY240H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Substance Abuse, Methamphetamine, Caffeine

• School: UTSG
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY240H1
• Professor: Hywel Morgan

Document Summary

Common disorder among the general population, especially university students. Caffeine is the most commonly used and abused mind-altering substance. It stimulates your autonomic (specifically sympathetic) nervous system. There was an experiment, where there were 2 groups of drivers; one had coffee (caffeine) and the other decaf coffee. Those who had one cup of coffee had reaction times that improved (decreased reaction time and increased alertness) Another experiment compared a group that had two cups of coffee versus one and no cups. Then another experiment with three cups of coffee. This group had an even more decreased reaction time, which resulted in overreaction and decreased control. The need for a cup of coffee to feel normal and be able to function is a phenomenon called. Not having that cup of coffee can cause withdrawal. Caffeine withdrawal can consist of: fatigue, irritability, headache. It"s very rare for there to be a moderate smoker.