Shadow Pulse 9

 The Importance of Controlled Research Trials in Abnormal Psychology Researchers in abnormal psychology are often interested in learning which treatments work for specific disorders. One way to do this is to conduct controlled research trials. In a controlled research trial, participants are randomly assigned to two or more groups. One group receives the treatment being studied, while the other group(s) receive a placebo or no treatment. The placebo is a fake treatment that looks and feels like the real treatment, but it does not contain any active ingredients. This type of study design helps to ensure that any differences between the groups are due to the treatment and not to other factors, such as the participants' expectations or the natural course of the disorder. There are two main types of controlled research trials: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for testing the effectiveness of treatments. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to the trea...

  Key features of an experimental design. Correlational research can only show that there is an association between two variables, but it cannot tell us whether one variable causes the other. Experimental research is used to draw conclusions about causality. In an experiment, the researcher manipulates one variable (the independent variable) and then measures the effect of that manipulation on another variable (the dependent variable). To control for other factors that could affect the dependent variable, participants are randomly assigned to different groups. One group typically receives the treatment (the experimental condition), while the other group does not (the control condition). After the experiment is completed, the data from the two groups are compared to see if there is a difference between them. In other words, experimental research is a more rigorous way to study cause and effect than correlational research. It is important to note, however, that even experiments canno...

 Hallucinogens and Psychedelics Hallucinogens are a class of drugs that can alter a person's perception of reality. They can cause people to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that are not there. Hallucinogens can also cause changes in mood, thought, and behavior. Some common hallucinogens include: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) Psilocybin (found in mushrooms) Mescaline (found in the peyote cactus) PCP (phencyclidine) DMT (N, N-Dimethyltryptamine) Hallucinogens can be taken in a variety of ways, including swallowing them, smoking them, or injecting them. The effects of hallucinogens can vary depending on the drug, the dose, and the person taking it. The effects of hallucinogens can be mild or severe. Mild effects may include: Changes in perception, such as seeing things that are not there Changes in mood, such as feeling happy, sad, or scared Changes in thought, such as having strange ideas or thoughts Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or talkative Severe eff...

       The Opioid Epidemic The opioid epidemic is a serious public health crisis in the United States. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which can lead to a feeling of euphoria and pain relief. Opioid addiction is a chronic disease that can be difficult to treat. People who are addicted to opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug, and they may also develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that they need to take more and more of it to achieve the same effect. The opioid epidemic has been caused by a number of factors, including the overprescription of opioid painkillers, the availability of heroin, and the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The overprescription of opioid painkillers began in the early 1990s when pharmaceutical companies marketed these drugs as safe and effective for the treatment of ch...

 The Effects of Alcohol Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It is the most widely used drug in the world, with over 70% of people in the United States over the age of 18 reporting alcohol consumption within the previous 12 months (Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, 2019). Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. Its effects are usually felt within 20 minutes. The amount of alcohol that is absorbed depends on a number of factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, the food in the stomach, and the person's body weight. Alcohol affects the brain by slowing down the activity of neurons. This can lead to a number of changes in mood, behavior, and physical functioning.  Some of the short-term effects of alcohol include:  Relaxation Euphoria Reduced inhibitions Increased sociability Slurred speech Poor coordination Reduced reaction time Drowsiness Blackouts Alcohol can also have long-term effects on the brain...

 Psychological Models of Addiction Addiction is a complex disorder that can have many causes. While there is no single theory that can fully explain addiction, psychological models can provide some insights into the underlying factors that contribute to this condition. Cognitive-behavioral model The cognitive-behavioral model of addiction focuses on the role of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the development and maintenance of addiction. This model suggests that people who are addicted to substances or behaviors may have negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. These negative thoughts can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. In turn, these negative feelings can trigger addictive behaviors as a way to cope with these emotions. The cognitive-behavioral model also emphasizes the role of learning in addiction. This model suggests that people learn to associate certain cues or triggers with the rewarding effects of addictive su...

Models for Explaining the Etiology of Addiction: The Moral Model  The moral model of addiction is a belief system that views addiction as a result of personal choice and moral weakness. Proponents of this model believe that addicts are responsible for their own addiction and should be punished for their behavior. This model is often based on religious beliefs and has been influential in the legal system. The moral model is not supported by scientific evidence. There is no evidence that addicts are morally weak or that they choose to be addicted. Addiction is a complex disorder that is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and mental health. The moral model can be harmful to addicts. It can lead to feelings of shame and guilt, which can make it more difficult for them to seek help. It can also lead to discrimination and criminalization, which can make it harder for them to get jobs, housing, and other essential services. The moral model is outdated and...