PSYC 2200 Reading #7

stimulant

drugs that facilitate arousal

caffeine

found naturally in leaves, seeds, and fruits. Most widely used psychoactive drug, increases excitatory neurotransmitters

adenosine

inhibitory neurotransmitter, blocked by caffeine

nicotine

addictive substance in tobacco

cocaine

combats effects of hunger and fatigue, has effects such as euphoria and increased mental alertness, blocks reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

crack

mix of cocaine hydrochloride and baking soda, easier to smoke

amphetamine and MDMA (ecstacy)

has anti-asthmatic effects, catecholamine agonist that blocks reuptake

depressants

drugs that suppress arousal

alcohol

most abused drug, influenes ionotropic and metabotropic receptors by inhibiting glutamate and enhancing GABAa

anhedonia

lack of enjoyment from activities that used to be pleasurable caused by less dopamine

analgesics

drugs that relieve pain

opium

derived from liquid of poppy plants

opioids

substances derived from opium

morphine

principal psychoactive substnaces in opium

heroin

manufactured morphine

μ (mu) receptors

have a high affinity for opioids and are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord

δ (delta) receptors

likely mediate the olfactory, motor, cognitive, and rewarding effects of the opioid drugs

K (kappa) receptors

closely involved with dysphoria (a state of unease or dissatisfaction with life) and hallucinations, pain perception, temperature control, and certain neuroendocrine functions such as the stress response

enkephalin

endogenous (i.e., produced within the organism itself) and interact with the dopamine system by diminishing GABKs inhibitory effects leading to increased secretion of dopamine

hallucinogens (lsd)

have unusual perceptual changes such as hallucinations, illusions, alterations in perception of time and space, and synesthesia (a blurring of the boundaries among senses, e.g., seeing music)

cannabis

has psychological effects including altered sensations, increased appetite, euphoria, disinhibition, and relaxation