Psychoactive Drugs Flashcards

Depressants

Drugs that reduce neural activity and slow body functions (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers).

Stimulants

Drugs that excite neural activity and speed up body functions (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines).

Opiates

Drugs that depress neural activity, temporarily relieving pain and anxiety (e.g., heroin, morphine, oxycodone).

Hallucinogens

Psychedelic drugs that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input (e.g., LSD, psilocybin).

Physical Addiction

A physiological need for a drug, marked by unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal

The distress and physical symptoms that occur when a dependent person stops taking a drug.

Tolerance

The diminishing effect of a drug with regular use, requiring the user to take larger doses.

Psychological Dependence

A mental craving or perceived need for a drug to relieve negative emotions.