AP Psychology: Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive drug

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and mood

Tolerance

needing more and more to get the same affects as the first time the drug was taken caused by desensitization

Withdrawal

The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug

Physical Dependence

a physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued

Psychological Dependence

A psychological need to use a drug

Depressants

drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions

alcohol, barbituates, opiates

Name some depressants

Stimulants

temporarily excite neural activity and arouse body functions

Hallucinogens

distort perceptions and evoke sensory images

Barbituates

drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system, reducing anxiety but impairing memory and judgment

Opiates

opium and its derivatives, such as morphine and heroin they depress neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety

Amphetamines

drugs that stimulate neural activity, causing speeded-up body functions and associated energy and mood changes

Ecstasy MDMA

a synthetic stimulant and mild hallucinogen. Procedures euphoria and social intimacy, but with short-term health risks and longer-term harm to serotonin-producing neurons and to mood and cognitive

LSD

a powerful hallucinogenic drug; also known as acid

Alcohol

Depressant-- initial high followed by relaxation and disinhibition -- depression, memory loss, organ damage, impaired reactions

Heroin

Depressant-- Rush of euphoria, relief from pain-- depressed physiology, agonizing withdrawl

Caffeine

Stimulant-- increased alertness and wakefulness-- anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia in high doses; uncomfortable withdrawl

Methamphetamine

Stimulant--Euphoria, alertness, energy-- irritability, insomnia, hypertension, seizures

Cocaine

Stimulant--rush of euphoria, confidence, energy-- cardiovascular stress, suspiciousness, depressive crash

Nicotine

Stimulant-- Arousal and relaxation, sense of well-being-- heart disease, cancer

Ecstasy MDMA

Stimulant; mild hallucinogen-- Emotional elevation; disinhibition-- dyhydration and overheating, depressed mood and cognitive functioning

Marijuana

Mild hallucinogen--Enhanced sensation, relief of paint, distortion of time, relaxation

THC

the major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects, including mild hallucinations