Question

​After taking a drug, Jerald has what he describes as an out-of-body experience. With repeated use, this drug could cause damage to memory-related structures, such as the hippocampus. Jerald is likely taking____, which is a(n) ____ drug.

Answer 1

Jerald is likely using PCP, a dissociative drug, which can cause out-of-body experiences and with repeated use, may damage memory-related brain structures such as the hippocampus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jerald is likely taking PCP (Phencyclidine), which is a dissociative drug. This type of substance is known for causing profound alterations in sensory and perceptual experiences, including out-of-body experiences and visual hallucinations. Drugs like PCP can lead to significant structural and functional changes in the brain over time. With repeated use, PCP and other hallucinogens can damage the brain's memory-related structures, such as the hippocampus, which is crucial for forming new episodic and semantic memories.

Compounds like PCP can disrupt the way neurotransmitters in the brain work, leading to issues with mood, cognitive function, and memory retrieval. It is essential to understand the serious risks associated with the use of psychoactive substances like PCP. Although some drugs can offer short-term perceptual changes that may seem intriguing, their long-term effects can be debilitating. These substances can cause memory impairments and potentially lead to drug addiction due to their impact on the brain's reward and neurotransmitter systems.