Psychoactive Drugs A chemical substance that alters perceptions
Psychoactive Drugs A chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood (effects consciousness).
Psychoactive Drugs Four types Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens Anti-Psychotics
Depressants Alcohol Barbiturates (tranquilizers) Opiates
Overall effect is to calm the nervous system Depressants: Alcohol Sometimes perceived as a stimulant because it relaxes inhibitions Most used psychoactive drug in Western societies Men are three times more likely to be problem drinkers
“Downers” Depressants: Barbiturates and Opiates Often Used to treat insomnia Can interfere with sleep patterns and cause dependence Effects are similar to alcohol
Includes opium, morphine, and heroin Depressants Opiates resemble endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers Causes euphoria followed by clouded mental functioning
Stimulants Substances that excite the central nervous system Caffeine Nicotine Amphetamines Cocaine - crack Methamphetamine Ecstasy (MDMA)
Caffeine Naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate Increases alertness In high doses, can cause anxiety, headaches, heart palpitations, insomnia, and diarrhea
Stimulants: Nicotine Found in tobacco Considered by many to be the most addictive stimulant in use today
Amphetamines Chemically similar to epinepherine, the hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system Increase alertness as well as feelings of well-being followed by a crash Leads to cycle of addiction
Stimulants: Cocaine Blocks reabsorption of dopamine Increased a. Iertness, motivation, and euphoria Then crash = anxiety, depression, and strong cravings
Ecstasy (MDMA) Dopamine and Serotonin “Club Drug”
Hallucinogens Substances that distort visual and auditory perception (psychedelics) LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) THC – Marijuana
Marijuana THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, produces symptoms such as Mild hallucinations Euphoria Enhanced sense of well-being Relaxation Distortion of time Some users may experience anxiety and paranoia
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