HALLUCINOGENIC DRUGS 

TOPIC OF INTEREST.

My topic of interest are hallucinogenic drugs that alter the perception, awareness, thoughts and feelings of the person who consumes it. These drugs can cause hallucinations such as images and sensations that are perceived as real even though they are not to the individual who is under the influence of the drug.

WORK IN THE FIELD.

• There have been studies where executive function deficits were observed in the individuals who took ecstasy. It was criticized due to conditions of the person inhibiting lack of sleep or taking other drugs while having been on ecstasy.
• People have used electroencephalography (EEG) to observe serotonin dysfunction of users of ecstasy.
• Cognitive task requiring attention while statistical parametric mapping reveals the brain activity provided evidence of no difference between the two by using Positron Emission Tomography.
• A survey conducted that included college age students who partook and answered questions whether or not they think a drug was legal. They were questioned about if they ever got arrested for possession, or if they ever took salvia, bath salts, marijuana, or if they use alcohol.
• Participants were given an anonymous questionnaire which had 96 questions and the individual had to fill it out.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?

If surveys are to be taken they should have detailed questions about the drug and the user to gather more valid results. Some questions that remain would be if these drugs are more susceptible to young adults rather than adults? Does the quantity of the drug do more damage than taking the drug over time? Current theories might be challenged because most of the results are inconclusive. Either the study has not provided enough evidence or the users were compromised by using other drugs that affect the outcome.

HOW STUDY WILL FILL IN GAPS.

My study will fill those gaps because it will be more geared to understanding how the drug affects the individuals who take them. It will give a better understanding of how the person behaves cognitively and socially

THESIS.

It is predicted that in this population of at risk converts or those who are using hallucinogenic drugs that a game based learning intervention might reduce the chances of taking these drugs.