Illegal Drugs and Controlled Substances

Vocabulary flashcards covering types of illegal drugs, their biological effects, and specific misuse patterns based on lecture notes.

Illegal Drugs

Substances often called illicit drugs or street drugs whose manufacture, possession, use, or distribution is forbidden by law.

Drug abuse

The intentional improper or unsafe use of a drug.

Cannabis sativa

The hemp plant from which marijuana is derived, consisting of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol, the ingredient in marijuana plants that makes people high.

Cannabis Use Disorder

A condition characterized by using marijuana more often than intended, having cravings, or when use interferes with other activities.

Gateway drug

Drugs that are easy to get and may lead to harder and more types of drug use (Inhalants & Marijuana).

Inhalants

Chemicals found in common household or workplace products that produce chemical vapors breathed in to induce mind-altering effects. Common amoung junior high kids.

Asphyxiation

Death caused by the replacement of oxygen in the lungs with toxic fumes from inhalants.

MDMA

Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, a synthetic drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic qualities commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly. Reduces inhibitions, eliminates anxiety, promotes feelings of euphoria, closeness, promotes feelings of extreme empathy for others, and sexuality

Hyperthermia

A dangerously high body temperature that can result from MDMA use or methamphetamine overdose. It can lead to serious complications such as organ failure, seizures, and death if not treated promptly.

Anabolic Steroids

Synthetic or human-made versions of the male sex hormone testosterone, formally known as anabolic-androgenic steroids. Does not have an psychoactive effects often used to enhance physical performance and muscle growth.

Stimulants

Drugs that speed up communication between the body and brain, temporarily making a person feel more alert, awake, energized, and confident.

Cocaine

A powerfully addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.

Crack

Cocaine that has been processed with baking soda to make a rock crystal that is heated to produce vapors for inhalation.

Crystal Methamphetamine

A white crystalline drug that is highly addictive, odorless, tastes bitter, and easily dissolves in liquid.

Meth mouth

A physical sign of abuse involving rotting teeth associated with the use of crystal methamphetamine.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the nervous system, cause relaxation, sleepiness, and can be used to prevent seizures.

Opioids

Also known as Narcotics, these are highly addictive drugs derived from the poppy plant that produce a general sense of well-being by inducing relaxation and reducing tension.Also a pain killer.

Hallucinogens

A group of drugs that alter a person's awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and feelings, causing sensations and images that seem real though they are not.Examples are LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms), and mescaline

Amphetamines & opioids (Painkillers)

commonly abused prescription drugs

Dopamine & serotonin

Neurotransmitterds that influence mood and pleasure, often influenced by drugs.

Benzodiazepines & barbiturates

types of sedatives or depressants that affect the CNS by slowing brain activity, cause relaxation, sleepiness, relieve anxiety & muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. Often prescribed for anxiety or insomina, highly addictived and VERY DANGEROUS if mixed with alcohol.

Heroin

illegal opioid drug derived from morphine, which is a natural substance extracted from the seed pods of various opium poppy plants, known for its highly addictive properties and produces intense feelings of euphoria, but it also has severe health risks and can lead to overdose and death.

Detoxification

Process of removing drugs from the body to anage withdrawal symptoms and help stabilize the revovery of an addict.

Rehabilitation/Recovery

A strucured program to help people stop using drugs and return to productive lives. It includes various therapies such as counseling, medical support, and support for mental health issues,

Flashbacks

are sudden, involuntary re-experiences of of hallucinogen usage. They can occur days, weeks or even months after the drug was last taken and triggered by past drug use. Can involve visual and auditory symptoms or sensations that can be distressing.