Psychology - Drugs

Consciousness

A psychological construct used to understand awareness, attention, inner experiences, sense of self, and the waking state.

Altering Consciousness

A change in awareness, perception, mood, or behaviour caused by internal or external factors such as drugs.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that influence consciousness by altering the brain’s chemical message system.

Substance Abuse

Repeated use of a substance despite its harmful effects.

Dependence

Loss of control over the use of a substance, involving behavioural and biological aspects.

Tolerance

The need for increasingly larger doses of a drug to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal

Physical or psychological symptoms that occur when drug use is stopped.

Addiction

A condition in which drug use creates a strong emotional and physical need that continues to affect behaviour.

Expectancy Theory

The theory that alcohol’s effects are influenced by what people expect alcohol to do to them.

Alcohol Myopia Theory

The theory that alcohol reduces attention and causes people to respond in simple ways to complex situations.

Depressants

Drugs that reduce the activity of the central nervous system.

Alcohol

The most commonly used depressant that produces euphoria and reduced anxiety but can impair judgement and coordination.

Barbiturates

Depressant drugs that can change behaviour and depress the central nervous system.

Toxic Inhalants

Easily accessible household substances that are inhaled and can cause neurological damage or death.

Stimulants

Drugs that excite the central nervous system and increase alertness and arousal.

Caffeine

A stimulant that increases alertness, pulse rate, and blood pressure.

Amphetamines

Stimulants that create feelings of well-being but can disrupt body temperature regulation and cause exhaustion.

Cocaine

A powerful stimulant derived from the cocoa plant that increases arousal and can be fatal in high doses.

Nicotine

A highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco that increases heart rate and constricts blood vessels.

Ecstasy

A stimulant and hallucinogenic drug designed to produce feelings of being high.

Narcotics

Drugs derived from opium that produce relaxation and well-being but lead to tolerance and dependence.

Opium

A substance derived from poppy seeds that is the source of many narcotics.

Heroin

A narcotic derived from opium that induces relaxation and is highly addictive.

Morphine

A narcotic used medically for pain relief that can cause dependence.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that produce extreme alterations of consciousness and perception.

LSD

A hallucinogen that causes profound changes in perception and sensation.

Mescaline

A hallucinogenic drug that alters perception and consciousness.

PCP

A hallucinogen that produces extreme changes in perception and sensation.

Ketamine

A hallucinogenic drug that alters consciousness and sensory experience.

Marijuana

A drug made from the hemp plant that produces euphoria and heightened sensory experiences.

Physical Dependence

A state in which the body adapts to a drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms when use stops.

Psychological Dependence

An emotional or mental reliance on a drug to function or feel normal.

Reasons for Drug Use

Factors such as curiosity, conformity, peer pressure, parental use, and rebelliousness.

Dangers of Drug Use

Risks including overdose, dependence, withdrawal symptoms, brain damage, and death.