AP Psych - Psychoactive Drugs

Psychoactive Drugs

are substances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior.

● They act on the central nervous

system and can be categorized into

stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids

Agonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors and mimic their effects, enhancing neural activity

Antagonists

Substances that bind to neurotransmitter receptors without activating them, blocking the effects of neurotransmitters.

Reuptake Inhibitors

Medications that block the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by the sending neuron, thereby increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in

the synaptic cleft and enhancing neurotransmission.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase neural activity and arousal, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy levels.

Caffeine

. It acts on the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine.

Cocaine

. It increases neural activity, leading to euphoria, increased energy, and alertness.

● works by blocking the

reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and

norepinephrine.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down neural activity and bodily functions. They induce relaxation, sedation, and can lower inhibitions

Alcohol

depressant drug that slows down neural activity in the central nervous system. It can impair judgment, coordination, and cognitive functions, leading to relaxation, euphoria, and in higher doses, intoxication.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes, often causing hallucinations or profound changes in consciousness.

Marijuana

alters mood, perception, and cognition. Effects include relaxation, altered perception of time, and heightened sensory

experiences.

● can produce some

hallucinogenic-like effects in certain

individuals, it is not typically considered a

true hallucinogen.

Opioids

act on opioid receptors in the brain and body, producing pain relief, euphoria, and sedation

Heroin

. It produces intense euphoria, pain relief, and sedation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

Tolerance

A condition where increasing amounts of a psychoactive substance are needed to achieve the same effects. It occurs due to the brain's adaptation to the drug, leading to reduced sensitivity to its effects over time.

Withdrawal

The onset of symptoms when a person stops using a psychoactive substance after prolonged use. Symptoms can include physical discomfort,

psychological distress, and cravings for the drug.

Addiction

A chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain structure and function, leading to a loss of control over drug consumption.