Psychoactive Drugs: Influence on Consciousness

Psychoactive drugs

Alter brain functions that lead to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior

Psychoactive drugs act on

Central Nervous System

Agonists

Mimic neurotransmitter effects, enhancing neural activity (AGonists ACT)

Antagonists

Block effects of neurotransmitters (ANTAGonists ANTAGonize)

Reuptake inhibitors

Block the reabsorption of neurotransmittters, leading to a higher concentration of them

Stimulants

Increase neural activity and arousal, leading tot higher alertness, attention, and energy levels

Caffeine

Natural stimulate in coffee/tea/soda that increases alertness and decreases fatigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine

Cocaine

Derived from the coca plant, it increases neural activity, leading to euphoria and increased energy and alertness by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine

Depressants

Slow down neural activity and bodily functions, leading to relaxation, sedation, and lowered inhibitions (the ability to control oneself)

Alcohol

Slows down neural activity in the Central Nervous System and impairs judgement, coordination, and cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, and with a high enough dosage, intoxication

Hallucinogens

Alter perception, mood, cognitive processes, leading to hallucinations and a profound change in consciousness

Marijuana

Frorm the cannabis plant, THC alters mood, perception, and cognition, leading to relaxation, an altered perfection of time, and a heightened sensory experience

Opioids

Act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, leading to pain relief, euphoria, and sedation

Heroin

Highly addictive from morphine, leading to intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain

Tolerance

Increasing amounts of psychoactive substances are needed to achieve the same effects because the brain’s adaptation to the drug leads to reduced sensitivity to its affects over time

Withdrawal

Symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use; physical discomfort, psychological distress, and cravings

Addiction

Chronic brain disorder characterize by compulsive drug seeking/use despite knowing the harmful consequences; changes in brain structure and functions lead to loss of control overconsumption