1.3C Psychoactive Drugs

Alcohol

A psychoactive substance that can impair brain function leading to changes in behavior in cognitive abilities, such as impaired judgment, memory loss, and potential organ damage

Caffeine

A stimulant drug that blocks the action of adenosine a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation

Cocaine

A highly addictive stimulant drug that works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain leading to a euphoric high and heightened energy and focus

depressant

Drugs that reduce arousal and stimulation in certain areas of the brain by slowing down bodily functions and neural activity

hallucinogen

A group of drugs that work on the brain to affect the senses and cause hallucinations

heroin

A highly addictive opioid drug that acts as a central nervous system depressant

marijuana

A psychoactive drug used for its intoxicating and mind altering effects

opioid

A type of drug that acts on the body’s opioid receptors, reducing pain and producing feelings of euphoria

Stimulant

Substances that increase activity in the body and brain, enhancing alertness and energy levels

addiction

A relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking continue to use despite harmful consequences and long lasting changes in the brain

agonist

A substance that binds to an activates receptors in the brain mimicking or enhancing the effects of a specific neurotransmitter

antagonist

A substance that binds to a neurotransmitter receptor, but does not activate it instead blocking or inhibiting the normal function of the neurotransmitter and it’s associated signaling

Reuptake inhibitor

A substance that blocks the absorption of neurotransmitters back into the sending neuron increasing the concentration of those neurotransmitters in the synapse to enhance communication between neurons

tolerance

A decreased response to a drug or other substance over time. It occurs on repeated exposure to substance leads to the body adapting and requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

withdrawal

Refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur on a person who is dependent on an addictive substance stops or reduces their use of it